A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tallahassee vs. Hilo for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a lively, vibrant, and youthful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Tallahassee and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Tallahassee attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Hilo is more touristy than Tallahassee and is known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallahassee is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Tallahassee offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

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.

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

Hilo is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Tallahassee or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Tallahassee has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

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 Tallahassee or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

Is Tallahassee or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Tallahassee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tallahassee or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a town with good options for the beach. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Is Tallahassee or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an amazing town to visit for hiking. However, Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

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.

Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Hilo?

Tallahassee is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Tallahassee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

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

Is Tallahassee or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Tallahassee is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Hilo attracts visitors from all around. This side of the island is filled with beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforests, and tropical gardens.

Tallahassee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tallahassee or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Is Tallahassee or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is great for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Hilo is a great town 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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Tallahassee or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

Is Tallahassee or Hilo Better for Students?

Tallahassee is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilo is not popular with students.

Tallahassee is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

Tallahassee and Hilo both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

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 Tallahassee or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Hilo?

Both Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Tallahassee, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Tallahassee. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the friendly town of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Tallahassee or Hilo?

Tallahassee is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the friendly destination of Hilo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Tallahassee or Hilo?

You'll find shopping and museums around the vibrant destination of Tallahassee. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the authentic town of Hilo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Tallahassee or Hilo?

The vibrant city of Tallahassee offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hilo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tallahassee and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Tallahassee much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tallahassee would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Hilo?

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

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

Tallahassee is a little warmer than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Tallahassee gets 283 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 Tallahassee. In July, Tallahassee usually receives less rain than Hilo. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallahassee or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Tallahassee during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tallahassee in the autumn for the shopping scene. 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, Tallahassee is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallahassee in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. In the autumn, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Tallahassee gets 256 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. Tallahassee usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.

Should I visit Tallahassee or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Hilo. Most visitors come to Tallahassee for 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.

In January, Tallahassee is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 51°F (11°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. Tallahassee gets 185 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, Tallahassee usually receives less rain than Hilo. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallahassee or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Hilo. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

Tallahassee is cooler than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallahassee this time of the year. In the spring, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tallahassee usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Tallahassee