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

Should you visit Mystic 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 Mystic 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a laid back, charming, and quaint town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Mystic travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a laid back, mellow, and friendly town. Hilo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums. See Hilo travel costs.

Mystic and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mystic or Hilo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hilo than Mystic, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hilo is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Mystic is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, and shopping. Mystic is well known for its New England charm and local character. Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Also, Hilo is famous for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Mystic different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mystic is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Mystic offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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 Mystic or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hilo. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Mystic or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Mystic has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

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 Mystic or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

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

Mystic is not a resort destination.

Is Mystic or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mystic or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Mystic is a great town for the beach. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Mystic is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

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 Mystic or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Hilo?

Mystic is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

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

Is Mystic or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mystic or Hilo Better for Families?

Both Mystic and Hilo are superb family-friendly destinations.

Mystic is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Hilo is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Mystic or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Mystic or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

Hilo is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

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

Hilo is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Mystic or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a good destination for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

For even more information, also check out Is Mystic Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Hilo?

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

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Mystic. 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 Mystic. 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 Mystic 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 Mystic or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Mystic. 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 Mystic or Hilo?

Mystic is a fun place to experience. 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 Mystic or Hilo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Mystic. This town 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 Mystic or Hilo?

The laid back town of Mystic offers nightlife and food. 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 laid back 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 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 Mystic and Hilo, we can see that Mystic 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 Mystic Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mystic or Hilo?

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

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

In July, Mystic is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 73°F (23°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mystic usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Mystic gets 293 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, Mystic usually receives less rain than Hilo. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mystic or Hilo in the Autumn?

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

Mystic is much colder than Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In the autumn, Mystic often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Mystic gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Mystic usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mystic or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Mystic are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Mystic 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.

Mystic can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Mystic is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mystic in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).

Mystic usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo during winter. Mystic gets 170 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, Mystic usually receives less rain than Hilo. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mystic or Hilo in the Spring?

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

In April, Mystic is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 48°F (9°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Mystic. In the spring, Mystic often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Mystic 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. Mystic usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Mystic