A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Virginia Beach vs. Hilo for Food, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Hilo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches.

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.

Virginia Beach and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Hilo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hilo. Although Virginia Beach and Hilo are both popular with visitors, Hilo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hilo is more popular for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Virginia Beach is known for its nightlife and resorts. Hilo is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also home to Akaka Falls State Park. Virginia Beach is popular for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Virginia Beach or Hilo?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hilo is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Virginia Beach or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Virginia Beach has a few options to choose from. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

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 Virginia Beach or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

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

Is Virginia Beach or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Both Virginia Beach and Hilo have good beaches worth visiting.

Virginia Beach has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Hilo. 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 Virginia Beach or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is terrific for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Hilo draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Hilo?

Hilo is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Hilo has some nice offerings. You can pick up anything you need in town, just head to Hilo Shopping Center.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Hilo Better for Families?

Virginia Beach and Hilo are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

Hilo is known to be 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 Virginia Beach or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Virginia Beach or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Hilo Better for Students?

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilo is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

Hilo is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination 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 Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Virginia Beach or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Hilo?

Both Virginia Beach and Hilo have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Hilo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hilo than Virginia Beach. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Virginia 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, you'll find museums and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Hilo?

Virginia Beach is a fun place to experience. 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 great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Virginia Beach or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach. This coastal 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Virginia Beach or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the relaxing coastal city of Virginia Beach. 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.

In Hilo, you'll find food and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Virginia Beach and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.

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

Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Hilo?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Virginia Beach is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Virginia Beach in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Virginia Beach gets 279 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 Virginia Beach. In July, Virginia Beach usually receives less rain than Hilo. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Virginia Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Hilo because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Virginia Beach is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 62°F (16°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. In the autumn, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Virginia Beach gets 211 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. Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Hilo. The winter months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. Virginia Beach is much colder than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 39°F (4°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Virginia Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo during winter. Virginia Beach gets 168 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, Virginia Beach usually receives less rain than Hilo. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Hilo. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Virginia Beach is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Virginia Beach in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In the spring, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Virginia Beach