A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Shenandoah National Park vs. Hilo for Hiking, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Hilo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenandoah National Park and Hilo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a scenic, breathtaking, and serene national park. With stunning beauty, Shenandoah National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the skiing and hiking. See Shenandoah National Park 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.

Shenandoah National Park and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shenandoah National Park or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Shenandoah National Park and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Shenandoah National Park attracts visitors for its skiing. Shenandoah National Park is famous for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Shenandoah National Park different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Shenandoah National Park or Hilo Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is a popular place for skiing. However, Hilo is not a skiing destination.

Head to Shenandoah National Park for some great skiing and other winter activities. You'll find skiing and snowboarding at nearby Massanutten Resort, which is near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It's a family-friendly setting with slopes that are classified as "easiest", "more difficult", and "most difficult".

Hilo is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shenandoah National Park or Hilo?

Hilo is a town with good options for its historical sights. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people spend their time outdoors enjoying the setting, there are museums in the area, as well as visitor centers that have exhibits and informative displays.

Is the Food Better in Shenandoah National Park or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination 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.

Shenandoah National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is reasonable in both Shenandoah National Park and Hilo.

Shenandoah National Park doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.

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 Shenandoah National Park or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Shenandoah National Park 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Shenandoah National Park 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a town with good options for the beach. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Hilo. 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Hilo are destinations which offer terrific hiking.

Around Shenandoah National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park that pass through varied landscapes and take you to beautiful viewpoints. Visitors range from weekend visitors to long term hikers who come to experience the breathtaking beauty and serene setting.

Hilo is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Shenandoah National Park or Hilo?

If you're looking to go shopping, Shenandoah National Park and Hilo both offer plenty of reasonable spots.

Shenandoah National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

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

Is Shenandoah National Park or Hilo More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of excellent scenery and beauty in both Shenandoah National Park and Hilo.

With stunning beauty, Shenandoah National Park attracts visitors from all around. Skyline drive passes by breathtaking views and wonderful lookout points. There are also miles of trails that let you explore the natural beauty of the area.

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.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Hilo Better for Families?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Hilo are excellent to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Shenandoah National Park. There are tons of kid-friendly hikes to overlooks or waterfalls. Kids will love scrambling over the rocks or running through the forest. There are also plenty of campgrounds where families can hang out, toast marshmallows and enjoy some quality time together.

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 Shenandoah National Park or Hilo Better for Couples?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Hilo are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Shenandoah National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature will love a visit to the park. There are beautiful views and scenic spots that will make for a wonderful and romantic trip. Hiking, biking, and exploring will fill your time with adventure and fun.

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 Shenandoah National Park or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shenandoah National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Shenandoah National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers love the hiking trails and backcountry camping. Many people head to the park to escape into nature and enjoy some low key time in a serene setting.

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

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

Hilo is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hilo. The Hele-On is a bus service that connects Hilo to Kona with north and south routes.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable national park. While there are plenty of hiking trails, a car is a must to reach most trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Shenandoah National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Shenandoah National Park?

How long in Shenandoah National Park or Hilo?

Both Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Shenandoah National Park, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Shenandoah National Park. 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 Shenandoah National Park. 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 Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the destination of Shenandoah National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and food around the mellow town of Hilo, there's plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Shenandoah National Park or Hilo?

Shenandoah National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

With food and museums around the mellow destination of Hilo, there's plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Shenandoah National Park or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the scenic destination of Shenandoah National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

With museums and food around the friendly town of Hilo, there's plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Shenandoah National Park or Hilo?

The beautiful national park of Shenandoah National Park offers skiing. 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.

Hilo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, 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 Shenandoah National Park and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Shenandoah National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenandoah National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park.

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

When is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Shenandoah National Park is around the same temperature as Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In July, Shenandoah National Park usually receives less rain than Hilo. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Shenandoah National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Shenandoah National Park is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shenandoah National Park usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenandoah National Park and Hilo. Most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Hilo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Shenandoah National Park can be very cold during winter. In January, Shenandoah National Park is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 32°F (-0°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Shenandoah National Park usually receives less rain than Hilo. Shenandoah National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Shenandoah National Park as well as Hilo. The spring months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

Shenandoah National Park is much colder than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Shenandoah National Park usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Shenandoah National Park