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

Should you visit Berkeley or Hilo?

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

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

Berkeley

Berkeley is a diverse, quirky, and progressive city. Berkeley offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Berkeley travel costs.

Hilo

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

Berkeley and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berkeley or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Berkeley 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 Berkeley attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Berkeley is famous for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Berkeley different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Berkeley 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.

Berkeley offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.

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 Berkeley or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Berkeley and Hilo.

Dining out in Berkeley is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hilo. 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 Berkeley or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Berkeley has something for everybody. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

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 Berkeley or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is not a resort destination.

Is Berkeley or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Berkeley or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is not a beach destination.

Is Berkeley or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Berkeley or Hilo?

Berkeley is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Berkeley. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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

Is Berkeley or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is notable for its scenery and beauty. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and 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.

Berkeley is a gorgeous place to visit. It has a nice campus and a unique setting that mixes an urban environment with a bayside location.

Is Berkeley or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is a family-friendly city. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Berkeley or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is notable for couples. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Berkeley is a nice destination for couples. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

Is Berkeley or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Berkeley and Hilo are very good destinations for backpackers.

Berkeley is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

Hilo is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Is Berkeley or Hilo Better for Students?

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

Berkeley is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

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

Berkeley has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

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 Berkeley or Hilo a more walkable city?

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

Berkeley is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

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 Berkeley Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Berkeley?

How long in Berkeley or Hilo?

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

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

One day in Berkeley or Hilo?

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

The beautiful town of Hilo offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Berkeley or Hilo?

Berkeley 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.

Hilo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Berkeley or Hilo?

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

Hilo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Berkeley or Hilo?

The diverse city of Berkeley 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilo has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Berkeley 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 Berkeley Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Berkeley or Hilo?

Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Berkeley 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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Berkeley as well as Hilo. Many visitors come to Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is cooler than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Berkeley averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Berkeley usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Berkeley gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berkeley or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Berkeley are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Berkeley for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area 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, Berkeley is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Berkeley in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In October, Berkeley usually receives less rain than Hilo. Berkeley gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Berkeley or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Berkeley during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In January, Berkeley is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Berkeley average around 50°F (10°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Berkeley usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Berkeley gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berkeley or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkeley and Hilo. The natural beauty are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Berkeley is much colder than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Berkeley averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Berkeley usually receives less rain than Hilo. Berkeley gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Berkeley