missypie

We are a family of 5, kids ages 14, 12 and 9. My husband and I are "vacation incompatible." He HAS to do everything there is to do and see everything there is to see. I like for there to be a lot to do, but I also like some down time.

I was thinking that either Hawaii or Costa Rica might provide this type of vacation experience...some hiking time, some beach time, some doing nothing time.

What do you think? (Probable time for the trip: mid-March).

TripleSecDelay

Hawaii. For the reason you stated, Hawaii. Was in CR in Sept '04 and Hawaii shortly before that.

The roads of most of CR are not as developed - therefore, the travel times between the beach and the hiking and the most popular reasons to go to CR become excessive. OTOH, in Hawaii, a family can quickly move from one texture of the land to another.

That's my $.02

suze

Hawaii would be my pick. I don't like to work as hard as my impression is for traveling Costa Rica (I have not been there but often go to Mexico). See Latin America board as CR is by far the most discussed destination on that board.

I simply love the smell, natural beauty, laid back atmosphere, tropical surroundings, people, culture of Hawaii. It's hard to explain.

BigJim

Another thing to consider....with a family of 5....staying in the U.S. (Hawaii) vs going to a foreign country. Which is easier?? My vote would be for Hawaii as well.

kcapuani

I agree with triplesecdelay - I've been to both and would recommend Hawaii. It is rather difficult to get around Costa Rica, especially with a family of 5. Local flights are rarely on time and driving is extremely challenging. Depending on what areas of CR you're looking at, you'll waste huge amounts of time getting from place to place. But, I will say the wildlife viewing is spec

As for Hawaii, I would recommend Kauai and Oahu...

kcapuani

I agree with triplesecdelay - I've been to both and would recommend Hawaii. It is rather difficult to get around Costa Rica, especially with a family of 5. Local flights are rarely on time and driving is extremely challenging. Depending on what areas of CR you're looking at, you'll waste huge amounts of time getting from place to place. But, I will say the wildlife viewing is spectacular!

As for Hawaii, I would recommend Kauai and Oahu...

starrsville

I LOVE Costa Rica - but Hawaii would definitely be easier.

The whales will be migrating though March (the earlier in March the better).

missypie

Thanks, everybody. I posted the identical message over on the Latin America board. Wonder what folks on that board said?

missypie

As expected, everyone on the Latin America board said "Costa Rica!"

Waldo

I do a lot of travel, but you couldn't get me to visit Mexico, Central and South America, except, perhaps Argentina, for all the money in the world.
Go to Hawaii, you will be safe and you will love it.

kahuna

I am guessing by your question that you have not been to either place. We went to Costa Rica last August. It was a terrific experience, lots to do, great people, great food. Stayed in a rainforest. Rode horses on the beach and in the surf. Cost of the trip similar to Hawaii (although you can go really low budget there)

Going to be in Kauai 7/1 for two weeks this year.

If I recall March is not low season in CR, so airfare and accomodations could be more expensive and there would likely be more visitors. I think you would find the opposite in Hawaii at that time.

Costa Rica was a great experience and our family had a wonderful time, glad we did it. Once.

Doug

Intrepid1

Costa Rica is wonderful and despite the "wuss response" up above there aren't a lot of mass murders or late-night abductions going on there.

And so what if it is a "foreign country"..so are the Bahamas, etc.

BUT, having been to both CR and having lived in Hawaii, I thinbk it is your "do everything" husband that wouldn't appreciate CR because there aren't nearly the number of diversionary activities in CR that there are in Hawaii....

BUT, I suspect it is your HUSBAND that

suze

<you couldn't get me to visit Mexico, Central and South America, except, perhaps Argentina, for all the money in the world.> Why's that, Waldo?

astein12

<you couldn't get me to visit Mexico, Central and South America, except, perhaps Argentina, for all the money in the world.>

Funny, it's generally really tough to get me to vacation in the US. Yes, Hawaii is beautiful and does have a lot to do, but it there's something to be said for going someplace that doesn't have McDonalds and Walmart. Having spent time in Central America (CR and Belize) and Mexico, I'd recommend them without hesitation.

It really depends on your comfort level with traveling. I love being in the somewhat less 'civilized' parts of the world (being 'civilized' is not necessarily a positive thing). It's also matter of comparison. If you're used to vacations at Disney World, Hawaii is exotic. If you're used to bumbing around in a landrover in Africa, Costa Rica is civilized.

AAFrequentFlyer

as posted by Waldo

I do a lot of travel, but you couldn't get me to visit Mexico, Central and South America, except, perhaps Argentina, for all the money in the world.

I do feel sorry for Waldo, but I feel more sorry for anybody that will ever again take his recommandations seriously here on Fodors after reading the above.

Waldo sounds like a very (not) worldly traveler. What an asinine thing to say!


To the OP. I loved CR. It's a beautiful country with breathtaking scenery, including an active volcano, rainforests, amazing wildlife sightings, beautiful beaches(especially the Pacific side), extremely friendly people, very first world accomodations and fairly inexpensive great and varied food, but transportation is still somewhat 2nd world. If you as parents could deal with that part, I truly believe that the kids as well as you will have a wonderful time.

Hawaii is also very beautiful and it does have 1st world infrastructure. It also has volcanos, rain forests, gorgeous beaches, etc.

I don't agree with a previous poster that believes the cost would be the same. It may be if you skimp on some things in Hawaii, but head to head comparison, CR will be less expensive.

It's a difficult decision but one that only you and your husband can make. Maybe get the kids involved as well. Make them do a little research project on both places (and I'm not talking about economics here), and see which place they favor.

BUT, whatever you do, don't listen to Waldo

You can't go wrong with either place!

Have fun planning and a wonderful trip!

bugswife1

You are comparing apples to oranges. Two completely different types of vacations. In Hawaii, I am sure you are looking at a 'resort' vacation. I know I will get slammed, but I find those vacations to be pretty generic. Yes, Hawaii is beautiful, but even at its most remote spots it is pretty well manicured.
Costa Rica is rustic, natural, and about as opposite from a resort as you can get. You don't say how long you are going for, but you can have a great vacation in Manuel Antonio for 5 days and your husband won't be bored for a second. And no schlepping around. MA is right on the beach, with a rain forest in the backyard. Monkeys will join you for breakfast. Horseback riding, hiking, river rafting, zip lines, ATV's. It all depends on how active your family is. Your husband likes to see and do everything - sight seeing or athletic activities? My vote would be for CR-for the sheer natural joy of it.

Lallie

Been to both CR and Hawaii. I think there is plenty of activities either place to keep everyone happy. Would go back to both, probably CR first. The people are so friendly, food wonderful and reasonable. Enjoyed every minute we were in this wonderful country. Went to coffee plantation, wonderful how the "whole family" age 5 and up all worked and did their share. Enjoyed the rain forest, the beaches, the muesems in San Jose. There is plenty to do. Enjoy your trip where ever you decide to go. CR can be very laid back, for your down time.

Little_Man

boy, Waldo, you sure are missing a lot in life!

People love Hawaii and Costa Rica so much, that you probably have made 2 excellent choices and will have a great time in either.

To me, Costa Rica sounds more enticing.

Orcas

I went through this same dilemma about 6 years ago, when our kids were in elementary and middle school. I even had our frequent flier tickets to CR. After I looked into it more, though, I cancelled. I enjoyed researching CR, and really want to go there one day, but I decided it was too much hassle and might not be so fun with the kids along. I found plenty of things I wanted to do, but decided they would be expensive. I read about how bad the roads were and realized we either needed to know Spanish (which we don't), hire a guide, or fly around the country. That adds up for four. Plus, I found great lodges but they cost too much for four people. I decided to save it (as I am saving the Galapagos) for when the kids are gone. I think a lot depends on your kids, their interests and tolerances, and how much you want to spend.

We vacationed in Hawaii shortly thereafter and loved it. We stayed put in one condo on Kauai and it really wasn't expensive. We ate in a lot and most of our activities were free, like hiking, snorkling, and sightseeing. Hawaii is beautiful. It is exotic, even if it is in the USA.

TripleSecDelay

Let's rehash the roads issue a bit.
There are a couple of primary roads in CR that people complain about. Not much worse than the Road to Xxxxx on Maui. A little worse when the rivers are running high. Unbearable? No.

Part of the adventure of going to Central America is that you aren't a McTraveler like everywhere else.

In CR, the animal species are more pervasive than in HI. While visiting last September, we encountered FIVE species of monkeys : The Howler, The Spider, The White-faced Capuchin, The Squirrel, and a guy from New Jersey we met in the hotel bar: The S#it-faced Monkey.

Sloths, iguanas, land crabs, more "exotic" bird and butterfly species than you've ever seen anywhere else.

3,4,5 -class rapids on rivers that are navigable by raft while waterfalls shower upon you...Mangroves that are navigable by kayak...Active and dormant volcanoes to explore.

There are nationally protected rainforests covering something like 2/3 of the territory. There are beaches on the east side that match the caribbean. There are great surfing beaches in the north.

Because the #1 income source is tourism and #2 is the export of coffee, bananas, and ferns, they love to meet the people who support their economy. Don't confuse Costa Ricans with angry Xxxican teenagers you've met in the states.
Ticos are warm, polite, gentle people. CR doesn't even have an army - ignore what W said about them joining the coalition. Moron.
Read some of the online trip reports and view travelers' photos to get a better feel for CR.
BTW - I edited in the exes above.