Which place is cheaper, Hilo or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Hilo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quaint, charming, and picturesque town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.
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.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Carmel-by-the-Sea and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking, while Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors for its beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hilo and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Carmel-by-the-Sea or Hilo.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.
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.
There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Hilo.
Dining out in Carmel-by-the-Sea is an experience not to be missed. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.
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.
Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Hilo are reasonable when it comes to partying.
Most people don't head to Carmel-by-the-Sea specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.
Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Hilo. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.
Hilo is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.
Hilo is a moderate town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great town for the beach. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is considered a top beach destination. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.
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.
Hilo is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.
Around Hilo visitors will find world-class hiking trails. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.
Hilo is a good destination for shopping. You can pick up anything you need in town, just head to Hilo Shopping Center.
You'll find a similar quality of excellent scenery and beauty in both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Hilo.
With stunning beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all around. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.
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.
Hilo is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town 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.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.
Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Hilo are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.
Hilo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.
Hilo is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.
Hilo is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels or accommodation options that appeal to backpackers.
Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Hilo offer reasonable public transit options.
Public transit is generally limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.
Public transit is mostly limited in Hilo. The Hele-On is a bus service that connects Hilo to Kona with north and south routes.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great town for its ease of walking around. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable destination. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.
Both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Carmel-by-the-Sea, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.
Families should spend more time in Hilo than Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hilo than Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.
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. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 museums and food around the authentic town of Hilo, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
With food and museums around the authentic destination of Hilo, there's plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.
Because Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Hilo is $222. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Hilo in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Hilo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Hilo and Carmel-by-the-Sea change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Carmel-by-the-Sea are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Carmel-by-the-Sea:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.
Hilo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Carmel-by-the-Sea as well as Hilo. Many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Hilo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is cooler than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Carmel-by-the-Sea averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Hilo and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Carmel-by-the-Sea is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea in October average around 62°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, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Hilo. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Hilo and Carmel-by-the-Sea during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hilo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Carmel-by-the-Sea is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea average around 51°F (11°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Hilo. The spring months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is much colder than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Carmel-by-the-Sea averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Hilo. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
Carmel-by-the-Sea | Hilo | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
Feb | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
Apr | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
May | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
Jun | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
Jul | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
Aug | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
Nov | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
Dec | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 mm) |