A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Hilo for Hiking, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Hilo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Hilo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a picturesque, relaxed, and quaint coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Bar Harbor attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a authentic, laid back, and mellow town. Hilo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking. See Hilo travel costs.

Bar Harbor and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Hilo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hilo than Bar Harbor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hilo is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking, while Bar Harbor is more popular for its resorts, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is well known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Also, Hilo is famous for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Bar Harbor different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Hilo?

Hilo is a town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bar Harbor makes for a great culinary experience. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

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.

Is Bar Harbor or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Hilo is a moderate town for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Bar Harbor or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

Bar Harbor has a few great resort options. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

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

Is Bar Harbor or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bar Harbor 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.

Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Both Bar Harbor and Hilo are considered to be notable beach destinations.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Bar Harbor. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

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.

Is Bar Harbor or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Hilo visitors will find world-class hiking trails. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Bar Harbor offers some nice hiking trails. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Hilo?

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping 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 Bar Harbor or Hilo More Beautiful?

Bar Harbor and Hilo both are comparable with their excellent scenery and beauty.

Bar Harbor is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Surrounded by the water and beautiful landscaping, the town offers visitors plenty of 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.

Is Bar Harbor or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hilo is 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.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly coastal town. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Bar Harbor or Hilo Better for Couples?

Both Bar Harbor and Hilo are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bar Harbor is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

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.

Is Bar Harbor or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

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

Both Bar Harbor and Hilo offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

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 Bar Harbor or Hilo a more walkable city?

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

Bar Harbor is a very walkable destination. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

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 Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Hilo?

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

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Bar Harbor. 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 Bar Harbor. 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 Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor or Hilo?

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and food around the mellow town of Hilo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Hilo?

Bar Harbor 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.

With food and museums around the destination of Hilo, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Hilo?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hilo, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or Hilo?

Because Bar Harbor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Bar Harbor and Hilo, we can see that Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Hilo. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Hilo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bar Harbor is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 69°F (21°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bar Harbor is much colder than Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In October, Bar Harbor usually receives less rain than Hilo. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Bar Harbor during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hilo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bar Harbor is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bar Harbor in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Hilo. The spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In April, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 43°F (6°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Bar Harbor usually receives less rain than Hilo. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Bar Harbor