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

Should you visit Chapel Hill or Hilo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Hilo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a student-oriented, collegiate, and southern town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Chapel Hill travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a mellow, friendly, and authentic town. With stunning beauty, Hilo attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and food. See Hilo travel costs.

Chapel Hill and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chapel Hill or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Chapel Hill and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Chapel Hill attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park. Chapel Hill is famous for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is Chapel Hill different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chapel Hill or Hilo?

Chapel Hill is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Chapel Hill offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

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 Chapel Hill or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Hilo is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chapel Hill. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

Is Chapel Hill or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Chapel Hill is a great town for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Chapel Hill has something for everybody. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

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 Chapel Hill or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Chapel Hill 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.

Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

Is Chapel Hill or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a town with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chapel Hill is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hilo has a few snorkeling spots. Richardsons Ocean Park is the best snorkeling spot nearby but, in general, the water near town has poor visibility because of the frequent rain.

Chapel Hill is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chapel Hill or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a popular place for the beach. However, Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Hilo is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Is Chapel Hill or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

People visit Hilo specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chapel Hill or Hilo?

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

Chapel Hill has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

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

Is Chapel Hill or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Chapel Hill 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.

Chapel Hill is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Chapel Hill or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Chapel Hill offers lots of family activities. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

Is Chapel Hill or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is well known for couples. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Chapel Hill is a nice destination for couples. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

Is Chapel Hill or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is well known for backpackers. However, Chapel Hill is not particularly known 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.

Chapel Hill is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a young population thanks to the university, but there's little else to attract backpackers.

Is Chapel Hill or Hilo Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Chapel Hill. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

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

While Chapel Hill offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

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 Chapel Hill or Hilo a more walkable city?

Chapel Hill and Hilo both are nice when exploring on foot.

Chapel Hill is a somewhat walkable town. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

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 Chapel Hill Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Chapel Hill?

How long in Chapel Hill or Hilo?

Both Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chapel Hill, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Chapel Hill. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the authentic town of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chapel Hill or Hilo?

Chapel Hill is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the friendly destination of Hilo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Chapel Hill or Hilo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the collegiate destination of Chapel Hill. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the friendly town of Hilo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Chapel Hill or Hilo?

The collegiate town of Chapel Hill offers nightlife and food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hilo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Chapel Hill and Hilo, we can see that Hilo 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 Chapel Hill Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chapel Hill or Hilo?

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

Both Hilo and Chapel Hill during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Chapel Hill because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

Chapel Hill is around the same temperature as Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Chapel Hill averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Chapel Hill. In the summer, Chapel Hill often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Chapel Hill gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 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 Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Chapel Hill gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chapel Hill and Hilo. The shopping scene are the main draw to Chapel Hill this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Chapel Hill is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chapel Hill in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Chapel Hill, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chapel Hill usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Chapel Hill gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Chapel Hill usually receives less rain than Hilo. Chapel Hill gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chapel Hill as well as Hilo. Many travelers come to Chapel Hill for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Hilo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chapel Hill. In January, Chapel Hill is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Chapel Hill average around 40°F (5°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Chapel Hill often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo. Chapel Hill gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Chapel Hill usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Chapel Hill gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Chapel Hill are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Chapel Hill is cooler than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Chapel Hill averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Chapel Hill gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In April, Chapel Hill usually receives less rain than Hilo. Chapel Hill gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Chapel Hill