A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hilo vs. Halifax for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hilo or Halifax?

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

Should I visit Hilo or Halifax? 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 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.

Halifax

Halifax is a friendly, cultural, and historical city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Halifax travel costs.

Hilo and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilo or Halifax?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hilo than Halifax, 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 Halifax is more popular for its nightlife and shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Halifax and is known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Also, Hilo is famous for Akaka Falls State Park. Halifax is well known for its maritime past.

How is Hilo different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Halifax and Hilo.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hilo. Top museums in and around town include the Lyman Museum, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, Imiloa Astronomy Center, and Mokupapapa Discovery Center.

Halifax is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You should head to Pier 21, where you'll find the Canadian Museum of Immigration. The Discovery Center is a great spot for kids, as is the Natural History Museum. Finally, check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

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

Hilo is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Halifax. You'll find lobster rolls and other seafood around town, but also make sure you try the Halifax donair, which is a shaved beef sandwich wrap that can be found a many pizza restaurants.

Is Hilo or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Halifax is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Halifax has a few options to choose from. There's a laid back atmosphere to the nightlife scene. There are casual bars and pubs where you can meet the locals and a few nightclubs where there's a relaxed but fun atmosphere.

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 Halifax Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Halifax is not a resort destination.

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

Halifax is not a resort destination.

Is Hilo or Halifax Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Halifax 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.

Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hilo or Halifax Better for Beaches?

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

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is Hilo or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Hilo is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Halifax 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.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilo or Halifax?

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

Halifax has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

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 Halifax More Beautiful?

Hilo is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Halifax 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.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hilo or Halifax Better for Families?

Hilo is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Halifax 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 Halifax. There are a handful of kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Natural History. Kids will also appreciate a visit to the Discovery Center or stretching their legs at Point Pleasant Park. History lovers should go see the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Is Hilo or Halifax Better for Couples?

Hilo is a very popular place for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Hilo makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Halifax makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can wander down the waterfront or take a stroll through Point Pleasant Park. The city also has number of romantic restaurants and hotels.

Is Hilo or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Halifax is a good town to visit for backpackers. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

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

While Halifax offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

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 Halifax a more walkable city?

Hilo and Halifax are notable when it comes to walkability.

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.

Halifax is somewhat walkable. It's a compact town that's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Hilo?

How long in Hilo or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hilo and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilo than in Halifax. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

In Hilo, you'll find food and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Halifax. 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 Halifax?

In Hilo, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Halifax 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.

Five days in Hilo or Halifax?

Hilo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilo has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Hilo or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilo. In Hilo, you'll find museums and food. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

The cultural city of Halifax 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.

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 G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hilo and Halifax, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Halifax much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Halifax would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Halifax 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 Halifax.

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

Which is Bigger, Hilo or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Hilo and Halifax, 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 Hilo or Halifax?

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 Hilo or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilo and Halifax. Many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Halifax in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hilo is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hilo in July average around 76°F (24°C), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Halifax this time of the year. Hilo usually receives less sunshine than Halifax during summer. Hilo gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hilo usually receives more rain than Halifax. Hilo gets 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hilo or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hilo as well as Halifax. Many visitors come to Hilo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Halifax for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Hilo is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Hilo average around 76°F (24°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Hilo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Halifax. Hilo gets 138 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Hilo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hilo usually gets more rain in October than Halifax. Hilo gets 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilo or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Hilo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Halifax because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Halifax can be very cold. Hilo is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilo averages around 72°F (22°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Hilo usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during winter. Hilo gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. It's quite rainy in Hilo. In January, Hilo usually receives more rain than Halifax. Hilo gets 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hilo or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax and Hilo during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the spring. In the spring, Hilo is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilo in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the spring, Hilo often gets less sunshine than Halifax. Hilo gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. Hilo usually gets more rain in April than Halifax. Hilo gets 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Hilo