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

Should you visit Milwaukee or Hilo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Milwaukee and Hilo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a undiscovered, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Hilo

Hilo is a laid back, mellow, and friendly town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and museums.

Milwaukee and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milwaukee or Hilo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hilo. Although Milwaukee and Hilo are both popular with visitors, Hilo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hilo is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee is known for its nightlife and shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also home to Akaka Falls State Park. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Milwaukee different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Milwaukee and Hilo.

Milwaukee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hilo. 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 Milwaukee or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Hilo has a huge number of terrific 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.

Milwaukee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

Is Milwaukee or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Milwaukee has a few options to choose from. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.

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 Milwaukee or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Hilo offers a few options. You'll find more hotels than resorts in town.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

Is Milwaukee or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Milwaukee 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.

Milwaukee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Milwaukee or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a town with good options for the beache. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Hilo. 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.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is Milwaukee or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Around Hilo visitors will find world-class hiking trails. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or Hilo?

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

Milwaukee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.

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

Is Milwaukee or Hilo Better for Families?

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

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Milwaukee. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.

Is Milwaukee or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

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.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.

Is Milwaukee or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Milwaukee is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a lot to attract backpackers to the area.

Is Milwaukee or Hilo Better for Students?

Milwaukee is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilo is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Milwaukee. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Milwaukee and Hilo.

Public transit is mostly limited in Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.

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 Milwaukee or Hilo a more walkable city?

Milwaukee and Hilo are good when it comes to walkability.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Milwaukee Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or Hilo?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Milwaukee. 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 Milwaukee or Hilo?

Milwaukee 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 mellow 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 Milwaukee or Hilo?

You'll find shopping and museums around the undiscovered destination of Milwaukee. This city 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 laid back 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 Milwaukee or Hilo?

The welcoming city of Milwaukee offers museums and nightlife. 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Milwaukee or Hilo?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Milwaukee and Hilo. Many travelers come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Milwaukee is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Milwaukee in July average around 74°F (23°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Milwaukee usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Milwaukee gets 321 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, Milwaukee usually receives less rain than Hilo. Milwaukee gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Milwaukee or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Milwaukee as well as Hilo. Many visitors come to Milwaukee in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Milwaukee is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 53°F (12°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In the autumn, Milwaukee often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Milwaukee gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Milwaukee usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Milwaukee gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milwaukee or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Milwaukee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hilo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Milwaukee can be very cold during winter. Milwaukee is much colder than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Milwaukee usually receives less sunshine than Hilo during winter. Milwaukee gets 138 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, Milwaukee usually receives less rain than Hilo. Milwaukee gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Milwaukee or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Milwaukee during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In the spring, Milwaukee is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Milwaukee in April average around 47°F (8°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Milwaukee. In the spring, Milwaukee often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Milwaukee gets 211 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. Milwaukee usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Milwaukee gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Milwaukee