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

Should you visit Yellowstone National Park or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Yellowstone National Park 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.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and vast national park. Many visitors also come to Yellowstone National Park because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Yellowstone National Park travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a mellow, friendly, and authentic town. With stunning beauty, Hilo attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and food. See Hilo travel costs.

Yellowstone National Park and Hilo: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Yellowstone 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, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Yellowstone National Park attracts visitors for its resorts and impressive beauty. Yellowstone National Park is more touristy than Hilo and is popular for its iconic geysers, breathtaking waterfalls, world-class hikes, and diverse wildlife. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Yellowstone National Park different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hilo is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hilo is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Hilo is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Yellowstone National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This is a large park and there are a number of dining options available both inside and just outside of the park. Many places are seasonal so your options will be highest during the summer months. Like most national park venues, prices can be high and the quality is variable. It's recommended that you pack your own food and plan to picnic.

Is Yellowstone National Park or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Hilo is a town with a few options for its evening party scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Hilo is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Yellowstone National Park Things quiet down quickly at night and you won't find many places to go in the evening.

Is Yellowstone National Park or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Yellowstone National Park is a great national park for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

Yellowstone National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. It is a large national park, and there are several impressive lodges nearby. Reservations are recommended well in advance. Within the park, Old Faithful Inn, Roosevelt Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are all nice options.

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

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

Hilo is a town with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hilo has a few snorkeling spots. Richardsons Ocean Park is the best snorkeling spot nearby but, in general, the water near town has poor visibility because of the frequent rain.

Yellowstone National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yellowstone National Park or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a popular place for the beach. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a beach destination.

Hilo is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Yellowstone National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Yellowstone National Park or Hilo Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Yellowstone National Park and Hilo both have first-rate trails.

People visit Yellowstone National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The park is huge, and there are countless hikes throughout. From short strolls to lengthy endeavors, there really is something for everyone. If you want to see the geysers, some of the best hikes are Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail, the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop, and the Lone Star Geyser Trail. For waterfalls you can check out Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, the North Rim Trail, and Fairy Falls Trail.

Many people visit Hilo specifically for its hiking. 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 Yellowstone National Park or Hilo?

Hilo is a town with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Hilo has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You can pick up anything you need in town, just head to Hilo Shopping Center.

Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yellowstone National Park or Hilo More Beautiful?

Yellowstone National Park 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 Yellowstone National Park because of it's amazing beauty. With its spectacular geysers, colorful springs, and unique wildlife, the park really is a beautiful place to visit.

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 Yellowstone National Park or Hilo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yellowstone National Park or Hilo.

Yellowstone National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy the outdoors and exploring new environments will appreciate a visit to this park. The geysers are fascinating for everyone and the waterfalls are breathtaking. There are ranger shows and other activities that are great for kids as well. Make sure you stop by the Visitor's Centers.

Hilo is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Yellowstone National Park or Hilo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Yellowstone National Park and Hilo make for a high quality place to visit.

Couples visit Yellowstone National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This park is a beautiful and romantic destination for couples who enjoy the outdoors. There are world-renowned hikes and breathtaking views. There are also lodges in the area that make for a romantic stay.

Hilo is a great national park 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.

Is Yellowstone National Park or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers will appreciate the campgrounds and affordable facilities that are found around the park. Reservations are recommended well in advance, particularly if you're hoping to stay inside the park.

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

Hilo is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Yellowstone National Park. There is no public transportation service available in the park. There are private tour options available.

Is Yellowstone National Park or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly 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.

Yellowstone National Park is not a very walkable national park. This is among the largest national parks and a car is an absolute must if you hope to experience the different landscapes.

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

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

How long in Yellowstone National Park or Hilo?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Yellowstone 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the friendly town of Hilo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Yellowstone National Park or Hilo?

Yellowstone National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hilo. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the hiking. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Yellowstone National Park or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Yellowstone 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.

Hilo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

A week in Yellowstone National Park or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking national park of Yellowstone National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Hilo is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Most people visit for the hiking. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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 Yellowstone National Park and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Yellowstone National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yellowstone National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone National Park.

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