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

Should you visit Tampa or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Hilo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Tampa

Tampa is a easy-going, low-key, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food and beaches.

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.

Tampa and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Tampa and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Tampa attracts visitors for its beaches and big city activities. Hilo is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park. Tampa is famous for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Tampa different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hilo is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Hilo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Tampa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Tampa or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Both Tampa and Hilo have reasonable vibes after the sun sets.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Tampa. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Hilo is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.

Is Tampa or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

Tampa is not a resort destination.

Is Tampa or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's reasonable scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Tampa and Hilo.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

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.

Is Tampa or Hilo Better for Beaches?

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

Tampa is considered a top beach destination. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks 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 Tampa or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. However, Tampa is not a hiking destination.

People visit Hilo specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Hilo?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Hilo has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You can pick up anything you need in town, just head to Hilo Shopping Center.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Hilo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tampa or Hilo.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

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 Tampa or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Hilo makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Tampa or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Hilo is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable town. 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.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Hilo?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Tampa. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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, many people enjoy the food and museums that this mellow destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tampa or Hilo?

Tampa 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilo. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Hilo?

You'll find food around the easy-going destination of Tampa. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hilo is a fun place to experience. In Hilo, many people enjoy the food and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tampa or Hilo?

The laid-back city of Tampa offers food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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, many people enjoy the museums and food that this friendly destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Hilo?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Hilo. The summer months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

Tampa is a little warmer than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tampa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tampa usually receives less rain than Hilo. Tampa 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 Tampa or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Hilo. The city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tampa is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampa in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the autumn, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Tampa usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tampa for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Tampa is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 60°F (15°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. Tampa gets 200 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, Tampa usually receives less rain than Hilo. Tampa 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 Tampa or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Tampa during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tampa in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Tampa is around the same temperature as Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Tampa gets 299 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. Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Tampa