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

Should you visit Vail or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Vail 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.

Vail

Vail is a resort-filled, charming, and picturesque ski town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

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.

Vail and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vail or Hilo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vail. Although Vail and Hilo are both popular with visitors, Vail has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Vail is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Hilo is known for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Vail is more touristy than Hilo and is known for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. It is also home to The Vail Ski Resort. Hilo is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Vail different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Vail or Hilo Better for Skiing?

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

If you're an avid snow skiier, Vail should be on your list. This ski town has produced its share of Olympians. Vail is the third largest ski resort in the US and it has 31 lifts and 195 runs. There are five different bowls that offer beautiful views.

Hilo is not a skiing destination.

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

Hilo is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hilo is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Vail is not as popular, but is still a nice ski town 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 Vail area. The town has a diverse sampling of restaurants that include different ethnic options as well as taverns with comfort food. It's easy to find mountain-friendly restaurants where you can refuel during your ski vacation.

Is Vail or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Vail is a great ski town for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Vail has something for everybody. Happy Hours start early, and then the partying can go late into the night. There are bars, lounges, breweries and live music that keep the atmosphere light and offer entertainment after your long day on the slopes. Do keep in mind that many places close or dramatically reduce their hours during the off-peak fall and spring months.

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 Vail or Hilo Better for Music?

Vail is a popular place for its music scene. However, Hilo is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Vail is active and vibrant. You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.

Hilo is not a live music destination.

Is Vail or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Vail is a great ski town for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

Vail is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Designed as a resort town, Vail offers great accommodation. Nice resorts include Four Seasons Resort and Residences, the Ritz Carlton Club, and the Grand Hyatt.

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

Is Vail or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Vail is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Vail or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a popular place for the beache. However, Vail is not a beach destination.

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.

Vail is not a beach destination.

Is Vail or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Vail is not as popular, but is still a nice ski town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Vail is a popular spot for hiking. During the warmer months, this resort town is surrounded by world-class hiking trails. You can enjoy the wildflowers, search for wildlife, or take in the sweeping mountain views. Popular hikes near Vail include Booth Falls, Davos Trail, and Shrine Ridge.

Is the Shopping Better in Vail or Hilo?

Vail is a great ski town for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Vail. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and ski shops that sell everything from evening dresses to outdoor gear. It's easy to pop into the many shops around downtown Vail and find anything you might need.

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

Is Vail or Hilo Better for Christmas?

Vail is very popular for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Hilo does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Vail. The town is a winter wonderland during the holidays. Check out the iconic Christmas tree lighting and wander through the fairytale streets.

Hilo does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Vail or Hilo Better for Christmas Markets?

Vail is a great ski town for visiting Christmas markets. However, Hilo does not offer Christmas markets.

Vail is a popular destination to visit Christmas markets. The town's Christmas Market is picturesque, and the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts.

Hilo does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Vail or Hilo Better for Families?

Vail 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, Vail is a very family-friendly destination. With its world class skiing, rock climbing, ice skating, and ice cream, kids love this ski resort. The resort town has two terrain parks - Golden Peak and Avanti. Avanti is perfect for kids. It has small jumps, wide rails, and kid-friendly amenities. Golden Peak is designed for more advanced athletes. Vail also has nice beginner slopes that are great for kids.

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 Vail or Hilo Better for Couples?

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

Vail makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy skiing and outdoor adventure will appreciate everything that this ski town has to offer. There are nice restaurants, beautiful gardens, and plenty of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Vail or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vail is not as popular, but is still a nice ski town for backpackers.

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

Vail is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This ski town isn't completely closed off to budget travelers as there are a couple of hostels around town.

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

Vail is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilo is not known for its public transit.

While Vail offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a free bus service through the area.

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 Vail or Hilo a more walkable city?

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

Vail is a very easy ski town to get around on foot. The main downtown is pedestrian-only and perfect for popping in shops and restaurants.

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 Vail Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Vail?

How long in Vail or Hilo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hilo than Vail 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 Vail or Hilo?

Vail is a small town where visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hilo. 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.

A weekend in Vail or Hilo?

Vail 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.

Hilo is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Vail or Hilo?

Vail might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This ski 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the authentic destination of Hilo. 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.

A week in Vail or Hilo?

Even though Vail is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the authentic town of Hilo. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Vail or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Vail. When comparing the sizes of Vail 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.