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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a scenic, relaxing, and laid back island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Saint Simons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Saint Simons 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 Simons and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Hilo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hilo than Saint Simons, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hilo is better known for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint Simons is more popular for its resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Saint Simons is well known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Also, Hilo is famous for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Saint Simons different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hilo is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

Is the Food Better in Saint Simons or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Simons makes for a great culinary experience. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

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 Simons or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Simons or Hilo has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Simons is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Hilo doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.

Is Saint Simons or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

Saint Simons has a few great resort options. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

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

Is Saint Simons 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 Simons 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 Simons is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint Simons or Hilo Better for Beaches?

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

Saint Simons is considered a top beach destination. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

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 Simons or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint Simons. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Hilo?

Saint Simons is a great island for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Simons. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

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

Is Saint Simons or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Simons 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 Simons is a beautiful place to visit, too. Beautiful beaches and live oaks with Spanish moss give the island a southern charm.

Is Saint Simons or Hilo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Saint Simons or Hilo.

Saint Simons is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

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 Simons or Hilo Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Saint Simons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

Hilo is a great island 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 Simons or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a great destination for backpackers. However, Saint Simons is a island 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 Simons is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds in the area that offer access to the island.

Is Saint Simons 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, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options 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 Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Saint Simons or Hilo a more walkable city?

Saint Simons and Hilo both are notable when exploring on foot.

Saint Simons is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Simons Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Hilo?

Both Saint Simons 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 Simons. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Simons, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

Couples should spend more time in Hilo than Saint Simons. 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 Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons or Hilo?

Saint Simons is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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, many people enjoy the museums and food that this friendly town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Hilo?

Saint Simons is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Saint Simons or Hilo?

Saint Simons is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Hilo, many people enjoy the museums and food that this authentic destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Saint Simons or Hilo?

Because Saint Simons is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons 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 Simons 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 Simons or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Saint Simons during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, 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.

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

It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. In the summer, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Saint Simons 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 Simons. Saint Simons usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Saint Simons 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 Simons or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Hilo. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Saint Simons 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 Simons usually receives less rain than Hilo. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Hilo. Many travelers come to Saint Simons 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.

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

In the winter, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Saint Simons 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 Simons usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Saint Simons 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 Simons or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Saint Simons is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons 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 Simons. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Saint Simons 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 Simons usually receives less rain than Hilo. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Saint Simons