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

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

Galveston

Galveston is a coastal, historic, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Galveston travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a friendly, authentic, and laid back town. The beauty of Hilo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches. See Hilo travel costs.

Galveston and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galveston or Hilo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hilo. Although Galveston 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, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Galveston is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm. Galveston is popular for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. Hilo is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also home to Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Galveston different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Galveston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

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 Galveston or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Hilo has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 many up and coming restaurants in the Galveston area. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

Is Galveston or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Galveston is a great town for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Galveston has something for everybody. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

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 Galveston or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Galveston 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.

Galveston is not a resort destination.

Is Galveston or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Galveston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling 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.

Galveston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Galveston or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Galveston and Hilo are good choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Galveston to enjoy the beach. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

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.

Is Galveston or Hilo Better for its Old Town?

Galveston is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Hilo does not have a historic old town.

Galveston has an old town worth visiting. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Hilo does not have a historic old town.

Is Galveston or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an amazing town to visit for hiking. However, Galveston 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.

Galveston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Galveston or Hilo?

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

Galveston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

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

Is Galveston or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Galveston 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.

Galveston is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Galveston or Hilo Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Galveston or Hilo.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Galveston is very family-friendly. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

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.

Is Galveston or Hilo Better for Couples?

Both Galveston and Hilo are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Galveston is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

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.

Is Galveston or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Galveston is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Galveston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The beaches are great, but most backpackers don't think to visit Galveston.

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

Galveston and Hilo both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.

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 Galveston or Hilo a more walkable city?

Galveston and Hilo are good when it comes to walkability.

Galveston is a somewhat walkable place. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Galveston?

How long in Galveston or Hilo?

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

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Galveston. 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.

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

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

You'll find food and museums around the town of Hilo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Galveston or Hilo?

Galveston 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.

You'll find museums and food around the authentic destination of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Galveston or Hilo?

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

You'll find food and museums around the friendly town of Hilo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Galveston or Hilo?

The charming town of Galveston 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.

Hilo is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilo, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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 Galveston 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 Galveston Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Galveston or Hilo?

Galveston has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Galveston 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 Galveston or Hilo?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Galveston or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Galveston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Galveston for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Galveston is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Galveston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In July, Galveston usually receives less rain than Hilo. Galveston gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Galveston or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Galveston during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Galveston because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In October, Galveston is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Galveston average around 71°F (22°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Galveston usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Galveston gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galveston or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Galveston and Hilo. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Galveston this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Galveston is much colder than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Galveston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Galveston usually receives less rain than Hilo. Galveston gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Galveston or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Galveston as well as Hilo. Many travelers come to Galveston for the beaches and the small town charm. Additionally, many visitors come to Hilo in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Galveston is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Galveston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Galveston usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Galveston gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Galveston