A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Hilo for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen 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.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a picture-perfect, scenic, and stunning town. With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Hilo

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

Playa del Carmen and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Hilo are popular destinations, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Hilo attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and hiking. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Hilo and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Hilo?

Hilo is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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 Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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 Playa del Carmen. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

Is Playa del Carmen or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

Playa del Carmen is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

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 Playa del Carmen or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Playa del Carmen is a great choice. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

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

Is Playa del Carmen or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hilo is not known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Playa del Carmen a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

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 Playa del Carmen or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for the beach. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Playa del Carmen. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

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 Playa del Carmen or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an amazing town to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Hilo?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Playa del Carmen has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

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

Is Playa del Carmen or Hilo More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of high quality scenery and beauty in both Playa del Carmen and Hilo.

With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Hilo Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen 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, Playa del Carmen is a very family-friendly destination. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

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 Playa del Carmen or Hilo Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for couples. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Playa del Carmen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Playa del Carmen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

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

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

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

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 Playa del Carmen or Hilo a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Playa del Carmen is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

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 Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Hilo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hilo than Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Playa del Carmen. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the friendly destination of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Hilo?

Playa del Carmen 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.

You'll find food and museums around the friendly town of Hilo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the scenic destination of Playa del Carmen. This town 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 is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant town of Playa del Carmen. 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 great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Hilo?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Hilo. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Playa del Carmen 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, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Hilo. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Hilo. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen 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.

In January, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Hilo. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Playa del Carmen