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

Should you visit Hilo or Moncton?

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

Should I visit Hilo or Moncton? 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. With stunning beauty, Hilo attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches. See Hilo travel costs.

Moncton

Moncton is a cultural, quaint, and compact city. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Moncton travel costs.

Hilo and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilo or Moncton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Hilo and Moncton are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Moncton attracts visitors for its shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Moncton and is known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park. Moncton is famous for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Hilo different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Moncton 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 Moncton?

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Moncton 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.

Moncton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian Museum.

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

Hilo is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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.

Moncton offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a range of casual eateries around town as well as wine tasting and a few upscales places. Poutine is the local favorite, but you can also try fried seafood or a local stew.

Is Hilo or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find reasonable options in both Hilo and Moncton.

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 Moncton specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Is Hilo or Moncton Better for Resorts?

Hilo is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Moncton is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Hilo as a resort destination, but it has a few places. You'll find more hotels than resorts in town.

Moncton is not a resort destination.

Is Hilo or Moncton Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Moncton 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.

Moncton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hilo or Moncton Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a good destination for the beach. However, Moncton 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.

Moncton is not a beach destination.

Is Hilo or Moncton Better for Hiking?

Hilo is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Moncton is not a hiking destination.

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.

Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilo or Moncton?

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

Moncton has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of independent shops and larger big box stores. Some of the largest shopping areas include Mapleton Plaza and Wheeler Park Power Centre.

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 Moncton More Beautiful?

Hilo is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Moncton is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Moncton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hilo or Moncton Better for Families?

Hilo is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Moncton is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a family-friendly town with indoor play spaces and outdoor parks. Highlights for families include a visit to Magnetic Hill Zoo and a stop at Butterfly World and the Boardwalk.

Is Hilo or Moncton Better for Couples?

Hilo is great for couples. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Moncton is a nice destination for couples. There are some great date night ideas like wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery or seeing a show at the theater.

Is Hilo or Moncton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Moncton is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Moncton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in town, this is little more than a stopover for most backpackers.

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

Hilo and Moncton both offer reasonable 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 Moncton. There is a bus system but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Hilo or Moncton a more walkable city?

Hilo and Moncton are nice 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.

Moncton is somewhat walkable. It's relatively compact and dense enough to get around on foot in many parts.

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

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Hilo?

How long in Hilo or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hilo or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hilo than Moncton 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 Moncton.

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

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

A weekend in Hilo or Moncton?

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.

Moncton 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 Moncton?

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 shopping and museums around the cultural destination of Moncton. 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 Moncton?

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 quaint city of Moncton offers museums 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 Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hilo or Moncton?

Moncton has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Hilo and Moncton, 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 Moncton?

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 Moncton in the Summer?

Both Moncton and Hilo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Moncton because of the family-friendly experiences.

Hilo is a little warmer than Moncton in the summer. The daily temperature in Hilo averages around 76°F (24°C) in July, and Moncton fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. It's quite rainy in Hilo. In July, Hilo usually receives more rain than Moncton. Hilo gets 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hilo or Moncton in the Autumn?

Both Moncton and Hilo during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Hilo because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Moncton this time of year.

In the autumn, Hilo is much warmer than Moncton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hilo in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Moncton averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Moncton 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 October than Moncton. Hilo gets 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilo or Moncton in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilo and Moncton. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Moncton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Moncton. In January, Hilo is generally much warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Hilo average around 72°F (22°C), and Moncton fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hilo usually receives more rain than Moncton. Hilo gets 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hilo or Moncton in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hilo as well as Moncton. Many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Moncton can get quite cold in the spring. Hilo is much warmer than Moncton in the spring. The daily temperature in Hilo averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Moncton fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hilo usually gets more rain in April than Moncton. Hilo gets 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Moncton and Hilo