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

Should you visit Hilo or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Hilo or Vernon? 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. With stunning beauty, Hilo attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking. See Hilo travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Vernon travel costs.

Hilo and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilo or Vernon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Hilo and Vernon 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 Vernon attracts visitors for its shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Vernon and is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park. Vernon is famous for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Hilo different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

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

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

Dining out in Hilo is an experience not to be missed. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Hilo or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Vernon specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Hilo or Vernon Better for Resorts?

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

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Hilo or Vernon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hilo or Vernon Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a beach destination.

Is Hilo or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Hilo is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilo or Vernon?

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

Vernon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

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 Vernon More Beautiful?

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

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hilo or Vernon Better for Families?

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

Hilo is known to be 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly town. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Hilo or Vernon Better for Couples?

Hilo is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

Is Hilo or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Hilo is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

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

Hilo and Vernon 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 Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Hilo or Vernon a more walkable city?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its 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.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable town. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Hilo?

How long in Hilo or Vernon?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Vernon. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Hilo or Vernon?

Hilo is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Vernon is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilo. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the quiet destination of Vernon. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Hilo or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Hilo. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The peaceful town of Vernon offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hilo or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Hilo and Vernon, 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 Vernon?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hilo or Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Hilo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vernon in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Hilo is around the same temperature as Vernon in the summer. The daily temperature in Hilo averages around 76°F (24°C) in July, and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. Hilo usually gets more rain in July than Vernon. Hilo gets 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilo or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilo and Vernon. 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 Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Hilo is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hilo in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Vernon averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hilo usually receives more rain than Vernon. Hilo gets 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hilo or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hilo as well as Vernon. Most visitors come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Vernon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vernon can be very cold. In January, Hilo is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Hilo average around 72°F (22°C), and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hilo usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Hilo gets 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilo or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Hilo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Hilo is much warmer than Vernon in the spring. The daily temperature in Hilo averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite rainy in Hilo. In April, Hilo usually receives more rain than Vernon. Hilo gets 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Hilo