A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Hilo for Families, Food, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Hilo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hilton Head Island and Hilo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful coastal town. Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a laid back, mellow, and friendly town. With stunning beauty, Hilo attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and museums. See Hilo travel costs.

Hilton Head Island and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Hilton Head Island and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and shopping. Hilton Head Island is famous for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Hilo?

Hilo is very good for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hilton Head Island and Hilo.

Hilton Head Island has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hilo makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Hilo. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is a great coastal town for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

Hilton Head Island is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

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

Is Hilton Head Island or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hilton Head Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to 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.

Hilton Head Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a great coastal town for the beach. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Hilton Head Island is considered a top beach destination. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Many people head to Hilo to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Hilo specifically for its hiking. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Hilo?

Hilton Head Island is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Hilo is a good destination for shopping. You can pick up anything you need in town, just head to Hilo Shopping Center.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and 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.

Hilton Head Island is a gorgeous place to visit. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island 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, Hilton Head Island is a very family-friendly destination. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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 Hilton Head Island or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Hilo makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options 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.

Hilton Head Island is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This is a family-focused beach destination with almost no backpackers around.

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

Hilo is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options 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.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Hilo?

Both Hilton Head Island and Hilo have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Hilo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hilo than Hilton Head Island. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hilo than Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Hilton Head Island. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the authentic destination of Hilo. This town offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Hilo?

Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilo is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the laid back town of Hilo. Most people visit for the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the peaceful destination of Hilton Head Island. This coastal town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hilo. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the hiking. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilo has to offer.

A week in Hilton Head Island or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful coastal town of Hilton Head Island. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Hilo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hilton Head Island and Hilo, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. And not only is Hilo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hilo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hilo 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 Hilton Head Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilton Head Island than you might in Hilo.

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

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island and Hilo, 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 Hilton Head Island or Hilo?

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 Hilton Head Island or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Hilo. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hilton Head Island usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Hilton Head Island gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hilton Head Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than Hilo. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Hilo. The autumn months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In the autumn, Hilton Head Island is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hilton Head Island in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In the autumn, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Hilton Head Island gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Hilton Head Island usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Hilton Head Island is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 48°F (9°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Hilton Head Island usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. Hilton Head Island gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In January, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than Hilo. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Hilton Head Island during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Hilton Head Island is cooler than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. In the spring, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Hilton Head Island gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hilton Head Island usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Hilton Head Island