My husband and I are planning a tropical vacation in early April. Originally planned to go to Maui & Kauai but having 2nd thoughts as we live on the East Coast and my husband really doesn't like to fly. How do Maui & Kauai compare to Turks & Caicos or St. Johns? We are looking for a nice resort, good fishing, beautiful beaches and scenery, some nightlife, good food... Thanks!

Either location you will need to fly. Hawaii is good oll U.S.A. And maui , is the best , kauai is tropical but for me to rual. nick

Depends maybe on what you want...my hubby and I have been throughout the Caribbean for 20 years, and recently took our first trip to Hawaii. If food is important to you, Hawaii beats the others hands down. The fish was awesome (I own a fish market and i was so impressed) - don't know about the fishing. There are nice resorts in all 3 places - check out Caneel Bay on St. John, or Grace Bay on T&C (if it were me I'd rent a gorgeous villa with hot tub hillside St.J). Snorkeling is fab at T&C and St.J, the water was a tad chilly in HI and visibility was variable. The Caribbean beaches are every bit as beautiful as Hawaii's - however, they do have noseeums in Carib and I didn't get bit once in breezy Hawaii. Scenery & especially hiking were one-of-a-kind in Hawaii...Hana and Napali coast...some nightlife is available wherever you go. Difference between arriving mid afternoon (Carib) and the next day (HI) for an uncomfortable passenger can mean alot. Hawaii is a 2 week minimum because of this, at least for us Floridians.

Have fun whatever you choose!

Joan,
Just a quick question about your response... Where do you find a listing for renting a villa on St. John?
My hubby went there as a poor starving college student and ended up working for his accommodations at Maho Bay. It'd be nice to go back a little more "in style!"

I was on a convention to Hawaii two years ago and the Caribbean 4 years ago. Living on the East Coast myself, I would prefer the shorter trip to the Caribbean. Hawaii was nice (we stayed on the Big Island) but Paradise Island in the Bahamas was much hotter and had nicer beaches.

Good luck deciding.

Personally, I would say that Hawaii is more spectacular than the caribbean especially Kauai. However, when you add in travel time and time changes, the caribbean has its advantages. You mentioned two fabulous locations, St. John and Turks and Caicos. We went to Turks and Caicos for New Years this year and loved it! The beaches beat anything I have seen in Hawaii for white sand, crystal water, and the color was absolutely incredible. The best resort there I think is Point Grace. Beautiful and not as stuffy as Grace Bay. If that's too expensive, Ocean Club West is a great condo/hotel. Rooms are huge (living room, dining room, bath and a half). There just isn't lots to do on the island. Almost no shopping, but great restaurants (try Gecko Grill, Magnolia, and Coco Bistro is a must). The real draw to T & C is the water. Some of the best snorkeling and diving in the caribbean by far. You couldn't go wrong on St. John either. Absolutley beautiful and you could take a ferry to St. Thomas for the day. Travel wise T & C would be much easier--direct flights now from Boston and Charlotte. After saying all of that, I must say the Napali coast in Kauai is phenomenal. Princeville Hotel there is wonderful. Hopefully, I didn't confuse you even worse!

Qinty, two quick ways to get started would be: go to google.com and type in villa st. john, or go to the Caribbean board here, type in villa and click on St. John (or USVI can't remember which way they list), there's lots of great info!

I vote a split ticket here. For scenery...Hawaii, for water clarity and beaches...the Caribbean.