Hawaii vs Caribbean

[akafred]

The Caribbean is much closer flight-wise for my family since we're closer to the East Coast, and in general is much less expensive than Hawaii. Like one trip to Hawaii is probably three times as much as a trip to the Caribbean. So my question is, if you have been to both, is Hawaii really worth it? Or is it mostly for people on the West Coast where it's a little less expensive and a shorter plane trip? I have the opportunity to spend the money before too long, I just don't want to be there and kick myself because I could be having as good a time in the Caribbean for much less. Silly?

ETA OMG speech to text!

[waverly]

I've only been to Hawaii but I definitely thought it was worth it. To compare with the Carribean I think there are so many places and countries in the Carribean that people's experiences vary quite a bit depending on what country or territory. Hawaii is a much longer plane ride though and time difference. It has a much more Polynesian vibe.

[supertrooper1]

I've been to Hawaii(Waikiki and Maui) and Puerto Rico. They are both great, but I think it's hard to compare past the beaches. The food and like waverly said, the Polynesian vibe are pretty cool things about Hawaii. But it is expensive. We went to Maui in April, and our first trip to the grocery store was $400 and at home it probably would have been about $150. Our condo was expensive and every meal in a restaurant seemed to be about $80 for the three of us without alcohol.

So if you are just looking for a beach vacation, I would pick the Caribbean since it is closer to you. But if you want to do the Polynesian culture type things or see a volcano, I would pick Hawaii.

[erinshelley21]

I think if I had the chance to go on a partially paid for vacation (that's what this sounds like anyways), I would choose Hawaii since it is more expensive.

[mommyatty]

I've been to both multiple times. I much prefer the Caribbean. Hawaii is great, and it's interesting to see the culture of a part of America that is so different, but I don't think that experience is worth the price tag. Also, the food in the Caribbean is so much better.

[akafred]

Aug 9, 2017 8:21:05 GMT -5 erinshelley21 said:

I think if I had the chance to go on a partially paid for vacation (that's what this sounds like anyways), I would choose Hawaii since it is more expensive.

My MIL has a time share so we might be able to get a free hotel. The flights, food, and activities are on us either way, but I may have a few more bucks than usual IF I wanted to splurge on Hawaii.

Additional negatives for Hawaii are the resorts are not on the beach. Close as in a few blocks, but not beachfront. And the resorts in Hawaii are bigger and busier than the Caribbean.

[erinshelley21]

akafred, I would still pick Hawaii. One of the only goals I have in life is to travel to all 50 states, so if the opportunity presents itself, I would go.

[traveltheworld]

I've been to Hawaii and the Caribbean and prefer Hawaii more. There's more to do. Maui has a great aquarium and the volcano is great. Honolulu has more history and shopping. To me, the Caribbean is really just a lie around a beach type vacation whereas Hawaii is more active and educational for the kids.

I'm surprised that everyone is saying that the Caribbean is cheaper - I found it pretty much the same. When we go to Hawaii, we usually rent a condo and cook our own food, so perhaps that's why?

[akafred]

traveltheworld, when we go to Puerto Rico for a week and pay for our hotel, it is $4000 or so, all in. Hawaii would be that just for the flights. And food is much more expensive in Hawaii.

I feel like there is tons to do in PR.

[traveltheworld]

Aug 9, 2017 10:36:28 GMT -5 akafred said:

traveltheworld, when we go to Puerto Rico for a week and pay for our hotel, it is $4000 or so, all in. Hawaii would be that just for the flights. And food is much more expensive in Hawaii.

I feel like there is tons to do in PR.

I haven't been to PR - it's on my list! I've only been to Jamaica (loved it), St. Martin, St. Thomas and Dominican Republic. My favourite off that list is definitely Jamaica.

[ilovelucyvv]

I love the Caribbean. I have never been to Hawaii. But despite the long flights from the East Coast and heavy price tag, I am determined to go there at least once before I die for the cultural experience because it would be cool and different.

[kimberlybb]

I have been to both and prefer Hawaii. It is a lot more expensive and harder to get to but totally worth it in my opinion. We liked the Big Island better than Oahu and it was cheaper I had a great time in Puerto Rico but my favorite Caribbean destination is St. Thomas.

[sandandsea]

I have been to both and much prefer Hawaii. Polynesia is my jam. It's a completely different vacation between the two and both are great and you definitely have to visit Hawaii at some point but it is way more expensive. Even from the west coast. . If money is a concern, I would avoid Hawaii as everything there is expensive.

[freezorburn]

I've only been to Oahu and the DR. Oahu was very touristy, but easy to navigate. I'd love to visit some of the other islands someday, I hear they are all very different.

Spent a week in the DR, and that was a lot of fun, too. Had to fly on American, which is my least favorite airline, and I traveled with a friend who is fluent in Spanish (mine is only so-so). We used local transportation to get around and managed to keep our budget in control as far as lodging. Scuba diving and canyoning were awesome. Food was pretty good, too.

[vavavictoria]

Late to this one. I've been to st Lucia, the Bahamas, curaçao, Bermuda (not technically Caribbean) and grand cayman. Also Hawaii.

The water in Hawaii is pretty cold. For me that's a thing. It's beautiful and the beaches are awesome but lots of traffic and can be hard to find parking to go to said beaches. This is Oahu I'm talking about btw.

I think when comparing Hawaii to the Caribbean it depends on which island you are taking about. Curaçao is my fave place of all time to go to. Absolutely beautiful Dutch influenced island with awesome walk in scuba diving. Less if any of the uber poor that you can see around the resorts in the Caribbean.