sirtravelsalot

Youthful early 30's couple into fun and adventure with sprinkles of rest and relaxation.
Interested in a refined, upbeat and fun vibe (not cancun-esk) but not lights out at sundown either.
Love activities such as para sailing, horseback riding, tennis, all water sports, nature hikes etc.. just to name a few.

Trying to chose between Hawaii (the big island or maui) vs Jamaica (ocho rios or negril)

Short 4-5 day getaway from LAX so the shorter the traveling distance the better. We're spontaneous and fun but we're not the get up at the crack of dawn couple.
Doesn't have to be romantic but would rather not be surrounded in a place with lots of children/families. Not into the whole mega resort feel, something a little more personal and quiet is ideal, almost like the bungalow seclusion feel but not the too quiet and secluded. Shopping, decent eating and fun fun fun lol

Please suggest
Thank you in advance!

GRwithAWayWeGoTravel

If shorter traveling distance is a consideration, then Hawaii would be the best bet. Not quite sure your budget but the Mauna Lani Bay Resort has bungalows. You could have the privacy of the bungalows but the amenities of a resort when needed. Also, you might want to check out the Makena Beach and Golf Resort on Maui. It isn't one of those mega resorts but they still have lots of activities, etc.

Are you looking for an all-inclusive resort?

Jamaica would be fun as well (has some great excursions) but again, it takes longer to get there from LAX.

xkenx

If you like the idea of Jamaica, you can fly redeye LAX-MIA then to MBJ and arrive mid-to-late morning and have the rest of the day on the island. don't know when you're traveling, but winter is the rainy season with chilly water temperatures in Hawaii. Summers are similar.

suze

I have been to Hawaii (Oahu and Maui 6x) and to Jamaica (Negril 3x). I think Hawaii better fits your wish list. Negril is pretty rustic so there's not a lot of 'parasailing, tennis, horseback riding, or shopping' readily available. It's also more hassle to get to for such a short stay.

I suggest Maui.

suze

I question the comment that Hawaii has a "rainy season both winter and summer. I've been there many different months and it's always been beautiful (sunny 70's or 80's only an occasional shower, if that).

suze

If you have other specific question, please feel free to ask. I'll check back since I know you're trying to make a quick decision.

WWK

For such a short trip, I'd go with Hawaii. Jamaica's a loong trip from LAX, and don't forget that once you get to Montego Bay, you've still got 1.5 hour drive ahead of you to Negril, about the same or more to Ocho.

Don't know what your budget is, but you might look at Kaanapali Al'i on Maui. The condos are gorgeous (!!) and just in back of a wide section of body surfing beach which tends to be somewhat quieter and more laid back than the beach at the other end near The Sheraton Maui.

sirtravelsalot

@GRwithAWayWeGoTravel Bungalows are not necessary, was just trying to describe what I am used to from all my carribean travels. So if its not the bungalow draw would you still recommend Mauna Lani?

AI or not doesnt matter.. Seems like the AI's in HI are closely related to the mega resorts.

@suze.. Thank you! I replied to your comment on my other post, thanks for lending a helping hand.

@WWK, I completely forgot about the drive from the airport which for some might not sound like a lot but when you're trying to maximize 4-5 days, an additional 3 hours for airport to hotel travel each way and 3 extra hours flying each way adds up to an extra half of a day wasted.. hmm point well taken! thank you!

Fyi guys Im looking to leave tomorrow afternoon and I have removed Jamaica from the equation leaving HI purely in my scope.. Budget is not too big of a concern but Im not looking to go rock star status either (if that makes sense)! Im open to any other options other than maui or the big island if you guys want to throw some things at me..

suze

If I were leaving for Hawaii tomorrow and had nothing planned yet, I'd fly to Honolulu, get a hotel in Waikiki, and take it from there. But you've said you don't want to do that.

GRwithAWayWeGoTravel

Mauna Lani is very nice ....the bungalow draw would probably be a big consideration since you want some seclusion. They do have some one bedroom villas. There are around 300 or so guestrooms in the main building though.


Even if money isn't that much of an issue, I'm always looking for the best "bang for the buck" so I would try to see which places match my top 3 interests/must haves. But if you are leaving tomorrow, you could be spontaneous, kind of like Suze said, and pick an island and go from there!

Good luck with your final choice!