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

Should you visit Yosemite National Park or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Yosemite 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.

Yosemite National Park

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

Hilo

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

Yosemite National Park and Hilo: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Yosemite 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, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Yosemite National Park attracts visitors for its resorts and impressive beauty. Yosemite National Park is more touristy than Hilo and is popular for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Yosemite National Park different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hilo is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Yosemite 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.

Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hilo is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

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.

Yosemite National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.

Is Yosemite National Park or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Both Yosemite National Park and Hilo are reasonable when it comes to partying.

Most people don't head to Yosemite National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are some bars near the park that make a nice spot to grab a drink.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Hilo. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.

Is Yosemite National Park or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

Yosemite National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

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

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

Hilo is a moderate town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Yosemite National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Yosemite National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yosemite National Park or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a popular place for the beach. However, Yosemite 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Yosemite National Park or Hilo Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Yosemite National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake 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 Yosemite National Park or Hilo?

Hilo is a moderate town for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yosemite National Park or Hilo More Beautiful?

Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park because of it's amazing beauty. This park has a sense of natural beauty that's hard to find anywhere else in the world. The breathtaking landscapes, surreal waterfalls, and stunning granite rock formations are unlike any other park or setting.

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 Yosemite National Park or Hilo Better for Families?

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

Yosemite National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

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 Yosemite National Park or Hilo Better for Couples?

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

Yosemite National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

Hilo makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Yosemite National Park or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

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

Yosemite National Park is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilo is not known for its public transit.

While Yosemite National Park offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

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 Yosemite National Park or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park 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.

Yosemite National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.

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

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

How long in Yosemite National Park or Hilo?

Both Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Yosemite 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.

The town of Hilo offers museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Yosemite National Park or Hilo?

Yosemite 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.

The friendly destination of Hilo offers food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Yosemite National Park or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the popular destination of Yosemite 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilo. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Yosemite National Park or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking national park of Yosemite 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 fun place to experience. The destination of Hilo offers food and museums. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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