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

Should you visit Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a outdoorsy, historic, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Blue Ridge offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a laid back, mellow, and friendly town. Hilo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums. See Hilo travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Hilo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hilo than Blue Ridge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hilo is better known for its museums and attractions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Blue Ridge is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Hilo is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Also, Hilo is famous for Akaka Falls State Park. Blue Ridge is well known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Hilo?

Hilo is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its 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.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Blue Ridge and Hilo can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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 Blue Ridge or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Blue Ridge has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

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 Blue Ridge or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

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

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a good destination for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Hilo?

Blue Ridge is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Hilo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This side of the island is filled with beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforests, and tropical gardens.

Blue Ridge is a beautiful place to visit, too. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

Is Blue Ridge or Hilo Better for Families?

Both Blue Ridge and Hilo are superb family-friendly destinations.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Hilo is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Blue Ridge or Hilo Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge and Hilo both superb destinations for a couple.

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Couples visit Hilo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Blue Ridge or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge and Hilo are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Blue Ridge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Hilo is a great town to visit for backpackers. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

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

Hilo is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hilo. The Hele-On is a bus service that connects Hilo to Kona with north and south routes.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Hilo a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge and Hilo are notable when it comes to walkability.

Blue Ridge is somewhat walkable. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Hilo?

Both Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Blue Ridge. 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 Blue Ridge. 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Hilo?

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. 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.

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 Blue Ridge or Hilo?

Blue Ridge 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.

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 Blue Ridge or Hilo?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Blue Ridge or Hilo?

Because Blue Ridge is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Hilo. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Blue Ridge is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 81°F (27°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives less rain than Hilo. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Hilo. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Hilo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Blue Ridge is cooler than Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the autumn, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Blue Ridge usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Blue Ridge can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Blue Ridge is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).

Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Hilo during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 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. It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives less rain than Hilo. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Blue Ridge during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Blue Ridge is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 62°F (17°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the spring, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Blue Ridge gets 243 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Blue Ridge