Hubby and I are trying to decide which is better for us to go to. We want half beach relaxation/nice beaches and resorts, and half sightseeing/land activities. We don't know if it's more interesting to see the rainforests and volcanoes in Hawaii or the Mayan ruins in Mexico. Any recommendations?

We've heard some people are disappointed with the volcanoes, but they probably weren't that much into nature. We've also heard that Cancun is more like Vegas than Mexico. But is it worth it to see the Mayan ruins?

Been to all places except BI in the last 6 years, my 2 cents:
1.) Cancun - party, party, party. Lot's of activities. The Tulum day trip was fantastic.
2.) Cozumel - RELAX, snorkel or scuba. The town rolls up (sort of) after cruise ships leave). Rent own car and explore around island.
3.) Maui - I stayed in Kaanapali. Tons of activities and a lot of fun ... too hectic for me. Don't miss road to Hana (take your time).
4.) Kaui - Paradise! I stayed in Poipu. Don't miss Waimea canyon and take a horse ride from CJM stables.

Mexico is a lot cheaper depending on your month of travel.

I have been to Kauai, Maui and the Big Island, and I have been to Cozumel. There is no comparison between anything in the Caribbean and Hawaii. Hawaii wins handsdown. If you are looking for quieter, nicer beaches, then head south on Maui to Wailea. The beaches are perfect. There is nothing as awesome as the volcano and the sights in Volcano National Park. The water falls on the Hilo side and on the road to Hana on Maui are gorgeous and Kauai's beauty is beyond description. While they don't have Mayan ruins, the Big Island has heieus (sp)and petroglyphs. You could get a real sense of how Hawaiian ancestors lived.Anyone who would be disappointed in Hawaii and the volcanos has been to Disney World one too many times.

If you are under 25, still occasionally get drunk with your sorority/fraternity clan, would not dream of going to bed before 4 AM on vacation, and are particularly partial to places like Daytona Beach, Panama City, and your local strip mall, CANCUN is for you! Go there. Don't bother visiting Hawaii.

Cancun is just a bloated American spring break scene. Zero character, charm, expensive for what you get. I'm surprised the Florida Legislature hasn't tried to annex it to rake in some extra cash.

I've been to all except Cancun and suggest Hawaii anytime. Cozumel was a good experience, with the best part being a side trip to Tulum - beautiful! The downside of Cozumel for us: poor snorkeling. Diving is what is great; crooked cops who set up a bunch of us in a scam to get money; very humid; not much to the town. Maui is fun and lots to do, but a bit too crowded for me, Big Island had incredible snorkeling and lots of other stuff, but Kauai is my favorite - perfect mix of isolated beaches but also activities. Have fun wherever you go.

Maria I've been to all of the above as well. IMO, avoid Cancun at all costs. Good if you're a frat boy on Spring Break, bad if you're anyone else.

I loved Cozumel and loved the Big Island. If I had to choose I would go to the Big Island, Playa Del Carmen, Maui (not Lahaina thought), Cozumel, then Kaui in that order. If you want ruins, those in Cozumel are disappointing. The ruins in Tulum are much better. The water in Playa Del Carmen is just unequalled, even in Hawaii, but I admit the volcanoes and foliage in Hawaii were spectacular.

I would go to where they're offering the best deal and save the other for next vacation. Mexico and Hawaii are very different and you should really do both. One isn't "better" than the other.

You don't need to stay in Cancun to see the Mayan ruins. There are lots of nice beach communities along the Yucatan coast south of Cancun. We stayed in Akumal for a week and loved it. Great snorkeling right in the bay, very relaxing and quiet. You are only 20 minutes from Tulum. Coba is also not that far away. Chichen Itza will be farther away (vs. from Cancun) but still driveable. Hope this helps.

Went to Cancun and took the tour to Tulum which stopped at Akumel on the way back. We wished we had stayed there instead. Did not really care for Cancun for the same reaason as others have said. Saw tons of drunk americans and it wasn't even spring break.

I've been to Hawaii 5 times and will go back as soon as I save some $. I will not be going back to Mexico.

Cancun is a great party town with zero culture.

The only other thing I can add is that it is intolerably hot in Cancun in the summer. We almost died on a visit to the interior ruins and it wasn't even summer.

Been to both Mexico (Puerto Vallarta) and Hawaiian Islands. I liked both, but since I am from Canada, Mexico is cheaper due to the Canada-U.S. exchange rate. I am an avid snorkeller, so I found the Hawaiian islands to be better for that. Haven't been to the Caribbean side of Mexico,but would like to go. Also heard that Cancun is glitzy and would like to try Playa Del Carmen or Cozumel. I know it is hard to choose between the two, but as other posters have said, decide on what you the most out of your vacation. Good Luck! Enjoy your holidays!

Maria,
There is a huge difference between Mexico and Hawaii. I have driven both coasts of Mexico and four of the Hawaiian Islands, and have loved it all. From my perspective Mexico is more for adventure traveling (language differences, antiquities, food concerns, and it has it's own culture). Whereas Hawaii is more for vacationing (easy to get around, little cultural differences, everyone speaks English, and you probably won't get sick!). Geographically Mexico is rather uninteresting; Hawaii is spectacular. Try and see both, but as I have gotten older I no longer go the Mexico and every year now we vacation in Hawaii. The Big Island has much variety, and Kauai has much beauty. Have fun!