A Travel Price Comparison for Hawaii Maui vs. Hilo for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Maui or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Maui 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.

Maui

Maui is a stunning, idyllic, and adventure-filled island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Hilo

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

Maui and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Maui or Hilo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Maui. Although Maui and Hilo are both popular with visitors, Maui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Maui is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Hilo is known for its museums & sights, food, and nightlife. Maui is more touristy than Hilo and is popular for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment. It is also home to Haleakala National Park. Hilo is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Maui different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hilo is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Maui specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people prefer not to spend their time inside or at a museum, but for a rainy day you can check out the Maui Ocean Center.

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

Hilo is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hilo. 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.

Maui may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Like the other Hawaiian islands, food is expensive and of varying quality here, but the food scene continues to grow and improve. There are eclectic food trucks where you can try local flavors. There's also plenty of fresh tropical produce like mangos, avocadoes, and coconuts. Seafood is common on many menus as well.

Is Maui or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Hilo is a town with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Hilo is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Maui The island is not known for its nightlife, but the limited activities that do exist you'll find in Kaanapali and Lahaina.

Is Maui or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Maui is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

Maui is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of nice resorts, but there are also VRBOs, condos, and local hotels where you can stay. High-end luxury resorts on the island include The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua and Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. There are also more reasonable priced resorts without all of the glitz and glam.

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

Is Maui or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hilo is not known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Maui. The island has excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. You can really find it anywhere on the island, but some places are more crowded than others. Some of the best beaches for snorkeling include Honolua Bay, Slaughterhouse (Mokuleia Bay), DT Fleming Beach, and Kapalua Bay.

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 Maui or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Maui 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 Maui. The island has stunning beaches and more miles of swimmable beach than any of the other Hawaiian islands. One of the best swimming beaches is Kapalua Beach, but other favorite beaches include Makena Beach State Park, Ka'anapali Beach, Baldwin Beach Park, and Wai'anapanapa State Park.

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 Maui or Hilo Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Maui and Hilo both have first-rate trails.

People visit Maui specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are many diverse hikes on the island that pass through different landscapes and ecosystems. Hikes range from easy to challenging and are of varying length. Some of the favorites include 'Iao Valley State Park, Haleakala's Sliding Sands Trail (in Haleakala National Park), and The Pipiwai Trail.

Many people visit Hilo specifically for its hiking. 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 Maui or Hilo?

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

Maui has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are many shopping centers where you'll find souvenirs, Hawaiian clothing, and even handmade crafts. If you forgot something from home, you'll also find many of the major chains that are common on the mainland.

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

Is Maui or Hilo Better for Families?

Maui 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, Maui is a very family-friendly destination. It is one of the best of the Hawaiian islands to explore with kids. There's plenty of snorkeling, outdoor adventure sports, and hiking that are great for kids of all ages. There are some kid-friendly beaches where kids can play in the water. There's also the Maui Ocean Center, Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm, and 'Iao Valley State 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 Maui or Hilo Better for Couples?

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

Maui makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples will enjoy the outdoor sports, excellent snorkeling and diving, and beautiful waterfalls that make for a romantic getaway. There are world-class resorts and breathtaking scenery that attract honeymooning couples from around the globe.

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 Maui or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a great destination for backpackers. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hilo is a great town to visit for backpackers. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Maui is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Like most of the Hawaiian Islands, everything is expensive here and even though there are a couple of hostels, you can still expect to pay high prices for them. Public transportation is also limited so you'll really need to rent a car if you hope to explore the island in depth.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Maui and Hilo.

Public transit is generally limited in Maui. The island does have a bus system with 14 routes, but most visitors prefer to have their own transportation to get around.

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 Maui or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal 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.

Maui is not a very walkable island. The island is large enough that you'll want to have access to a car if you hope to explore it in its entirety.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Maui?

How long in Maui or Hilo?

Both Maui and Hilo have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Maui has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Maui than Hilo. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Maui. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hilo. 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.

A weekend in Maui or Hilo?

Maui is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Hilo is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Maui or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the breathtaking destination of Maui. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the laid back destination of Hilo. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Maui or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning island of Maui. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the laid back town of Hilo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Maui and Hilo, we can see that Maui 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 Maui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Maui 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 Maui Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Maui 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 Maui or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Maui during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Maui because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In the summer, Maui is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Maui in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. In the summer, Maui often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Maui gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Maui usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Maui gets 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Maui or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Maui and Hilo. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Maui this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Maui is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in Maui average around 78°F (26°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. Maui usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Maui gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Maui usually receives less rain than Hilo. Maui gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Maui or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Maui as well as Hilo. Many travelers come to Maui for 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.

Maui is around the same temperature as Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Maui averages around 72°F (22°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In the winter, Maui often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Maui gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Maui receives a lot of rain in the winter. Maui usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Maui gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Maui or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Maui are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Maui in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Maui is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Maui in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. Maui usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Maui gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In April, Maui usually receives less rain than Hilo. Maui gets 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Maui