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

Should you visit Richmond or Hilo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Richmond and Hilo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Richmond

Richmond is a friendly, historical, and growing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Richmond travel costs.

Hilo

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

Richmond and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Richmond or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Richmond 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, and impressive beauty, while Richmond attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Richmond and is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park. Richmond is famous for its cultural and historical sights.

How is Richmond different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Richmond is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Richmond offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

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 Richmond or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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 Richmond. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Is Richmond or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Richmond has a few options to choose from. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

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 Richmond or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Richmond 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.

Richmond is not a resort destination.

Is Richmond or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Richmond is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Richmond is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Richmond or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is very good for the beach. However, Richmond is not a beach destination.

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.

Richmond is not a beach destination.

Is Richmond or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Richmond is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Hilo specifically for its hiking. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Richmond is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Richmond or Hilo?

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

Richmond has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

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

Is Richmond or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Richmond 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.

Richmond is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Richmond or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Richmond is a family-friendly city. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Richmond or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is notable for couples. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Richmond is a nice destination for couples. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

Is Richmond or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is notable for backpackers. However, Richmond is a mediocre city 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.

Richmond is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular backpacker destination, and most people breeze through town.

Is Richmond or Hilo Better for Students?

Richmond is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilo is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Richmond. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

Both Richmond and Hilo offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

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

Is Richmond or Hilo a more walkable city?

Richmond and Hilo both are nice when exploring on foot.

Richmond is a somewhat walkable city. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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 Richmond Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Richmond?

How long in Richmond or Hilo?

Both Richmond 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 Richmond. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Richmond, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Richmond. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful town of Hilo offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Richmond or Hilo?

Richmond 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.

Hilo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Richmond or Hilo?

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

Hilo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Richmond or Hilo?

The historical city of Richmond 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilo has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Richmond or Hilo?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Richmond as well as Hilo. Most visitors come to Richmond for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Richmond is around the same temperature as Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Richmond averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Richmond this time of the year. In the summer, Richmond often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Richmond gets 305 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Richmond receives a lot of rain in the summer. Richmond usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Richmond gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Richmond or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Richmond are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Richmond because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In the autumn, Richmond is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Richmond in October average around 59°F (15°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Richmond. Richmond usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Richmond gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In October, Richmond usually receives less rain than Hilo. Richmond gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Richmond or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Richmond during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Richmond this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Richmond in the winter. In January, Richmond is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Richmond average around 36°F (2°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Richmond often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo. Richmond gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Richmond usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Richmond gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Richmond or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Richmond and Hilo. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilo in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Richmond is much colder than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Richmond averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. Richmond usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Richmond gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Richmond usually receives less rain than Hilo. Richmond gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Richmond