Which place is cheaper, Hilo or Hot Springs?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Hot Springs or Hilo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Hilo? 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.
Where Should I go: Hot Springs or Hilo?
Hot Springs
Hot Springs is a popular resort city in central Arkansas. It's location in the Ouachita Mountains make it a convenient base for exploring the area's natural hot springs, from which the city gets its name. The city is also home to Hot Springs National Park, which have long been believed to have healing properties. Today many spas have popped up around the hot springs.
Hilo
Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.
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 United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.
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Hot Springs Prices
USA PricesHilo Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHot Springs $220Hilo $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Hilo is $222. 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 Hot Springs and Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Hilo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Hilo? 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.
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: Hot Springs Hotel Prices and Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Hilo $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hot Springs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hot Springs:
- Hot Springs to Little Rock Airport LIT Departure Private Transfer: $125
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport (KOA) to Hotels - Big Island: $15
- Departure Transfer from Hotels to Kona International Airport: $15
- Your Island Welcome: Private KOA Airport Transfers: $40
- Kona International Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
- Waikoloa beach hotels to Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
- Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Private Arrival Transfer from Keahole Kona Airport KOA: $72
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Private Transfer from Kona Airport (KOA) to Kailua Kona Port: $97
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kona Airport (KOA): $97
Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo and Hot Springs 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
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Food Meals for one dayHot Springs $90Hilo $121
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hot Springs $30Hilo $32
Tours and Activities in Hot Springs
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hot Springs are as follows:
- Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour: $15
- Small-Group Zipline Tour in Hot Springs: $67
Tours and Activities in Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Kona Coffee Farm Tour from Tree to Tasting Room: $5.00
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Island: $20
- Big Island Kohala Coast Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
- Big Island - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: $23
- Experience Our Honey Farm And Beekeeping Tour: $30
- Big Island Farms Tour in Hawaii: $33
- Hamakua Coast Farm Small-Group Walking and Tasting Tour: $49
- 2-Hour Hilo Ghost Walks Tour: $59
- Hawaiian Rainforest Banana Cultivation Experience: $60
- Walking Ghost Tour: $64
- Snorkel Tour to Captain Cook Monument Kailua-Kona, Big Island: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHot Springs $22Hilo $10
When comparing the travel costs between Hot Springs and Hilo, we can see that Hilo 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 Hot Springs Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Hilo?
Hilo has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs or Hilo?
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 Hot Springs or Hilo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Hilo. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
In July, Hot Springs is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 83°F (28°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In the summer, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Hilo in the Autumn?
Both Hilo and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Hot Springs is cooler than Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In October, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Hilo. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Hilo in the Winter?
Both Hilo and Hot Springs during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hot Springs. In the winter, Hot Springs is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hot Springs in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the winter, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Hilo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Hilo. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Hot Springs is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 65°F (18°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Hilo. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.