A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Providence vs. Hilo for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Providence 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 Providence 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.

Providence

Providence is a active, friendly, and fascinating city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Providence travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a friendly, authentic, and laid back town. With stunning beauty, Hilo attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches. See Hilo travel costs.

Providence and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Providence or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Providence 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 Providence attracts visitors for its nightlife and shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Providence and is known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Providence different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Hilo and Providence.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Providence. There are several historical museums around town as well as art museums, zoos, a planetarium and natural history museum, and even a children's museum.

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 Providence or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Providence and Hilo can be an enjoyable experience.

Providence has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene around town has grown and diversified in recent years. You'll find a mix of international and local options and for such a small city, it really has a lot to offer.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hilo makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Providence or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Providence has a few options to choose from. Comedy clubs, bars, and clubs keep the energy high during the evening hours. It's not hard to find something to do, particularly on weekend nights.

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 Providence or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Providence 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.

Providence is not a resort destination.

Is Providence or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Providence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling 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.

Providence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Providence or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a good destination for the beach. However, Providence 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.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is Providence or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Providence 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.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Hilo?

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

Providence has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

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

Is Providence or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is a great town for its scenery and beauty. However, Providence 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.

Providence is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Providence or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hilo. 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.

Providence is a family-friendly place to visit. There are opportunities for kids to interact with animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, as well as plenty of places for kids to run around like Rocky Point Park or Goddard Memorial State Park. There's also the Providence Children's Museum, go carting, and entertainment centers.

Is Providence or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is a great town for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Hilo is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Providence is a nice destination for couples. You can see a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or visit some of the city's historic buildings and museums. There are also parks and coastal walks as well as many great restaurants.

Is Providence or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Providence is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town for those who want an affordable place to stay.

Is Providence or Hilo Better for Students?

Providence is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilo is not popular with students.

Providence is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a college town vibe to this small city because it's home to Brown University, which is a member of the Ivy League.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

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

While Providence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

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 Providence or Hilo a more walkable city?

Providence is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Providence is a very walkable destination. It's a walkable city and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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 Providence Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Providence?

How long in Providence or Hilo?

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

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

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

Providence 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.

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 Providence or Hilo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Providence. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Providence or Hilo?

The fascinating city of Providence 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 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Providence or Hilo?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Providence 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 Providence or Hilo?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Providence or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Providence this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. Providence usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Providence gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In July, Providence usually receives less rain than Hilo. Providence gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Providence or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Providence during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Providence 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, Providence is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Providence in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Providence. In the autumn, Providence often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Providence gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Providence usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Providence gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Providence or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Hilo. Many visitors come to Providence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Providence can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Providence is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 28°F (-2°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Providence usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo during winter. Providence gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Providence usually receives less rain than Hilo. Providence gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Providence or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Providence as well as Hilo. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Providence is much colder than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In the spring, Providence often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Providence gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Providence usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Providence gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Providence