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

Should you visit Hilo or Winnipeg?

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

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

Winnipeg

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

Hilo and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Hilo or Winnipeg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hilo. Although Hilo and Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Winnipeg and is known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also home to Akaka Falls State Park. Winnipeg is popular for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Hilo different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hilo
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Winnipeg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some unique museums around town including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Other popular museums are the Manitoba Museum and the Manitoba Children's Museum.

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.


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

Hilo
Winnipeg

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

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 Winnipeg area. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants around town that serve a mix of local dishes and international cuisines. A must-see part of the city is the historic Forks Market.

Is Hilo or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Hilo
Winnipeg

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

If you're looking for night time activities Winnipeg has a few options to choose from. The city has an active nightlife, even during the winter months. You'll find dance clubs, bars, and pubs around town that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

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 Winnipeg Better for Resorts?

Hilo
Winnipeg

Hilo is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Winnipeg 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.

Winnipeg is not a resort destination.


Is Hilo or Winnipeg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo
Winnipeg

Hilo is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Winnipeg 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.

Winnipeg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hilo or Winnipeg Better for Beaches?

Hilo
Winnipeg

Hilo is a town with good options for the beach. However, Winnipeg 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.

Winnipeg is not a beach destination.

Is Hilo or Winnipeg Better for Hiking?

Hilo
Winnipeg

Hilo is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Winnipeg is not a hiking destination.

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.

Winnipeg is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Hilo or Winnipeg?

Hilo
Winnipeg

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

Winnipeg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.

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 Winnipeg More Beautiful?

Hilo
Winnipeg

Hilo is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Winnipeg 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.

Winnipeg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hilo or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Hilo
Winnipeg

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hilo is very family-friendly. 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.

Winnipeg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo or the Manitoba Children's Museum. There are a number of parks and playgrounds around town as well as the Prairie Dog Central Railway. There are many kid-friendly restaurants in the city as well.


Is Hilo or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Hilo
Winnipeg

Hilo is great for its romantic activities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Winnipeg is a good town for couples to visit. Many couples enjoy wandering through Assiniboine Park. There are also many romantic restaurants and spas for couples.

Is Hilo or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo
Winnipeg

Hilo is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Winnipeg. While it's often overlooked by backpackers, there are a couple of hostels around town.

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

Hilo
Winnipeg

Hilo and Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg. There's a bus system around town, but many visitors prefer to have a vehicle.


Is Hilo or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Hilo
Winnipeg

Hilo is a town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination 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.

Winnipeg is generally not very walkable. While there are a few walkable neighborhoods, the city itself is not particularly walkable, particularly during the cold winter months.

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

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Hilo?

How long in Hilo or Winnipeg?

It's fun to spend time in either Hilo or Winnipeg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hilo due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Winnipeg.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg 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.


  • How many days in Hilo or Winnipeg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hilo 3-7 
    Winnipeg 2-4

One day in Hilo or Winnipeg?

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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg?

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.

Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg?

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 museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg?

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 welcoming city of Winnipeg 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg or Hilo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Hilo Prices
    USA Prices
    Winnipeg Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hilo $222
    Winnipeg $255

The average daily cost (per person) in Hilo is $222, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $255. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hilo and Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hilo $71
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hilo $142
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Hilo and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Hilo or Winnipeg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hilo


Hotels in Winnipeg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hilo Hotel Prices and Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hilo $25
    Winnipeg -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo

Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $204
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Big Island Hotels: $204
  • Private Transfer from Hilo Cruise Port to Kona city hotels: $202
  • Private Transfer from to Kona Airport (KOA) to Hilo Cruise Port: $202
  • Private Transfer from Hilo Cruise Port to Kona Airport (KOA): $201
  • Luxury Airport Transfer in Hawaii: $100
  • Kona Intl Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kona Airport (KOA): $97
  • Private Transfer from Kona Airport (KOA) to Kailua Kona Port: $97
  • Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
  • Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Keahole Kona Airport KOA: $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

Also for Winnipeg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $97
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport (YWG): $97
  • Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Hilo or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg and Hilo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hilo $121
    Winnipeg $9.33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo

For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Kona Walking Food Tour : $155
  • Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
  • Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $189
  • Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $249

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hilo $32
    Winnipeg $2.52

Tours and Activities in Hilo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.

  • Akaka Falls Tour - Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Discovery: $179
  • Wake up with the Whales Cruise from Kawaihae Harbor: $125
  • 10 Bar Hawaiian Craft Chocolate Tasting Experience : $75
  • 2-Hour Hilo Ghost Walks Tour: $59
  • 3.5 Hour Kailua-Kona Ocean Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $99
  • 9-Line Waterfall Zipline Experience on the Big Island: $253
  • Abalone Farm Tour: $35
  • Award Winning Farm Tour: Coffee, Chocolate and Unique Gifts: $50
  • Best Coral Reef Snorkel Tour in Kona - Protected Marine Sanctuary: $125
  • Big Island - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: $23
  • Big Island - South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour: $20
  • Big Island ATV Tour at Ohana Ranch: $159

Tours and Activities in Winnipeg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Winnipeg.

  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.61
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Winnipeg MB: $11
  • Private City Tour in Winnipeg: $96
  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Walk 4 Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $19
  • Winnipeg Private Walking Tour with a Local: $40
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $6.61

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hilo $10
    Winnipeg -


When comparing the travel costs between Hilo and Winnipeg, we can see that Winnipeg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Hilo or Winnipeg?

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

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 Winnipeg in the Summer?

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

In July, Hilo is generally a little warmer than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Hilo average around 76°F (24°C), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Winnipeg. Hilo usually receives less sunshine than Winnipeg during summer. Hilo gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. In July, Hilo usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Hilo gets 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hilo 76°F (24°C) 
    Winnipeg 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Hilo or Winnipeg in the Autumn?

Both Winnipeg and Hilo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Winnipeg because of the shopping scene.

Hilo is much warmer than Winnipeg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hilo averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Winnipeg fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Hilo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Winnipeg. Hilo gets 138 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 147 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. Hilo usually gets more rain in October than Winnipeg. Hilo gets 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hilo 76°F (24°C) 
    Winnipeg 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Hilo or Winnipeg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilo and Winnipeg. The winter months attract visitors to Hilo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Winnipeg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Winnipeg in the winter. In the winter, Hilo is much warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hilo in January average around 72°F (22°C), and Winnipeg averages at about -17°C (2°F).

Hilo usually receives more sunshine than Winnipeg during winter. Hilo gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hilo usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Hilo gets 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hilo 72°F (22°C) 
    Winnipeg -17°C (2°F)

Should I visit Hilo or Winnipeg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hilo as well as Winnipeg. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In April, Hilo is generally much warmer than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Hilo average around 73°F (23°C), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winnipeg. In the spring, Hilo often gets less sunshine than Winnipeg. Hilo gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 248 hours of full sun.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hilo usually gets more rain in April than Winnipeg. Hilo gets 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hilo 73°F (23°C) 
    Winnipeg 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Hilo

Hilo Winnipeg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 72°F (22°C) 8.7 inches (221 mm) -17°C (2°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 72°F (22°C) 10.8 inches (274 mm) -14°C (8°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 13.6 inches (345 mm) -6°C (22°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 15.6 inches (395 mm) 5°C (42°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 74°F (23°C) 10.7 inches (272 mm) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 76°F (24°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm) 21°C (71°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm) 20°C (68°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 76°F (25°C) 8.5 inches (215 mm) 14°C (57°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 9.8 inches (248 mm) 7°C (45°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 74°F (24°C) 14.8 inches (375 mm) -3°C (26°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 73°F (23°C) 12.6 inches (321 mm) -13°C (9°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)