A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Arlington vs. Hilo for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Arlington or Hilo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington 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.

Arlington

Arlington is a educational, international, and historical city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Arlington travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a laid back, mellow, and friendly town. With stunning beauty, Hilo attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and museums. See Hilo travel costs.

Arlington and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arlington or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Arlington and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Arlington attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Arlington is famous for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Arlington different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arlington is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Arlington offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary 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 Arlington or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Arlington and Hilo.

Arlington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hilo makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Arlington or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Arlington is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Arlington has something for everybody. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

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 Arlington or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

Arlington is not a resort destination.

Is Arlington or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arlington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to 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.

Arlington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Arlington or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

Hilo has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is Arlington or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Arlington 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.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Hilo?

Arlington is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Arlington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

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

Is Arlington or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Arlington is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Hilo attracts visitors from all around. This side of the island is filled with beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforests, and tropical gardens.

Arlington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Arlington or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hilo. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Arlington or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Is Arlington or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington and Hilo are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Is Arlington or Hilo Better for Students?

Arlington is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilo is not popular with students.

Arlington is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

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

Arlington has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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 Arlington or Hilo a more walkable city?

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

Arlington is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

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 Arlington Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Hilo?

Both Arlington 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 Arlington. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Arlington, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Arlington. 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 Arlington. 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 Arlington than Hilo 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 Arlington.

One day in Arlington or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Arlington. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and museums around the town of Hilo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Hilo?

Arlington 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.

You'll find museums and food around the authentic destination of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Hilo?

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

You'll find food and museums around the mellow town of Hilo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Arlington or Hilo?

The international city of Arlington 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.

Hilo is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilo, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Arlington or Hilo?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Arlington 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 Arlington 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 Arlington or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Hilo. Many visitors come to Arlington in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Arlington is around the same temperature as Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Arlington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arlington usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Arlington usually receives less rain than Hilo. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Arlington or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Hilo. Most visitors come to Arlington for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hilo because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Arlington is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arlington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In the autumn, Arlington often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Arlington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Arlington usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Arlington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

The weather in Arlington can be very cold. In January, Arlington is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 35°F (1°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Arlington usually receives less sunshine than Hilo during winter. Arlington gets 139 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, Arlington usually receives less rain than Hilo. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Arlington or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Arlington during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Arlington is much colder than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Arlington. In the spring, Arlington often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Arlington gets 228 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. Arlington usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Arlington