Which place is cheaper, Hilo or Mandeville?
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 Mandeville or Hilo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Mandeville 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: Mandeville or Hilo?
Mandeville
Mandeville is a small, quiet town in the mountains of Jamaica with a population of about 50,000. The town is situated on a plateau west of Kingston. It is the largest town in the parish of Manchester and the fifth largest urban center in the country.
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, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.
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Mandeville Prices
Jamaica PricesHilo Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMandeville $95Hilo $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Mandeville is $95, 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 Mandeville and Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMandeville $37Hilo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMandeville $74Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Mandeville and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in Mandeville 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: Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mandeville $30Hilo $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Your Island Welcome: Private KOA Airport Transfers: $36
- Waikoloa beach hotels to Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer from Kona City Hotels to Hilo Cruise Port : $201
- Private Transfer from Kona Airport (KOA) to Kailua Kona Port: $97
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kailua Kona city hotels: $97
- Private Transfer Hawaii Kona Airport KOA to Kona: $42
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $204
- Private Departure Transfer - to Keahole Kona Airport (KOA) : $72
Is it cheaper to fly into Mandeville or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo and Mandeville 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 dayMandeville $41Hilo $121
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hands-On Hawaiian Imu Cooking and Cultural Dining Experience: $150
- 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.Mandeville $8.01Hilo $32
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
- 2-Hour Hilo Ghost Walks Tour: $59
- 9-Line Waterfall Zipline Experience on the Big Island: $253
- Abalone Farm Tour: $35
- Baumkuchen Farm Tour: $5.00
- Big Island - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: $23
- Big Island ATV Tour at Ohana Ranch: $159
- Big Island Family Off Road Farm Adventure: $129
- Big Island Full Circle with Volcanoes and Akaka Falls Tour: $210
- Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Big Island Hawaii Volcano Day tour from Oahu and Hotel PU: $545
- Big Island Hawaii: Craft Chocolate Tasting and Farm Tour: $131
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMandeville $6.27Hilo $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mandeville and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Mandeville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mandeville is in Caribbean Islands and Hilo is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Mandeville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mandeville 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 Mandeville.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mandeville Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mandeville or Hilo?
Mandeville has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Mandeville 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 Mandeville or Hilo?
Hilo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Mandeville experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Mandeville or Hilo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mandeville and Hilo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mandeville year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
In the summer, Mandeville is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mandeville in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).
In Mandeville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mandeville usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Mandeville gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Mandeville usually receives less rain than Hilo. Mandeville gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMandeville 29°C (83°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Mandeville or Hilo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Mandeville as well as Hilo. Mandeville attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Mandeville is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Mandeville average around 28°C (82°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mandeville this time of the year. In the autumn, Mandeville often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Mandeville gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Mandeville receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mandeville usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Mandeville gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMandeville 28°C (82°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Mandeville or Hilo in the Winter?
Both Hilo and Mandeville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mandeville throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Mandeville is a little warmer than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Mandeville averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mandeville. Mandeville usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. Mandeville gets 226 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, Mandeville usually receives less rain than Hilo. Mandeville gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMandeville 26°C (79°F)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Mandeville or Hilo in the Spring?
Both Hilo and Mandeville during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mandeville because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Mandeville is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mandeville in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).
It's quite sunny in Mandeville. In the spring, Mandeville often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Mandeville gets 225 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. Mandeville usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Mandeville gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMandeville 26°C (80°F)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and Mandeville
| Mandeville | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 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.