A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charleston vs. Hilo for Food, Couples, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Charleston or Hilo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Hilo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Charleston

Charleston is a picturesque, charming, and southern coastal town. With stunning beauty, Charleston attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Charleston travel costs.

Hilo

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.

Charleston and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Charleston. Although Charleston and Hilo are popular destinations, Charleston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Charleston is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Hilo attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and hiking. Charleston is famous for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. It is also well known for The Waterfront Park. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Charleston different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Charleston or Hilo.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charleston. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

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 Charleston or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charleston is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Charleston is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

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 Charleston or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Charleston is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Charleston has a few options to choose from. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.

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 Charleston or Hilo Better for Music?

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

The music scene in Charleston is active and vibrant. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Hilo is not a live music destination.

Is Charleston or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

Charleston has a few great resort options. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.

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

Is Charleston or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Charleston 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.

Charleston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Charleston or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Charleston is a great coastal town for the beach. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Charleston is considered a top beach destination. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.

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 Charleston or Hilo Better for its Old Town?

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

Charleston has a world-famous historical area. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.

Hilo does not have a historic old town.

Is Charleston or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an amazing town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Hilo draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Hilo?

Charleston is very popular for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many people travel to Charleston specifically to go shopping. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.

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

Is Charleston or Hilo More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of very good scenery and beauty in both Charleston and Hilo.

With stunning beauty, Charleston attracts visitors from all around. The charming history, beautiful architecture, and historic churches all make this city one of the most beautiful in the southern United States.

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 Charleston or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit 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.

Charleston is a family-friendly coastal town. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Is Charleston or Hilo Better for Couples?

Charleston is very popular for couples. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Charleston makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

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 Charleston or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is notable for backpackers. However, Charleston is a mediocre coastal 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.

Charleston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Hotels in the old town tend to be pricey and there isn't the backpacker community that you find in many other destinations. Still, there are a couple of hostels.

Is Charleston or Hilo Better for Students?

Charleston is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilo is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Charleston. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

Both Charleston and Hilo offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hilo. The Hele-On is a bus service that connects Hilo to Kona with north and south routes.

Is Charleston or Hilo a more walkable city?

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

Charleston is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have 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 Charleston Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Hilo?

Both Charleston and Hilo have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Charleston has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Charleston than Hilo. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Charleston, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

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

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

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

One day in Charleston or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Charleston. 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.

With museums and food around the laid back 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 Charleston or Hilo?

Charleston 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 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 Charleston or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Charleston. This coastal town 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.

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 Charleston or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the southern coastal town of Charleston. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Charleston 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 Charleston Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Hilo?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Charleston 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 Charleston 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 Charleston or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Hilo. Many visitors come to Charleston in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston this time of the year. In the summer, Charleston often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Charleston gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Charleston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charleston usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Charleston for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hilo because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Charleston is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charleston in October average around 67°F (19°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

Charleston usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Charleston gets 197 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, Charleston usually receives less rain than Hilo. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Charleston or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Charleston during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Charleston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In January, Charleston is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 47°F (9°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Charleston often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Charleston gets 188 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. Charleston usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Hilo. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Charleston this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Charleston is cooler than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Charleston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charleston usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Charleston gets 275 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, Charleston usually receives less rain than Hilo. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Charleston