A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Hilo for Resorts, Beaches, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Hilo?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a friendly, authentic, and laid back town. Hilo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches. See Hilo travel costs.

West Palm Beach and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Hilo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hilo than West Palm Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hilo is better known for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while West Palm Beach is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is well known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Also, Hilo is famous for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is West Palm Beach different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Hilo?

Hilo is a popular place for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hilo. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is West Palm Beach or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in West Palm Beach has something for everybody. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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 West Palm Beach or Hilo Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, West Palm Beach is a great choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

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

Is West Palm Beach or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hilo is not known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

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.

Is West Palm Beach or Hilo Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

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 West Palm Beach or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is very popular for hiking. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Hilo?

Hilo is adequate for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Hilo More Beautiful?

Hilo is a great town for its scenery and beauty. However, West Palm Beach is not a destination known for its 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.

West Palm Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is West Palm Beach or Hilo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either West Palm Beach or Hilo.

West Palm Beach is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Hilo is a very kid-friendly beach area. 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 West Palm Beach or Hilo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both West Palm Beach and Hilo make for a high quality place to visit.

West Palm Beach is a great beach area if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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 West Palm Beach or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Hilo is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

West Palm Beach is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilo is not known for its public transit.

While West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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 West Palm Beach or Hilo a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach and Hilo are notable when it comes to walkability.

West Palm Beach is somewhat walkable. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable place. 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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Hilo?

Both West Palm Beach and Hilo have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Hilo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hilo than West Palm Beach. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hilo than West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of West Palm Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The mellow destination of Hilo offers food and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Hilo?

West Palm Beach is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

The town of Hilo offers museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in West Palm Beach or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the vibrant destination of West Palm Beach. This beach area offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Hilo is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in West Palm Beach or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the fun-filled beach area of West Palm Beach. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

The authentic town of Hilo offers museums and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between West Palm Beach and Hilo, we can see that West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Hilo?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches, snorkeling, 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 July, West Palm Beach is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 82°F (28°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. West Palm Beach gets 316 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 West Palm Beach. In July, West Palm Beach usually receives less rain than Hilo. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and West Palm Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the autumn, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Hilo. West Palm Beach gets 275 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 West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Hilo. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, West Palm Beach is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in West Palm Beach in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. West Palm Beach gets 243 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, West Palm Beach usually receives less rain than Hilo. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Hilo. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, West Palm Beach is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the spring, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Hilo. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. West Palm Beach usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Hilo and West Palm Beach