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

Should you visit Raleigh or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Raleigh 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.

Raleigh

Raleigh is a student-friendly, suburban-style, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Raleigh 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.

Raleigh and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Raleigh or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Raleigh and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Raleigh attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. Hilo is more touristy than Raleigh and is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park. Raleigh is famous for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University.

How is Raleigh different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Raleigh or Hilo.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Raleigh. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids 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 Raleigh or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Raleigh 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 Raleigh. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.

Is Raleigh or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Raleigh has a few options to choose from. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.

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 Raleigh or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

Raleigh is not a resort destination.

Is Raleigh or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a town with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Raleigh 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.

Raleigh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Raleigh or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a popular place for the beach. However, Raleigh is not a beach destination.

Hilo is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Raleigh is not a beach destination.

Is Raleigh or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Raleigh is not a hiking destination.

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.

Raleigh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Raleigh or Hilo?

Hilo is a town with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Hilo has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You can pick up anything you need in town, just head to Hilo Shopping Center.

Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Raleigh or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Raleigh 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.

Raleigh is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Raleigh or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Raleigh 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.

Raleigh offers lots of family activities. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.

Is Raleigh or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is well known for couples. However, Raleigh is not particularly known 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.

Raleigh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.

Is Raleigh or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is well known for backpackers. However, Raleigh is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Raleigh is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Raleigh or Hilo Better for Students?

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

Raleigh is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

Hilo is not popular with students.

Is Raleigh 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, Raleigh 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 Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.

Is Raleigh or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Raleigh 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.

Raleigh is generally not a very walkable city. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Raleigh?

How long in Raleigh or Hilo?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Raleigh. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Hilo, you'll find food and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Raleigh or Hilo?

Raleigh 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.

In Hilo, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Raleigh or Hilo?

You'll find food and museums around the suburban-style destination of Raleigh. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hilo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilo has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Raleigh or Hilo?

The student-friendly city of Raleigh offers museums and nightlife. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilo. In Hilo, you'll find museums and food. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Raleigh or Hilo?

Raleigh has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Raleigh during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the city activities 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.

Raleigh is around the same temperature as Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Raleigh. In the summer, Raleigh often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Raleigh gets 259 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 Raleigh. Raleigh usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Raleigh or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and Hilo. The city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Raleigh 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, Raleigh is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Raleigh in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Raleigh, it's very sunny this time of the year. Raleigh usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Raleigh gets 211 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, Raleigh usually receives less rain than Hilo. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Raleigh or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as Hilo. Many travelers come to Raleigh for the museums 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 Raleigh. In January, Raleigh is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 40°F (5°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Raleigh often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo. Raleigh gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Raleigh usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Raleigh or Hilo in the Spring?

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

Raleigh is cooler than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. Raleigh usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Raleigh gets 251 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, Raleigh usually receives less rain than Hilo. Raleigh gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Raleigh