A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Portland, Maine vs. Hilo for Hiking, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a seaside, laid-back, and scenic coastal town. With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland, Maine or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Portland, Maine and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking, while Portland, Maine attracts visitors for its nightlife, beaches, and shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Portland, Maine different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Portland, Maine or Hilo?

Hilo is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Portland, Maine or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

Is Portland, Maine or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland, Maine has a few options to choose from. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

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 Portland, Maine or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a town with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hilo has a few snorkeling spots. Richardsons Ocean Park is the best snorkeling spot nearby but, in general, the water near town has poor visibility because of the frequent rain.

Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is a great coastal town for the beach. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Portland, Maine is considered a top beach destination. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

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 Portland, Maine or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an amazing town to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland, Maine or Hilo?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Portland, Maine has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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

Is Portland, Maine or Hilo More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of high quality scenery and beauty in both Portland, Maine and Hilo.

With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

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 Portland, Maine or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Portland, Maine or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Hilo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

Is Portland, Maine or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is well known for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known 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.

Portland, Maine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It isn't so much a backpacker destination, but there are some budget accommodation options around town.

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

Hilo is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Portland, Maine or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known 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.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable coastal town. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Portland, Maine?

How long in Portland, Maine or Hilo?

Both Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Portland, Maine, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Portland, Maine. 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.

The authentic destination of Hilo offers food and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Portland, Maine or Hilo?

Portland, Maine is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

The town of Hilo offers museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Portland, Maine or Hilo?

You'll find food and shopping around the picturesque destination of Portland, Maine. This coastal town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hilo is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Portland, Maine or Hilo?

The scenic coastal town of Portland, Maine offers shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

The mellow town of Hilo offers museums and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Portland, Maine and Hilo, we can see that Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Hilo?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine or Hilo in the Summer?

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

Portland, Maine is cooler than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 69°F (20°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. In the summer, Portland, Maine often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Portland, Maine gets 282 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. Portland, Maine usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Portland, Maine gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland, Maine and Hilo. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Portland, Maine is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portland, Maine in October average around 49°F (9°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

Portland, Maine usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Portland, Maine gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Portland, Maine usually receives less rain than Hilo. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Portland, Maine as well as Hilo. Many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Portland, Maine. In January, Portland, Maine is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 21°F (-6°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Portland, Maine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo. Portland, Maine gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Portland, Maine usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Portland, Maine gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Portland, Maine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine is much colder than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. Portland, Maine usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Portland, Maine gets 212 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, Portland, Maine usually receives less rain than Hilo. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Portland, Maine