A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Minneapolis vs. Hilo for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Minneapolis or Hilo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Hilo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a diverse, dynamic, and innovative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Minneapolis travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a laid back, mellow, and friendly town. The beauty of Hilo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and museums. See Hilo travel costs.

Minneapolis and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Hilo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Minneapolis. Although Minneapolis and Hilo are both popular with visitors, Minneapolis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Minneapolis is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Hilo is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hilo is more touristy than Minneapolis and is known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Minneapolis is popular for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also home to Mall of America.

How is Minneapolis different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art 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 Minneapolis or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Minneapolis and Hilo both to be very good destinations.

Minneapolis has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Dining out in Hilo is an experience not to be missed. 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 Minneapolis or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Minneapolis has something for everybody. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

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 Minneapolis or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Is Minneapolis or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Minneapolis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling 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.

Minneapolis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Minneapolis or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Hilo has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is Minneapolis or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Hilo draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Hilo?

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

Many people travel to Minneapolis specifically to go shopping. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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

Is Minneapolis or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Minneapolis or Hilo Better for Families?

Minneapolis and Hilo are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Minneapolis is very family-friendly. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Hilo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Minneapolis or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Hilo makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Minneapolis is a good city for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Minneapolis or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Minneapolis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a popular destination for backpackers, there is at least one hostel in town.

Is Minneapolis or Hilo Better for Students?

Minneapolis is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilo is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

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

While Minneapolis offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers 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 Minneapolis or Hilo a more walkable city?

Minneapolis and Hilo are good when it comes to walkability.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable place. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Minneapolis Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Hilo?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hilo than Minneapolis 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 Hilo.

One day in Minneapolis or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Minneapolis. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the friendly town of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Minneapolis or Hilo?

Minneapolis is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the mellow destination of Hilo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Minneapolis or Hilo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the innovative destination of Minneapolis. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the authentic town of Hilo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Minneapolis or Hilo?

The diverse city of Minneapolis offers nightlife and food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hilo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Minneapolis and Hilo, we can see that Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Hilo?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Hilo. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Minneapolis is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Minneapolis in July average around 76°F (25°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Minneapolis gets 357 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, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Hilo. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Hilo. Most visitors come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Hilo because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Minneapolis is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 52°F (11°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In the autumn, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Minneapolis gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Minneapolis usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

The weather in Minneapolis can be very cold. Minneapolis is much colder than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 15°F (-10°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Minneapolis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo during winter. Minneapolis gets 157 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, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Hilo. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Minneapolis during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Minneapolis is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Minneapolis in April average around 49°F (10°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Minneapolis. In the spring, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Minneapolis gets 244 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. Minneapolis usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Minneapolis