Hawaii vs Caribbean Islands
Oct 10th, 2009, 08:22 PM
#21
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orangetravelcat, I agree with you on the white sand beaches and the clear water. I also agree on the general Hawai'i ambience, EXCEPT that Kona Village is an enclave of what Hawai'i was 50 years ago. Go through that gate and you're in a different world. It's unlike any other place in Hawai'i. OK, OK, I'll stop singing...;-)
David
David
Oct 11th, 2009, 07:47 AM
#22
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Kona Village sounds great, but there's no a/c, is there? We used to be fine staying places without a/c but it seems as we have gotten older, a/c is a requirement. (And Kona Village is very expensive).
Oct 11th, 2009, 08:22 AM
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It's true that KVR has no A/C, but the truth is, it's very easy to do without it when you have a ceiling fan and leave the windows and door open all the time for the breezes. In fact, when I was there in February I never once turned on the ceiling fan. It's also true that KVR is a high end resort, but when you consider that the food and most beach stuff is included, it becomes a bit more reasonable. Also, most of us returnees don't rent a car because we just don't feel the need to leave the village once we're there. But it costs bucks, no argument. (OK, I said I'd stop singing, but you can't begrudge me an encore...I do love the place, as you can tell if you look at my website!)
Oct 11th, 2009, 11:26 PM
#24
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thank you all for the great suggestions. The Caribbean islands do look like paradise.
I am thinking of taking a southern Caribbean cruise which is cheaper than staying on land. However, a cruise usually can not do justice to the islands. I would never do a Hawaiian Islands Cruise for the same reason.
I am thinking of taking a southern Caribbean cruise which is cheaper than staying on land. However, a cruise usually can not do justice to the islands. I would never do a Hawaiian Islands Cruise for the same reason.
Oct 12th, 2009, 07:18 AM
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HappyMom32: Good choice. While you indicate that a cruise can't do justice to the islands, it does give you a little flavor or taste. You can determine what islands you enjoy and wish to return to in the future.
Also there are some great deals out there right now for cruises. Shop around and research the various cruiselines. Check out the website www.cruisecritic.com for valuable information on cruises.
Also there are some great deals out there right now for cruises. Shop around and research the various cruiselines. Check out the website www.cruisecritic.com for valuable information on cruises.
Oct 12th, 2009, 12:18 PM
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Also, once you know what islands you are stopping at - check back here and figure out some of the best options of what to do during a day trip...you can take the general tours or with guidance get a driver and see more of the island in your short time there...gathering great information for the future!
Oct 13th, 2009, 09:19 AM
#27
For us it's the Caribbean over Hawaii 100%
Hawaii---lush, gorgeous(which also means RAIN). Outstanding, huge, high-end properties with 300 people at the pool on cell phones & computers. Delicious food in hotel restaurants or high-end restaurants in strip malls. Road to all of this with many, many stop lights and heavy traffic. Just far too commercial for us. Good if you have an all-paid for work related trip. Again, just our opinion. A lot of people love Hawaii.
Caribbean---In 20 years of traveling there we've never been disappointed. Every island has a different feel and charm. Our favorites have been (in no particular order), St. Barth's, Barbados, St. John and the rest of the U.S. & British Virgins, Anguilla, Turks & Caicos.
We've also been on 3 Caribbean cruises and will do so again. We prefer the smaller ships(Windstar & Star Clipper) for more of a yacht feel and the ease of getting on & off. The larger ships have a lot to offer on board, but it's more like a huge hotel and getting on & off can be tedious with 2,000-3,000 waiting in line. Check www.vacationstogo.com for some very good deals.
The Caribbean is that stunning turquoise water that you can't take your eyes off of. The restaurants are many small places right on the beach. Of course, there are also many high-end places in hotels, etc.
Check out www.sbvillas.ai on Anguilla. A bit older but we loved a balcony right ON the beach. Also check out www.oceanclubresorts.com in Turks & Caicos (we love Ocean Club West).
Another good place to look in www.VRBO.com or www.homeaway.com We've used both with great success.
Puerto Rico was more like Hawaii. Huge, beautiful properties, ocean waves but not the gorgeous, calm, turquoise water.
Antigua (we were there twice), gorgeous water and beaches and smaller properties. Touring the island with a guide was very nice, but I wouldn't drive around alone. It seemed kind of dangerous especially around St. John (again just our opinion). Would we go there again? Yes, but mostly stay in one of the fabulous resorts.
Hawaii---lush, gorgeous(which also means RAIN). Outstanding, huge, high-end properties with 300 people at the pool on cell phones & computers. Delicious food in hotel restaurants or high-end restaurants in strip malls. Road to all of this with many, many stop lights and heavy traffic. Just far too commercial for us. Good if you have an all-paid for work related trip. Again, just our opinion. A lot of people love Hawaii.
Caribbean---In 20 years of traveling there we've never been disappointed. Every island has a different feel and charm. Our favorites have been (in no particular order), St. Barth's, Barbados, St. John and the rest of the U.S. & British Virgins, Anguilla, Turks & Caicos.
We've also been on 3 Caribbean cruises and will do so again. We prefer the smaller ships(Windstar & Star Clipper) for more of a yacht feel and the ease of getting on & off. The larger ships have a lot to offer on board, but it's more like a huge hotel and getting on & off can be tedious with 2,000-3,000 waiting in line. Check www.vacationstogo.com for some very good deals.
The Caribbean is that stunning turquoise water that you can't take your eyes off of. The restaurants are many small places right on the beach. Of course, there are also many high-end places in hotels, etc.
Check out www.sbvillas.ai on Anguilla. A bit older but we loved a balcony right ON the beach. Also check out www.oceanclubresorts.com in Turks & Caicos (we love Ocean Club West).
Another good place to look in www.VRBO.com or www.homeaway.com We've used both with great success.
Puerto Rico was more like Hawaii. Huge, beautiful properties, ocean waves but not the gorgeous, calm, turquoise water.
Antigua (we were there twice), gorgeous water and beaches and smaller properties. Touring the island with a guide was very nice, but I wouldn't drive around alone. It seemed kind of dangerous especially around St. John (again just our opinion). Would we go there again? Yes, but mostly stay in one of the fabulous resorts.
Oct 13th, 2009, 10:06 AM
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TPAYT, I couldn't agree with you more about Hawai'i in general. However, Kona Village is the direct opposite: no cell phones or computers allowed outside of your bungalow, only 10 inches of rain a year, no highrise buildings (nothing above one floor) no traffic noise at all, three outstanding meals a day included, and most returning guests don't even rent a car because they just don't want to leave the village. (You can rent a car at the village if you want to do a day trip.) It's an enclave of peace in the midst of a very busy island...
David
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Oct 15th, 2009, 05:04 AM
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Hi, I have lived and worked both in Hawaii and in the Caribbean. In Hawaii if you want to just get away from it all, I would recommend the island of Kauai and getting a condo in Poipu. Condos tend to be the best way to stay outside of resorts in Hawaii and agents take care of renting them for the owners. They cost $125/might for a 3 bedroom full townhouse like condo about 10 years ago.
There is also the Aloha Hotel which is wonderfully landscaped sprawling well located but a bit shabby. Right on the beach in kauai, not terribly expensive, and there is a heiau (sacred site) right on the beach outside. It was about $100/night a year ago and you can get better rates through an agent or a package.
The Caribbean has more local color and you get to meet locals. In Hawaii you only meet tourists and people like int he rest of the US. The Caribbean is more culturally varied.
Pick a small out of the way island. US or British Virgin Islands have some lovely beaches and small hotels. They call them back packer hotels, but some are really nice and everyone gets to know everyone else. Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke were two very nice one's with good beaches. There are packages that go there but beware of resorts if you don't like gambling and paying $9/glass for wine at the bar.
Becquia was a nice surprise. It is a tiny island with a tiny town with a good fruits and vegetables market for locals who are mostly stoned rastafarians. It is not at all touristy where we were - only locals there. There were lots of little places to stay and eat and a lot of students wandering around, so you know it is inexpensive. St. Lucia was really nice as well, but not the town of Castries. Better go to Sourfriere where you get a nice town with locals and beaches as well.
Hope this helps. Enjoy. Olga
There is also the Aloha Hotel which is wonderfully landscaped sprawling well located but a bit shabby. Right on the beach in kauai, not terribly expensive, and there is a heiau (sacred site) right on the beach outside. It was about $100/night a year ago and you can get better rates through an agent or a package.
The Caribbean has more local color and you get to meet locals. In Hawaii you only meet tourists and people like int he rest of the US. The Caribbean is more culturally varied.
Pick a small out of the way island. US or British Virgin Islands have some lovely beaches and small hotels. They call them back packer hotels, but some are really nice and everyone gets to know everyone else. Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke were two very nice one's with good beaches. There are packages that go there but beware of resorts if you don't like gambling and paying $9/glass for wine at the bar.
Becquia was a nice surprise. It is a tiny island with a tiny town with a good fruits and vegetables market for locals who are mostly stoned rastafarians. It is not at all touristy where we were - only locals there. There were lots of little places to stay and eat and a lot of students wandering around, so you know it is inexpensive. St. Lucia was really nice as well, but not the town of Castries. Better go to Sourfriere where you get a nice town with locals and beaches as well.
Hope this helps. Enjoy. Olga
Oct 15th, 2009, 10:49 PM
#31
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If you want inexpensive caribbean look at the caribbean flowers apts on Curacao. 5 star it is not. But it is quiet and affordable. Curacao is not anything like Maui to be sure. There is a big difference between being in the U.S. and being in the Caribbean. The beaches are much smaller but stunning. Cas Abou beach is one of the more popular beaches. It is equipped with food, showers, dive shop etc. Other beaches are natural with no developement what so ever.
Oct 16th, 2009, 04:46 AM
#32
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re st. kitts: "In 1967, England granted independence to the nation of St. Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla. Although Anguilla worked its way back to the UK, the other two islands still qualify as one nation. The People's Action Movement (PAM) was predominant on St. Kitts when it gained independence, and its leader was in power for fifteen years. The PAM became increasingly unpopular during this time, with issues of corruption and drug smuggling. Meanwhile, the opposition Labour Party became stronger. In 1993, the Labour Party won the election, but the PAM allied with a minority party to prevent the Labour Party from taking power. Unrest and riots resulted, and, combined with corruption, guaranteed the downfall of the PAM. In 1995, the Labour Party overwhelmingly ousted the PAM, and, in 2000, took complete control of parliament." from hackingfamily.com
as regards montserat - large island, not all affected by volcano, plenty of safe places to go: http://montserratvolcano.org/Visitors.htm
that said i've not been on either but would not hesitate to go.
of your 2 choices i'd suggest antigua. much smaller more manageable island for first carib trip. beautiful beaches, good restaurants. quite a few well known resorts like jumby bay, galley bay, st.james club, curtain bluff, blue waters & carlisle bay. some smaller more intimate options listed at:
http://www.antigua-vip.com/index.html
re cruise you will not dine well or have much if any opportunity to interact with any island locals.
as regards montserat - large island, not all affected by volcano, plenty of safe places to go: http://montserratvolcano.org/Visitors.htm
that said i've not been on either but would not hesitate to go.
of your 2 choices i'd suggest antigua. much smaller more manageable island for first carib trip. beautiful beaches, good restaurants. quite a few well known resorts like jumby bay, galley bay, st.james club, curtain bluff, blue waters & carlisle bay. some smaller more intimate options listed at:
http://www.antigua-vip.com/index.html
re cruise you will not dine well or have much if any opportunity to interact with any island locals.
Oct 16th, 2009, 06:57 AM
#33
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Actually Montserrat is having a slow, tough struggle back to life. The only town, Plymouth, was utterly destroyed, buried in ash, and is off-limits. There is an incipient town in the north end of the island, but it will take a long time for the island to thrive. The population is down from 10,000 to 5,000. The economy is largely based on government help. Transportation to and fro is limited, but better since they have a new airport. (The old one was destroyed.)
The people I met there 15 years ago were wonderful, gentle, and friendly. It was the first time I'd been in an environment where I was truly a minority, since 95% of the folks were black, and by the end of the first week i was turning colorblind and seeing very warm and beautiful people. My heart went out to them when the volcano blew. I truly wish then well, but visiting there would be a pretty primitive experience, I fear.
The people I met there 15 years ago were wonderful, gentle, and friendly. It was the first time I'd been in an environment where I was truly a minority, since 95% of the folks were black, and by the end of the first week i was turning colorblind and seeing very warm and beautiful people. My heart went out to them when the volcano blew. I truly wish then well, but visiting there would be a pretty primitive experience, I fear.
Oct 16th, 2009, 06:24 PM
#34
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thanks all for the great and very helpful advice.
The nice resorts on the Caribbean Islands seem to be more than what I can afford.
I am looking at a Southern Caribbean cruise route that starts in Puerto Rico (probably will spend a few days pre cruise or post cruise here) and is very port intensive with a port /day (St. Thomas, USVI; Dominica; Barbados; St. Lucia; Antigua and St. Kitts).
Is it feasible (and safe) to rent a car at these islands and drive around on my own to explore and stop by a nice beach to relax. I really don't like to join any excursion groups from the ship.
thanks again for your help.
The nice resorts on the Caribbean Islands seem to be more than what I can afford.
I am looking at a Southern Caribbean cruise route that starts in Puerto Rico (probably will spend a few days pre cruise or post cruise here) and is very port intensive with a port /day (St. Thomas, USVI; Dominica; Barbados; St. Lucia; Antigua and St. Kitts).
Is it feasible (and safe) to rent a car at these islands and drive around on my own to explore and stop by a nice beach to relax. I really don't like to join any excursion groups from the ship.
thanks again for your help.
Oct 16th, 2009, 06:45 PM
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i would not try to drive on st. lucia. use a taxi. the drive through volcano is unique and the Pitons are quite dramatic to see.
on st. thomas you can drive fairly easily. i think you would enjoy spending a day on the secret harbour resort beach. maybe a 45 min drive from harbor. nice beach bar, restaurant, public restroom and good off beach snorkeling. or if you want to do duty free shopping this is the island and you would not want a car.
have not been on your other 3 islnads, but 2 sets of friends go to barbados yearly, both always rent a car and drive with no issues. gibbs and mullins beach are nice. a long drive but bathsheba is very picturesque.
on st. thomas you can drive fairly easily. i think you would enjoy spending a day on the secret harbour resort beach. maybe a 45 min drive from harbor. nice beach bar, restaurant, public restroom and good off beach snorkeling. or if you want to do duty free shopping this is the island and you would not want a car.
have not been on your other 3 islnads, but 2 sets of friends go to barbados yearly, both always rent a car and drive with no issues. gibbs and mullins beach are nice. a long drive but bathsheba is very picturesque.
Oct 17th, 2009, 05:55 AM
#38
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Happymom32: Once thing to keep in consideration when touring on your own versus going on an excursion booked thru the ship is that if you are late getting back and miss the boat, you have to get to the next port of call on your own.
Oct 18th, 2009, 05:01 AM
#39
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I agree with Virginia about not driving in St.Lucia...strongly recommend a driver...then you can really enjoy the scenery though too!
On many of these islands if you do specific island searches and ask specific questions to these forums you can find really affordable options that are also quality places to stay.
Most of the islands we have been to we have rented cars and driven around. Barbados was the one I found a bit stressful to drive on because there can be some crazy traffic...but we did it and lived to tell and will do it again when we return to visit out friends!
St.Kitts is totally a NO PROBLEM to drive on...in fact for the average activity would recommend it...but for the funt ours into the interior take a tour to show you the way into the rainforest, waterfalls etc....the tour can be as small as you and your family.
On many of these islands if you do specific island searches and ask specific questions to these forums you can find really affordable options that are also quality places to stay.
Most of the islands we have been to we have rented cars and driven around. Barbados was the one I found a bit stressful to drive on because there can be some crazy traffic...but we did it and lived to tell and will do it again when we return to visit out friends!
St.Kitts is totally a NO PROBLEM to drive on...in fact for the average activity would recommend it...but for the funt ours into the interior take a tour to show you the way into the rainforest, waterfalls etc....the tour can be as small as you and your family.
Oct 18th, 2009, 11:35 AM
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I'm not a cruiser, but that sounds like a fun itinerary. For a day excursion on St Lucia, no way would I bother renting a car. You would spend way too much time figuring out where to go and concentrating on the winding roads to enjoy yourselves. I recommend a land and sea tour or other jeep tour of the island. Check out sunlinktours.com
I am very biased, but for the St Thomas portion, I would take the ferry over to St John. You could then easily take a taxi to the North Shore beaches. Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay have facilites. Cruz Bay by the ferry dock is a quaint little town/village to walk around, shop or have lunch.
I have always thought Dominica would be interesting to visit
I am very biased, but for the St Thomas portion, I would take the ferry over to St John. You could then easily take a taxi to the North Shore beaches. Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay have facilites. Cruz Bay by the ferry dock is a quaint little town/village to walk around, shop or have lunch.
I have always thought Dominica would be interesting to visit
