They are both correct and have the same meaning. Nobody uses 'hails from' in natural speech, though. There's something old-fashioned, awkward and cliched about the phrase. Journalists and TV presenters might use it, but it is not something you would hear or read in everyday English.

Hi Hunter! Both are definitely correct in talking about where someone is from/originates from/lives in. In America though, "hails from," is not used very much at all; only in the movies. But if you did use, "hails from," people would still totally understand what you are saying. :) Hope this has been a help!

There is no difference as far as I'm aware. Just that 'from' is way more commonly used. Though, 'hail from' is mostly used to tell where someone originates from, and not so much where someone lives at that moment. (however, it can still be used as such)

Hunter, i have just responded to your question, directed at me, regarding "an optimistic estimate". http://www.italki.com/question/319803. Since you have disabled messages, there is no other way of notifying you.