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

Should you visit Hilo or Whistler?

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

Should I visit Hilo or Whistler? 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. Hilo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking. See Hilo travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a charming, adventurous, and outdoorsy village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Whistler travel costs.

Hilo and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilo or Whistler?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Whistler than Hilo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Whistler is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, shopping, and small town charm, while Hilo is more popular for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Whistler is more touristy than Hilo and is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Also, Whistler is famous for Cloudraker Skybridge. Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Hilo different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hilo or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is very popular for skiing. However, Hilo is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Whistler should be on your list. Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America. It covers a vast area that includes two peaks - Whistler and Blackcomb. The slopes are connected by lifts and gondolas and there are options for every level, from beginner to expert.

Hilo is not a skiing destination.

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

Hilo is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.

Hilo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Top museums in and around town include the Lyman Museum, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, Imiloa Astronomy Center, and Mokupapapa Discovery Center.

While most people don't head to Whistler specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

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

Both Hilo and Whistler offer very good 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Whistler makes for a great culinary experience. There are many great restaurants and pubs that serve local dishes like Whistler herring, meatloaf, and Artic char fish. There are casual eateries as well as fine dining with upscale cuisine.

Is Hilo or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is a great village for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Whistler has something for everybody. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

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 Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is a great village for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

Whistler is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There's a large selection of resorts that you can choose from. Many have pools and hot tubs and range from romantic to family-friendly.

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

Is Hilo or Whistler Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Whistler 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.

Whistler is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hilo or Whistler Better for Beaches?

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

Whistler is not a beach destination.

Is Hilo or Whistler Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Hilo and Whistler both have fantastic trails.

People visit Hilo specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Many people visit Whistler specifically for its hiking. During the warmer seasons there are miles of hiking trails that take you through both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Many trails are accessible by gondola and you'll find great views and stunning vistas. Trails range from short family-friendly options to strenuous and adventurous routes.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilo or Whistler?

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

Whistler has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

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 Whistler More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of very good scenery and beauty in both Hilo and Whistler.

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

Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

Is Hilo or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Whistler is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the winter activities like skiing, dog sledding, and bobsledding. There's also an ice skating rink, climbing gym, and tons of kid-friendly restaurants.

Hilo is 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.

Is Hilo or Whistler Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hilo and Whistler make for a very good place to visit.

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.

Whistler is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy an adventure will love the year-round outdoor sports. There are also romantic spas, fine dining, and scenic gondola rides.

Is Hilo or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Hilo and Whistler are very good places to visit.

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Whistler. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Hilo and Whistler both offer respectable 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 Whistler. There's a bus system that connects the town to other nearby neighborhoods.

Is Hilo or Whistler a more walkable city?

Whistler is a great village for its ease of walking around. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Whistler is a very walkable destination. It's a compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

Hilo is somewhat walkable. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Hilo?

How long in Hilo or Whistler?

In either Hilo or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Hilo than Whistler because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilo, and 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.

Families should spend more time in Whistler than Hilo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Whistler, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Whistler than Hilo 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 Whistler.

One day in Hilo or Whistler?

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 Whistler. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Whistler?

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.

Whistler is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Hilo or Whistler?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the adventurous destination of Whistler. This village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Hilo or Whistler?

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 outdoorsy village of Whistler offers skiing and nightlife. 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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hilo or Whistler?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Hilo and Whistler, 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 Whistler?

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 Whistler in the Summer?

Both Whistler 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 Whistler in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Whistler, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Hilo often gets less sunshine than Whistler. Hilo gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. Hilo usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Hilo gets 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilo or Whistler in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilo and Whistler. 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 Whistler for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Hilo is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Hilo average around 76°F (24°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Hilo usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Hilo gets 138 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hilo usually receives more rain than Whistler. Hilo gets 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hilo or Whistler in the Winter?

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

The weather in Whistler can be very cold. Hilo is much warmer than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilo averages around 72°F (22°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Hilo often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Hilo gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hilo usually gets more rain in January than Whistler. Hilo gets 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilo or Whistler in the Spring?

Both Whistler 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. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

In the spring, Hilo is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilo in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Hilo usually receives less sunshine than Whistler during spring. Hilo gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. It's quite rainy in Hilo. In April, Hilo usually receives more rain than Whistler. Hilo gets 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Hilo