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

Should you visit Gainesville or Hilo?

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

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

Gainesville

Gainesville is a high energy, active, and vibrant city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Gainesville 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.

Gainesville and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gainesville or Hilo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hilo than Gainesville, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hilo is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Gainesville is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Gainesville and is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Also, Hilo is famous for Akaka Falls State Park. Gainesville is well known for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Gainesville different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Gainesville 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.

Gainesville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a surprising number of museums around town such as the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, and the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. Also fascinating is the Historic Haile Homestead, the Butterfly Rainforest, and the city's planetarium.

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 Gainesville or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Gainesville has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Casual eateries are popular around town, particularly with the student population. There are grills, diners, and bistros that serve local dishes at affordable prices.

Is Gainesville or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Gainesville is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Gainesville has something for everybody. The nightlife centers around the student population. The two main party areas are Midtown and Downtown. Midtown is between Northwest 17th Street and Northwest 18th Street and it's convenient for students who live on campus. The area has a great stretch of bars and clubs. The Downtown area has many of the city's top clubs, and it's popular with upperclassmen and students who live off campus.

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 Gainesville or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

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

Gainesville is not a resort destination.

Is Gainesville or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Gainesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Gainesville or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Gainesville 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.

Gainesville is not a beach destination.

Is Gainesville or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Gainesville is not a hiking destination.

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.

Gainesville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Hilo?

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

Gainesville has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town such as malls, shopping centers, and retail outlets. Two popular areas are the Neighborhoods at Butler and Celebration Pointe.

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

Is Gainesville or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Gainesville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Hilo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This side of the island is filled with beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforests, and tropical gardens.

Gainesville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gainesville or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hilo is 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.

Gainesville is a family-friendly city. You'll find outdoor activities, nature parks, and a couple of museums that will appeal to all ages. Highlights for families include A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, the Adventure Outpost, and Alfred A. Ring Park.

Is Gainesville or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is notable for romance. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Gainesville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wine tasting and fine dining or enjoying the city's many outdoor activities. Go on a picnic or explore one of the museums in Downtown Gainesville.

Is Gainesville or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is notable for backpackers. However, Gainesville is a mediocre city 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.

Gainesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many travelers, but there are some cheap motels where budget travelers can stay.

Is Gainesville or Hilo Better for Students?

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

Gainesville is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. As the location of the University of Florida, you'll find many students around town. This keeps the energy high with plenty of evening activities and affordable entertainment options.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

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

While Gainesville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system that's free to students and employees of the university.

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 Gainesville or Hilo a more walkable city?

Gainesville and Hilo both are notable when exploring on foot.

Gainesville is somewhat walkable. Biking is actually a popular way to get around town and some areas are pedestrian-friendly.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Hilo?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the mellow town of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Gainesville or Hilo?

Gainesville 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the friendly destination of Hilo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Gainesville or Hilo?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the friendly town of Hilo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Gainesville or Hilo?

The vibrant city of Gainesville 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hilo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gainesville and Hilo, we can see that Gainesville is more expensive. And not only is Hilo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hilo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hilo 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 Gainesville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gainesville than you might in Hilo.

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

Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Hilo?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Hilo. Many visitors come to Gainesville in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Gainesville is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 81°F (27°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Gainesville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gainesville usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gainesville or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Gainesville for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hilo because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Gainesville is cooler than Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In October, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Hilo. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.

Should I visit Gainesville or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Gainesville during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Gainesville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In the winter, Gainesville is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gainesville in January average around 54°F (12°C), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gainesville usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gainesville or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Hilo. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Gainesville is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 69°F (20°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Hilo. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Gainesville.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Gainesville