My wife and I L-O-V-E Hawaii. It's Heaven on earth.

You can save money in Hawaii. Take a look at the ideas in "Hawaii for less" under Joyful Journeys at...
www.senior-infosite.com

Aloha,

Roy

freewoman I think you should quote your source before you say something like that.I have been to the island alone. I guess it is easy to attack local men and easy target for a racist. I rarely meet singles traveling alone so I can only comment on my experience. I feel fine not sure if I would want to hike solo anywhere unless the trail is very busy. I don't know in what kind of a scenario a women would find herself vulnerable to this attack.


Historically, Hawaii has lower violent crime than anywhere in the country. I don't think you can say that of any of the islands in the carib. Not here to compare but I do resent someone maligning Hawaii without identifying their source. ...Just plain irresponsible.

Nothing! Only it does have 70-80 degree weather all year, deep blue water w/ an abundance of fish, more types of birds than almost any place in the world, active volcanos, lush scenery, beautiful waterfalls, and some of the best surfing and beaches anywhere. I strongly encourage people to think twice before going to such a place!!

Everything.

I am not going to get in on the Hawaii vs. carib. deal but I have to STRONGLY disagree about the statement about rude agressive men in Jamaica. This is the typical comment from someone that came in on a cruise ship and staying in Mobay or Ochos Rio in tourist areas.

I have wandered in areas where there are fewer tourists (or none) and I am a
petite, not too bad blonde. I found the Jamaicans to be so friendly, so warm and just a delight. Travelling by moped though villages linked by goat paths I met the most wonderful people. The are a poverty stricken country with people that will feed you with their last bits of food.
When I was in Ireland a few months ago for the first time I was excited about the people. Everyone told me it was a very friendly place. They were certainly warm by US standards but could not come close to the welcome I received in Jamaica.

The aggressive men are trying to sell anything that a tourist might buy- to feed themselves and their families.
I have never needed more than a respectful, "no thanks" or "I all set".
Touch fists, "respect" and be on you way.

There are cleaner places! And more spectacular scenery - but I return in between travels because the people make it a magical place.

For those who have been to both Hawaii and Caribbean... Which place would you say offerred better snorkeling and water activities?

Thanks.

Just got back from Kona Village (Gilligan's Island if there had been more people! - you get your own little hale(hut)- very nice)- which is expensive but food IS included in the price. they will even pack you a lovely lunch if you want to go explore the island for the day! Most activities are included as well (snorkle gear, boogie boards, glass bottom boat. kids' activities, tennis - they have rackets if you forget yours)

Just got back from Kona Village (Gilligan's Island if there had been more people! - you get your own little hale(hut)- very nice)- which is expensive but ALL meals ARE included in the price. they will even pack you a lovely lunch if you want to go explore the island for the day! Most activities are included as well (snorkle gear, boogie boards, glass bottom boat. kids' activities, tennis - they have rackets if you forget yours)

My biggest disappointment with Hawaii was the lack of wildlife. I didn't have high expectations and thus was not disappointed, but this year we are going to Costa Rica which is much more my idea of a tropical paradise.

Tanya - if it's snorkeling you're after, forget Hawaii and Carib. Go to Rangiroa in French Polynesia. Doesn't get any better!

Well heck, Monica, why stop at Costa Rica? Head stright on down to Brazil if it's wildlife that turns you on.
Hawaii's big assets are scenery, weather and an available luxury lifestyle (for the vacationer).

Costa Rica is slummy, becoming like a cheap Mexican tourist area for Americans, and lacks high end accommodations. So for MY tastes, CR could never hold a candle to Hawaii.
But it depends on what you seek, what makes you're vacation special.

Our trip to Costa Rica was a once in a lifetime thrill. It is a lush and beautiful country and the people are the friendliest we have encountered anywhere. Just stay away from San Jose, which I would describe as "slummy". As for accomodations, check out Villa Caletas http://www.centralamerica.com/cr/hotel/caletas.htm This and many other places we stayed were unsurpassed for luxury and service. Best of all, the prices for luxury accomodations are very low. The highest end luxury suite at Villa Caletas is only $290 a night, as compared to some of the astronomical prices I have been finding for our upcoming first trip to Hawaii.

Have to tell you Maggi I have a friend that lived in Hawaii for a few years who toured Costa Rica for 3 weeks. He went because people compared it to Hawaiian landscape, going with these expectations he was totally disappointed. He said the filth and poverty were overwhelming. He said that prostitutes from a distance would say hey honey "You me and your wife, how about it"? Recently divorced he was traveling with his sister.

Prime time or one of those evening news hours also did a documentary on child prostitution in Costa Rica. Apparently a growing number of American men go down there for this. Not just kids from huts as you might expect but kids earning money for make up and latest fashion. This was the contention of the news show as it followed the bust of one brothel that two teens stopped off for assignment get this dressed in school uniforms with backpacks, jackets.

Not everyone can vacation and enjoy themselves when natives live in abject poverty around them. Not saying that you should feel guilty if you don't have a problem with this. I have had this issue in third world countries. Would not want to be in 5 star lodging when families line the streets with no homes at all.

Interesting comments, John.
This is one of the reasons the Caribbean turns me off.
Beautiful scenery and nice lodgings amid poverty, crime and racism.
Just ruins the whole experience much of the time.
I understand that in respects this is the real world, the way things are.
But I'm not paying to live there. I simply want to vacation in a place that allows me to experience something better than real life, so to speak.

I've been to out islands and BVI. My hubby has done Hawaii (all)and BVI.He says he will always go back to the BVI.There is no crime, poverty or unfriendly/aggressive people.The islands are beautiful, waters are still, aqua, and there are still "honor bars" on the islands.We paid 185/night in June for a lovely jacuzzi room at Long Bay at Tortola- a charming resort.No high rises, garbage or fast food there either.

Amen Linda. British Virgin Islands are paradise. I have been to Maui, Lanai and Kauai and while it was nice (Lanai was by far the best), Peter Island, Virgin Gorda and Tortola offer more than I could have imagined. Better beaches, no high-rises, no crime, and better quality all-around. Hawaii is beautiful but not a top choice.

I can't believe people are trying to compare Hawaii with Costa Rica! Hawaii is VERY expensive compared to Costa Rica, which is a third world country, and just can't compare!
But, for the record, I've been to Hawaii 3 times, and will go again when I have big bucks and want to be surounded by lot's of people, as it is beautiful, but I've been to Costa Rica 7 times, returning for my 8th trip in July, and looking forward to the relative solitude, beautiful scenery and lovely but inexpensive accommodations. Maxine can have her 'luxury' in Hawaii. I'll take my wildlife in a more authentic way. As she said, it depends on what you seek to make your vacation special.

John, if no one traveled to places where poverty was a problem, the options would be few indeed. Tourism is a source of income to many of these countries and their people. (Mexico and Costa Rica are two prime examples.) I repeat, I felt that San Jose was not a place in which I wanted to linger. We flew into San Jose, rented a car and headed out. Jaco (on the west coast) also was not too wholesome. Otherwise, we found the countryside and the people the best! That said, maybe things have changed drastically since we were there four years ago.

Maggie, Friend had their car robbed in countryside not making this stuff up. Also said that the lack of public works projects left a lot of garbage and pollution in areas. He said you would think rafting down a river in Costa Rica with the wildlife would be beautiful but it just was not very clean.

Well aware of the idea thinking you give poor individuals and income with tourist dollars, you still have to be comfortable with profound poverty I am not. Don't like people waiting on me for 1 dollar a day. Been in situations like this it is not ok with me.

John, having your car robbed in the countryside is definitely not unique to Costa Rica. Just search this board and you'll see a multitude of postings regarding car break-ins in Hawaii.
Costa Rica is definitely a third world country and the lack of infrastructure is frustrating at times, but I think you are wrong in saying that there are no high end accommodations there. There aren't any mega resorts like in Hawaii or Carribean but there are plenty of very high-end unique hotels located in extremely scenic places that I am sure can match Hawaii for beauty. Most of Costa Rica is blissfully undeveloped and low key and un-touristy, and thank goodness for that! We went there twice and, outside of San Jose, the countryside is very pleasant (if poor). We saw no beggars, no homeless people. Just the opposite, we saw kids in school uniforms attending school, people working, shopping etc.