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

Should you visit Columbia or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Columbia 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.

Columbia

Columbia is a welcoming, suburban, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbia travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a authentic, laid back, and mellow town. The beauty of Hilo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking. See Hilo travel costs.

Columbia and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Hilo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hilo. Although Columbia and Hilo are both popular with visitors, Hilo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hilo is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Columbia is known for its nightlife and shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also home to Akaka Falls State Park. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Columbia and Hilo.

Columbia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hilo. 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 Columbia or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hilo. 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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Columbia or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Columbia has a few options to choose from. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

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 Columbia or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Columbia is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Hilo offers a few options. You'll find more hotels than resorts in town.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Columbia or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for its diving and snorkeling. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Columbia or Hilo Better for Beaches?

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

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is Columbia or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Hilo?

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

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

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

Is Columbia or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbia or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hilo is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Columbia is a family-friendly city. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Columbia or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is a well-known place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Columbia or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hilo is a great town to visit for backpackers. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Columbia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not an expensive place to visit, there is little in the area to attract backpackers.

Is Columbia or Hilo Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

Both Columbia and Hilo offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

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 Columbia or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Hilo?

Both Columbia 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 Columbia. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbia, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Columbia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful town of Hilo offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Columbia or Hilo?

Columbia 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.

Hilo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbia or Hilo?

You'll find shopping and museums around the suburban destination of Columbia. This city offers something for everyone. 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. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbia or Hilo?

The suburban city of Columbia offers museums and nightlife. 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. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilo has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Hilo?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Hilo. The summer months attract visitors to Columbia because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In the summer, Columbia is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbia in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

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

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Columbia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbia usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Columbia 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 October, Columbia is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Columbia gets 230 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, Columbia usually receives less rain than Hilo. Columbia 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 Columbia or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Columbia during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Columbia 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.

Columbia is much colder than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Columbia gets 171 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. Columbia usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Hilo. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Columbia is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbia in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Columbia gets 273 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, Columbia usually receives less rain than Hilo. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Columbia