A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Santa Monica vs. Hilo for Beaches, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Santa Monica or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a authentic, laid back, and mellow town. The beauty of Hilo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking. See Hilo travel costs.

Santa Monica and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Hilo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Santa Monica and Hilo are both popular with visitors, Santa Monica has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Monica is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Hilo is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Hilo and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Hilo is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Santa Monica different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santa Monica or Hilo?

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Santa Monica and Hilo.

Santa Monica offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hilo. 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 Santa Monica or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Santa Monica and Hilo can be difficult as they are each high quality in their own way.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santa Monica. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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.

Is Santa Monica or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a great town for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Santa Monica has something for everybody. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

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 Santa Monica or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Hilo offers a few options. You'll find more hotels than resorts in town.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Santa Monica or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santa Monica or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is very popular for the beach. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Monica. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

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 Santa Monica or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an amazing town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

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.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Hilo?

Santa Monica is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santa Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

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

Is Santa Monica or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Hilo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This side of the island is filled with beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforests, and tropical gardens.

Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Santa Monica or Hilo Better for Families?

Santa Monica is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Santa Monica is a very family-friendly destination. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

Hilo is 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.

Is Santa Monica or Hilo Better for Couples?

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

Santa Monica is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

Hilo makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Santa Monica or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hilo is a great town to visit for backpackers. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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

Santa Monica is a great town for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilo is not known for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Santa Monica. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

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 Santa Monica or Hilo a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a great town for its ease of walking around. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Santa Monica is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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 Santa Monica Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Hilo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hilo than Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Santa Monica. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Hilo, many people enjoy the museums and food that this authentic 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 Santa Monica or Hilo?

Santa Monica is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 Santa Monica or Hilo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Santa Monica. This town 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 friendly 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 Santa Monica or Hilo?

The funfilled town of Santa Monica offers nightlife and food. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Santa Monica and Hilo, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santa Monica or Hilo?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Santa Monica as well as Hilo. The summer months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the beaches 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 the summer, Santa Monica is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santa Monica in July average around 70°F (21°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Santa Monica usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Santa Monica gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Santa Monica are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Santa Monica 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 October, Santa Monica is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Santa Monica average around 67°F (20°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In October, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Hilo. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Santa Monica during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Santa Monica for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Santa Monica is much colder than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Santa Monica averages around 57°F (14°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Santa Monica usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Santa Monica gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Monica and Hilo. Many visitors come to Santa Monica in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Santa Monica is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santa Monica in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Hilo. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Santa Monica