A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sonoma vs. Hilo for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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.

Sonoma

Sonoma is a scenic, serene, and relaxing county. Many visitors also come to Sonoma because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Sonoma 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.

Sonoma and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sonoma or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sonoma. Although Sonoma and Hilo are popular destinations, Sonoma has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sonoma is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Hilo attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking. Sonoma is more touristy than Hilo and is known for its world-class winemaking and sustainable agriculture. It is also well known for Buena Vista Winery. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Sonoma different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sonoma or Hilo?

Hilo is a town with good options for its historical sights. However, Sonoma is not known 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.

Sonoma offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't think of museums when they think of Sonoma, there are actually some interesting local options. The California Indian Museum, the Cotati Museum, and the Depot Park Museum are also local are fascinating.

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

Sonoma is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Sonoma is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Although wine may be the first thing you think about, the region is also filled with farm-to-table restaurants and award-winning dining options. The food is almost always fresh and local. You can sample many local ingredients such as vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, and fish.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hilo makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Sonoma or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Sonoma is a great county for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Sonoma has something for everybody. Lounges, wine bars, and live music venues offer a variety of activities for visitors during the evening hours.

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 Sonoma or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Sonoma is a great county for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

Sonoma is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Spa hotels, charming inns, and beautiful resorts all offer a variety of options for visitors.

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

Is Sonoma or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sonoma 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.

Sonoma is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sonoma or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Sonoma is a great county for the beach. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Sonoma is considered a top beach destination. The county has a coastline that includes several great beaches as well as rocky shoreline. The beaches include secluded coves and picturesque cliffs as well as sand dunes and sandy beaches.

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 Sonoma or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is terrific for hiking. Also, Sonoma is not as popular, but is still a nice county for the nearby hiking options.

Around Hilo visitors will find world-class hiking trails. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Sonoma is a popular spot for hiking. In between wine tastings you can explore the area's stunning natural beauty. There are hikes through the vineyards, along the coast, or through forested parks. Some of the best hikes are found in Jack London State Historic Park, Sugarloaf State Park, and Armstrong Woods State Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Sonoma or Hilo?

Sonoma is a great county for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Sonoma. You'll find a range of local vendors in the area, selling everything from jewelry to art, home decor, and olive oil.

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

Is Sonoma or Hilo More Beautiful?

Sonoma is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Sonoma because of it's amazing beauty. The lined vineyards are strikingly beautiful and the setting offers stunning viewpoints and a serene 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.

Is Sonoma or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sonoma is not as popular, but is still a nice county for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hilo. 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.

Sonoma is a family-friendly place to visit. While most people think immediately of wine tours, there's actually a lot more to Sonoma County. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area, which include beaches, parks, wildlife viewing, and more. There's also horseback riding and even ziplining opportunities.

Is Sonoma or Hilo Better for Couples?

Sonoma is very popular for couples. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Sonoma makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination for couples who come for the vineyards and wine tours. There are also charming hotels, award winning restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

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 Sonoma or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sonoma is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Sonoma is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few budget hotel options in the area, but not much in the form of hostels.

Is Sonoma 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, Sonoma is not known 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 Sonoma. While there are buses, they are almost never used by tourists. There is the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley which you should purchase tickets for in advance.

Is Sonoma or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Sonoma is not known 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.

Sonoma is not a walkable county. You really must have a car to get around the area and explore it efficiently.

For even more information, also check out Is Sonoma Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Sonoma?

How long in Sonoma or Hilo?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sonoma. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sonoma or Hilo?

Sonoma is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sonoma or Hilo?

You'll find food and shopping around the serene destination of Sonoma. This county offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilo. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sonoma or Hilo?

The serene county of Sonoma offers shopping and nightlife. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Hilo. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sonoma and Hilo, we can see that Sonoma is more expensive. And not only is Hilo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hilo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hilo 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 Sonoma would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sonoma than you might in Hilo.

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

Which is Bigger, Sonoma or Hilo?

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

Both Hilo and Sonoma are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sonoma for the beaches, 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.

Sonoma is around the same temperature as Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Sonoma averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In July, Sonoma usually receives less rain than Hilo. Sonoma gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sonoma or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Sonoma during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sonoma in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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, Sonoma is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sonoma in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sonoma usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Sonoma gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sonoma or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sonoma and Hilo. Most visitors come to Sonoma for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hilo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Sonoma is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Sonoma average around 46°F (8°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Sonoma usually receives less rain than Hilo. Sonoma gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sonoma or Hilo in the Spring?

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

Sonoma is much colder than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Sonoma averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Sonoma usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Sonoma gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Sonoma