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

Should you visit Roanoke or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Roanoke 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking. See Roanoke 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.

Roanoke and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roanoke or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Roanoke 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 Roanoke attracts visitors for its nightlife and shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Roanoke and is known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park. Roanoke is famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Roanoke different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Roanoke. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball 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 Roanoke or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Hilo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Roanoke or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Roanoke has a few options to choose from. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

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 Roanoke or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is Roanoke or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Roanoke or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a popular place for the beach. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Roanoke or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is renowned for hiking. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Roanoke is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Hilo?

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

Roanoke has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

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

Is Roanoke or Hilo More Beautiful?

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

Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Roanoke or Hilo Better for Families?

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

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Roanoke or Hilo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Roanoke and Hilo make for a high quality place to visit.

Roanoke is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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.

Is Roanoke or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Roanoke is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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

Roanoke and Hilo both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

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 Roanoke or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not 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.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Hilo?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Roanoke. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Roanoke or Hilo?

Roanoke is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Roanoke or Hilo?

You'll find shopping and museums around the scenic destination of Roanoke. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Roanoke or Hilo?

The outdoorsy town of Roanoke offers museums and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Roanoke 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. 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 Roanoke Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Hilo?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Roanoke 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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Roanoke because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. Roanoke usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Roanoke gets 273 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. It's quite rainy in Roanoke. In July, Roanoke usually receives less rain than Hilo. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Roanoke or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Roanoke during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Roanoke is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Roanoke in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. In the autumn, Roanoke often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Roanoke gets 210 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. Roanoke usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Hilo. Many travelers come to Roanoke for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Roanoke. In January, Roanoke is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 38°F (3°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Roanoke usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo during winter. Roanoke gets 165 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, Roanoke usually receives less rain than Hilo. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Roanoke or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Hilo. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Roanoke is much colder than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In the spring, Roanoke often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Roanoke gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Roanoke usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Roanoke