A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Hilo for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Miami 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 Miami and Hilo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a glamorous, exciting, and diverse beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Miami travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a mellow, friendly, and authentic town. Hilo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, museums, and food. See Hilo travel costs.

Miami and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Miami or Hilo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Miami than Hilo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Hilo is more popular for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Miami is more touristy than Hilo and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Miami different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hilo is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Miami or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Miami is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Miami is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Miami is very popular for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

Miami is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

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 Miami or Hilo Better for Music?

Miami is very popular for its music scene. However, Hilo is not a live music destination.

Miami has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Hilo is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Miami is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Miami is a great choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

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

Is Miami or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a town with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hilo has a few snorkeling spots. Richardsons Ocean Park is the best snorkeling spot nearby but, in general, the water near town has poor visibility because of the frequent rain.

Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Miami or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Miami 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 Miami. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

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 Miami or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an amazing town to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Miami 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.

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Hilo?

Miami is very popular for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many people travel to Miami specifically to go shopping. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

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

Is Miami or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Miami is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Miami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Miami or Hilo Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Miami or Hilo.

Miami is a very family-friendly place to visit. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hilo is very family-friendly. 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 Miami or Hilo Better for Couples?

Both Miami and Hilo are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Miami frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Hilo is a great beach city if you're traveling as 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.

Is Miami or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is well known for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

It's common for backpackers to visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is Miami or Hilo Better for Students?

Miami is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilo is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

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

While Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

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 Miami or Hilo a more walkable city?

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

Miami is a very walkable destination. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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 Miami Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Miami?

How long in Miami or Hilo?

Both Miami 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 Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

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

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

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

One day in Miami or Hilo?

Miami is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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.

In Hilo, many people enjoy the food and museums that this laid back destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Miami or Hilo?

Miami 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilo. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Miami or Hilo?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the bustling big city of Miami. This beach 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.

Hilo is a fun place to experience. In Hilo, many people enjoy the food and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Miami or Hilo?

The high energy beach city of Miami offers nightlife and live music. 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.

In Hilo, many people enjoy the museums and food that this mellow destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Miami and Hilo, we can see that Miami 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 Miami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Miami 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 Miami Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Miami or Hilo?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Miami 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 Miami 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 Miami or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Miami during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, 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.

In July, Miami is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 83°F (28°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. In the summer, Miami often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 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 Miami. Miami usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Hilo. The autumn months attract visitors to Miami because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

Miami is around the same temperature as Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Miami usually receives less rain than Hilo. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Miami or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Miami as well as Hilo. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Miami is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Miami in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the winter, Miami often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Miami usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Miami is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 75°F (24°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In April, Miami usually receives less rain than Hilo. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Miami