I've priced both Aruba (Hyatt) and Kauai (Hyatt) and the package is very close in price for six nights/seven days for air/hotel ($4,500). Since I have never been to either the Caribbean or Hawaii, which would you choose and why. I realize I would be loosing almost two whole days in travel to Kauai, but everyone seems to rave about it. I'm looking for a gorgeous resort, with beautiful pools and beach. These places are completely different, but if I'm going to spend this amount of money, I want a vacation to be as memorable as possible. Help me decide. <BR><BR>One last thing, this package price for Kauai includes a rental car in it and daily breakfast at the hotel.

Hands down, I'd go with Kauai...it will be the most memorable vacation you've ever had. Aruba is very different, arid and dessert like. Kauai is green, tropical, lush with beautiful beaches. If you choose Hawaii, try to split your stay and visit Maui or Oahu, even if just for a couple of days. You will need a car in Kauai to get around the island. And you'll want to upgrade to a convertible.

Just my opinion....I have been to both and for that price...I would do Kauai. There is so much to see and it is very beautiful. Depending on when you go, you may be able to get a much better deal than that for Aruba. However,it would help to know where you are flying from. A girlfriend and I went last year in November to Aruba and with airfare and hotel (at the Hyatt--also my recommendation)for 5 nights/6 days was $1900. Granted that does not include spending money. Aruba was also a blast!

I been to both the Hyatt in Kauai and I stayed at the Marriott in Aruba. Kauai is the BEST by far even though the flight is longer. Kauai is the MOST SCENIC place I've ever been to. The riverpool at the Hyatt is fun! Be sure to see the Napali Coast! Also check out the North Princeville area. That is the most scenic spot on earth! While Aruba is fun, it is not very scenic.

Really no point in comparing the two since there are like night and day in my opinion. Different cultures, different food, vastly different topographies, different ways of life, different peoples, I could go on and on. Each place must be appreciated for its own uniqueness and a choice made based on what YOU are looking for. And I think you need to consider more than just &quot;gorgeous resort with beautiful pools and beaches&quot; because based only on this criterion, I think you will find something to fit your bill in both places although perhaps with a bit more to chose from in Kauai.

Definitely Kauai for the reasons stated, BUT, the beaches/water are much better in Aruba!

Kauai is without a doubt far superior to Aruba when it come to beauty &amp; landscape. The Napali coast is something you will never forget. You are truely missing out if you don't take the helicopter tour of canyon &amp; coastline. (BUT), with only a week, I'd wait to go to Kauai when you have at least 10 days or 2 weeks. You are right on about losing 2 full days just getting there &amp; back. When we went to Kauai, we only went for 7 days, and swore we'd NEVER fly that far again unless we have more time!! There is nothing wrong with Aruba, and the beaches there are definitely better than Kauai. Don't get me wrong, Kauai is not to be missed, but I'd highly recommend going when you have more time. Trust me, we learned the hard way!!

If you want surfing, boogie boarding, body surfing.. the waves in kauai would be a big draw.<BR><BR>

I've been to both places on vacation.<BR>This is a no-brainer. Go to Kauai.

have been to both and would choose Kauai way over Aruba; would choose many other places over Aruba as well.<BR><BR>Kauai has much more natural beauty; Aruba is very desert like, and outside of th hotels, it is quite barren; and in some places just ugly.<BR><BR>The only drawback would be the longer trip to Kauai; if that doesn't bother you, then go for it.

given the long flights depending where you are flying from, I would still choose Kauai. Aruba is not the best spot for initiation into the wonderful Caribbean as it lacks any Caribbean flavor and soul.