Which water is warmer?
 

Around Hawaii or Caribbean islands?

I think you will probably find the waters in the Caribbean somewhat warmer than Hawaii. Since Hawaii is a volcanic atoll in the middle of the Pacific, there is primarily deep water all around these islands, whereas in the Caribbean there tends to be more shallows with the reefs & all. Shallower water is warmed more easily by the sun than deep water.

Thanks!

I had heard and was thinking that it has something to do with the Atlantic ocean vs. Pacific ocean temperatures...but your explanation sounds good too! :)

Today's actual water temperatures.

Honolulu 27C
Kanului 26C
Hilo 24C

Havana Cuba 31C
Kingston Jamaica 28C
San Juan Puerto Rico 28C
All Islands from Antigua down to
St. Lucia 28C

To find worldwide water temps use this link.
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk
Select Water Temps near the top center and then what area of the world you want.
Have fun.
Steve

Be sure to check your seasons and whether the data is for near shore surface temps or buoy temps far offshore. There is a significant difference.
Hawaii's water temps at the surface are much cooler later in the year.
The average year round water temperature is 23.5-25 at surface depending on location, with a summer peak of 26-27.5.

The Caribbean is much more variable since the water is shallower around some parts of the shelf, and deeper in areas closer to the Atlantic. Barbados' water, for example, is 25.5-28. At times water temps around Jamaica and Puerto Rico will exceed 30.5.

Great link on the water temp. info! Isn't the net just great!

Recently, I experienced swimming/snorkelling in both the Caribbean Sea and, a day later, the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. No question that the Caribbean was warmer, but both were great.