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

Should you visit Durham 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 Durham and Hilo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Durham travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a authentic, laid back, and mellow town. With stunning beauty, Hilo attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking. See Hilo travel costs.

Durham and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Durham and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Durham attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park. Durham is famous for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Durham different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Durham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

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 Durham or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Dining out in Hilo is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Durham. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

Is Durham or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Durham has a few options to choose from. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

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 Durham or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

You might not think of Hilo as a resort destination, but it has a few places. You'll find more hotels than resorts in town.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Durham or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Durham or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is very good for the beach. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is Durham or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an amazing town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Hilo specifically for its hiking. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Hilo?

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

Durham has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

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

Is Durham or Hilo More Beautiful?

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

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or Hilo Better for Families?

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

Hilo is known to be 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.

Durham is a family-friendly city. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Durham or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is a well-known place for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

Is Durham or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Hilo is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Durham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The student population means there are a number of parties and bars around town, but most backpackers overlook this city.

Is Durham or Hilo Better for Students?

Durham is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilo is not popular with students.

Durham is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

Both Durham and Hilo offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

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 Durham or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable town. 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.

Durham is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Durham?

How long in Durham or Hilo?

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

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

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

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 Durham or Hilo?

Durham 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 Durham or Hilo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the student-filled destination of Durham. 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 Durham or Hilo?

The sports oriented city of Durham offers nightlife and food. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Durham or Hilo?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Durham as well as Hilo. Most visitors come to Durham for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Durham is around the same temperature as Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In the summer, Durham often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Durham receives a lot of rain in the summer. Durham usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Durham because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In the autumn, Durham is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durham in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. Durham usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Durham 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, Durham usually receives less rain than Hilo. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Durham or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Durham during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Durham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Durham in the winter. In January, Durham is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 40°F (5°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Durham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo. Durham gets 162 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. Durham usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Hilo. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Durham is cooler than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. Durham usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Durham gets 251 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, Durham usually receives less rain than Hilo. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Durham