In the event you’re making an attempt to determine whether or not to go to the Caribbean or Hawaii, we can assist! This comparability of the Caribbean vs. Hawaii will cowl similarities and variations between these superb tropical locations so you possibly can select the most effective one on your journey.
Caribbean vs. Hawaii Fast Take
Each the Caribbean and Hawaii are attractive and enjoyable tropical locations which might be good for all sorts of vacationers. There are some important variations that can aid you determine, together with distance from the U.S., varieties of lodging and actions, and price.
Caribbean vs. Hawaii Overview
Though some individuals surprise, is Hawaii within the Caribbean?, it isn’t. Hawaii is situated within the Pacific Ocean about 2500 miles away from California. It’s in a a lot completely different time zone than the U.S. (3 hours sooner than the West Coast), whereas most Caribbean islands are in the identical time zone because the East Coast of the U.S.
You might also surprise, is Hawaii just like the Caribbean? The reply to that is sure and no. Whereas Hawaii and the Caribbean share many similarities, there are some main variations as nicely. We’ll go into these intimately in our comparability of the Caribbean vs. Hawaii, however listed here are the fundamental ones.
Each Hawaii and the Caribbean are tropical island locations with breathtaking seashores, vividly coloured water, palm bushes, fascinating native tradition, historic websites, scrumptious meals together with contemporary seafood, an enormous number of outside actions, and heat climate all 12 months spherical.
Nonetheless, Hawaii is a U.S. state, whereas most Caribbean islands are both impartial nations or territories of international international locations. The exceptions are Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, that are territories of the US (so no passport is required right here for US residents).
Hawaii is made up of 4 essential islands: Oahu, Maui, the Huge Island, and Kauai. There are greater than 20 completely different Caribbean islands.
Additionally, Hawaii is rather a lot additional away from the U.S. than islands within the Caribbean, particularly if you happen to stay on the East Coast. However even from the center of the nation, flights to Hawaii will be twice so long as these to the furthest Caribbean islands. Normally, you possibly can attain most Caribbean islands from the U.S. inside one to 4 hours. Even from the West Coast, flights to Hawaii take at the least 5 hours.
Each areas provide a spread of islands with breathtaking seashores and jaw-dropping water. Nonetheless, there are extra islands within the Caribbean than in Hawaii. And whereas Caribbean islands are fairly different, together with scrubby and desert-like landscapes, mountainous and volcanic landscapes, and plush tropical rainforest landscapes, the Hawaiian islands are considerably related. They’re all volcanic in origin with lush jungles in addition to lava landscapes and sandy seashores, however they vary in measurement and age. Kauai is the oldest, lushest, and least developed.
The Caribbean vs Hawaii reddit thread factors out that Hawaii has suffered from overtourism, and lots of native Hawaiians ask individuals to rethink visiting there, so that is one thing to consider when deciding in your journey.
Caribbean vs. Hawaii Climate
Whereas each Hawaii and the Caribbean are heat all 12 months spherical, there are some main climate variations. The climate in Hawaii tends to common about the identical all 12 months and is usually milder than that of the Caribbean, which might get fairly a bit hotter in the summertime.
You may also discover a vary of climate varieties on every Hawaiian island, which has a dry aspect and a wet aspect, in addition to main elevation modifications. For instance, there are mountains on the Huge Island that may have snow. Caribbean islands are a lot smaller and have a tendency to have the identical climate throughout your complete island.
Each areas, nonetheless, are topic to extreme storms—Hawaii to tropical cyclones, and the Caribbean to hurricanes (aside from a number of islands outdoors the belt together with Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao). The season for storms in each areas is June to November. In the event you journey throughout these months, remember to get journey insurance coverage.
One of the best time to go to Hawaii for good climate is outdoors of that season, or December to Might.
One of the best time to go to the Caribbean for good climate is within the winter.
If you wish to see whales, you are able to do so in each locations. In Hawaii, humpback whale season is November to Might. Within the Caribbean, it’s mid-January to March.
Caribbean vs. Hawaii Value
In the event you’re making an attempt to determine between these two areas, you’re most likely questioning, is it cheaper to go to Hawaii or the Caribbean? The reply depends upon a number of issues, together with the place you’re touring from, the time of 12 months you go, and what types of actions and lodging you e book.
Nonetheless, normally, Hawaii is alleged to be costlier than the Caribbean. In fact, there are some Caribbean islands (and resorts) that may be extremely dear, so it actually depends upon the place you need to go. A number of the costliest Caribbean islands are St. Barts, Mustique, Anguilla, and personal island resorts like Jumby Bay off the coast of Antigua and Cayo Espanto off the coast of Belize.
In the event you occur to stay on the West Coast the place there are many nonstop flights to Hawaii, then Hawaii could also be inexpensive so that you can go to than the Caribbean. However for most individuals, Caribbean locations will probably be inexpensive than Hawaii. A number of the most affordable Caribbean islands are the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.
Caribbean vs. Hawaii Environment
Each the Caribbean and Hawaii could have distinct variations in environment attributable to their cultural heritage and historical past, however Hawaii (and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands) could have a extra American feeling in addition to acquainted conveniences—and the identical forex.
Nonetheless, Hawaii additionally has a big Asian affect along with its Polynesian heritage, leading to a singular environment that isn’t discovered wherever within the Caribbean.
The tradition on Caribbean islands varies broadly relying on the actual island’s historical past. Influences come from the indigenous populations in addition to settlers from the U.S. and/or European international locations resembling Britain, Holland, Portugal, Spain, and France– and, sadly, typically the slaves they introduced over from African international locations.
Some Caribbean islands have a European really feel, whereas others have their very own slant on the Caribbean vibe.
Caribbean vs. Hawaii Lodging
The Caribbean affords an enormous vary of lodging varieties, from cheap to super-swanky. There are hostels, lodges, condos, resorts, and AirBnBs, so it may be good for a funds getaway, a mid-range trip, or a once-in-a-lifetime splurge like a honeymoon. Within the Caribbean yow will discover affordable resorts, family resorts, adults-only resorts, all-inclusive resorts, luxury resorts, and even nude resorts. There are additionally resorts within the Caribbean that function overwater bungalows.
Hawaii additionally options a variety of lodging varieties, nevertheless it doesn’t have as many funds choices. Hawaii additionally doesn’t have all-inclusive resorts. So if you happen to’re on the lookout for a laidback all-inclusive seashore getaway, the Caribbean is your greatest wager.
Nonetheless, yow will discover hostels, lodges, condos, resorts, and AirBnBs thoughout the Hawaiian islands. There are beachfront properties, in-town properties, and charming inns and resorts situated on hillsides that function unimaginable views. A few of these are situated on working espresso plantations or farms, which you’ll be able to tour.
Caribbean vs. Hawaii Actions
There may be lots to do in each Hawaii and the Caribbean.
Each have unimaginable seashores with completely different colours of sand, however Hawaii wins for the sheer variety of its seashores. You will discover white, golden, pink, black, pink, and inexperienced sand, in addition to rocky coastlines, lava coastlines, cliffs, and extensive, flat sandy seashores.
Whereas the Caribbean affords white, golden, pink, and black sand seashores, it’s best identified for sugar-white sand and dazzling turquoise water. All these seashores will be discovered on most Caribbean islands. (If that is what you’re on the lookout for, take a look at our article on the 15 best Caribbean beaches.)
Some Caribbean islands provide surfing, however Hawaii is legendary for its large waves. In the event you’re a sophisticated surfer, it’s most likely your best option for you. However starting surfers could want the calmer waters and smaller waves yow will discover within the Caribbean, and even skilled surfers can take pleasure in browsing there.
In the event you’re evaluating Caribbean vs Hawaii snorkeling or scuba diving, you may be questioning, is the water clearer within the Caribbean or Hawaii? The Caribbean is the winner on this case. Whereas there’s glorious snorkeling and scuba diving in each areas, the water within the Caribbean is hotter, clearer, and calmer. You possibly can snorkel and scuba dive all through the Caribbean (check out some of the best spots here).
For probably the most half, Hawaii’s landscapes are extra spectacular than these discovered within the Caribbean. The volcanic peaks are greater, the jungles are lusher, the waterfalls extra superb. There are additionally lava flows and tubes everywhere in the Hawaiian islands. Mountain climbing is rather more plentiful and difficult in Hawaii than in most Caribbean islands.
Within the Caribbean yow will discover a spread of historic and cultural websites, journey sports activities like ziplining and ATV excursions, mountaineering, and extra along with watersports. Totally different islands function completely different actions together with distinctive sights such because the world’s solely drive-through volcano (on St. Lucia) or an underwater sculpture park (in Grenada). Most islands even have cities or villages to go to, though they’re normally fairly small.
You will discover volcanoes in the Caribbean, however on only a few islands, and most of them are dormant. Volcanoes in Hawaii are a lot bigger and extra energetic.
Totally different Caribbean islands could have completely different cultural choices, however all of the islands in Hawaii function the well-known luau. This don’t-miss present combines conventional meals with demonstrations of hula dancing and different native actions like hearth twirling.
Hawaii additionally has a wealthy array of cultural and historic websites, mountaineering and exploring alternatives, watersports and land sports activities, and journey sports activities. The islands even have cities to go to. These vary in measurement, however will be a lot bigger than these within the Caribbean. Honolulu on Oahu is the most important, with excessive rises and a thriving downtown like many American cities. Actually, it’s bigger than some main U.S. cities resembling Atlanta or Seattle. Nonetheless, the least developed island, Kauai, simply has a handful of small cities.
In the event you’re excited about nightlife, most Caribbean islands have bars, nightclubs, and stay leisure within the evenings (though some are a lot livelier than others). You may also take pleasure in an enormous number of festivals within the Caribbean. Hawaii additionally options a wide range of nightlife and competition choices, though these range relying on the island you go to.
If you wish to go island-hopping, Hawaii could also be your best option for you. Aside from some areas within the Caribbean just like the Virgin Islands, it’s normally tougher to go island hopping there than in Hawaii.
It’s attainable to take a cruise in each areas, however there are extra cruise itineraries and ships available in the Caribbean.
Caribbean vs. Hawaii Meals
Whereas contemporary seafood is fashionable in each the Caribbean and Hawaii, there are large variations relating to delicacies.
Hawaii’s Polynesian heritage will be seen within the number of distinctive dishes there like poi, poke, kalua pork, and lomilomi salmon. There may be additionally a ton of Asian meals accessible in Hawaii attributable to immigrants from international locations like Japan and China.
Totally different Caribbean islands have several types of dishes relying on their historical past and whether or not they had Spanish, British, French, Portuguese, or Dutch settlers. Each island has its own special take on “Caribbean cuisine,” and contains contemporary vegetables and fruit which might be grown on that island in addition to the varieties of seafood which might be generally present in surrounding waters. For instance, the Bahamas is legendary for conch and lobster, whereas Jamaica is understood for its jerk rooster and ackee and salt fish.
After studying our comparability of the Caribbean vs. Hawaii, what do you assume? Is Hawaii higher than the Caribbean or is the Caribbean higher than Hawaii on your journey? Tell us within the feedback! And if you happen to’d like assist planning your trip, be happy to succeed in out to one in every of our expert travel agents!
