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

Should you visit Colorado Springs or Hilo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Colorado Springs and Hilo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a healthy, welcoming, and friendly mountain town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Colorado Springs attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Colorado Springs travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a mellow, friendly, and authentic town. Hilo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, museums, and food. See Hilo travel costs.

Colorado Springs and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Colorado Springs or Hilo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hilo than Colorado Springs, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hilo is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Colorado Springs is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, and small town charm. Hilo is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Also, Hilo is famous for Akaka Falls State Park. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Colorado Springs different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Colorado Springs or Hilo Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is adequate for skiing. However, Hilo is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Colorado Springs for snow skiing. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Hilo is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Colorado Springs or Hilo?

Both Colorado Springs and Hilo have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Colorado Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

Hilo offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Colorado Springs or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Colorado Springs has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Is Colorado Springs or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Colorado Springs has a few options to choose from. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

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 Colorado Springs or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Colorado Springs is not a resort destination.

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

Colorado Springs is not a resort destination.

Is Colorado Springs or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a town with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Colorado Springs 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.

Colorado Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Colorado Springs or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is very good for its beaches. However, Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

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.

Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Colorado Springs or Hilo Better for Hiking?

You'll find world-class hiking in both Colorado Springs and Hilo.

Many people visit Colorado Springs specifically for its hiking. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Colorado Springs or Hilo?

Hilo is a town with a few options for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Colorado Springs or Hilo More Beautiful?

Colorado Springs and Hilo both are comparable with their great scenery and beauty.

Colorado Springs is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town is surrounded by tons of natural beauty. In the area you'll find the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and the Broadmoor Seven Falls.

The beauty of Hilo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This side of the island is filled with beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforests, and tropical gardens.

Is Colorado Springs or Hilo Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Colorado Springs or Hilo.

Colorado Springs is a very family-friendly place to visit. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hilo is very family-friendly. 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 Colorado Springs or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is a great destination for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Colorado Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Is Colorado Springs or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

It's common for backpackers to visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Is Colorado Springs or Hilo Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Colorado Springs. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

Hilo is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Is Colorado Springs or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is very good for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable mountain town. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Colorado Springs?

How long in Colorado Springs or Hilo?

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

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Colorado Springs. 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 Colorado Springs. 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 Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Colorado Springs. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the laid back destination of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Colorado Springs or Hilo?

Colorado Springs is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. 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.

You'll find food and museums around the authentic town of Hilo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Colorado Springs or Hilo?

You'll find food and museums around the welcoming destination of Colorado Springs. This mountain town 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.

Hilo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Colorado Springs or Hilo?

The healthy mountain town of Colorado Springs offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Hilo is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

Which is Bigger, Colorado Springs or Hilo?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Colorado Springs during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Colorado Springs is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Colorado Springs average around 71°F (22°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Colorado Springs usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Colorado Springs gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Colorado Springs or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Colorado Springs and Hilo. The autumn months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

Colorado Springs is much colder than Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Colorado Springs averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Colorado Springs usually receives less rain than Hilo. Colorado Springs gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Colorado Springs or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Colorado Springs as well as Hilo. The skiing, the museums, and the cuisine are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Colorado Springs in the winter. In the winter, Colorado Springs is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Colorado Springs in January average around 26°F (-3°C), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Colorado Springs usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Colorado Springs gets 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Colorado Springs or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Colorado Springs are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Colorado Springs is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Colorado Springs average around 45°F (7°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In April, Colorado Springs usually receives less rain than Hilo. Colorado Springs gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Colorado Springs