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

Should you visit Chattanooga or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a bustling, outdoorsy, and thriving city. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chattanooga or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga attracts visitors for its nightlife and shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Chattanooga and is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park. Chattanooga is famous for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Chattanooga different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Chattanooga. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

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 Chattanooga or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is Chattanooga or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Chattanooga has a few options to choose from. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

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 Chattanooga or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

Is Chattanooga or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a town with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chattanooga or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a popular place for the beach. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Chattanooga or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many visitors go to Chattanooga for the hiking trails. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Chattanooga or Hilo?

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

Chattanooga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

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

Is Chattanooga or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Chattanooga or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga offers lots of family activities. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is Chattanooga or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is a great destination for couples. Also, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

Is Chattanooga or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a great destination for backpackers. However, Chattanooga is a city with minimal options 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.

Chattanooga is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's proximity to the mountains and diverse outdoor activities make this an under-rated destination for many backpackers.

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

Chattanooga is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilo is not known for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Chattanooga. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

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 Chattanooga or Hilo a more walkable city?

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

Chattanooga is a very walkable destination. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore 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 Chattanooga Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Chattanooga?

How long in Chattanooga or Hilo?

Both Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Chattanooga, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Chattanooga. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Chattanooga or Hilo?

Chattanooga is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 laid back 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 Chattanooga or Hilo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the bustling destination of Chattanooga. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the laid back 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 Chattanooga or Hilo?

The outdoorsy city of Chattanooga offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Hilo?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga or Hilo in the Summer?

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

Chattanooga is a little warmer than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. In the summer, Chattanooga often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Chattanooga gets 265 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 Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Hilo in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Chattanooga is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chattanooga in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chattanooga usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Chattanooga 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, Chattanooga usually receives less rain than Hilo. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Hilo. Many travelers come to Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Chattanooga. In January, Chattanooga is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 40°F (5°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Chattanooga often gets less sunshine than Hilo. Chattanooga gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chattanooga usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is cooler than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Chattanooga gets 243 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. It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In April, Chattanooga usually receives less rain than Hilo. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Chattanooga