A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Hilo for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Merida or Hilo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida 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.

Merida

Merida is a traditional, colonial, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Merida travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a laid back, mellow, and friendly town. With stunning beauty, Hilo attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and museums. See Hilo travel costs.

Merida and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Hilo are popular destinations, Merida has more sights and attractions for tourists. Merida is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Hilo attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Merida is famous for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also well known for Grand Plaza. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Merida different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Merida offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with culture and traditional heritage, and there are many museums and architectural landmarks that will educate and inform visitors on the area. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a highlight for many visitors. It's also worth visiting Museo Casa Montejo and Museo Palacio Canton. If you want to visit ruins, then the Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins are about 45 minutes outside of town.

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 Merida or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Merida and Hilo.

Merida has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a top foodie destination in the Yucatan region and visitors will enjoy the many local restaurants and diverse local dishes that are influenced by the Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. The most well known local dish is cochinita pibil, which is marinated pork shoulder. Other popular dishes include sopa de lima (lime soup), papadzules (enchiladas with pumpkin seed sauce), and relleno negro (a local stew).

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 Merida or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Merida has something for everybody. Most tourists take advantage of the nightlife scene in the city's downtown area, while locals congregate in the northern part of town. The city has bars, theaters, night clubs, and live music that keeps the energy high late into the night.

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 Merida or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Merida 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.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Merida 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.

Merida is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Merida or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Merida 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.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Hilo Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Hilo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Merida. Centered around the city's Grand Plaza, the old town is filled with colonial architecture and colorful buildings. The Catedral de San Ildefonso was the first cathedral built in the Americas. There are also monuments and examples of Mayan art and culture.

Hilo does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Merida 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.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Hilo?

Merida is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Merida. There are colorful markets that are filled with artisan crafts and traditional clothing. Visitors enjoy discovering the unique vendors and picking up souvenirs that are unique to the area.

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

Is Merida or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Hilo attracts visitors from all around. This side of the island is filled with beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforests, and tropical gardens.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Merida or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hilo. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Merida. The weekend is the best time to visit the city, as this is when there are the most activities. There are live performances that educate visitors on Mayan traditions. There are also historic museums, bike-friendly streets, and a vibrant central market.

Is Merida or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Merida is a nice destination for couples. If you're interested in Mayan culture and history, then this is a wonderful destination. There are also romantic hotels, excellent restaurants, and plenty of fascinating activities that couples will enjoy.

Is Merida or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida and Hilo are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Merida. It's a relatively large city with a number of hostels and budget hotels, so backpackers will have no problem finding a place to stay.

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

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

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

While Merida offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

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 Merida or Hilo a more walkable city?

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

Merida is a very walkable destination. It's a very walkable city and most visitors don't have a car.

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 Merida Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Merida?

How long in Merida or Hilo?

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

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Merida. 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 Merida. 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 Merida 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 Merida.

One day in Merida or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Merida. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Hilo?

Merida is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Merida or Hilo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Merida. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilo. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Merida or Hilo?

The historical city of Merida offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Hilo. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Hilo?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Merida 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 Merida 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 Merida or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Hilo. Many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Merida is cooler than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Merida gets 254 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, Merida usually receives less rain than Hilo. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Merida or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Hilo. Most visitors come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene 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, Merida is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the autumn, Merida often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Merida 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.

In January, Merida is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. Merida gets 209 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. In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Hilo. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Merida or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Merida during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Merida is around the same temperature as Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Merida. In the spring, Merida often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Merida gets 260 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Merida