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

Should you visit Hilo or Saskatoon?

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

Should I visit Hilo or Saskatoon? 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.

Saskatoon

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

Hilo and Saskatoon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilo or Saskatoon?

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

How is Hilo different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some museums and historical sites to check out such as Fort Battleford National Historic Site, Batoche National Historic Site, and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.

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

Hilo is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Saskatoon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a great food scene around town with diverse restaurants and cuisines to choose from. You can sample dim sum, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and many more.

Is Hilo or Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Saskatoon has a few options to choose from. There are enough clubs and bars around town to keep things entertaining. Most cater to a younger crowd, but the vibe is fun and full of energy.

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 Saskatoon Better for Resorts?

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

Saskatoon is not a resort destination.

Is Hilo or Saskatoon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Saskatoon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hilo or Saskatoon Better for Beaches?

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

Saskatoon is not a beach destination.

Is Hilo or Saskatoon Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilo or Saskatoon?

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

Saskatoon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.

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 Saskatoon More Beautiful?

Hilo is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hilo or Saskatoon Better for Families?

Hilo is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hilo is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Saskatoon is a family-friendly town. It's filled with indoor and outdoor play areas. Make sure you check out the Nutrien Wonderhub as well as the countless playgrounds around town.

Is Hilo or Saskatoon Better for Couples?

Hilo is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Saskatoon is a good town for couples to visit. There are plenty of evening activities like dining out at a nice restaurant or taking in a show at the Persephone Theatre.

Is Hilo or Saskatoon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Saskatoon is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hilo is a great town to visit for backpackers. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Saskatoon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this town in favor of more popular destinations.

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

Hilo and Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon. There is a bus system around town.

Is Hilo or Saskatoon a more walkable city?

Hilo and Saskatoon are good 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.

Saskatoon is somewhat walkable. The downtown is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Saskatoon or Hilo?

How long in Hilo or Saskatoon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hilo and Saskatoon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilo than in Saskatoon. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilo, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saskatoon.

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

You'll find food and museums around the town of Hilo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A weekend in Hilo or Saskatoon?

You'll find museums and food around the mellow destination of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon?

You'll find food and museums around the laid back town of Hilo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Saskatoon. 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 Saskatoon?

Hilo is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilo, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The cultural city of Saskatoon 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hilo or Saskatoon?

Saskatoon has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Hilo and Saskatoon, 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.