Is Hilo expensive to visit?
Hilo is a popular destination that is also moderately priced. It falls in the middle range of travel cost prices globaly with a daily average travel cost of $222. If we compare it to the rest of North America, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a moderately priced place to visit. It ranks in the top 50% of cities in North America for its travel costs. Its travel costs are comparable with places such as Lancaster and Cincinnati.

Hawaii Volcano National Park, near Hilo, Hawaii
How expensive is Hilo?
For a trip to Hilo, travelers spend on average $222 per day (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations from previous visitors. As this is an average cost, your individual spending may vary, especially since there's a wide range of accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment options here. If you stick to moderately-priced hotels and restaurants, as well as take advantage of some of free things to do in the area, you can stick close to the average budget. See more travel costs for Hilo here to see how all of the average spending costs pan out.
How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Hilo?
On average, a weekend trip to Hilo costs about $666 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a weekend trip costs $1,332.
How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Hilo?
A one week trip to Hilo costs about $1,554 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $3,108.
Is it expensive to backpack in Hilo?
Hilo attracts a few backpackers, but traveling on a budget can be challenging because there are only a small number of hostels found here. The average cost of a dorm bed in a hostel in Hilo is $43 per night. The cheapest beds cost about $38 and the most expensive are more than $47 per night. (See hostel prices in Hilo here.)
Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Hilo.
- $47 for a dorm bed at Howzit Hostels Hawaii
Are hotels expensive in Hilo?
When we look at our analysis of hotel prices in Hilo, we find them to be somewhat lower in price in comparison to the rest of the world. The average nightly cost for a hotel room here is approximately $164. The area boasts about [5_STAR_COUNT] five-star hotels with an average rate of [5_STAR_PRICE] per night. For those seeking a balance between comfort and affordability, three-star hotels offer an average rate of $170 per night, while two-star hotels provide an even more budget-friendly option at $132 per night.
Hotels by star rating in Hilo
Rating | Number of Hotels | Average Hotel Price |
---|---|---|
4 stars | 2 | $153 |
3 stars | 7 | $170 |
2 stars | 6 | $132 |
1 star | 1 | $47 |
No rating | 3 | $225 |
How expensive are sightseeing activities in Hilo?
In Hilo, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the area. On average, previous travelers have spent around $32 per day on sightseeing and entertainment, which is less than the country's average of $55.
- Craft Chocolate Tasting and Farm Experience on the Big Island: $115
- Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour: $187
- 2018 Eruption Adventure Tour (includes Fissure 8): $199
- E-Mountain Bike Tour in South Point Hawaii: $125
- Private Electric Bike Tour with Lava Hike in Pāhoa: $88
- Big Island Tour of East to West: $299
- Big Island Jungle Tour with Banana and Guava Green Tea: $30
- 10 Bar Hawaiian Craft Chocolate Tasting Experience : $75
Is food expensive in Hilo?
In Hilo, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $121 per day on food, which is more than the country's average of $96.
- Kona Walking Food Tour : $147
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $189
- Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $249
Is transportation expensive in Hilo?
Exploring local transportation in Hilo shows that the price can vary greatly by the type of transportation used. On average, previous travelers have spent $25 per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $46. If you want to save money, use public transit as it's much cheaper than taxis or private drivers.
More for Hilo
If you're planning a trip to Hilo, Hawaii, check out these other informative travel guides.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.