Which place is cheaper, Hilo or North Conway?
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 North Conway or Hilo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit North Conway 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: North Conway or Hilo?
North Conway
North Conway is a small town in New Hampshire in the Mount Washington Valley (MWV). The entire valley is a popular vacation area year-round due to the multiple ski resorts and summer activities including amusement parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more.
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 Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
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North Conway Prices
USA PricesHilo Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNorth Conway $270Hilo $222
The average daily cost (per person) in North Conway is $270, 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 North Conway and Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNorth Conway $125Hilo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNorth Conway $250Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in North Conway and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in North Conway 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: North Conway Hotel Prices and Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.North Conway $52Hilo $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in North Conway
Also for North Conway, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $200
- Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $100
- Pittsburgh City to Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) - Departure Private Transfer: $100
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Big Island Hotels: $204
- Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $204
- Private Transfer from Kona City Hotels to Hilo Cruise Port : $201
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kailua Kona city hotels: $97
- Private Transfer from Kona Airport (KOA) to Kailua Kona Port: $97
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
- Private Departure Transfer - to Keahole Kona Airport (KOA) : $72
- Private Arrival Transfer from Keahole Kona Airport KOA: $72
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Waikoloa beach hotels to Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into North Conway or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo and North Conway 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 dayNorth Conway $110Hilo $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.North Conway $38Hilo $32
Tours and Activities in North Conway
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for North Conway.
- Kancamagus Scenic Byway Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour Guide: $15
- Kancamagus highway GPS Smartphone Audio Driving Tour App : $9.50
- Meet the Cider Makers with Rhythm Cidery Lincoln Tour: $40
- Meet the Winemakers - Seven Birches Winery Tour: $40
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 dayNorth Conway $33Hilo $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between North Conway and Hilo, we can see that North Conway 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 North Conway would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in North Conway 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 North Conway Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, North Conway or Hilo?
Hilo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of North Conway. When comparing the sizes of North Conway 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 North Conway 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 North Conway or Hilo in the Summer?
Both Hilo and North Conway are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
In the summer, North Conway is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in North Conway in July average around 69°F (20°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in North Conway. North Conway usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. North Conway gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In July, North Conway usually receives less rain than Hilo. North Conway gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNorth Conway 69°F (20°C)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit North Conway or Hilo in the Autumn?
Both Hilo and North Conway during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, North Conway is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in North Conway average around 49°F (9°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
In the autumn, North Conway often gets more sunshine than Hilo. North Conway gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. North Conway usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. North Conway gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNorth Conway 49°F (9°C)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit North Conway or Hilo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both North Conway and Hilo. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in North Conway. North Conway is much colder than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in North Conway averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
North Conway usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo during winter. North Conway gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, North Conway usually receives less rain than Hilo. North Conway gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNorth Conway 21°F (-6°C)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit North Conway or Hilo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to North Conway as well as Hilo. Additionally, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, North Conway is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in North Conway in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in North Conway this time of the year. In the spring, North Conway often gets more sunshine than Hilo. North Conway gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. North Conway usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. North Conway gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNorth Conway 43°F (6°C)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and North Conway
| North Conway | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°F (-6°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 24°F (-5°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 63°F (17°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 69°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 49°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 39°F (4°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 27°F (-3°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 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.