Which place is cheaper, Hope or Hilo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hilo or Hope?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hilo or Hope? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Hilo or Hope?
Hilo
Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.
Hope
Hope, located in British Columbia, Canada, is a small town in the far east of the Fraser Valley. It's at the cross section of several major highways making it a pass through point for many visitors to the area. Hope is also the location of the filming of the 1980's film Rambo: First Blood, a fact which many locals take much pride in.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHilo $171Hope $31
The average daily cost (per person) in Hilo is $171, while the average daily cost in Hope is $31. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hilo and Hope in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHilo $71Hope $8.89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHilo $142Hope $18
Compare Hotels in Hilo and Hope
Looking for a hotel in Hilo or Hope? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hilo Hotel Prices and Hope Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hilo $25Hope -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Big Island Hotels: $169
- Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $169
- Kona Intl Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
- Kona International Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer : $75
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Kailua-Kona to Kona Airport at Keahole Private Departure Transfer: $58
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kailua Kona city hotels: $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Hilo or Hope?
Prices for flights to both Hope and Hilo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayHilo $70Hope $22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- French Hawaiian Fusion Cooking Class: $175
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $183
- Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hilo $32Hope -
Tours and Activities in Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Early Morning Whale Cruise from Kawaihae Harbor: $125
- 2018 Eruption Adventure Tour (includes Fissure 8): $199
- 4 Hour Captain Cook Bay Cruise: $99
- 4-hour Kailua-Kona Ocean Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $94
- 6 passengers' max, Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona: $140
- 9-Line Waterfall Zipline Experience on the Big Island: $240
- Abalone Farm Tour: $25
- Afternoon Kealakekua Snorkel Tour: $129
- Afternoon Marine Adventure: $109
- Baumkuchen Farm Tour: $5.00
- Big Island - Kohala Coast & Backcountry Driving Tour: $9.99
- Big Island - Kona Big Kahuna GPS Driving Tour: $20
Tours and Activities in Hope
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hope.
- Vancouver to Sun Peaks 2 days outdoor adventure tour: $1,242
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHilo $10Hope $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hilo and Hope, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Hope much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hope would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hope and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hilo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilo than you might in Hope.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hilo Expensive? and Is Hope Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hilo or Hope?
Hilo has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Hope. When comparing the sizes of Hilo and Hope, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Hilo or Hope?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Hilo or Hope in the Summer?
Both Hope and Hilo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
In the summer, Hilo is a little warmer than Hope. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hilo in July average around 76°F (24°C), and Hope averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite rainy in Hilo. In July, Hilo usually receives more rain than Hope. Hilo gets 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHilo 76°F (24°C)Hope 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Hilo or Hope in the Autumn?
Both Hope and Hilo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Hilo is generally much warmer than Hope. Daily temperatures in Hilo average around 76°F (24°C), and Hope fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
Hope gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. Hilo usually gets more rain in October than Hope. Hilo gets 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHilo 76°F (24°C)Hope 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Hilo or Hope in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilo and Hope. Many visitors come to Hilo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Hope can be very cold during winter. Hilo is much warmer than Hope in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilo averages around 72°F (22°C) in January, and Hope fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Hope receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hilo usually receives more rain than Hope. Hilo gets 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 201 mm (7.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHilo 72°F (22°C)Hope 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Hilo or Hope in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hilo as well as Hope. Most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Hilo is much warmer than Hope. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilo in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Hope averages at about 9°C (49°F).
It's quite rainy in Hope. Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hilo usually gets more rain in April than Hope. Hilo gets 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHilo 73°F (23°C)Hope 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Hope and Hilo
| Hilo | Hope | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) | 3°C (37°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Feb | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) | 5°C (41°F) | 164 mm (6.4 in) |
| Mar | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Apr | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 15°C (60°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Sep | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) | 10°C (51°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) |
| Dec | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 mm) | 3°C (37°F) | 217 mm (8.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.