A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Juneau vs. Hilo for Hiking, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Juneau or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Juneau 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.

Juneau

Juneau is a historic, scenic, and breathtaking city. Many visitors also come to Juneau because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Juneau travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a authentic, laid back, and mellow town. The beauty of Hilo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking. See Hilo travel costs.

Juneau and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Juneau or Hilo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hilo. Although Juneau and Hilo are both popular with visitors, Hilo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hilo is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Juneau is known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and impressive beauty. Juneau is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. Hilo is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also home to Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Juneau different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Juneau 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.

Juneau offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State 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 Juneau or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Juneau and Hilo can be difficult as they are each high quality in their own way.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Juneau. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

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.

Is Juneau or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Both Juneau and Hilo are decent when it comes to partying.

Most people don't head to Juneau specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

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.

Is Juneau or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

Juneau is not a resort destination.

Is Juneau or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for its diving and snorkeling. However, Juneau 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.

Juneau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Juneau or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a popular place for the beach. However, Juneau is not a beach destination.

Hilo is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Juneau is not a beach destination.

Is Juneau or Hilo Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Juneau and Hilo both have first-rate trails.

People visit Juneau specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Juneau or Hilo?

Juneau is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Juneau. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

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

Is Juneau or Hilo More Beautiful?

Juneau is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Juneau because of it's amazing beauty. The landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, and fjords, making it a dramatic and beautiful destination.

Hilo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This side of the island is filled with beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforests, and tropical gardens.

Is Juneau or Hilo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Juneau or Hilo.

Juneau is a very kid-friendly city. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hilo. 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 Juneau or Hilo Better for Couples?

Juneau is very popular for couples. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Juneau makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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.

Is Juneau or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Juneau and Hilo are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Juneau is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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

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

Both Juneau and Hilo offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hilo. The Hele-On is a bus service that connects Hilo to Kona with north and south routes.

Is Juneau or Hilo a more walkable city?

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

Juneau is a very walkable destination. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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 Juneau Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Juneau?

How long in Juneau or Hilo?

Both Juneau and Hilo have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilo than in Juneau. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Juneau, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Juneau 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 Juneau.

One day in Juneau or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Juneau. 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.

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.

A weekend in Juneau or Hilo?

Juneau is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. 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.

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.

Five days in Juneau or Hilo?

You'll find shopping and museums around the breathtaking destination of Juneau. This city 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.

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.

A week in Juneau or Hilo?

The historic city of Juneau 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Juneau 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 Juneau Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Juneau or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Juneau. When comparing the sizes of Juneau 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 Juneau 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 Juneau or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Juneau as well as Hilo. The summer months attract visitors to Juneau because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In the summer, Juneau is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Juneau in July average around 56°F (13°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In the summer, Juneau often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo. Juneau gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Juneau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Juneau usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Juneau gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Juneau or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Juneau are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Juneau this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Juneau is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Juneau average around 42°F (6°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

Juneau usually receives less sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Juneau gets 69 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. It's quite rainy in Juneau. In October, Juneau usually receives less rain than Hilo. Juneau gets 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Juneau or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Juneau during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Juneau for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Juneau. Juneau is much colder than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Juneau averages around 24°F (-4°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Juneau often gets less sunshine than Hilo. Juneau gets 87 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. Juneau usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Juneau gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Juneau or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Juneau and Hilo. Many visitors come to Juneau in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Juneau can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Juneau is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Juneau in April average around 40°F (4°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Juneau usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Juneau gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Juneau usually receives less rain than Hilo. Juneau gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Juneau