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

Should you visit Lancaster or Hilo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lancaster or Hilo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a picturesque, scenic, and traditional town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Hilo

Hilo is a friendly, authentic, and laid back town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Lancaster and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lancaster or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Lancaster and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Lancaster attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Lancaster and is known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park. Lancaster is famous for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Lancaster different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lancaster is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Lancaster offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

Hilo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Lancaster or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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.

Lancaster offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is Lancaster or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find reasonable options in both Lancaster and Hilo.

Lancaster doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back 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 Lancaster or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Hilo as a resort destination, but it has a few places. You'll find more hotels than resorts in town.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Is Lancaster or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lancaster is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can 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.

Lancaster is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lancaster or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Hilo has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Is Lancaster or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an amazing town to visit for hiking. However, Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

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.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Hilo?

Lancaster is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lancaster. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

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

Is Lancaster or Hilo Better for Families?

Lancaster and Hilo are both very good destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lancaster. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

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 Lancaster or Hilo Better for Couples?

Lancaster and Hilo are both very good to visit as a couple.

Lancaster is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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 Lancaster or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known for backpackers.

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

Lancaster is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by backpackers, the region offers a unique cultural experience.

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

Lancaster and Hilo both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

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 Lancaster or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable town. 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.

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Hilo?

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

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Lancaster. 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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Lancaster. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Lancaster or Hilo?

Lancaster is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 authentic 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 Lancaster or Hilo?

You'll find shopping and museums around the picturesque destination of Lancaster. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and museums around the authentic 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 Lancaster or Hilo?

The scenic town of Lancaster offers museums and food. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Lancaster and Hilo, we can see that Lancaster 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 Lancaster Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Hilo?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Lancaster are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lancaster in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lancaster is around the same temperature as Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. Lancaster usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Lancaster gets 310 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In July, Lancaster usually receives less rain than Hilo. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lancaster or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Lancaster during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hilo because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lancaster is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lancaster in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In the autumn, Lancaster often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Lancaster gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lancaster usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lancaster or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lancaster and Hilo. The winter months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

The weather in Lancaster can be very cold. In January, Lancaster is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 30°F (-1°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Lancaster usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo during winter. Lancaster gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Lancaster usually receives less rain than Hilo. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lancaster or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lancaster as well as Hilo. The natural beauty are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Lancaster is much colder than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 53°F (12°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster this time of the year. In the spring, Lancaster often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Lancaster gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Lancaster usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Lancaster