A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hood River vs. Hilo for Hiking, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Hood River or Hilo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Hood River or Hilo? 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.

Hood River

Hood River is a scenic, charming, and agricultural town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Hilo

Hilo is a laid back, mellow, and friendly town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and museums.

Hood River and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hood River or Hilo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hilo. Although Hood River and Hilo are both popular with visitors, Hilo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hilo is more popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Hood River is known for its skiing, nightlife, and shopping. Hood River is popular for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. Hilo is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also home to Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Hood River different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hilo and Hood River. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Hood River or Hilo Better for Skiing?

Hood River is a popular place for skiing. However, Hilo is not a skiing destination.

Head to Hood River for some great skiing and other winter activities. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Hilo is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hood River or Hilo?

Hilo is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Hilo offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Top museums in and around town include the Lyman Museum, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, Imiloa Astronomy Center, and Mokupapapa Discovery Center.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Hood River or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Hood River and Hilo can be an enjoyable experience.

Hood River has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

Dining out in Hilo is an experience not to be missed. This is the largest city on the island and you'll find a restaurant scene that caters to both locals and tourists. There are a number of local dishes that you can try such as Pla Rad Prik (a Thai fish dish), mushroom pot pie, and crab and avocado melt.

Is Hood River or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Hood River is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Hood River has a few options to choose from. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

Most people don't head to Hilo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.

Is Hood River or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Hood River is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Hilo offers a few options. You'll find more hotels than resorts in town.

Hood River is not a resort destination.

Is Hood River or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hood River is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Hilo. Richardsons Ocean Park is the best snorkeling spot nearby but, in general, the water near town has poor visibility because of the frequent rain.

Hood River is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hood River or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a popular place for the beache. However, Hood River is not a beach destination.

Hilo is a good option for a beach vacation. The town isn't really known for its beaches but there are some decent options if you want to stay nearby and hit the coastline. Beaches in the area include Coconut Island, Reeds Bay Beach Park, and Onekahakaha Beach Park.

Hood River is not a beach destination.

Is Hood River or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Hilo specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Is the Shopping Better in Hood River or Hilo?

Hood River is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Hood River has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Hilo is a good destination for shopping. You can pick up anything you need in town, just head to Hilo Shopping Center.

Is Hood River or Hilo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hood River or Hilo.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hood River is very family-friendly. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

Hilo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The town has an authentic and unpretentious vibe that is fun for families. There are low key beaches, farmer's markets, local museums, and nearby hiking. If you want to stay away from the larger resorts and see a more local side to Hawaii, then this is a great option.

Is Hood River or Hilo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hood River and Hilo make for a high quality place to visit.

Hood River makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

Couples visit Hilo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy visiting Liliuokalani Gardens, taking sunset cruises, and sampling the local cuisine. The town also makes a good base for hiking and exploring the beaches on the island.

Is Hood River or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hood River and Hilo are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

Hilo is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Is Hood River or Hilo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Hood River and Hilo.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Public transit is generally limited in Hilo. The Hele-On is a bus service that connects Hilo to Kona with north and south routes.

Is Hood River or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown is a nice place to take a stroll, but if you want to get out of town, and you really should, then you'll need a car.

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

For even more information, also check out Is Hood River Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Hood River?

How long in Hood River or Hilo?

Both Hood River and Hilo have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilo than in Hood River. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hood River, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Hood River. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hilo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Hilo than Hood River. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hilo that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hilo than Hood River if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Hilo.

One day in Hood River or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hood River. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and food around the laid back town of Hilo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hood River or Hilo?

Hood River is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With food and museums around the destination of Hilo, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Hood River or Hilo?

You'll find shopping and skiing around the scenic destination of Hood River. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hilo, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Hood River or Hilo?

The agricultural town of Hood River offers skiing and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Hilo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

When comparing the travel costs between Hood River and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hood River Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hood River or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Hood River and Hilo, 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 Hood River or Hilo?

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 Hood River or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hood River and Hilo. The summer months attract visitors to Hood River because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In the summer, Hood River is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hood River in July average around 68°F (20°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Hood River, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hood River usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Hood River gets 338 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hood River usually receives less rain than Hilo. Hood River gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hood River or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hood River as well as Hilo. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hood River this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hood River is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Hood River average around 55°F (13°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In the autumn, Hood River often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Hood River gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Hood River usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Hood River gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hood River or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Hood River are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hood River for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hood River. Hood River is much colder than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Hood River averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Hood River usually receives less sunshine than Hilo during winter. Hood River gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. It's quite rainy in Hood River. In January, Hood River usually receives less rain than Hilo. Hood River gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hood River or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Hood River during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hood River in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Hood River is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hood River in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Hood River. In the spring, Hood River often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Hood River gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hood River usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Hood River gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Hood River