A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Winston-Salem vs. Hilo for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a friendly, under-rated, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Hilo

Hilo is a authentic, laid back, and mellow town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Winston-Salem and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Winston-Salem and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Winston-Salem attracts visitors for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Hilo?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Winston-Salem or Hilo.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Winston-Salem. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

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.

Is the Food Better in Winston-Salem or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Hilo is an experience not to be missed. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Winston-Salem. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

Is Winston-Salem or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Winston-Salem has a few options to choose from. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

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 Winston-Salem or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Is Winston-Salem or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Winston-Salem or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a popular place for the beach. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Is Winston-Salem or Hilo Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Hilo does not have a historic old town.

Winston-Salem has an old town worth visiting. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Hilo does not have a historic old town.

Is Winston-Salem or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Hilo?

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Winston-Salem has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

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

Is Winston-Salem or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly city. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Winston-Salem or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Winston-Salem or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is notable for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hilo is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is Winston-Salem or Hilo Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Winston-Salem. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

Both Winston-Salem and Hilo offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

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 Winston-Salem or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city 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.

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Hilo?

Both Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Winston-Salem. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the mellow destination of Hilo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Hilo?

Winston-Salem is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Winston-Salem or Hilo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Winston-Salem. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Hilo. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Winston-Salem or Hilo?

The welcoming city of Winston-Salem offers nightlife and food. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the beautiful town of Hilo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Hilo?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem or Hilo?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Hilo. The summer months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of 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.

Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In the summer, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Winston-Salem receives a lot of rain in the summer. Winston-Salem usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Winston-Salem 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, Winston-Salem is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Winston-Salem in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In October, Winston-Salem usually receives less rain than Hilo. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Winston-Salem during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Winston-Salem. In January, Winston-Salem is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 40°F (4°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Winston-Salem usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Hilo. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Winston-Salem is cooler than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Winston-Salem usually receives less rain than Hilo. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Winston-Salem