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

Should you visit Hilo or Kamloops?

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

Should I visit Hilo or Kamloops? 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. The beauty of Hilo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and museums. See Hilo travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a laid-back, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Kamloops travel costs.

Hilo and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilo or Kamloops?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hilo. Although Hilo and Kamloops are both popular with visitors, Hilo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hilo is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kamloops is known for its skiing, nightlife, and shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also home to Akaka Falls State Park. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Hilo different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hilo or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is a great city for skiing. However, Hilo is not a skiing destination.

Kamloops draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There's a long ski season that runs from mid-November to mid-April. The region has two major ski resorts - Sun Peaks Resorts and Harper Mountain.

Hilo is not a skiing destination.

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

Hilo is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its 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.

Kamloops offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.

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

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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 Kamloops area. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Is Hilo or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Kamloops has a few options to choose from. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.

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 Kamloops Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Kamloops 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.

Kamloops is not a resort destination.

Is Hilo or Kamloops Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kamloops 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.

Kamloops is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hilo or Kamloops Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a town with good options for the beach. However, Kamloops is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Hilo. 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.

Kamloops is not a beach destination.

Is Hilo or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Hilo visitors will find world-class hiking trails. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Kamloops offers some nice hiking trails. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilo or Kamloops?

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

Kamloops has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Downtown you'll find local boutiques and eclectic shops. You could also head to Aberdeen Mall for all of the major brands and recognizable stores.

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 Kamloops More Beautiful?

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamloops 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.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hilo or Kamloops Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hilo or Kamloops.

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.

Kamloops is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great parks and outdoor spaces for kids as well as the Deep Creek Tool Museum, Westsyde Centennial Park and Petting Zoo, and Hells Gate Air Tram. You can also take a ride on the Kettle Valley Railway Steam Engine. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to either Kamloops Wildlife Park or Kangaroo Creek Farm.

Is Hilo or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Kamloops is a good town for couples to visit. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Hilo or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

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

Kamloops is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's often overlooked by backpackers, but there is a hostel in town.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Hilo. The Hele-On is a bus service that connects Hilo to Kona with north and south routes.

Public transit is generally limited in Kamloops. There is a bus system through the city.

Is Hilo or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Hilo is a town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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.

Kamloops is generally not very walkable. The downtown is the most walkable part of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Hilo?

How long in Hilo or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hilo or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hilo than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilo, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Kamloops. 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 Kamloops. 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 Kamloops 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 Kamloops?

The beautiful town of Hilo offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Hilo or Kamloops?

Hilo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kamloops 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 Kamloops?

Hilo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the nature-filled destination of Kamloops. 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 Kamloops?

Hilo is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilo has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

The laid-back city of Kamloops offers skiing and nightlife. 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 Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hilo or Kamloops?

Kamloops has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Hilo and Kamloops, 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 Kamloops?

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 Kamloops in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilo and Kamloops. Many visitors come to Hilo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kamloops for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Hilo is generally around the same temperature as Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Hilo average around 76°F (24°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hilo usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Hilo gets 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hilo or Kamloops in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hilo as well as Kamloops. Most visitors come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Kamloops because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Hilo is much warmer than Kamloops in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hilo averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hilo usually gets more rain in October than Kamloops. Hilo gets 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilo or Kamloops in the Winter?

Both Kamloops and Hilo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Hilo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kamloops this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kamloops in the winter. In the winter, Hilo is much warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hilo in January average around 72°F (22°C), and Kamloops averages at about -3°C (27°F).

It's quite rainy in Hilo. In January, Hilo usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Hilo gets 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hilo or Kamloops in the Spring?

Both Kamloops and Hilo during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In April, Hilo is generally much warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Hilo average around 73°F (23°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. Hilo usually gets more rain in April than Kamloops. Hilo gets 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Hilo