A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Fernando vs. Hilo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Fernando or Hilo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Fernando 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.

Where Should I go: San Fernando or Hilo?

San Fernando

As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.

Hilo

Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Fernando and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is San Fernando much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Fernando is in Caribbean Islands and Hilo is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to San Fernando would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Fernando 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 San Fernando.

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

Which is Bigger, San Fernando or Hilo?

San Fernando has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of San Fernando 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 San Fernando or Hilo?

Hilo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Fernando experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit San Fernando or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and San Fernando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Fernando throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, San Fernando is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Fernando in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. San Fernando usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. San Fernando gets 206 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 San Fernando. In July, San Fernando usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilo. San Fernando gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Fernando or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and San Fernando during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Fernando because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Hilo because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, San Fernando is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 27°C (81°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in San Fernando. In the autumn, San Fernando often gets more sunshine than Hilo. San Fernando gets 207 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. San Fernando usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. San Fernando gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Fernando or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Fernando and Hilo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Fernando year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

San Fernando is a little warmer than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in San Fernando averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In San Fernando, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Fernando usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. San Fernando gets 241 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, San Fernando usually receives less rain than Hilo. San Fernando gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Fernando or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to San Fernando as well as Hilo. San Fernando attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, San Fernando is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Fernando in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Fernando this time of the year. In the spring, San Fernando often gets more sunshine than Hilo. San Fernando gets 238 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. San Fernando usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. San Fernando gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and San Fernando