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

Should you visit Boston 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 Boston 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.

Boston

Boston is a classic, proud, and loyal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Boston 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 theater, nightlife, and live music. See Boston 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.

Boston and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boston or Hilo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boston than Hilo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boston is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Hilo is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Boston is well known for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. Also, Boston is famous for The Freedom Trail. Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Boston different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Boston is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Boston has many famous sights for visitors. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

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 Boston or Hilo Better for Theater?

Boston is a great city for its shows and theatre. However, Hilo is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Hilo is not a theatre destination.

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

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Boston makes for a great culinary experience. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

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 Boston or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Boston has something for everybody. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

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 Boston or Hilo Better for Music?

Boston is a popular place for its music scene. However, Hilo is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Hilo is not a live music destination.

Is Boston or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Boston is not a resort destination.

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

Boston is not a resort destination.

Is Boston or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Boston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boston or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a good destination for its beaches. However, Boston is a mediocre city for the beach.

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.

You can check out the beach in Boston. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Is Boston or Hilo Better for its Old Town?

Boston is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Hilo does not have a historic old town.

Boston has a world-famous historical area. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Hilo does not have a historic old town.

Is Boston or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Boston is not a hiking destination.

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.

Boston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boston or Hilo?

Boston is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Boston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

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

Is Boston or Hilo More Beautiful?

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

Boston is a beautiful place to visit, too. The history, architecture, and world renowned university campuses all give this city its unique beauty.

Is Boston or Hilo Better for Families?

Boston is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Boston is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

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 Boston or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is notable for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Boston or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Boston or Hilo Better for Students?

Boston is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilo is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Boston. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

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

Boston has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

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 Boston or Hilo a more walkable city?

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

Boston is a very easy city to get around on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best 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 Boston Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Boston?

How long in Boston or Hilo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Boston or Hilo?

Boston is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Boston or Hilo?

Boston is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Hilo is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Boston or Hilo?

Boston is a classic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilo. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Boston or Hilo?

The historic city of Boston offers food and shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the mellow destination of Hilo. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Boston and Hilo, we can see that Boston 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston 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 Boston Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Boston or Hilo?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Boston as well as Hilo. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Boston is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 73°F (23°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. In the summer, Boston often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Boston gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Boston usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Boston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boston or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Boston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Boston is much colder than Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Boston averages around 54°F (12°C) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

Boston usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Boston gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In October, Boston usually receives less rain than Hilo. Boston gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Boston or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Boston during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Boston in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Boston can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Boston is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Boston in January average around 29°F (-2°C), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Boston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo. Boston gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Boston usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Boston gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boston or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Boston and Hilo. Most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Boston is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 48°F (9°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boston usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Boston gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Boston usually receives less rain than Hilo. Boston gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Boston