30th birthday Hawaii vs US Virgin Islands
 

I am trying to put together the best birthday(30th) I've ever had. Im wondering which would be best for my vacay Ideas. Let me lay a few things out, no leaving the US, I want the best snorkeling, and my birthday is the day after Christmas so i will also be staying for the new years, the girl I'm going with also wants to swim with dolphins... Also to make things a little more difficult I'm not the richest person, so I'm looking for the best bang for my buck! Thanks in advance, Rick!

I'm crazy about Hawaii. For starters it is much much larger, more islands, and more diverse. I mean there's an active volcano Big Island for starters. Lots of history and gorgeous beaches on Oahu. Kauai and Maui and both incredibly beautiful islands with natural wonders like Waimea Canyon (Kauai) and Haleakala (volcanic crater on Maui). Plus the smaller islands including Lanai and Molokai. Endless amount of things to see and do.

The three USVI (St Thomas, St John, St Croix) are very small in comparison. Certainly it is a nice place, but for me personally didn't hold a candle to Hawaii.

Both places have snorkeling. Try to talk your girlfriend into doing a tour to see dolphins in the wild instead of those "swim with captive dolphins" parks. Do a little research online and you'll see why I say that.

But let's back up... where are you flying from?? The airfare will be your single largest expense. Are you closer to USVI or Hawaii?

I would be flying out of Oregon.

konaweb.com stayhawaii.com
princeresortshawaii.com good packages
for me into Kona in the past from LAX $1kpp
Hapuna Prince and car last for me stayhawaii.com
many other options great snorkel and wild dolphin enounters.

Hotels that cage dolphins for show
are despicable abusive I do not
support them in any way but they are there.

Ohm my gosh, from Oregon, absolutely no contest... HAWAII!!!

(I'm in Seattle) It's an easy 6 hour nonstop flight (make sure you get a nonstop not one that routes you thru Seattle or San Francisco. Plus time change goes 2 hours backwards, so you leave west coast US say at 10am and arrive the islands 2pm their time.

Your hardest task will be picking which island(s) you want to go to. Read up on the Hawaii threads here on the U.S. forum. There's loads of information. The forums at Trip Advisor are also good.

aloha, suze

Do read, or repost, over on the U.S. forum boards. A LOT more people read there, than do on this general "Travel Tips" branch.

Yes Hawaii. I just found a review site of aquariums of the Pacific- http://www.aquariumvisitor.com/reviews
Have you been to the aquarium just south of Newport?

I would recommend Hawaii too. It is such a beautiful place and lots of natural beauty and many islands. And as Suze said there is an active volcano as well, which is a must see. Beaches are terrific, no doubt. Two of my personal favorite beaches are in Oahu and Maui too. Try to enjoy the wildlife as well. Enjoy your trip!

Hey what's you email I'm trying to get a flight a good deal as well I live in wa and trying to decide from virgin islands and Hawaii for my wedding if you fin any information pleas let me know our wedding will be on 12/12/12

As stated, from west coast it is most logical to go to Hawaii. Sign up for email alerts from alaska air. They have great deals.

Another vote for Hawaii!!! There is no contest on this one. The caribbean is nice, but Hawaii has so much more. Flights to the caribbean from the east coast at christmas time will be just as much as flying from the east to Hawaii. So, I imagine you will get some good deals flying from Oregon to Hawaii.
There is so much to see and do and each island is unique. I did find the Big Island would have pretty much everything on your list.