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

Should you visit Duck or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Duck 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.

Duck

Duck is a traditional, compact, and charming beach town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Duck attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Duck travel costs.

Hilo

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

Duck and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Duck or Hilo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hilo than Duck, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hilo is better known for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking, while Duck is more popular for its resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Duck is well known for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Also, Hilo is famous for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Duck different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hilo is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.

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

Hilo is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Duck has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Is Duck or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Both Duck and Hilo are respectable when it comes to partying.

Most people don't head to Duck specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Hilo. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.

Is Duck or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

Duck has a few great resort options. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

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

Is Duck or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Duck 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.

Duck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Duck or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Duck is very popular for the beach. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Duck. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

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 Duck or Hilo Better for Hiking?

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

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 people include a hike when visiting Duck. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Hilo?

Duck is a great beach town for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

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

Is Duck or Hilo More Beautiful?

Duck and Hilo both are comparable with their high quality scenery and beauty.

Duck is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Beautiful sandy beaches and family-friendly parks offer a beautiful and relaxed beach vacation.

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 Duck or Hilo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Duck or Hilo.

Duck is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

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 Duck or Hilo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Duck and Hilo make for a high quality place to visit.

Duck is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

Hilo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Duck or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Duck is not a good beach town 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.

Duck is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's an upscale town with many beach houses available for rent, and very little in the form of budget accommodation.

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

Both Duck and Hilo offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

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 Duck or Hilo a more walkable city?

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

Duck is a very easy beach town to get around on foot. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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 Duck Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Duck?

How long in Duck or Hilo?

Both Duck and Hilo have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Hilo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hilo than Duck. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Duck, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

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

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 museums and food when visiting the destination of Hilo. 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.

A weekend in Duck or Hilo?

Duck is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Hilo is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Duck or Hilo?

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 museums and food when visiting the friendly destination of Hilo. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Duck or Hilo?

Even though Duck is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 comparing the travel costs between Duck 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 Duck Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Duck or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck 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 Duck 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 Duck or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Duck as well as Hilo. The summer months attract visitors to Duck because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and 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 July, Duck is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 78°F (26°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck this time of the year. In the summer, Duck often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Duck gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Duck receives a lot of rain in the summer. Duck usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Duck gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Duck or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Duck this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Duck is cooler than Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Duck gets 211 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, Duck usually receives less rain than Hilo. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Duck or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Duck during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Duck for 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 Duck. In the winter, Duck is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Duck in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Duck often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo. Duck gets 168 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Duck or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck and Hilo. Many visitors come to Duck in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Duck is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 59°F (15°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Duck gets 253 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, Duck usually receives less rain than Hilo. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Duck