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

Should you visit Ketchikan or Hilo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Ketchikan and Hilo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Hilo

Hilo is a authentic, laid back, and mellow town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Ketchikan and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ketchikan or Hilo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hilo than Ketchikan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hilo is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Ketchikan is more popular for its food, shopping, and small town charm. Ketchikan is well known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Also, Hilo is famous for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Ketchikan different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ketchikan or Hilo?

Both Ketchikan and Hilo have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Ketchikan is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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.

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

Ketchikan is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Ketchikan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hilo makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Ketchikan or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are respectable in both Ketchikan and Hilo.

Most people don't head to Ketchikan specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Hilo. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.

Is Ketchikan or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

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

Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

Is Ketchikan or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ketchikan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Ketchikan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ketchikan or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is very good for its beaches. However, Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

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.

Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Is Ketchikan or Hilo Better for Hiking?

You'll find world-class hiking in both Ketchikan and Hilo.

Many people visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Known for its hiking, Hilo draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Ketchikan or Hilo?

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

Ketchikan has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

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

Is Ketchikan or Hilo Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Ketchikan or Hilo.

Ketchikan is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hilo is very family-friendly. 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 Ketchikan or Hilo Better for Couples?

Both Ketchikan and Hilo are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Ketchikan is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Hilo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Ketchikan or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is notable for backpackers. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

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

Both Ketchikan and Hilo offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

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

Is Ketchikan or Hilo a more walkable city?

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

Ketchikan is a very walkable destination. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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 Ketchikan Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Ketchikan?

How long in Ketchikan or Hilo?

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

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Ketchikan. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hilo than Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Ketchikan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find food and museums around the town of Hilo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Ketchikan or Hilo?

Ketchikan 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.

You'll find museums and food around the friendly destination of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ketchikan or Hilo?

You'll find shopping and museums around the local destination of Ketchikan. 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.

You'll find food and museums around the mellow town of Hilo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Ketchikan or Hilo?

The scenic town of Ketchikan offers museums and food. 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 choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilo, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ketchikan and Hilo, we can see that Ketchikan is more expensive. And not only is Hilo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hilo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hilo 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan than you might in Hilo.

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

Which is Bigger, Ketchikan or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan or Hilo?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ketchikan as well as Hilo. Most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ketchikan is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Ketchikan average around 58°F (15°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ketchikan usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Ketchikan gets 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Ketchikan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

Ketchikan is much colder than Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ketchikan averages around 46°F (8°C) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. In October, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Hilo. Ketchikan gets 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Ketchikan during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Ketchikan in the winter. In the winter, Ketchikan is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ketchikan in January average around 34°F (1°C), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in January than Hilo. Ketchikan gets 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ketchikan and Hilo. Many travelers come to Ketchikan for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilo in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Ketchikan is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Ketchikan average around 44°F (6°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Ketchikan usually receives less rain than Hilo. Ketchikan gets 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Ketchikan