A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. Hilo for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Resorts

Should you visit Ocean City or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Ocean City 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.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a energetic, fun-filled, and laid back city. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Ocean City travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a authentic, laid back, and mellow town. With stunning beauty, Hilo attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking. See Hilo travel costs.

Ocean City and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Ocean City and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ocean City attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Hilo and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Ocean City different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ocean City or Hilo?

Hilo is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hilo. Top museums in and around town include the Lyman Museum, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, Imiloa Astronomy Center, and Mokupapapa Discovery Center.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

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

Hilo is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

Is Ocean City or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Ocean City has something for everybody. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

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 Ocean City or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

Ocean City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

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

Is Ocean City or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ocean City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Ocean City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ocean City or Hilo Better for Beaches?

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

Ocean City is considered a top beach destination. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

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 Ocean City or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

People visit Hilo specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Hilo?

Both Ocean City and Hilo are reasonable shopping destinations.

Ocean City has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

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

Is Ocean City or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ocean City or Hilo Better for Families?

Ocean City 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, Ocean City is a very family-friendly destination. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Ocean City or Hilo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ocean City and Hilo make for a high quality place to visit.

Ocean City is a very popular place to visit for couples. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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.

Is Ocean City or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hilo is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Ocean City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in the area, but there are some affordable motels if you look beyond the beachfront properties.

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

Both Ocean City and Hilo offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

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

Is Ocean City or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable town. 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.

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable city. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Hilo?

Both Ocean City and Hilo have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Hilo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hilo than Ocean City. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Hilo than Ocean City. 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 Ocean City 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 Ocean City or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ocean City. 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.

With museums and food around the mellow town of Hilo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 one day exploring.

A weekend in Ocean City or Hilo?

Ocean City 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.

With food and museums around the destination of Hilo, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Ocean City or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the energetic destination of Ocean City. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Hilo, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled city of Ocean City. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Hilo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City 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 Ocean City 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 Ocean City or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Hilo. The summer months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

Ocean City is around the same temperature as Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Ocean City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ocean City usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ocean City is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocean City in October average around 58°F (14°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In October, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Hilo. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Ocean City during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Ocean City. In January, Ocean City is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 35°F (2°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocean City usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Hilo. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Ocean City is much colder than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Hilo. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Ocean City