A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilo vs. Beaver Creek for Hiking, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Hilo or Beaver Creek?

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

Should I visit Hilo or Beaver Creek? 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 friendly, authentic, and laid back town. Hilo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches. See Hilo travel costs.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a adventurous, charming, and active town. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and food. See Beaver Creek travel costs.

Hilo and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilo or Beaver Creek?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hilo than Beaver Creek, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hilo is better known for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Beaver Creek is more popular for its skiing, theatre productions, resorts, and shopping. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Hilo and is known for its skiing and charming atmosphere Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Also, Hilo is famous for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Hilo different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hilo or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

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

If you're an avid snow skiier, Beaver Creek should be on your list. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Hilo is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilo or Beaver Creek?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek 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.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Hilo or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Beaver Creek is mediocre for its shows and theatre. However, Hilo is not a theatre destination.

While not known for its theater, you might be able to find something in Beaver Creek while you're in town. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Hilo is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Hilo and Beaver Creek offer very good 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, Beaver Creek makes for a great culinary experience. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.

Is Hilo or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find respectable options in both Hilo and Beaver Creek.

Hilo doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is Hilo or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Beaver Creek is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

Beaver Creek has a few great resort options. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

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

Is Hilo or Beaver Creek Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Beaver Creek 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.

Beaver Creek is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hilo or Beaver Creek Better for Beaches?

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

Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

Is Hilo or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Hilo is a world-class destination for hiking. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Beaver Creek is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilo or Beaver Creek?

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

Beaver Creek has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

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 Beaver Creek More Beautiful?

Hilo is a great town for its scenery and beauty. However, Beaver Creek 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.

Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hilo or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Beaver Creek is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Beaver Creek is a very family-friendly destination. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

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.

Is Hilo or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hilo and Beaver Creek make for a very good place to visit.

Hilo is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Beaver Creek is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

Is Hilo or Beaver Creek Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Beaver Creek is not known for backpackers.

Hilo is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Beaver Creek is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many facilities that cater to backpackers.

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

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

While Beaver Creek offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

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 Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

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

Beaver Creek is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

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 Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Hilo?

How long in Hilo or Beaver Creek?

Both Hilo and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Beaver Creek has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Beaver Creek than Hilo. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Beaver Creek than Hilo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Beaver Creek, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

In Hilo, many people enjoy the museums and food that this mellow town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Beaver Creek. 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 Beaver Creek?

Hilo is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Beaver Creek is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the skiing. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Hilo or Beaver Creek?

In Hilo, many people enjoy the museums and food that this mellow destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming destination of Beaver Creek. 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 Beaver Creek?

Hilo is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the adventurous town of Beaver Creek. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hilo and Beaver Creek, we can see that Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaver Creek 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 Hilo Expensive? and Is Beaver Creek Expensive?.