A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Cod vs. Hilo for Hiking, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a wealthy, maritime, and beautiful beach destination. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Cape Cod attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Cod or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Cape Cod and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking, while Cape Cod attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Cape Cod is famous for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Cape Cod different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Cod or Hilo?

Hilo is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hilo. Top museums in and around town include the Lyman Museum, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, Imiloa Astronomy Center, and Mokupapapa Discovery Center.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Cape Cod has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Cape Cod or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Hilo is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

Hilo doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Cape Cod or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Cape Cod is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

Cape Cod has a few great resort options. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

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

Is Cape Cod or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Cod is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can 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.

Cape Cod is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Cod or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod is a great beach destination for the beach. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Cape Cod is considered a top beach destination. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

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 Cape Cod or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination 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.

Cape Cod is a good destination for hiking. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Cod or Hilo?

Cape Cod is a great beach destination for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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

Is Cape Cod or Hilo More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both Cape Cod and Hilo.

With stunning beauty, Cape Cod attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and picturesque scenery make this area truly unique.

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.

Is Cape Cod or Hilo Better for Families?

Both Cape Cod and Hilo are superb family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cape Cod. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

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 Cape Cod or Hilo Better for Couples?

Cape Cod and Hilo both superb destinations for a couple.

Cape Cod is a great beach destination if you're traveling as a couple. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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 Cape Cod or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This area is more focused on luxury and family vacationers than it is on backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Cape Cod and Hilo both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

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 Cape Cod or Hilo a more walkable city?

Cape Cod and Hilo are nice when it comes to walkability.

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable beach destination. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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 Cape Cod Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Cape Cod?

How long in Cape Cod or Hilo?

Both Cape Cod and Hilo have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Hilo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hilo than Cape Cod. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Cape Cod, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

Couples should spend more time in Hilo than Cape Cod. 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 Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod or Hilo?

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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.

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 Cape Cod or Hilo?

Cape Cod is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 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 Cape Cod or Hilo?

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This beach destination 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 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 Cape Cod or Hilo?

Even though Cape Cod is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 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 comparing the travel costs between Cape Cod and Hilo, we can see that Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod or Hilo in the Summer?

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

Cape Cod is cooler than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. Cape Cod usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Cape Cod gets 304 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. In July, Cape Cod usually receives less rain than Hilo. Cape Cod gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cape Cod or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Cape Cod during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cape Cod for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. 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, Cape Cod is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Cod in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In the autumn, Cape Cod often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Cape Cod gets 194 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 Cape Cod. Cape Cod usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Cape Cod gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Cod or Hilo in the Winter?

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

Cape Cod can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cape Cod is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Cape Cod average around 31°F (-0°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Cape Cod usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo during winter. Cape Cod gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cape Cod usually receives less rain than Hilo. Cape Cod gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cape Cod or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Cod as well as Hilo. Most visitors come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cape Cod is much colder than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 45°F (7°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Cod this time of the year. In the spring, Cape Cod often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Cape Cod gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the spring. Cape Cod usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Cape Cod gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Cape Cod