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

Should you visit Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a quaint, charming, and picturesque city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Pasadena 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.

Pasadena and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pasadena or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Pasadena and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Pasadena attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pasadena 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.

Pasadena offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a good number of museums around town that include kids' museums, art museums, and local museums. Popular museums include the USC Pacific Asia Museum, the Norton Simon Museum, and the Pasadena Museum of History. Many people also enjoy touring the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

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 Pasadena or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Dining out in Pasadena is an experience not to be missed. Local restaurants feature southern California cuisine as well as international flavors. Dishes often use local ingredients that are fresh and seasonal. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

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.

Is Pasadena or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Pasadena has something for everybody. Much of the nightlife scene is concentrated around Old Pasadena. You'll find clubs, bars, and lounges that begin the evening with Happy Hours and then become more party-focused as the evening progresses.

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 Pasadena or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Pasadena 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.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Pasadena or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pasadena 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.

Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pasadena or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a good destination for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Hilo offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Pasadena or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an amazing town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena 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.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Hilo?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Pasadena. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

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

Is Pasadena or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Pasadena 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.

Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pasadena or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Pasadena is a family-friendly city. There are a number of kid-friendly museums around town including Kidspace Children's Museum. There are also nature centers, playgrounds, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Is Pasadena or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is notable for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Hilo is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Pasadena is a nice destination for couples. It's a charming town with a bit of a European vibe and plenty of outdoor activities. Fine dining and interesting shopping make this a nice weekend destination.

Is Pasadena or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is notable for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre 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.

Pasadena is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

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

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

While Pasadena offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

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 Pasadena or Hilo a more walkable city?

Pasadena and Hilo both are nice when exploring on foot.

Pasadena is a somewhat walkable city. Most people head to Old Pasadena, which is the most concentrated and walkable part of the city.

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 Pasadena Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Hilo?

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

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

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

Pasadena 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 Pasadena or Hilo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Pasadena. 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 Pasadena or Hilo?

The quaint city of Pasadena 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.

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pasadena and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Pasadena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pasadena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pasadena 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 Hilo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilo than you might in Pasadena.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pasadena Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pasadena or Hilo?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pasadena as well as Hilo. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Pasadena is around the same temperature as Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Pasadena usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Pasadena gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Pasadena are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pasadena 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.

In the autumn, Pasadena is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pasadena in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In October, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Hilo. Pasadena gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pasadena or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Pasadena during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Pasadena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Pasadena is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 56°F (13°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pasadena usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Pasadena gets 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pasadena and Hilo. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Pasadena is cooler than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Hilo. Pasadena gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Pasadena