Hawaii v. Caribbean for 10 year anniversary?

It's a way long ride, but St John in US Virgin Islands is great.

We were there in 2006 and also in HI that year and truth be known, USVI had better beaches, snorkeling, nicer water.

Try something different this year!
Deb

Hi, I feel like Hawaii is my 2nd home. I've gone once a year every year but 1 since 1980. So I guess you could say I love Hawaii. Last year I went to the Caribbean on a cruise for the first time, pretty but too third worldish for me. I would go back to the JW Marriott in Cancun, Mexico in a heartbeat for the right price. It's the kind of place you can just "BE" and hang out and enjoy the beauty of the water and the elegance of the hotel and RELAX. There are day outings available to do such as Toulum and Chichinitza and maybe Xel Ha. It seems like the JW might just fit the bill for an anniversary trip A week might be too long, just be advised.

The ocean+beaches in the Caribbean are beautiful! I've been to
Oahu, Kauai, Maui, BI, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Martinique, Bequia, Barbados, St.Vincent...

Ask yourself this:

What do you want out of your trip?
If you want to share a new destination, get a bit outside the comfort zone, get thee to the Caribbean. Ya, mon.

What do you want to do? Eat/drink/lay on the beach/night life?
If you want to relax, eat and drink the Caribbean offers all inclusives which was a nice change for us in Jamaica. If you want night life, Aruba is suppose to have some. (I've not been there).

I think that people (like me) get into a travel rut (no offense) and need to get outside their comfort zone and try new places. I got really outside my comfort zone and went on the Easy Cruise by myself to 6 islands. It was one of my all time favorite travel experiences.

You should try the Island picker here or on concierge. It will help you narrow down your activities, desires with which island!

If you've "done" Hawaii, my vote is the Caribbean and something with a great island vibe.

bk

I see from one of your other posts that you are from San Francisco area.

For that reason alone, you ought to stick with Hawaii.

Had you been from the east coast, I would have recommend a Caribbean island because you've been to Hawaii many times.

Yes, but, gosh, what's a few more hours to see a new part of the world?

Something new??

An anniversary is saying, 'let's celebrate being together and enjoy
exploring new territory together'.

Just my opinion.

I spent my 10th anniversary in Havana, Cuba, and was 6' from
Castro. No, Cuba wasn't posh, it was an experience I will never forget. We still talk about having Cuban cigars and watching the show at the original Tropicana and drinking rum and daiquiri's where Hemingway drank. Seeing something
other than the USA.

I know you might not be able to go to Cuba, my point is, see something new together! Not so convenient!

bk

Hi Have you ever looked into Belize? I don't think the flight from SF would be too bad. I've never been but have researched it enough to know one day I will visit. I also have friends that loved it so much are looking to buy there.

Reply to znstravels,
Agree that St John, USVI is a worthwhile destination for beautiful beaches, snorkeling and exploring. You might find a private villa in your range to rent instead of condo, suggest checking Caribbean thread.

We are thankfull for our visits to 6 of the Hawaiian islands and feel you are also fortunate residing in CA being closer to HI. In our experience visiting the Caribbean made us further appreciate the beauty, culture, and aloha spirit of Hawaii.

I have just returned from my first trip to HI and must say you have a dilemma. We only went to the oft-maligned Oahu, and I was blown away with the variety of activities available. Have been to Mexico several times and to much of the Caribbean. From a cost perspective, you probably can't beat an all inclusive in the Mayan Riviera (check Apple vacations or whoever does packages from the west coast) There are many all-inclusives choose from--Palace and RIU both being highly touted. The beaches and water on that side of Mexico are gorgeous, and these all-inclusives are quite oppulent; we were not impressed with the west coast beaches.

The Caribbean will be very expensive for you and offers the least in terms of variety of activities. It would be my last choice after the Mayan Riviera or HI.

I live on the east coast and still prefer to fly longer and go to Hawaii rather than the caribbean. It gives me a peace and relaxation that I never find in the caribbean.

I live on the east coast too and I prefer Hawaii over the Caribbean as well. Bermuda though however is awesome and yet not in the Caribbean and will be cooler there in Februaury than the Caribbean. If I chose to visit the Caribbean again St. Barts would be high on my list after doing a lot of research. Of the islands I've visited Grand Cayman I thought was really my favorite.

Wow...lots of food for thought. I am torn between my desire to see someplace new (60%) and convenience to Hawaii (40%). I was told United will increase their mileage requirement so was hoping to book using frequent flyer miles by the end of the month. I will check into St. John, Cayman Islands and Cancun..please keep your thoughts coming as I do value the ideas! Many thanks.

Tough dilemma ,

I.M.H.O.: St. John is somehat similar to Kaua`i, Grand Cayman to Maui, Cancun to Oahu.

Seeing the Caribbean from a cruise is no way to experience the true beauty of many islands.

I like St John, but really prefer the British Virgin Islands. Take the ferry to Jost Van Dyke and sail to outlying islands. Take a puddle jumper to Anegada. Book a sailing excursion to several great snorkeling spots.

If money/time were no object, leaving from the West Coast, I would go to Tahiti/Moorea or New Zealand (would probably need 2 weeks at least!).

Consider New Zealand. It is a wonderful trip. If time is limited, just do the south island. You can always return for the north one.

Note: the last I knew, the exchange rate for the NZ dollar was quite favorable.

We are also from California and go to Hawaii every fall for the last 10 years (Kauai) and in the spring we usually go to the Riviera Maya. I think if you want to travel to the Caribbean area you would get more bang for your housing buck in the Yucatan, Caribbean just seems too expensive for me. Right now it is about 10 pesos to the US$ although if you change money at your hotel or resort, you'll get 9.5

If you do decide to go there, recommend skipping Cancun unless you are really big on clubbing, try someplace farther south.

Happy Anniversary!

My two favorite beach destinations are Waikiki and Puerto Vallarta Mexico.

Another way that you can look at your choice, if you plan to always live in California, Hawaii isn't going anywhere! I love Hawaii too!

I am also intrigued by the other polynesian ideas. Tahiti? Yeah,
this would be a new destination and outside the comfort zone of Hawaii!

Hi znstravels

We have been to Hawaii four times Mexico four times plus Belize and New Zealand. Save NZ for when you have more time. Look to the Yucatan Belize is pretty cool try googling Roberts Grove. Skip the large all inclusives in Mexico check out the the Playa de carmen area or Akumal

Have Fun
GP

I would encourage you to try the Caribbean - about the only thing it has in common with Hawaii is that they are both beautiful, tropical and islands... the culture,history and food of the Caribbean is worth experiencing. Yes, the Caribbean is "third worldy" but also has a rich history and culture that is very accessible -- and on most islands you will be in a foreign country which is always fun, anyway.

Since you have been to the Hawaiian islands many times over the last ten years I would say try something new.

You will find some many wonderful places throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. I would recommend that you make your decision based on what you like to do while on vacation.

We love the less traveled parts of Hawaii - so we usually rent a house on the beach away from the crowds when we visit. Lately we have been spending our time in the British Virgin Islnds when we visit the Caribbean.

I've also been to both and prefer Hawaii. Maui is my favorite island. And how can you beat whales in the middle of February. Hawaii would be my only choice. I've been there over 10 times and keep coming back because there is no other place I feel so serene. Good luck with your final decision and Happy Anniversary.

The REAL carribean: Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago etc. is VERY different from Hawaii. It is THIRD world. If you want the comforts of Hawaii, you will be disappointed. If you want a different experience, adventure and unique people, see the carribean. If you need American style food you will need all inclusive high end place. If you want romance go to Bora Bora stay in an over water bungalow! It is well worth the time and the expense.

Hi,
I will be as brief and informative as possible. First, I love Hawaii and would love for my husband and I to live there but I will not be biased - I like all these places. IF you go back to Hawaii would you consider the island of Hawaii? Of course: see the volcanoes - stay a night in Hilo and tour that area. We stayed also on the Kona side and stayed at a very nice remodeled small hotel on the coast right across from a bay FULL of turtles. Didn't know if you want to swim or snorkel but we lived in Australia for some time as teachers and scuba dived there. We found the waters here just as enjoyable (eventhough different) and thoroughly enjoyed the snorkeling. It is the Kona Seaspray (small pool)with totally self contained apartments (very clean and new). For information: www.konaseaspray.com. There was my husband, myself and our good traveling companion and it was a total of $175/night including tax. We have been to all the islands several times but this is just one idea. The north coast of Oahu is also fantastic. Kauai is spectacular - many good sights. On to the next suggestion. If you choose the Cayman Islands: first, the island (vegetation) is NOT at all like Hawaii. It is a relatively flat island without the beauty of Hawaii - the draw is the water - it is a gorgeous torquoise and plenty of snorkeling - the best, believe it or not (if you stay just off shore and not on a boat) is right off the shopping area in town! Be sure and go on a tour to stingray bay - my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it and our friend also (although she was scared at first). The people are very nice and there are small, friendly restaurants all over and it is clean. We stayed at the Turtle Nest Inn which we only later found out is one of the top ten small inns in the Caymans or maybe all of the Caribbean. It is beautiful - see the internet - it REALLY looks like the pictures (even better). turtlenestinn.com
They are very new and very clean small apartment-type units - about 8 total. You can get room AND car for about $879 - $1,299 per week depending on ocean unit or front unit. The pool is so beautiful you will sit out there so you really don't need to spring for the ocean unit if you want to save money. It is a great place if you don't want a typical "hotel". Again, I don't know if you want to go that far but consider it sometime in the future maybe. Closer of course, would be Cancun or Cozumel. Going to an all inclusive there is fine - the town areas my husband and I do not find as interesting as any of the other places people have mentioned - and "yo hablo my bien el espanol" (I speak Spanish well - am actually part Spanish) but I put that last on the list for actual beauty and things to see and water sport, etc. If you are going just to stay in an all-inclusive resort with pool, etc. then I would say fine.
Next: someone mentioned the Virgin Islands. They are beautiful. If you go to St. Thomas there is a lot of shopping - a beautiful bay - I think Magen's Bay??? - and then the boat or ferry over the St. John - the snorkeling is good and the island is very pretty - definitely worth the trip over if you go to the Virgin Islands (only about 15 or 20 min. from St. Thomas). Lastly, if you want to really have a unique adventure go to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. There are specials leaving from L.A. (maybe S.F. also???). Stay on Rarotonga and take at least the day flight or stay a night or 2 in Aitutaki - this is what a tropical island paradise is like. Again, I don't know if you can go that far at this time but definitely put this on your list if you like Hawaii. I only mention this because someone had mentioned going to Bora Bora and/or Tahiti - forget them - go to Rarotonga and Aitutaki if you want "real people" and yet safe and totally something to remember. To end this, after all I have said - you cannot go wrong by choosing Hawaii. If you have not been to Molokai, Kauai, etc. try one of those if you have time. Good luck, Happy Anniversary and I hope this is helpful. Also, in summary: if I had to stay close to (or in) the U.S. I would definitely choose Hawaii over Mexico. If I could choose far away: in order - #1-Rarotonga/Aitutaki #2 Virgin Islands #3-New Zealand - south island #4-Cayman Islands
Then again, there is Puerto Rico... and a million more.

Hula,

I liked your comparison.

AND, I looked up the places that you went to in the Cook islands and my jaw is still on the floor! wow!!

I'm counting my FF miles...maybe they will stretch that far!

I too LOVE Hawaii. I want to go back but feel like there is a whole world out there to check out!

I wonder which direction znstravels is leaning??

bk

Definitely try the islands! I just got back from Hawaii and think in many ways the Carribean has as much if not more to offer. St. John does not have much of the third world issue that the other poster mentioned, but I think the rural nature of some of the islands is interesting.

On St. John we stayed at the Westin Hotel---you could get a upstairs/downstairs villa on the resort for $160/night. I'm sure it is more now but it was a very nice hotel with lots of amenities.

Tortola is a great island and my personal favorite. We googled it and found a fabulous house called Sunset House but it is more house than you need. Try www.areanavillas.com and put in your criteria.

I went to Jamaica last year with a very skeptical attitude and was pleasantly surprised. It was beautiful and the people were so friendly. The villas are very affordable and often come with staff.

Hope you enjoy your stay wherever you may go.

I too am from California and have visited Hawaii many times, and love all the islands, especially Kauai.
However, I have also visited Moorea (Tahiti), New Zealand, Cancun, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Providenciales (Turks and Caicos), Bahamas, Bonaire, Jamaica, and Barbados. Most of these Caribbean trips (and Tahiti) have been for scuba diving - Hawaii (with the possible exception of the Big Island), can't compare to the water clarity, convenience, fish variety, etc. of the Caribbean. That being said, each island is different - dessert (Turks and Caicos), fancy (Cayman), third world hovels outside of luxurious all-inclusive resorts (Jamaica), etc. and most are a lot more "foreign" than Hawaii - different currency, language, foods, etc. Some people would find that more of a reason to visit somewhere, some would like it less. New Zealand is a great sightseeing vacation, but the beaches are not the reason to go that far.
Bottom line - try something different this year!

I live in Hawaii but my wife and I vacation in the Caribbean. St Barts is small but nice. Many good suggestions in comments below so will not repeat. Make it special and go somewhere different. February is a "rainy" month here so think it best to go elsewhere, unless the rain does not bother you. Bill

well, count me among the few on this list who have been to both but prefer the Caribbean. I loved Hawai'i and would very much like to return one day, but when I land in the Caribbean, I feel like I've come home. There are more opportunities to get off the beaten path in the Caribbean, I felt, so if that's your thing, by all means go for it. Comparing the cultures, beaches, and ameneties of the two island chains for me was both fruitless and impossible. I love the West Indian flavour of many of the islands, but I also really, really liked the Polynesian and Asian fusion that I saw around Hawai'i, for one example. The Caribbean is, by and large, homophobic, whilst the islands of Hawai'i seemed much more inclusive on that front. Hawai'i seems to specialize in only three types of accommodations: condos, B&Bs, and large beachfront resorts, while the Caribbean seemed to have more range in both price and type of accommodation.

One thing to consider is that February is high season in the Caribbean. Condos aren't widely found, at least not on the islands I tend to prefer, but there are tons of private rental villas that might appeal to you.

If you do decide to go the Caribbean route, please post over on the Caribbean forum at Fodor's and we'll give you tons of suggestions. If you do decide to return to Hawai'i, you'll be in good hands here. Either way, my congratulations for your anniversary!

Hello ZNS,

We also were married in Hawaii and have been back since then (Kauai is our favorite!)Our future plans include a trip to Maui in February. We spent our ten year anniversary in Bermuda. Great for us, but too cold in February for you.
We have also been to been to about a dozen Caribbean islands. We loved Jamaica, but some people don't do well with the poverty. Additionally we didn't care for the commercialism in Aruba. We have had 2 marvelous trips to Barbados. So, it really is all about what you like and can or cannot live with.
My favorite place is Palm Island in the Grenadines. Their attention to detail and high level of service was much appreciated. Our cottage was so private and wonderful. We thoroughly enjoyed the relaxation and the fine dinning.
Good luck with whatever you choose!

We have been to Hawaii 4 times (been to Oahu, Maui, BI, and Kauai at least twice each) and have also visited the Caribbean (Bermuda -- although not technically the Caribbean --, Aruba, Anguilla, and Turks and Caicos. We love both Hawaii and the Caribbean for different reasons. We are from the East Coast, though, so Hawaii is the farther flight for us. I would suggest looking into Anguilla. It's an amazing island that is calm, peaceful, quiet, and the beaches and restaurants are out of this world...perfect for an anniversary.

AWWW, Anguilla is on my "list", I'm a foodie! Did you go to the Blanchard's restaurant?

Thank you for posting your thoughts, can you expand on them a little and tell us what you find different~

Hawaii vs. Caribbean? Thanks!

bk

We liked Bermuda, St. John, and the BVIS, but loved Hawaii. St. John has some of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen.

Smile...smile...smile

Thank you all for such wonderful advice! I have been off celebrating my birthday for the past few days. I haven't made any decisions yet...it will definitely come down to a matter of economics. With sincere graditude....and will keep you posted on what I decide!

We will all be sitting here waiting for your decision~!

Happy Birthday!