A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Hilo for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit La Paz or Hilo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Hilo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a authentic, cultural, and beautiful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See La Paz 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.

La Paz and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or Hilo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Paz. Although La Paz and Hilo are both popular with visitors, La Paz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. La Paz is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Hilo is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. La Paz is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also home to Balandra Beach. Hilo is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is La Paz different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Hilo?

La Paz 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.

La Paz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

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 La Paz or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both La Paz and Hilo both to be excellent destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit La Paz. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

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 La Paz or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities La Paz has a few options to choose from. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

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 La Paz or Hilo Better for Resorts?

La Paz is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

La Paz has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

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

Is La Paz or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz is a great city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hilo is not known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

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.

Is La Paz or Hilo Better for Beaches?

La Paz is very popular for the beach. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in La Paz. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

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 La Paz or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, La Paz 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.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Hilo?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

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

Is La Paz or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, La Paz 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.

La Paz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is La Paz or Hilo Better for Families?

Both La Paz and Hilo are excellent to visit with kids.

La Paz is a very kid-friendly city. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

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 La Paz or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is notable for its romantic activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

La Paz is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Is La Paz or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both La Paz and Hilo are excellent destinations for backpackers.

La Paz is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option 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.

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

La Paz is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilo is not known for its public transit.

While La Paz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

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

Is La Paz or Hilo a more walkable city?

La Paz 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.

La Paz is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable.

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 La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Hilo?

Both La Paz 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 La Paz. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz 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 La Paz.

One day in La Paz or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of La Paz. 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.

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 La Paz or Hilo?

La Paz is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 La Paz or Hilo?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the beautiful destination of La Paz. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 La Paz or Hilo?

The cultural city of La Paz offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 mellow 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 Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, La Paz or Hilo?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of La Paz 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 La Paz 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 La Paz or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Hilo. Many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, La Paz is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Paz in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In the summer, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Hilo. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. La Paz usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to La Paz in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, La Paz is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 27°C (80°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. La Paz gets 272 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, La Paz usually receives less rain than Hilo. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit La Paz or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and La Paz during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Hilo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

La Paz is cooler than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 18°C (65°F) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the winter, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Hilo. La Paz gets 200 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. La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Hilo. The spring months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In the spring, La Paz is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Paz in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. La Paz gets 292 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, La Paz usually receives less rain than Hilo. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and La Paz