Hawaii all the way!! I've been to ireland several times and hawaii twice. My heart stayed in the pacific i'm afraid!! The beaches, the wildlife, the people, the food, the shopping. My suggestion would be to island hopping. Oahu, Maui, then Hawai 'Big Island'. You can do this by boat, plane or chopper. Chopper is the most fabulous.. Imagine the opening of Jurassic park but better........

Have been to both, visited Maui in December when it was -40 here and Ireland in October when it had snowed here. I prefer Ireland, loved Scotland more. My thoughts on Hawaii was that it was nice, glad I went, but no more lovely than home even at -40. Ireland I would visit again in a moment. Glenariff has waterfalls and there are those amazing tree palms all over...

John: I agree that sometimes I crave an apple, some times an orange, both are good, both are satisfying. <BR> To Undecided: Do both, Ireland in the summer or fall, Hawaii in winter and spring. Hey, who knows, maybe you will win the Lotto! ;-) Judy

Wildlife in Hawaii - you've got to be kidding!!!!!!! Only if you like cockroaches, spiders the size of dinner plates, and mongoose (think cute rats). Ireland wins hands down

I'm from Ireland and go back regularly, usually in September - never been to Hawaii. <BR> <BR>As CathyLynch says, there is nothing more glorious than a sunny day anywhere in Ireland and I would recommend the Clifden area in Galway as one of the best places, as it is extraordinarly regardless of the weather. <BR> <BR>On a personal note: CathyLynch, would it be possible for you to organize glorious sunshine in Clifden and Dublin in the first two weeks of Sept. as we will be there at that time? Would a prayer to St. Anthony suffice or are we in the hands of St. Jude? In short, what are the weather predictions for September in Ireland?

Ger, <BR>If you are from Ireland you will know that there is no way you can predict the weather from one housr to another. That said the "experts" both scientific and other are predicting a hot summer - we are due one - the last was in 1995. This week was just glorius with temps up to 23 degrees celius and a light misty rain this evening to clear the air and wash the flowers ! Perfect evening for hill walking. Here's hoping it will last, <BR> <BR>Cathy

Just remember that September is usually a muggy month in Hawaii. Hawaii is great anytime of the year but the winter is best!

When I arrived in Hawaii I felt like I had arrived at the world's largest theme park; a huge tourism machine designed to give me the "Hawaii Experience" and extract all of my money by the end of the trip. When I arrived in Ireland I felt welcomed by some of the warmest, brightest, friendliest people I've ever met. Rain or shine, I'd take Ireland.

&gt;&gt;a huge tourism machine designed to give me the "Hawaii Experience" <BR> <BR>It certainly does not have to be that way at all. <BR> <BR>"Undecided" you should probably read a book like Hidden Hawaii if you decide to go. <BR>I have been to Hawaii 4 times, (Maui, Kauai, and the big island, never been to Oahu) and it did not feel like it was a tourist trap. Of course I read up on where I was going first, never stayed at the over priced Hotels, and as I said, I did not got to Waikiki which I bet would feel like what Mitch describes. <BR> <BR>Now as to help you with your decision, it's a lot like asking: "Which is better: Steak or a Hot Fudge Sundae?" <BR> <BR>What are you hungry for? <BR> <BR>Good luck and have fun! <BR> <BR>Tim

Another attempt by the US forum Hawaii Travel Agents to infest the Europe forum. Don't be taken in by them.

Ger-I am making my 6th trip to Ireland in less than 3 weeks! Cannot wait!! <BR>Just wanted to tell you that in the 5 trips I have made God has been good to me! I have NEVER had bad weather yet! <BR>I've had very little rain-maybe a light mist to maybe an hour of rain on just one day with glorious sunshine after. <BR>One of the years I was there was 1984 and I have heard that that year is one of the warmest years to date. So, <BR>I must be blessed with the Luck of The Irish! (my mom lives in Co. Roscommon). <BR>My husband and I are going with 8 friends!! Anyway, hope the luck continues to hold and God smiles down with beautiful Irish days! And, that it holds for your trip as well as everyone traveling to Ireland! :) <BR>Patti

I have been to Hawaii 2 times going back next march for 3 time. It is paradise. I have been to many tropical location and nothing beats hawaii. You can find crouds or get away. It is nice to have both on a trip. <BR>I also am planning a trip to Northern Ireland next August with my Dad and 3 other father sons. Primary goal is experiencing the Links. Go back to the early days of golf. My Dad golfed all over Europe (England, Scottland, Northern and southern Ireland). He said Nothern Ireland is his favorate. <BR> <BR>That being said. Hawaii has some spectacular golf as well. Another thing I did not see mentioned for Hawaii is Fishing. Pull in the Marlin of dreams "Grander"

Undecided: Strange choice of options. Is that because you have a fear of snakes? - There are no snakes in Ireland or Hawaii. <BR> <BR>Anyhow, my choice would have to be Ireland. The people are so friendly - and they generally like Americans. There is a ton to do if you like to drink - Jameson's distillery tour, Guinness St. James Street tour, Bushmill's tour, Bailey's tour, etc., etc. And, believe it or not, it does get sunny in Ireland - the weather is generally good from late-May through September. I actually just got back from Dublin last week and it was lovely. Don't know if you're male/female, but I must say that Irish men are incredibly attractive -- and best of all are their accents. . .

No snakes in Hawaii?? WRONG!! And you should choose Hawaii if you like really, really rude people. Been there many, many times, hope I never have to go back. Never been to Ireland, but these postings have me thinking about it this year...

Cynthia, <BR>Actually, I'm not WRONG about the lack of snakes in Hawaii. You are. There are NO indigenous snakes to either Hawaii or Ireland. A fossorial blind snake but it was introduced into Hawaii a while back, but they have since become extinct there. <BR> <BR>And in regards to the people of Hawaii, maybe if you weren't so rude, you wouldn't have rude behavior returned. . .

if money is no object go to ireland in sept and hawaii about april (king kamehakameha's) birthday-- you picked two alternate forms of paradise. you can find lush landscape, rich ancient cultures, distinctive & tasty local intoxicants, sites of great spiritual power, long distinctive musical traditions traditions and a unique view of the world in both places. <BR>aloha! guiness is good for you! <BR>they are both perfect.

Been there. Done that. Both fantastic. FLIP a coin! enjoy...

Hawaii ?? big problem..... you'll never want to come home after being in Paradise.

this post is from 2001....

I think undecided , has ... decided

No contest! See Ireland blog and photos at www.xanga.com/urbino