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

Should you visit Monterey or Hilo?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Monterey and Hilo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Monterey

Monterey is a nature-oriented, laid back, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Monterey travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a laid back, mellow, and friendly town. With stunning beauty, Hilo attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and museums. See Hilo travel costs.

Monterey and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monterey or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monterey. Although Monterey and Hilo are popular destinations, Monterey has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monterey is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Hilo attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Monterey is famous for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also well known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Monterey different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Monterey 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.

Monterey offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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 Monterey or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Monterey has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Monterey has something for everybody. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Monterey or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Monterey is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Hilo as a resort destination, but it has a few places. You'll find more hotels than resorts in town.

Monterey is not a resort destination.

Is Monterey or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hilo is not known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Monterey has a few good snorkeling spots. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

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 Monterey or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Monterey and Hilo both offer nice beaches.

Monterey offers a nice beach destination. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

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.

Is Monterey or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. However, Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Hilo is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monterey or Hilo?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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

Is Monterey or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Hilo attracts visitors from all around. This side of the island is filled with beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforests, and tropical gardens.

Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Monterey or Hilo Better for Families?

Monterey is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Monterey is a very family-friendly destination. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

Hilo is 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 Monterey or Hilo Better for Couples?

Monterey and Hilo both superb destinations for a couple.

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

Couples visit Hilo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Monterey or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Monterey and Hilo.

Public transit is mostly limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

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 Monterey or Hilo a more walkable city?

Monterey 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.

Monterey is a very walkable destination. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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 Monterey Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Monterey?

How long in Monterey or Hilo?

Both Monterey 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 Monterey. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Monterey, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

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

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

One day in Monterey or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Monterey. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful town of Hilo offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Monterey or Hilo?

Monterey is a fun place to experience. 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.

Hilo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Monterey or Hilo?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the laid back destination of Monterey. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hilo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Monterey or Hilo?

The relaxing city of Monterey offers shopping and museums. 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.

Hilo is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilo has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Monterey or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Monterey and Hilo. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Monterey this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Monterey is cooler than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Monterey usually receives less rain than Hilo. Monterey gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Monterey or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Monterey as well as Hilo. Many travelers come to Monterey for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Hilo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Monterey is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Monterey in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Monterey usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Monterey gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Monterey or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Monterey are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Monterey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Monterey is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 51°F (11°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In January, Monterey usually receives less rain than Hilo. Monterey gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Monterey or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Monterey during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Monterey is much colder than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Monterey usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Monterey gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Monterey