A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Hilo for Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Hilo?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isla Mujeres and Hilo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a relaxing, laid back, and idyllic island. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Hilo

Hilo is a authentic, laid back, and mellow town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Isla Mujeres and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Hilo?

Both Hilo and Isla Mujeres have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Isla Mujeres is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Hilo is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isla Mujeres is popular for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. Hilo is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isla Mujeres or Hilo?

Hilo is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Isla Mujeres and Hilo can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Isla Mujeres. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

Hilo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Isla Mujeres or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Isla Mujeres has a few options to choose from. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

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 Isla Mujeres or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Isla Mujeres is a great choice. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Hilo has a few resort options worth checking out. You'll find more hotels than resorts in town.

Is Isla Mujeres or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is very popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hilo is not known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Isla Mujeres a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Snorkeling is an option 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.

Is Isla Mujeres or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is very popular for the beach. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Isla Mujeres. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

Many people head to Hilo to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Isla Mujeres or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Hilo is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Hilo?

Isla Mujeres is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Isla Mujeres has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

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

Is Isla Mujeres or Hilo Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Isla Mujeres is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

Hilo is 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 Isla Mujeres or Hilo Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is very popular for couples. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Isla Mujeres makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

Hilo is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Isla Mujeres or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Isla Mujeres and Hilo are superb destinations for backpackers.

Isla Mujeres is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

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

Isla Mujeres is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilo is not known for its public transit.

While Isla Mujeres offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

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 Isla Mujeres or Hilo a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres is a great island for its ease of walking around. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Isla Mujeres is a very walkable destination. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

Hilo is somewhat walkable. 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Hilo?

Both Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Hilo 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 Isla Mujeres.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Isla Mujeres. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Hilo, many people enjoy the museums and food that this laid back town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Hilo?

Isla Mujeres is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Hilo is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Hilo?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the idyllic destination of Isla Mujeres. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Hilo, many people enjoy the museums and food that this authentic destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Hilo?

The laid back island of Isla Mujeres offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres 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.