A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cocoa Beach vs. Hilo for Families, Attractions, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach 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.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a adventurous, fun-filled, and relaxing beach town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a laid back, mellow, and friendly town. With stunning beauty, Hilo attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and museums. See Hilo travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Cocoa Beach and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cocoa Beach attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Cocoa Beach is famous for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cocoa Beach or Hilo?

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

Cocoa Beach offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center is a big appeal for space enthusiasts. It's easy to take advantage of the great beaches and then spend a day exploring the space center. Also in town is the Florida Surf 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 Cocoa Beach or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Cocoa Beach and Hilo offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

Cocoa Beach has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this beach town. Head to Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier for some great restaurants. In addition to seafood options, you'll find steakhouses, bistros, and pizza shops.

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 Cocoa Beach or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Cocoa Beach has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

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 Cocoa Beach or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

Cocoa Beach has a few great resort options. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

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

Is Cocoa Beach or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cocoa Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to 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.

Cocoa Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Hilo Better for Beaches?

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

Cocoa Beach is considered a top beach destination. There are long stretches of sand that are great for swimming, surfing, water sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The most popular area is around Cocoa Beach Pier. For family-friendly, head to James H. Nance Park which also has a playground. If you have a dog, Canova Beach Park is your best option.

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 Cocoa Beach or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

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.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Hilo?

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

Cocoa Beach has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

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

Is Cocoa Beach or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Cocoa Beach 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.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or Hilo Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Cocoa Beach is a very family-friendly destination. It's right by the Kennedy Space Center, which is a great excursion for kids and adults alike. There's also the Brevard Zoo, amazing beaches, and great parks where the kids can run around.

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 Cocoa Beach or Hilo Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach and Hilo both superb destinations for a couple.

Cocoa Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

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.

Is Cocoa Beach or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cocoa Beach is lacking in good options 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.

Cocoa Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there aren't any hostels in the area, there are some affordable hotels away from the beach.

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

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

While Cocoa Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley to access many sights in the area. It's a service provided by the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT).

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 Cocoa Beach or Hilo a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach and Hilo are nice when it comes to walkability.

Cocoa Beach is a somewhat walkable beach town. For the most walkable areas stay near the town center. In general, you'll want to have a car to access most of what the area has to offer though.

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 Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Hilo?

Both Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hilo than Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Cocoa Beach. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the mellow 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 Cocoa Beach or Hilo?

Cocoa Beach 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the mellow 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 Cocoa Beach or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the adventurous destination of Cocoa Beach. This beach town 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.

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 Cocoa Beach or Hilo?

The relaxing beach town of Cocoa Beach offers nightlife and food. 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.

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 Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cocoa Beach and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Cocoa Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cocoa Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cocoa Beach Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Hilo. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Hilo. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Hilo. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene. Additionally, 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, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Cocoa Beach is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Hilo. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Cocoa Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Cocoa Beach