Travelling with 2 preteen kids. For those who have been to both which do you prefer?
Taking into account (relaxation, activities, safety, expense, etc.)

Oops...compare vs. Hawaii.....

Both are nice and safe and have lots to do. I would consider them equally expensive as well. I think the snorkeling/diving is better on Grand Cayman because the water is so clear and warm compared to Hawaii. Dining in Maui and Cayman are both good. Different cultures though... depends on what you're looking for. Also, if you're coming from anywhere west of Texas, it's easier to get to Hawaii. It's easier (read: cheaper) for people to get to Cayman from the eastern half of the country.

I have been to both, GC & Kauai. The differences are huge when it comes to pure landscape. The mountains & terrain in Hawaii are what I would descibe as "epic"

The island of GC is flat, and somewhat scrubby in nature. Certainly not what I would call lush. Kauai on the other hand is as lush as you could ever imagine, with waterfalls and greenery beyond your wildest dreams.

Beach goes to GC. 7 Mile beach is gorgeous, and has 13 shades of turquoise blue water. Although the beaches in Hawaii are nice, they just don't compare to the caribbean.

Activities are somewhat equal, with plenty to do on both islands.

Diving & Snorkeling are much better in GC. GC is known for this, and with good reason. It's the best diving I have done yet.

Restaurants are great on both islands. A large variety, that includes very expensive gourmet meals to easy take outs.

Safty is excellent on both. But just like anywhere, use your head.

Both islands are expensive. On GC, the US dollar is only worth .80 in Cayman money.

Before making a decision, I would strongly comsider the fact that GC got hammered by a hurricane this past fall, and the island is in a major rebuilding stage. Yes, some resorts are open for business, but a huge percentage are not ready yet. It will be quite a while before this island is back to normal.

Hope this helps...

We've been to Maui/Ouha 2-2003 and Grand Cayman 11-2003. We like CG better. 7 mile beach is the best beach we've seen to date. Great water activities. Swimming with the sting rays was the highlight of our trip.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn (now the Courtyard at Marriott) on an AI plan. Definatly worth it. Food/drinks price for GC and Maui basically the same. Very expensive. The AI plan was a budget saver. There are no AI's in Maui.

We live in Texas. It took us 15 hours to get to Maui. It took 5 to get to GC. Overall, CG was much cheaper than Hawaii.

It all depends on what kind of vacation your looking for. We enjoyed the scenic areas of Hawaii, but preferred the beach/water activities provided on Grand Cayman.