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

Should you visit Denver or Hilo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Denver 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.

Denver

Denver is a accessible, sprawling, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Denver 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.

Denver and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Denver or Hilo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Denver. Although Denver and Hilo are both popular with visitors, Denver has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Denver is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Hilo is known for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hilo is more touristy than Denver and is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Denver is popular for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. It is also home to Red Rocks Park.

How is Denver different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Denver or Hilo Better for Skiing?

Denver is a popular place for skiing. However, Hilo is not a skiing destination.

Head to Denver for some great skiing and other winter activities. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.

Hilo is not a skiing destination.

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

Hilo is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Denver is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.

Is the Food Better in Denver or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver 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.

Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Is Denver or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Denver has a few options to choose from. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.

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 Denver or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Denver 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.

Denver is not a resort destination.

Is Denver or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Denver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Denver or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Denver is not a beach destination.

Hilo has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Denver is not a beach destination.

Is Denver or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Denver. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.

Is the Shopping Better in Denver or Hilo?

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

Denver has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.

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

Is Denver or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Denver 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.

Denver is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Denver or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Denver 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.

Denver is a family-friendly city. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.

Is Denver or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Denver is a good city for couples to visit. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.

Is Denver or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Denver 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.

Denver is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Some backpackers fly into Denver to begin their national park tour. There is a hostel or two around town, and if you leave town quickly you'll find campgrounds not far away.

Is Denver or Hilo Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Denver. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

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

While Denver offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

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 Denver or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Denver 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.

Denver is not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Denver?

How long in Denver or Hilo?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Denver. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Denver or Hilo?

Denver 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 great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Denver or Hilo?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the suburban destination of Denver. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilo. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Denver or Hilo?

The accessible city of Denver offers shopping and skiing. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Hilo. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Denver or Hilo?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Denver 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.