A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Hilo for Beaches, Hiking, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a relaxed, luxurious, and posh coastal city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Boca Raton travel costs.

Hilo

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

Boca Raton and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boca Raton. Although Boca Raton and Hilo are popular destinations, Boca Raton has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boca Raton is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Hilo attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Hilo is more touristy than Boca Raton and is known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Boca Raton is famous for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also well known for Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Hilo?

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

Boca Raton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

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 Boca Raton or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Boca Raton and Hilo both to be superb destinations.

Boca Raton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

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 Boca Raton or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Boca Raton has something for everybody. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

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 Boca Raton or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton is a great coastal city for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

Boca Raton is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

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

Is Boca Raton or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hilo is not known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Boca Raton has a few good snorkeling spots. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

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.

Is Boca Raton or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is very popular for the beach. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Boca Raton. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Many people head to Hilo to enjoy the beach. 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 Boca Raton or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is a world-class destination for hiking. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Boca Raton is a good destination for hiking. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Hilo?

Boca Raton is a great coastal city for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

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

Is Boca Raton or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Boca Raton or Hilo Better for Families?

Both Boca Raton and Hilo are superb family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

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.

Is Boca Raton or Hilo Better for Couples?

Boca Raton and Hilo both superb destinations for a couple.

Boca Raton is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

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.

Is Boca Raton or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boca Raton is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Boca Raton is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's known for its upscale luxury, and you won't find much in the form of hostels or backpacker-friendly accommodation.

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

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

While Boca Raton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

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 Boca Raton or Hilo a more walkable city?

Boca Raton and Hilo are nice when it comes to walkability.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable coastal city. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

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 Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Hilo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton.

One day in Boca Raton or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Boca Raton. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Boca Raton or Hilo?

Boca Raton is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Boca Raton or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the posh destination of Boca Raton. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Boca Raton or Hilo?

The relaxed coastal city of Boca Raton offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Hilo?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Boca Raton is a little warmer than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In July, Boca Raton usually receives less rain than Hilo. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Boca Raton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Boca Raton in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 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 Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Hilo. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Boca Raton is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 65°F (19°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Boca Raton usually receives less rain than Hilo. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Hilo. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Boca Raton usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Boca Raton