Water in Hawaii..?
 

My fiance and I recently visited the Bahama Islands and the water was amazing!!! For our honeymoon we imagine just laying on white sand beaches overlooking the water....but people tell me that the water in Hawaii is nothing compared to the Caribbean, is this true? Should we reconsider where we go on our honeymoon?

i've been to both Nassau and the Big Island of Hawaii and greatly preferred Hawaii. There was a lot more to do - hiking, beautiful drives, waterfalls, and great beaches.
The water in the Bahamas is warmer and clearer, but the water in Hawaii is still nice and there is lots of great snorkeling.
Hawaii is just nicer overall. I can't really specify why, but it's a lot more pleasant and friendly. And i think the food in Hawaii is better too.

The water in Hawaii is not turquoise blue. It tends to be darkish blue/green.
The reason is that the islands are volcanic, not coral, and the relatively small areas in which sand forms and accumulates drop off into the depths of the ocean quickly.
The coral islands of the Caribbean have bright/light sand, they often extend out much farther into the water, and the shelves that the islands sit on tend to be shallow. As such, the sunlight reflects off the sand underwater and makes the water look bright blue.

Hawaii has much more to offer overall as a land destination than the Caribbean does (in general).
You can find most anything you seek in the Caribbean, but not all in one place. That is, there are some very nice resorts, nice shops, safe islands, social options, good beaches, pretty landscape scenery...but not all in one place.
The biggest downsides to the Caribbean are that in most places there is much more crime and poverty than in hawaii, and that in general things are more expensive.
Hawaii has a higher concentration of great resorts, great restaurants, land activities etc. But it can't match the better beaches of the Caribbean.

Other differences: The water is consistently and significantly warmer in the Carribbean than near Hawaii.

Additionally, air temperatures are less varied in the Caribbean than they are on Hawaii. On Hawaii, temps can vary significantly from one part of an island to the other side. In the Caribbean, the temps are more stable and the weather patterns move more slowly.

I have talked with young couples from the Mid-west who have travelled to both destinations and they prefer Hawaii because they don't like to be confronted with poverty when they are on vacation. If you can handle that,then the Caribbean will work for you.

I have been to several Caribbean islands, the Mexican Caribbean ("Mayan Riviera"), and Hawaii - and have enjoyed them all. There is much to see and do in Hawaii. But you will be bitterly disappointed with Hawaii if powder-fine, pure-white-sugar sand beaches and crystal clear, light turquoise water are absolute "must haves" for your honeymoon. Such beaches are simply not a geographic feature of the Hawaiian islands, though they are to be found on most (though not all) Caribbean islands and off the northern coast of the Yucatan.

As most know, I'm a BIG Kauai fan but if I could trade the Kauai water and most of the beaches w/ some of those in the Carribe...hey! I'd have Tahiti?

Overall, I'd still go w/ Hawaii.
Kal

Tiffany, I've been to many Caribbean islands, and also Bermuda and Aruba, which are technically not part of the Caribbean, and I'd say those are prettier overall than Hawaii, if you are just referring to the beaches and water [including palm trees]. However, there are other beautiful things in Hawaii. I would say a lot depends on where you are traveling from, and also, what you really are looking for, for your honeymoon. If you want to spend the time relaxing on a beautiful beach, and really have no desire to sightsee, then perhaps one of the islands in the Caribbean would be best. If you are closer to Hawaii anyhow, then I'd choose a tropical, lush area -- Kaui or Waialea section [ I think -- Renaissance is located in the part I'm thinking of] of Maui. I think my biggest surprise regarding Hawaii, was that there were no palm trees all over. There are beautiful flowering bushes, trees and plants, but while driving around, you don't see a lot of palm trees, unless you're at a resort, where I'm sure they've been added to the environment. And, the sand was not as fine as what I have here, on Long Island. For beaches, I'd recommend Bermuda or Aruba. Another plus about these destinations, is that there is not the poverty of many of the other islands. Wherever you decide to go, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. You really can't go wrong with any of these choices. Good luck!

LoisL, just so you know, palm trees are not native plants to the Hawaiian islands, with exception to one called the Loulu palm, which only grows deep in the forests. The planted palm trees you see at resorts are not indigenous.

Hi Stevecat,
That was my point. Guess I didn't make it clear. I always pictured palm trees in my head, when I pictured what Hawaii was like. I guess that image was helped along by seeing pictures taken at resorts, because they were always 'there'. That is a big part of what I expect in a tropical setting, and was disappointing when I got there. The native trees looked average. It may sound silly, but that was disappointing. Hawaii was not as tropical LOOKING as I had expected.

Don't know about the big island and the others, but the water in Maui is really nice. You can see the sand at the bottom...which is what I always look for...and you can snorkel with the sea turtles!
If you're considering going all the way to Hawaii and love amazing water, have you considered French Polynesia?

TiffanyLynn,

Let me say first of all that I love Hawaii and think it is a beautiful part of the world (I would like to retire there) - but having said that, I have to agree that in some regards it doesn't really fit the image I had in my mind before I went there. Like LoisL, I found it didn't seem quite as tropical-looking as I expected, and a big part of that was the fact that there was not that much of the calm, clear, light-blue water I thought I'd find.

The fact is, the Islands of Hawaii are fairly young and as a result they tend to drop off quickly from the shore and have small, incompletely developed reef-systems. This results in little of the shallow conditions that give that "clear, calm, light-blue water" effect. There are great waves there for surfing etc, but not many places with calm, clear lagoon environments. There are a few places like Kaneohe Bay on Oahu, and Anini Beach on Kauai, but they are more the exception than the rule.

We've not been to the Carribean yet (possibly next year), but we have been to both French Polynesia (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora) and the Cook Islands (Rarotonga and Aitutaki) in the South Pacific, and both of those locations fit the image we had in mind. The reason is that the islands of the South Pacific tend to be much older than Hawaii, and so have had a lot more time to develop major reef systems (which break up the ocean waves and give you a a calm, clear lagoon with that wonderful light-blue water). I expect that Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji will be similar, but have not yet been.

Kal hit it right on the head when he hinted that islands around Tahiti (not not so much Tahiti itself) are a perfect combination - featuring the natural mountainous beauty found in Hawaii, with the wonderful calm, shallow water conditions the Carribean is so well known for.

French Polynesia, with it's amazing overwater bungalows, tends to be very expensive, but the nearby Cook Islands are pretty reasonably priced - especially when you take the USD to NZD exchange rate into effect.

Overall, the South Pacific is absolutely amazing... and everything we imagined. In addition, crime - especially violent crime (and the often grinding poverty that spawns it) in these places is not quite as prevalent as it is in so many Carribean locales. In general, these islands are very safe and you can be out almost anywhere at any hour of the day and night and still feel secure.

Their only downside is an almost complete lack of nightlife. After dark it's pretty quiet down there.

Ken

PS: Photos of all those places here (So you can judge for yourself):

http://community.webshots.com/user/lordbalfor

LordB, Yer killin' me! Roratonga is on my list. Ditto Tahiti.
I was in Phoenix recently and one of my business assocs. had been to Kauai and then he took his wife to Tahiti for her 50th b'day.

Said they had been Fla/Caribbe fans before until seeing Kauai and then Tahiti, especially Morea, Bora Bora, etc.

I'd probably get a bigger raise so I could go to these places if I wasn't on Fodor's a lot of the time!
Kal

I have been to the Bahamas (Nassau and Grand Bahama Island) and whereas the water was absolutely unbeatable there I would pick Hawaii in a heartbeat! I have been to Honolulu, Kauai and Maui and am headed to the Big Island next week and so far Hawaii is the most amazing place I have been. The water may not be as clear and colorful as in the Bahamas but there were so many other things in Hawaii that far surpassed the Bahamas!

Lordbalfor, that was a great plug for the South Pacific. Despite my love of the Hawaiian islands, I agree that French Polynesia (HM'd there) was closer to what I envisioned of an exotic, tropical paradise. It just surprises me that more people don't consider the South Pacific, but then again, I also haven't seriously considered the Carribean for an island vacation yet. I justed want to relay to you that ever since viewing your Fodor's posts, Webshot photos and epinions comments, I'm dying to visit the Cook Islands in the near future, especially considering the lower costs!

Kal, LOL!! You really ought to reduce your Kauai posts so you can get that raise in order to visit French Polynesia or the Cook Islands. But then again, whenever I decide to visit Kauai in the future, who would I turn to for advice? ;)

Bluefan - Also consider Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. Though I've not (yet) been, it's my understanding that all 3 of these places can be even cheaper than the Cooks. In fact, the entire region is pretty much a prime destination for those adventurous types traveling on a "backpacker" budget. It's possible to stay in thse areas for as little as $20 USD/PP/day (including food) - if you're willing to "rough it" a little (possible shared bathroom and/or room, no hot water, etc). Great way for someone with no strings to see some of the most beautiful places on earth. We met lots of young folks traveling in such a manner in the Cooks and they all seemed to be having a terrific time.

Ken

Bluefan, Intead of raising the bridge, I'll lower the river!
It's more fun that way...like skating on the other side of the ice.
Kal

Yep....I vote for French Polynesia for your honeymoon (Bora Bora more specifically.) You get the "just lay on the beach and enjoy spectacular water" and can also get in some incredible snorkeling/diving. These islands are only an additional 1 hour further than Hawaii. And anyway, EVERYONE goes to Hawaii on their honeymoon. Do yourself a favor and try something a little different.

There's a separate board here for French Polynesia - check it out. Also, make sure to investigate both overwater and beach bungalow accomodations.

LouisL, actually there are some very beautiful native plants. The Ohia Lehua tree is a huge tree with beautiful flowers. Acacia Koa is a native tree that has serious historical value to Hawaii (they made all the canoes from them); old growth trees are hundreds of years old and highly sought after for its wood. Flowers like the Ilima and a few others (I'm not a botanist so the names escape me at the moment). Sadly, few of these plants grow outside of their native surroundings, which for the most part, are deep in the forests. If you hike off the popular trails you'll definitely see them around. Shame on all the resorts for not trying to promote native Hawaiian plants.

"...These islands are only an additional 1 hour further than Hawaii".

Ohh, Ericka, you need to get out your globe or map.
Bad advice there.
It's 2800 extra miles from Honolulu to Tahiti.
The flight from Hawaii to Tahiti is LONGER than the flight from Los Angeles to Hawaii.

Actual travleis, most people going from LA to Tahiti fly there direct, not via Hawaii (although we did). A direct flight from LAX to Papeete is (I believe) about 8 - 8 1/2 hours. It's still admittedly quite a bit longer than the 4 1/2 hours or so that it probably takes to get from LAX to Honolulu. It's not the full 2800 extra miles however a flight from LAX to Honolulu then to Papeete would be.

In any event, the extra travel time is well worth it (in my opinion) - providing of course that you can afford to stay there.

Ken

Yes...that's how we got to Tahiti....nonstop from Los Angeles....which was about 8 hours.

I'm holding a SanFran-Honolulu itinerary right now but can't tell how long of a flight it is due to time changes. But I figure its got to be at least 6 hours?????

I love the Caribbean and the Bahamas. While Hawaii is beautiful, it just doesn't compare to the Caribbean beaches and water. There are certain islands laden with crime, but many that are not---where the people are very friendly, it's totally safe, and there are no high rises. You could try the out islands of the Bahamas - Elbow Cay, Guana Cay or Green Turtle Cay (Abaco) - or how about St Vincent and the Grenadines? We were married at Young Island Resort in St Vincent and I can't recommend it enough. Then there's Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda, BVI. If you avoid the heavily populated, totally touristy islands like Jamaica, or Nassau, and go to a smaller island, you will love it.

Been to both Bahamas (Paradise Island) and to Hawaii, Kauai and Oahu.

Yes the water is warmer, not what I consider significantly, in the Bahamas but otherwise the beauty of looking towards the ocean and behind you while sitting on the beach is much better in the Hawaiian Islands. Love the seascape and the mountains with the changes in climate from one section to another. Rainforest here, desert there, semiarid over there.. truly spectacular.

TiffanyLynn,
I don't think I've come across anything more beautiful than where I spent my honeymoon, which was Bermuda. Somehow though, I think that anywhere reasonably beautiful you end up for your honeymoon is bound to be wonderful, romantic, and stress free after all those months of planning,etc.

My point is, go with what your instincts tell you. None of the above places will disappoint you.

Regarding some of the comments comparing Hawaii and the Caribbean, you can find rain forests, mountains, arid desert areas, beautiful tropical flowers and plants, plus the palm trees [that symbolize tropical beauty for me, at least] I also enjoyed Aruba, and the beaches in Australia were beautiful, and the coastline of New Zealand was breathtaking. However, my advice would be to do what is most comfortable within the time frame you are working with. Your honeymoon is one time you want to relax and it would be hard to be disappointed, given the occasion you're celebrating.

I hope 4khansen is not generalizing the entire Caribbean from an isolated visit to Paradise Island (which was named Hog Island until late in the 20th century). PI is one of the more unappealing places in the Caribbean.

If you want to see the best the Caribbean has to offer for warm, turquoise water and powdery white sand, you need to visit Turks/Caicos, Anguilla, Eleuthera, St. John or a host of others.