Jared

If you've been to both locales, please compare for me. Thanks.........

Joe

Cancun (I stayed at the Krystal): Party, party, party! Mostly 20-30 year olds, I not would bring kids.

Hawaii (I stayed in Kaanapali on Maui and Poipu on Kauai): Great place to vacation as a family with tons of things to do, but bring lots of $$$. I would return to Kauai over Maui. Mostly couples and families.

Margot

Hi Jared -

Have been to both, and there's really no comparison, as far as I'm concerned. While Cancun has some beautiful turquoise coral reefs, nice beaches and nice people, it is, as Joe said, more of a party place, while Hawaii (and I'm referring to Kauai), really gives you that tropical feel with a lushness that you just won't find in Cancun. It's also a lot quieter, and it's doubtful you'll ever feel crowded in Kauai. That's one woman's opinion, anyhow! Hope that helps answer your question.

Sandy

Have been to both, and if you want to make any sort of reasonable comparison, don't think Cancun - think Rivera Maya. This is the region 30 miles south of Cancun and beyond. Beautiful waters and beaches, much more for families and those who don't want to eat at Chili's and drink themselves stupid. Hawaii was wonderful, but as a previous poster said - expensive. If money was no object - I'd go to Hawaii. If you are working with a budget, then Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal would be better choices.

sammie

There is no comparison between Maui and Cancun. We went to cancun 10 years ago, we enjoyed our week but it is not a place I have given a thought to as I plan other trips.
We spent a week in Maui last June and I cant stop thinking about that place, there is a magical aura about it. The beauty and charm of Maui is unforgettable, the activities much more interesting.
Go to Maui, it is worth the extra money. Maui is quite a big pricier but worth it.

Judy

Hello, I would LIVE in Hawaii, if not for the great distance from my family to HI.
I would not want to live in Cancun however. But it is fun, and it is much cheaper and it is closer. And I did like Playa de Carmen and Cozumel very much.
I love the Big Island(Kona) best, Kauai, then Mauai, then Oahu.
I guess it all depends what you want from a vacation......
Judy

linda fromNJ

Cancun is pretty but very busy with the time share salespeople making you crazy. I love Hawaii. The big island is my favorite. Judy where do you stay when you go. Kauai is next then Maui

Gary

These two places cannot be compared. Cancun is fun, a couple of days there, a long weekend, that's enough. Hawaii is idyllic. We have been 4 times, stayed in Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, and each is spectacular in its own way. I could spend a lifetime in Hawaii, it is paradise.

julia

Been to both and enjoyed both for different reasons. Cancun = beautiful clear blue waters and incredibly white sand beaches...just dazzling! But that's it if you are not a major party animal. Not much atmosphere beyond the beaches. Not much to do in the way of hiking, biking, sightseeing.
Hawaii = Awesome natural beauty, very lush, very tropical. Great Hotels, great food and lots of things to do in the way of hiking, sightseeing, etc.

Trolldetector

Another "Hawaii versus anywhere else on the planet" TROLL... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Steve

We alternate trips every spring between Hawaii and Cancun (actually Playa del Carmen). PDC has much better beaches, much better water (warmer, clearer, and prettier), friendlier locals, more real feel to (vs a disney world type feel), and is much,much cheaper. Hawaii,on the other hand, has much nicer scenery, more activities, better golf, better food, and you can drink the water. All in all I have to say Hawaii is definitely better but costs considerably more. My wife much prefers Hawaii but in my mind nothing beats Mexico for just relaxing and doing nothing.

Jen

CANCUN=young, loud, busy, mix of cheap and tacky with some nice resorts, nice beaches, alcohol/disco crowd.
HAWAII (difficult to summarize all islands simply)=lush, beautiful, many great beaches, nicer resorts than Cancun, expensive, long flight to get there, more expensive, much more to do (especially hiking/biking/water activities)

Judy

Hi Linda, we stayed at Sea Village in a one bedroom part/oceanfront unit, and it was great!
We could walk to town and I love little Kona town.
Oh I just LOVE Hawaii period! Judy

kam

Been to 4 Hawaiian islands, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. Would never return to Cancun--time share salesmen and Spring Break (hot, crowded, drunk kids, noisy)! Playa is fun and a good walking town and Cozumel is beautiful scuba diving on the far shore--the boatride out is the pits. Hawaii is much more attractive than any of the Mexican towns (and much more expensive). Our favorite islands in order are Big Island (Kona coast), Kauai, Maui and then Oahu. Would like to go to Molokai someday as people say it's fantastic scenery (we've seen it from a small plane) The Volcano Nat. Park, Kona town, deep sea fishing and the beautiful beaches and golfing of the Big Island make it a perfect vacation place for me. That said, I could be happy almost anywhere in Hawaii!

Suzie

I've been to Hawaii 5 times and to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. No comparison. If you like to drink and party go to Cancun. Drinking is cheaper. Sights are interesting historically speaking but it's safer to take tour buses than to drive yourself. The beauty of Hawaii is just awesome, english is the first language and there is not that constant police presence that we saw in Mexico. The poverty in Mexico leaves you feeling frivolous.