A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sun Valley vs. Hilo for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a active, adventurous, and outdoorsy 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 mellow, friendly, and authentic town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, museums, and food.

Sun Valley and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sun Valley or Hilo?

Both Hilo and Sun Valley have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Sun Valley is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Hilo is more popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Sun Valley is well known for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Sun Valley different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sun Valley or Hilo Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is very popular for skiing. However, Hilo is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Sun Valley should be on your list. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Hilo is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sun Valley or Hilo?

Hilo is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

Is the Food Better in Sun Valley or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sun Valley makes for a great culinary experience. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

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.

Is Sun Valley or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Sun Valley has a few options to choose from. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

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 Sun Valley or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

Sun Valley is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

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

Is Sun Valley or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a town with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sun Valley is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hilo has a few snorkeling spots. Richardsons Ocean Park is the best snorkeling spot nearby but, in general, the water near town has poor visibility because of the frequent rain.

Sun Valley is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sun Valley or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a good destination for its beaches. However, Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley is not a beach destination.

Is Sun Valley or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is terrific for its hiking experiences. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many visitors go to Sun Valley for the hiking trails. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Is the Shopping Better in Sun Valley or Hilo?

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

Sun Valley has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

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

Is Sun Valley or Hilo Better for Families?

Sun Valley 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, Sun Valley is a very family-friendly destination. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

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 Sun Valley or Hilo Better for Couples?

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

Sun Valley makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy 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 Sun Valley or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sun Valley and Hilo are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Sun Valley. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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

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

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

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 Sun Valley or Hilo a more walkable city?

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

Sun Valley is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

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 Sun Valley Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Sun Valley?

How long in Sun Valley or Hilo?

Both Sun Valley and Hilo have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Sun Valley has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Sun Valley than Hilo. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley.

One day in Sun Valley or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sun Valley. 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.

With museums and food around the friendly town of Hilo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 one day exploring.

A weekend in Sun Valley or Hilo?

Sun Valley is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the skiing. 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.

With food and museums around the destination of Hilo, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Sun Valley or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the active destination of Sun Valley. 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, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Sun Valley or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the active town of Sun Valley. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Hilo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Sun Valley or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Sun Valley 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.