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

Should you visit Nantucket 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 Nantucket and Hilo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a upscale, charming, and serene island. With plenty of 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, nightlife, and food.

Hilo

Hilo is a friendly, authentic, and laid back town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Nantucket and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantucket or Hilo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Hilo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Hilo is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and hiking. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Nantucket different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Nantucket or Hilo.

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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 Nantucket or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantucket 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, Nantucket is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Nantucket has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

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 Nantucket or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

Nantucket is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

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

Is Nantucket or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nantucket or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Nantucket is a great island for the beach. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Nantucket is considered a top beach destination. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

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 Nantucket or Hilo Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Hilo does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is renowned for hiking. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Nantucket is a popular spot for hiking. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Hilo?

Nantucket is a great island for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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

Is Nantucket or Hilo Better for Families?

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

Nantucket is a very family-friendly destination. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Hilo is a very kid-friendly island. 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 Nantucket or Hilo Better for Couples?

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

Nantucket makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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 Nantucket or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Hilo is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Nantucket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's known for its upscale atmosphere that isn't particularly accommodating for backpackers.

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

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

While Nantucket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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 Nantucket or Hilo a more walkable city?

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

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Hilo?

Both Nantucket 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 Nantucket. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Nantucket, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket 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 Nantucket.

One day in Nantucket or Hilo?

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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.

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 Nantucket or Hilo?

Nantucket is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 laid back 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 Nantucket or Hilo?

Nantucket is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This island 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 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 Nantucket or Hilo?

Because Nantucket is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nantucket for the beaches, 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, Nantucket is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 68°F (20°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In July, Nantucket usually receives less rain than Hilo. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nantucket or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Nantucket during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is much colder than Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. Nantucket usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantucket or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Hilo. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Nantucket in the winter. In the winter, Nantucket is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nantucket in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nantucket usually receives less rain than Hilo. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nantucket or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Hilo. Many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Nantucket is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 45°F (7°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nantucket usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Nantucket