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

Should you visit Asheville or Hilo?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Hilo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a open-minded, eclectic, and outdoorsy mountain town. Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Asheville travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a mellow, friendly, and authentic town. The beauty of Hilo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food. See Hilo travel costs.

Asheville and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Hilo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Asheville. Although Asheville and Hilo are both popular with visitors, Asheville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Asheville is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Hilo is known for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hilo is more touristy than Asheville and is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Asheville is popular for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue. It is also home to The Biltmore Estate.

How is Asheville different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hilo is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville 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.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Asheville and Hilo can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Hilo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Asheville or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Asheville has something for everybody. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

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 Asheville or Hilo Better for Music?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its music scene. However, Hilo is not a live music destination.

Asheville has a thriving music scene. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Hilo is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

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

Is Asheville or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a town with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Asheville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hilo has a few snorkeling spots. Richardsons Ocean Park is the best snorkeling spot nearby but, in general, the water near town has poor visibility because of the frequent rain.

Asheville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Asheville or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a good destination for the beach. However, Asheville is not a beach destination.

Hilo offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Asheville is not a beach destination.

Is Asheville or Hilo Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is adequate for its historic old town charm. However, Hilo does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Asheville is worth visiting. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Hilo does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Hilo is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Many visitors go to Asheville for the hiking trails. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Hilo?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

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

Is Asheville or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Hilo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This side of the island is filled with beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforests, and tropical gardens.

Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Is Asheville or Hilo Better for Families?

Both Asheville and Hilo are superb family-friendly destinations.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

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.

Is Asheville or Hilo Better for Couples?

Asheville and Hilo both superb destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Hilo is a great mountain 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.

Is Asheville or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville and Hilo are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Is Asheville or Hilo Better for Students?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilo is not popular with students.

Asheville is a very popular mountain town for students and younger travelers. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Hilo.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

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 Asheville or Hilo a more walkable city?

Asheville and Hilo both are good when exploring on foot.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable mountain 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Hilo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville 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 Asheville.

One day in Asheville or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Asheville. 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.

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 Asheville or Hilo?

Asheville is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 mellow 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 Asheville or Hilo?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the open-minded destination of Asheville. This mountain town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and museums around the laid back 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 Asheville or Hilo?

The progressive mountain town of Asheville offers nightlife and live music. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Hilo?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Asheville 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 Asheville 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 Asheville or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Asheville during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Asheville is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Asheville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Asheville. In the summer, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Asheville gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Hilo. Many travelers come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Asheville is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Asheville gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Asheville usually receives less rain than Hilo. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Asheville or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Hilo. Many visitors come to Asheville in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Asheville is much colder than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 44°F (7°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Asheville gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Asheville receives a lot of rain in the winter. Asheville usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Asheville for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Asheville is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Asheville in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Asheville gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. It's quite rainy in Asheville. In April, Asheville usually receives less rain than Hilo. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Asheville