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

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

Newport

Newport is a charming, coastal, and seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Hilo

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

Newport and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newport or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newport. Although Newport and Hilo are popular destinations, Newport has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newport is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Hilo attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Newport is famous for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. It is also well known for Thames Street. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Newport different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Newport 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.

Newport offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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 Newport or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Newport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Newport has a few options to choose from. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

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 Newport or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

Newport is not a resort destination.

Is Newport or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Newport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Newport or Hilo Better for Beaches?

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

Newport is considered a top beach destination. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

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 Newport or Hilo Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Hilo does not have a historic old town.

Is Newport or Hilo Better for Hiking?

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

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.

Newport is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Newport or Hilo?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

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

Is Newport or Hilo Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Newport. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

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 Newport or Hilo Better for Couples?

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

Newport makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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 Newport or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Newport is lacking in good options 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.

Newport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a beautiful town, but accommodation tends to be expensive and there aren't any hostels to attract the budget crowd.

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

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

While Newport offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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 Newport or Hilo a more walkable city?

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

Newport is a very walkable destination. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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 Newport Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Newport?

How long in Newport or Hilo?

Both Newport 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 Newport. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Newport, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

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

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

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

One day in Newport or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Newport. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Hilo, you'll find food and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Newport or Hilo?

Newport is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

In Hilo, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Newport or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the coastal destination of Newport. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Hilo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilo has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Newport or Hilo?

The historical town of Newport 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilo. In Hilo, you'll find museums and food. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Newport or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Newport. When comparing the sizes of Newport 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 Newport 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 Newport or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Newport and Hilo. Most visitors come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Newport is around the same temperature as Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Newport, it's very sunny this time of the year. Newport usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Newport gets 293 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, Newport usually receives less rain than Hilo. Newport gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Newport or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Newport as well as Hilo. The autumn months attract visitors to Newport because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In the autumn, Newport is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Newport in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport this time of the year. In the autumn, Newport often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Newport gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Newport usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Newport gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newport or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Newport are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Newport this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Newport in the winter. In January, Newport is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Newport average around 28°F (-2°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Newport usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo during winter. Newport gets 170 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, Newport usually receives less rain than Hilo. Newport gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Newport or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Newport during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Newport 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.

Newport is much colder than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Newport. In the spring, Newport often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Newport gets 225 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. Newport usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Newport gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Newport