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

Should you visit Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island 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.

Where Should I go: Vieques Island or Hilo?

Vieques Island

Amidst the melodious chorus of coqui frogs and gentle whispers of palm trees blowing in an evening breeze, you will find that the waters around you glow just as brightly as the stars above. This tropical paradise is none other than Vieques, Puerto Rico. Tropical forests, bioluminescent bays, coral reefs--this island attracts visitors from all around the world who seek to see the wonders and beauties of the tropics. This island suits those from all walks of life, from history buffs seeking to learn about its unique past to nature-lovers wanting to admire its untouched wilderness. Vieques is the place for a perfect vacation!

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.


Which place is cheaper, Hilo or Vieques Island?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vieques Island is $210, while the average daily cost in Hilo is $222. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Vieques Island and Hilo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vieques Island $92
    Hilo $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vieques Island $184
    Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Vieques Island and Hilo

Looking for a hotel in Vieques Island or Hilo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Vieques Island


Hotels in Hilo


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hilo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vieques Island $30
    Hilo $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo

Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Big Island Hotels: $204
  • Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $204
  • Private Transfer from Kona City Hotels to Hilo Cruise Port : $201
  • Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kailua Kona city hotels: $97
  • Private Transfer from Kona Airport (KOA) to Kailua Kona Port: $97
  • Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
  • Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
  • Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Keahole Kona Airport (KOA) : $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Keahole Kona Airport KOA: $72
  • Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
  • Waikoloa beach hotels to Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Vieques Island or Hilo?

Prices for flights to both Hilo and Vieques Island change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Vieques Island $94
    Hilo $121

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo

For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hands-On Hawaiian Imu Cooking and Cultural Dining Experience: $150
  • Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
  • Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $189
  • Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $249

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vieques Island $34
    Hilo $32

Tours and Activities in Vieques Island

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vieques Island.

  • Vieques Island Rich History Tour : $125
  • 1-Hour Bioluminescent Boat Tour in Mosquito Bay, Vieques : $100
  • Bio Bay Tour Vieques – Full Clear Canoes Experience: $65
  • Biobay Vieques Tour Kayak Night Tour: $65
  • CLEAR BOTTOM KAYAKS Tour in Bioluminescent, Mosquito Bay: $67
  • El Yunque Rainforest Tour: Natural Waterslides Adventure : $65
  • Full Clear Kayak Bioluminescent Experience Vieques, Puerto Rico: $110
  • Isla de Vieques Beach Hopper Sightseeing Tour: $90
  • Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island: $66
  • Unforgettable One Day Bioluminescent Kayak Adventure in Vieques: $60
  • Vieques Biobay Kayaking Tour: $60

Tours and Activities in Hilo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.

  • Akaka Falls Tour - Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Discovery: $179
  • 2-Hour Hilo Ghost Walks Tour: $59
  • 9-Line Waterfall Zipline Experience on the Big Island: $253
  • Abalone Farm Tour: $35
  • Baumkuchen Farm Tour: $5.00
  • Big Island - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: $23
  • Big Island ATV Tour at Ohana Ranch: $159
  • Big Island Family Off Road Farm Adventure: $129
  • Big Island Full Circle with Volcanoes and Akaka Falls Tour: $210
  • Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
  • Big Island Hawaii Volcano Day tour from Oahu and Hotel PU: $545
  • Big Island Hawaii: Craft Chocolate Tasting and Farm Tour: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vieques Island $30
    Hilo $10


When comparing the travel costs between Vieques Island and Hilo, we can see that Hilo 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. Even though Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands and Hilo is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Vieques Island or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Vieques Island or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Vieques Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vieques Island is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vieques Island in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. Vieques Island usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Vieques Island gets 287 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. In July, Vieques Island usually receives less rain than Hilo. Vieques Island gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F) 
    Hilo 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Vieques Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Vieques Island is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Vieques Island average around 28°C (82°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. In the autumn, Vieques Island often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Vieques Island gets 235 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 Vieques Island. Vieques Island usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Vieques Island gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F) 
    Hilo 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vieques Island and Hilo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hilo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vieques Island usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. Vieques Island gets 240 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, Vieques Island usually receives less rain than Hilo. Vieques Island gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F) 
    Hilo 72°F (22°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vieques Island as well as Hilo. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In the spring, Vieques Island is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vieques Island in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In the spring, Vieques Island often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Vieques Island gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Vieques Island usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Vieques Island gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F) 
    Hilo 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Hilo and Vieques Island

Vieques Island Hilo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 72°F (22°C) 8.7 inches (221 mm)
Feb 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 72°F (22°C) 10.8 inches (274 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 72°F (22°C) 13.6 inches (345 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 73°F (23°C) 15.6 inches (395 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 74°F (23°C) 10.7 inches (272 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 75°F (24°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 76°F (24°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 76°F (25°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in) 76°F (25°C) 8.5 inches (215 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 76°F (24°C) 9.8 inches (248 mm)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in) 74°F (24°C) 14.8 inches (375 mm)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 73°F (23°C) 12.6 inches (321 mm)


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