A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Park City Utah vs. Hilo for Nightlife, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Park City Utah or Hilo?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Park City Utah and Hilo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a high energy, adventurous, and active town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Hilo

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

Park City Utah and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Park City Utah or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Park City Utah. Although Park City Utah and Hilo are popular destinations, Park City Utah has more sights and attractions for tourists. Park City Utah is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Hilo attracts visitors for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Park City Utah is more touristy than Hilo and is known for the Sundance Film Festival and world-renowned skiing and snowboarding. It is also well known for Deer Valley Resort. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Park City Utah different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Park City Utah or Hilo Better for Skiing?

Park City Utah is very popular for skiing. However, Hilo is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Park City Utah should be on your list. Two ski resorts are nearby, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. Park City Mountain is the largest resort in the United States. There are 7,300 acres that include two different base areas, 41 lifts, and 6 terrain parks. There's ski-in ski-out access from the town's Main Street, and options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Deer Valley Resort is a ritzy and upscale option that is more glamorous and high class.

Hilo is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Park City Utah or Hilo?

Hilo is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Park City Utah is not a good destination for its sights and 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.

Park City Utah offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums and some nice art galleries in town. There are also museums at Olympic Park.

Is the Food Better in Park City Utah or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Park City Utah and Hilo can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Park City Utah has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Park City has a wonderful food scene with many award-winning restaurants. Many restaurants offer fine dining experiences and even the more casual options are high priced with high quality dishes. You'll also find many great breakfast restaurants and cafes so you can start your day off with a filling meal.

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 Park City Utah or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Park City Utah is very popular for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

Park City Utah is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. After a day on the slopes, you'll return to a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and live music. Most of the action is concentrated around Main Street and it's easy to walk to most venues, even when the weather is cold and snowy.

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 Park City Utah or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Park City Utah is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

Park City Utah is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find most of the major chains as well as smaller and more personal hotels. Many hotels have hot tubs and pools, and many offer easy access to the ski gondola.

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

Is Park City Utah or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Park City Utah 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.

Park City Utah is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Park City Utah or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a good destination for the beach. However, Park City Utah is not a beach destination.

Hilo offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Park City Utah is not a beach destination.

Is Park City Utah or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an amazing town to visit for hiking. Also, Park City Utah is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Hilo is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Park City Utah is a popular spot for hiking. If you're visiting during a warmer month, hiking is a great way to experience the area's beauty. There are more than 350 miles of hiking trails that pass through forests, canyons, creeks, and mountain ridges. You'll find options for every skill level and regardless of the hike you choose, it's sure to take your breath away.

Is the Shopping Better in Park City Utah or Hilo?

Park City Utah is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Park City Utah. Wander down the historic Main Street and enjoy shopping at the many quaint vendors and art galleries. There are also outlet malls in town.

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

Is Park City Utah or Hilo Better for Families?

Park City Utah 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, Park City Utah is a very family-friendly destination. There is kid-family skiing, ziplining, and alpine coasters. The free museums at Olympic Park are fun to explore as well and are filled with memorabilia from the 2002 Olympics. Additionally, there are kid-friendly restaurants and playgrounds where the little ones can run around.

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 Park City Utah or Hilo Better for Couples?

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

Park City Utah makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy the area's many great restaurants and beautiful hikes. There are romantic hotels as well as sleigh rides and evening walks that will make this an unforgettable destination.

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 Park City Utah or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Park City Utah is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Park City Utah. Although the town is notoriously expensive, there is a hostel in town that appeals to backpackers.

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

Park City Utah is a great town for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilo is not known for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Park City Utah. There are 13 free bus routes as well as seasonal transportation providers.

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 Park City Utah or Hilo a more walkable city?

Park City Utah is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Park City Utah is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a very walkable town and is easy to explore on foot.

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 Park City Utah Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Park City Utah?

How long in Park City Utah or Hilo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hilo than Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Park City Utah. 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.

In Hilo, you'll find museums and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Park City Utah or Hilo?

Park City Utah 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 great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Park City Utah or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the active destination of Park City Utah. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Park City Utah or Hilo?

The high energy town of Park City Utah offers skiing and nightlife. 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.

In Hilo, you'll find food and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Park City Utah and Hilo, we can see that Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Park City Utah or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Park City Utah. When comparing the sizes of Park City Utah 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.