A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America South Lake Tahoe vs. Hilo for Nightlife, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit South Lake Tahoe or Hilo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between South Lake Tahoe or Hilo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a idyllic, scenic, and breathtaking town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Hilo

Hilo is a authentic, laid back, and mellow town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

South Lake Tahoe and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in South Lake Tahoe or Hilo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in South Lake Tahoe. Although South Lake Tahoe and Hilo are both popular with visitors, South Lake Tahoe has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. South Lake Tahoe is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Hilo is known for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. South Lake Tahoe is popular for its casino resorts, ski resorts, and beautiful setting. It is also home to the Heavenly Gondola. Hilo is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is South Lake Tahoe different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is South Lake Tahoe or Hilo Better for Skiing?

South Lake Tahoe is a great town for skiing. However, Hilo is not a skiing destination.

South Lake Tahoe draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There are three ski resorts in the area. Heavenly Mountain Resort is the largest, but if you're looking for something smaller, head to Kirkwood, which is tucked away and less well known. There's also Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, which is popular with groups and families because it caters to a range of skill levels.

Hilo is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in South Lake Tahoe or Hilo?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, South Lake Tahoe is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to South Lake Tahoe specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time exploring the area's nature, but you can also stop by Tallac Historic Site or the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum.

Is the Food Better in South Lake Tahoe or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, South Lake Tahoe is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hilo. 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.

South Lake Tahoe is becoming an appealing option for foodies. While most resorts have their own restaurants, there are a number of options around town that specialize in "alpine comfort cuisine", which is worth sampling. You'll also find plenty of cafes that serve up a hearty breakfast - the perfect way to start an active day.

Is South Lake Tahoe or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

South Lake Tahoe is very popular for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

South Lake Tahoe is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The resort town has plenty of nightclubs, bars, and music venues. There are outdoor options when the weather is warm as well as indoor settings for cooler weather. You'll also find casinos and live shows.

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 South Lake Tahoe or Hilo Better for Resorts?

South Lake Tahoe is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

South Lake Tahoe is known as a popular and fun resort destination. It's a resort town, so there are plenty of options to choose from, many with pools, spas, or casinos.

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

Is South Lake Tahoe or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for its diving and snorkeling. However, South Lake Tahoe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option 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.

South Lake Tahoe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is South Lake Tahoe or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, South Lake Tahoe is not a beach destination.

Hilo has a beach worth visiting. 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.

South Lake Tahoe is not a beach destination.

Is South Lake Tahoe or Hilo Better for Hiking?

South Lake Tahoe and Hilo are both places where visitors can find fantastic hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, South Lake Tahoe draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are miles of beautiful hikes in the area that follow the lake's shore or explore the diverse terrain. Skyline Trail Hike is a favorite. It is accessible by lift and offers spectacular views. For a relaxing stroll check out Fallen Leaf Lake Hike.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in South Lake Tahoe or Hilo?

South Lake Tahoe is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

South Lake Tahoe has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most of the shopping involves retailers selling ski gear or outdoor equipment. There are also clothing shops, gift stores, and some art galleries.

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

Is South Lake Tahoe or Hilo Better for Families?

South Lake Tahoe 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, South Lake Tahoe is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the outdoor adventures that the area is filled with. There are gondolas, lakefront beaches, adventure parks, and tubing. There are also miles of hiking trails and a beautiful setting that even the young ones will appreciate.

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 South Lake Tahoe or Hilo Better for Couples?

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

South Lake Tahoe makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's beautiful setting and wide variety of adventurous activities make this the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. The lake has hidden coves and nearby hiking trails. There are also hot springs, gondolas, and carriage rides. You can go hiking when the weather is warm or skiing when the weather is cold.

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 South Lake Tahoe or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, South Lake Tahoe is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hilo is a great town to visit for backpackers. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

South Lake Tahoe is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in the area and the skiing and hiking attracts the backpacker crowd.

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

Both South Lake Tahoe and Hilo offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in South Lake Tahoe. While there are some shuttles and buses, if you really want to explore the area, you'll need your own car.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hilo. The Hele-On is a bus service that connects Hilo to Kona with north and south routes.

Is South Lake Tahoe or Hilo a more walkable city?

South Lake Tahoe 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.

South Lake Tahoe is a very walkable destination. Once you get to town, the area is very walkable.

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 South Lake Tahoe Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or South Lake Tahoe?

How long in South Lake Tahoe or Hilo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hilo than South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of South Lake Tahoe. 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 museums and food around the mellow destination of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in South Lake Tahoe or Hilo?

South Lake Tahoe 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.

You'll find food and museums around the mellow town of Hilo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in South Lake Tahoe or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the breathtaking destination of South Lake Tahoe. 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.

Hilo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in South Lake Tahoe or Hilo?

The scenic town of South Lake Tahoe 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.

Hilo is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between South Lake Tahoe and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is South Lake Tahoe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to South Lake Tahoe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in South Lake Tahoe 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 Hilo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilo than you might in South Lake Tahoe.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is South Lake Tahoe Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, South Lake Tahoe or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of South Lake Tahoe. When comparing the sizes of South Lake Tahoe 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.