Costa Rica vs Hawaii
 

We live in California and have been to Hawaii what seems millions of times. Over spring break we are going to Costa Rica for the first time. Can't wait!!! My Question? Family members would like to go to Hawaii December 2006 but I have a feeling that once we see beautiful Costa Rica we won't want to go back to Hawaii. I would like to wait and compare the two myself but being that we will fly in December 2006 on free tickets, I will have to book our trip prior to spring break. Let me know what you think. Thanks!!! Lisa

Both places have their charms. For us on the west coast, I believe Hawaii is actually a little cheaper to fly to most of the time. Once you get there, I think Hawaii is more expensive for lodging and food. Car rentals are cheaper in Hawaii also. Ten years ago I might have said CR is more unspoiled but there has been such an explosion of tourism there lately. The answer? There is no answer! Enjoy them both while you can!

Hi calimom, we live in southern California. We have been to Maui, Kaui, and Costa Rica. Hawaii and Costa Rica are very very different.

In our view, here are some differences:
Hawaii is more expensive than Costa Rica; both the food and the accomodations are more expensive, especially on Maui.

Hawaii is more crowded than Costa Rica.

Hawaii is USA: certain things you can take for granted, such as having enough hot water for showers. Roads tend to be better generally speaking in Hawaii. In Costa Rica you can find some good showers and comforts but you can't take them for granted, you have to do your research if it's important to you.

Costa Rica is vibrantly green and beautiful, with a far greater diversity of native flora and fauna...Hawaii has significantly and slowly lost what native flora and fauna it once had, a lot of it has been replaced with hotels with landscaping; sugar plantations; etc. over the years. In Costa Rica you can see a real rainforest or cloud forest, that is relatively unspoiled by man, incredibly rich and diverse, and there is nothing like it in Hawaii.

I hope this helps. My 18 year old daughter, who saw Costa Rica for the first time on our family vacation in June 2005, said she wants to have her honeymoon in Costa Rica someday. I asked her what about hawaii, and she said, no, she wants Costa Rica. (Last summer she wanted Venice after we saw Italy. So young to be young with so many dreams!)

Oopsie typo above, I meant so NICE to be so young with so many dreams.

We knew what ya meant! And yes, so nice. . .! Ah to be young again, but then again, maybe not! :)

All of what Melissa and dnc11 says is so true (hola a los dos, y Feliz Navidad!). . . .and I agree wholeheartedly. We, too, have enjoyed both places, but definitely prefer CR these days for many reasons, one of which is the graciousness of its people. Also, it's a great place to work on espanol skills while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature at its best!

It really depends on what you're looking for in a vacation. Posters above have described both pretty well.

If you want a relaxing beach vacation in a lovely setting with all the creature comforts available, world class hotels and cuisine, plus some great natural beauty--then Hawaii certainly tops CR.

If you want to see wildlife, relatively unspoiled habitats, great natural beauty and aren't as concerned about relaxing on a gorgeous beach with a pina colada anticipating a fantastic luau, then CR is tops.

Sometimes you feel like a nut; sometimes you don't.

Thank you all for the great recommendations and information. We are staying at the Florblanca which is very nice. So accomodations will not be a problem. I have a feeling the Costa Rica will be our new destination. Also, Shillmac I'm glad I got your opinion, I know you have a wealth of information on Costa Rica.
Thanks! Lisa

Thanks, calimom, not so much a "wealth" of information, but certainly a great love for the country and its people. Your spring break is sure to be full of good times and adventure! Enjoy!

I started "hawaii vs. CR" threads on both the Latin America and US boards last summer. If you click on my screen name, you should be able to find them. (I chose CR, also for Spring Break 2006.)