A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hilo vs. Banff for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Hilo or Banff?

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

Should I visit Hilo or Banff? 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.

Hilo

Hilo is a authentic, laid back, and mellow town. The beauty of Hilo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking. See Hilo travel costs.

Banff

Banff is a adventurous, scenic, and outdoorsy town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Banff attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Banff travel costs.

Hilo and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilo or Banff?

Both Banff and Hilo have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Hilo is more popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Banff is known for its skiing, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Hilo is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Banff is popular for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes.

How is Hilo different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hilo or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is very popular for skiing. However, Hilo is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Banff should be on your list. The town makes a great base for experiencing the three nearby ski resorts: Banff Sunshine, The Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt Norquay. You can purchase a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket and experience the area's best skiing. There's a long ski season and a stunning setting within the Canadian Rockies.

Hilo is not a skiing destination.

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

Hilo is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Hilo offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Top museums in and around town include the Lyman Museum, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, Imiloa Astronomy Center, and Mokupapapa Discovery Center.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Hilo and Banff offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

Hilo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Banff makes for a great culinary experience. The downtown has bistros, taverns, and many casual eateries. For a more fine dining experience, you can go to one of the luxury hotels, which have nice dining areas. Throughout town you'll find classic Canadian food like poutine, as well as pizza and bar food.

Is Hilo or Banff Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Banff has something for everybody. It's a great town for partying and it's compact and easy to barhop if you want. For the town's size, you'll find a huge number of bars and breweries to choose from, and there's always something going on.

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 Hilo or Banff Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Banff 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.

Banff is not a resort destination.

Is Hilo or Banff Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for its diving and snorkeling. However, Banff 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.

Banff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hilo or Banff Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a popular place for the beach. However, Banff is not a beach destination.

Hilo is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Banff is not a beach destination.

Is Hilo or Banff Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Hilo and Banff both have first-rate 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 visit Banff specifically for its hiking. The town is set within Banff National Park, and is surrounded by world class hiking. There are more than 1,000 miles of trails that wander alongside rivers, lead to waterfalls, or climb mountain peaks. You may also see local wildlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilo or Banff?

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

Banff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

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

Is Hilo or Banff More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of high quality scenery and beauty in both Hilo and Banff.

With stunning beauty, Hilo attracts visitors from all around. This side of the island is filled with beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforests, and tropical gardens.

Banff is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The dramatic Rocky Mountains and stunning natural beauty make this an iconic and beautiful destination.

Is Hilo or Banff Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hilo or Banff.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hilo. 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.

Banff is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the low key hikes like Tunnel Mountain hike. There's also the Banff Gondola and several playgrounds in downtown Banff. For adventure activities, check out the Golden Skybridge or Lake Louise.

Is Hilo or Banff Better for Couples?

Banff is very popular for couples. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Banff makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a beautiful destination for a honeymoon or anniversary trip. There are countless hikes and stunning natural beauty. There are also spas, horseback riding, and many great restaurants.

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 Hilo or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Hilo and Banff are high quality places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Banff. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

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

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

While Banff offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

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 Hilo or Banff a more walkable city?

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

Banff is a very walkable destination. The downtown is very walkable and there are trailheads nearby as well.

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 Hilo Worth Visiting? and Is Banff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Banff or Hilo?

How long in Hilo or Banff?

In either Hilo or Banff, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Hilo than Banff because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilo, and 2-5 days is enough time in Banff.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Banff. 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 Banff than Hilo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Banff that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Banff than Hilo 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 Banff.

One day in Hilo or Banff?

In Hilo, many people enjoy the food and museums that this authentic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Banff is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. 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 Hilo or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilo. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Banff 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.

Five days in Hilo or Banff?

Hilo is a fun place to experience. In Hilo, many people enjoy the food and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Banff might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Hilo or Banff?

In Hilo, many people enjoy the museums and food that this laid back destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Because Banff is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hilo or Banff?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Banff. When comparing the sizes of Hilo and Banff, 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.