A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Grand Canyon National Park vs. Hilo for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Grand Canyon National Park and Hilo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a world-renowned, gorgeous, and striking national park. Many visitors also come to Grand Canyon National Park because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Grand Canyon National Park travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a laid back, mellow, and friendly town. Hilo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums. See Hilo travel costs.

Grand Canyon National Park and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hilo than Grand Canyon National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hilo is better known for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Grand Canyon National Park is more popular for its resorts and impressive beauty. Grand Canyon National Park is more touristy than Hilo and is known for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history. Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Also, Hilo is famous for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Grand Canyon National Park different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo?

Hilo is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Grand Canyon National Park. There are several markets, restaurants, and cafes in the park but, in general, the options are expensive and not the best. If possible, bring your own food and plan for a picnic with a view.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

The respectable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Grand Canyon National Park and Hilo.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Grand Canyon National Park. There's a couple of bars that aren't too far from the park but you'll do better to bring your own drinks and enjoy the scenic setting.

Hilo is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Grand Canyon National Park is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

Grand Canyon National Park has a few great resort options. There are several options within and near the park that range from luxury to affordable. Reservations should be made well in advance for most hotels within the park. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim) and Phantom Ranch are all unique places to stay.

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

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a good destination for its beaches. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a beach destination.

Hilo offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is renowned for its hiking trails. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Hilo is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Grand Canyon National Park. Hiking options at the Grand Canyon include an easy walk along the rim or a hike into the canyon. If you're planning to enjoy a view from the rim and then stroll along the rim walk, a day or two is plenty. Hiking into the canyon is a thrilling experience, but it does require more preparation and planning. You should also check out the weather before you depart as temperatures within the canyon can become dangerously hot.

Is the Shopping Better in Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for shopping. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo More Beautiful?

Grand Canyon National Park is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Grand Canyon National Park because of it's amazing beauty. The canyon is a breathtaking national landmark that has striking colors and spectacular views.

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.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Hilo is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Grand Canyon National Park. This park is a spectacular landmark with a number of nature programs that kids can enjoy. There's also a simple rim walk along the edge of the canyon that is perfect for little legs.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo Better for Couples?

Grand Canyon National Park is very popular for couples. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Grand Canyon National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy beauty, nature, and adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are amazing hikes and breathtaking views that make this a truly romantic destination. There are also several hotels and lodges that make for a truly romantic getaway (book well in advance!).

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 Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grand Canyon National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Grand Canyon National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers and budget travelers can take in one of America's most notable landmarks while camping at the large and affordable national park campground.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Grand Canyon National Park and Hilo.

Public transit is mostly limited in Grand Canyon National Park. There are free shuttle buses that run along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

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 Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo a more walkable city?

Grand Canyon National Park and Hilo are notable when it comes to walkability.

Grand Canyon National Park is somewhat walkable. There's a nice rim walk that is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, but to reach many parts of the park you'll want to have a car or plan to take some form of transit.

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 Grand Canyon National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Grand Canyon National Park?

How long in Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo?

Both Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Grand Canyon National Park, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Grand Canyon National Park. 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 Grand Canyon National Park. 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 Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Grand Canyon National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Hilo, many people enjoy the museums and food that this friendly destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come 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 one day exploring.

A weekend in Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo?

Grand Canyon National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

In Hilo, many people enjoy the food and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo?

You'll find around the gorgeous destination of Grand Canyon National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Hilo, many people enjoy the museums and food that this authentic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This town offers something for everyone.

A week in Grand Canyon National Park or Hilo?

The breathtaking national park of Grand Canyon National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

In Hilo, many people enjoy the food and museums that this beautiful town offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.