If you love Hawaii, you'll find the Keys very different. Weak points in the Keys are poor beaches, not as lush as Hwaii's prettier areas, less to see and do vs. Maui or Oahu.
Pluses are that the water is warmer and prettier.
Have you considered flying to FL then getting a cheap roundtrip fare to the Caribbean? It's low season in the Caribe since hurricane season began this month and I've seen some great fares. That's where you'd find the real competition vs. a Hawaii experience.

Aloha azbec,
If your into beaches and snorkeling, I would stick with Hawaii. Key West is small and good for , sailing sunsets, and key lime pie, but pales in comparison to the diversity in Hawaii.

I think Mexico's Cancun or Isla Mujeres-if you like snorkeling, might be a better beach& destination.

Another option might be St John of the US VI (have not been, but others rave)

For a change what about:
1. Florida destinations such as Marco Island, Sanibel or Captiva
2. Hilton head in SC or Charleston

What about flying into Miami, renting a car and driving to Key West? This is a great trip and you can enjoy Miami's South Beach shopping, beaches, and nightlife, and see some wonderful sites on the way to Key West. Then enjoy the laid back experience of Key West for a few days. Best of both worlds and you can use those tickets

Just an FYI - Southwest flies into Ft. Lauderdale, not Miami. It's not a big deal, FTL is only 25 miles to the north of MIA but if you are making car reservations, make them out of Ft. Laud.

I have been to Maui twice and Key West only once but returning again this Saturday. Key West is soooo much different then Hawaii. Night & Day. However it has a different style. I prefer Hawaii but then again I'm on the East Coast so the Keys are closer to me. What do you enjoy doing? Beaches? Shopping? Snorkeling? It all depends. One thing I will give the Keys over Hawaii is that I think the snorkeling is 100 times better then Maui.

Not much into snorkling, just like to sight see, shop and just relax. I've been to Oahu and The Big Island a few times, prefer Oahu. I like the fact that Waikiki is so touristy, but then a short drive a way is the North Shore which is opposite. What will I find in the Keys?

Suggest you consider visiting Maui if you have not already, it has more in the way of scenery and stuff to do (see guidebook: Maui Revealed) and upscale shops and touristy things IMHO.

Key West is a small-medium resort town typical of the east coast US with specialty shops, bars and restaurants, a few musuems and historic houses (e.g. Hemingway's house) a lighthouse, a harbor, etc.

I'm in the midwest, and have to say I prefer Key West to Hawaii. Maybe it's because of the length of time it takes to get to Hawaii. I just enjoy the laid back almost Caribbean feeling of Key West. Yeah, it's touristy, but if you enjoy Waikiki, it's much less so than there. No highrises to be found.

We're returning to Key West over Thanksgiving, dragging my adult kids with me this time. So, since they've never been, we're driving from Miami. I enjoy the drive. We'll get rid of the rental car the next day and fly home from Key West. I don't like the drive back up the keys when there's a plane to catch.

If you decide on Key West, take a good hard look at one of the smaller hotels/B&B's. Lots of choices in all price ranges.

Jean

I have lived in both places and I think you should experience the Keys at least once but if you are looking for wide, sandy beaches and decent surf you went in the wrong direction.


But you've got free tickets so use them to decide for yourself..no amount of opinion here is going to convince you one way or the other like going there will.

If you are set on using your tickets to go to florida I would do the Miami to Florida trip - check out south beach then take the road to key west.
If you are familiar with Maui - key west is esstially like Lahania on an island with no beaches or mountains. IF you like snorkeling there is a trip you can take to the dry tortugas that is pretty good.
Personally - If you are flying in the summer I would skip florida all together(WAY HOT and HUMID). If you want great beaches southwest flys into Islip NY and you can go to the hamptons, maybe head into NYC for a day. Or try further north on the east coast. I really don't think key-west had much to offer and would not return. it is really a good party place - but for a party place I will go to new orleans(much better food).

Southwest flys into Oakland also - you can rent a car and head to the califoria wine country, Monterry bay(great beaches and scenery), Yosemite, of just go to San Fran. Personally I think the bay area's(and viciniity) Scenery is much closer to hawaii than Key West.

Thanke everyone for your help. My trip is scheduled for Jan. I think I'll take the Florida Keys suggestions and try not to compare it too much to Hawaii.

That is your best bet azbec. You really cannot compare the 2. Both are so much different. Your lucky that you have a free flight there. Just enjoy yourself.

Key West is a FUN town. There is plenty to do and a great place to relax if you've a mind to! Hawaii is more dramatic - but Key West has it's own since of charm.
You'll enjoy it!

Well, the Keys are probably very nice, but the water in Hawaii is warmer and prettier. Also, Hawaii has the nicer backdrop with all the mountains. How about a trip to San Diego or Orange County? You can visit the area, and then take a boat trip to Catalin Island. The beaches there are off the chain!

Ummm--since the original post is from 2004 I'm sure azbec has made her decision by now

I believe Donna suggested flying to Miami then driving south to Key West. It won't be Hawaii, but it will be a different and new adventure. I've been to Key West & Hawaii (many times) and it's always fun to experience something you've never done before.

Key West has so much to do - I loved the Earnest Hemingway House, and the Little White House where Pres. Truman stayed, snorkeling & boating, great fun restaurants, and bicycling around the island.

But I would combine Key West with parts of mainland Florida for their wonderful beaches.

opps !! thanks martym !!