A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Hilo for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Hilo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Hilo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a mellow, friendly, and authentic town. Hilo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, museums, and food. See Hilo travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Hilo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Hilo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Hilo is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Saint Augustine is well known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter. Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Saint Augustine different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Hilo?

Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime 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 Saint Augustine or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Saint Augustine and Hilo offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Hilo has a huge number of terrific 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

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 Saint Augustine or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Hilo has a few resort options worth checking out. You'll find more hotels than resorts in town.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a town with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine is a great city for the beach. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Saint Augustine is considered a top beach destination. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

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 Saint Augustine or Hilo Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Hilo does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine has a world-famous historical area. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Hilo does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Hilo Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Hilo draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Hilo?

Saint Augustine is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

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.

Saint Augustine is a beautiful place to visit, too. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Hilo Better for Families?

Saint Augustine and Hilo are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hilo is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Hilo Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine and Hilo are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Hilo is a great city 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a great destination for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Hilo.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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 Saint Augustine or Hilo a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Hilo?

Both Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

Families should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Hilo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Saint Augustine, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Hilo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint Augustine that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Saint Augustine or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Saint Augustine. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Saint Augustine or Hilo?

Saint Augustine is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Saint Augustine or Hilo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colonial destination of Saint Augustine. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Saint Augustine or Hilo?

The notable city of Saint Augustine offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 authentic 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Hilo?

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

Both Hilo and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Augustine is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 82°F (28°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Saint Augustine gets 286 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 Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Hilo. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hilo because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Augustine is cooler than Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 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, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Hilo. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Hilo. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In the winter, Saint Augustine is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 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, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Hilo. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Saint Augustine