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

Should you visit Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a entertaining, underrated, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Hilo

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

Sarasota and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Hilo?

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

How is Sarasota different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sarasota 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.

Sarasota offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

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 Sarasota or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sarasota area. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

Is Sarasota or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Sarasota has a few options to choose from. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

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 Sarasota or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

Sarasota has a few great resort options. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

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

Is Sarasota or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sarasota 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.

Sarasota is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sarasota or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Sarasota and Hilo both offer good beaches.

Sarasota offers a nice beach destination. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Hilo is a good option for a beach vacation. 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 Sarasota or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is renowned for hiking. However, Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

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.

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Hilo?

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

Sarasota has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

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

Is Sarasota or Hilo Better for Families?

Sarasota 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, Sarasota is a very family-friendly destination. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

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 Sarasota or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is great for its romantic activities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Hilo is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Sarasota is a good city for couples to visit. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

Is Sarasota or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Sarasota is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are budget friendly places to stay, but there isn't a large backpacker or young crowd hanging around.

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

Sarasota and Hilo both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

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 Sarasota or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Sarasota is generally not very walkable. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Sarasota Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Hilo?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Hilo than Sarasota. 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota or Hilo?

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

The beautiful town of Hilo offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Sarasota or Hilo?

Sarasota 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.

Hilo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarasota or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the underrated destination of Sarasota. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Hilo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Sarasota or Hilo?

The relaxing city of Sarasota offers nightlife and food. 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilo has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Hilo?

Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sarasota is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sarasota in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. It's quite rainy in Sarasota. In July, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Hilo. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sarasota or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Sarasota during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sarasota is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 76°F (24°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the autumn, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sarasota usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Sarasota or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Hilo. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Sarasota is cooler than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Hilo. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sarasota or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Hilo. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Sarasota is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarasota in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the spring, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Sarasota usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Sarasota