Which place is cheaper, Hilo or Port-of-Spain?
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 Port-of-Spain or Hilo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Port-of-Spain and Hilo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Port-of-Spain or Hilo?
Port-of-Spain
Located on the northwest coast of Trinidad island, Port of Spain is the capital of the Caribbean island nation Trinidad & Tobago. It is a hub of activity, especially during the celebration of Carnival for which the island nation is famous.
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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.
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Port-of-Spain Prices
Trinidad and Tobago PricesHilo Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPort-of-Spain $213Hilo $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Port-of-Spain is $213, 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 Port-of-Spain and Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPort-of-Spain $80Hilo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPort-of-Spain $160Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Port-of-Spain and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in Port-of-Spain 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: Port-of-Spain Hotel Prices and Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Port-of-Spain $49Hilo $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport (KOA) to Hotels - Big Island: $15
- Departure Transfer from Hotels to Kona International Airport: $15
- Kona International Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
- Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
- Private Arrival Transfer from Keahole Kona Airport KOA: $72
- 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 Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Private Transfer from Hilo Cruise Port to Kona city hotels: $202
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kona Airport (KOA): $97
Is it cheaper to fly into Port-of-Spain or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo and Port-of-Spain 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 dayPort-of-Spain $94Hilo $121
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 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.Port-of-Spain $59Hilo $32
Tours and Activities in Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Kona Coffee Farm Tour from Tree to Tasting Room: $5.00
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Island: $20
- Big Island Kohala Coast Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
- Big Island - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: $23
- Experience Our Honey Farm And Beekeeping Tour: $30
- Big Island Farms Tour in Hawaii: $33
- Hamakua Coast Farm Small-Group Walking and Tasting Tour: $49
- 2-Hour Hilo Ghost Walks Tour: $59
- Hawaiian Rainforest Banana Cultivation Experience: $60
- Walking Ghost Tour: $64
- Snorkel Tour to Captain Cook Monument Kailua-Kona, Big Island: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPort-of-Spain $22Hilo $10
When comparing the travel costs between Port-of-Spain 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. Even though Port-of-Spain is in Caribbean Islands and Hilo is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Port-of-Spain Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Port-of-Spain or Hilo?
Port-of-Spain has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain or Hilo?
Hilo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Port-of-Spain experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Port-of-Spain or Hilo in the Summer?
Both Hilo and Port-of-Spain during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Port-of-Spain because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Port-of-Spain is a little warmer than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Port-of-Spain averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Port-of-Spain. In the summer, Port-of-Spain often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Port-of-Spain gets 206 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 Port-of-Spain. Port-of-Spain usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Hilo. Port-of-Spain gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPort-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Port-of-Spain or Hilo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Port-of-Spain and Hilo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Port-of-Spain year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Port-of-Spain is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Port-of-Spain in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).
In Port-of-Spain, it's very sunny this time of the year. Port-of-Spain usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Port-of-Spain gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Port-of-Spain gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Port-of-Spain usually receives less rain than Hilo. Port-of-Spain gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPort-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Port-of-Spain or Hilo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Port-of-Spain as well as Hilo. Port-of-Spain attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Hilo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Port-of-Spain is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Port-of-Spain average around 26°C (78°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Port-of-Spain this time of the year. In the winter, Port-of-Spain often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Port-of-Spain gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Port-of-Spain usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Port-of-Spain gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPort-of-Spain 26°C (78°F)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Port-of-Spain or Hilo in the Spring?
Both Hilo and Port-of-Spain are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Port-of-Spain throughout the year. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
Port-of-Spain is a little warmer than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain. Port-of-Spain usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Port-of-Spain gets 238 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, Port-of-Spain usually receives less rain than Hilo. Port-of-Spain gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPort-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and Port-of-Spain
| Port-of-Spain | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 252 mm (9.9 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 225 mm (8.9 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 203 mm (8 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 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.