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For many people Hawaii could be considered best, since it is easily accessible and offers a taste of a beautiful tropical environment without even leaving the United States. People who claim it is too touristy have only themselves to blame for not getting out of the main tourist destinations, there are plenty of places in Hawaii that have very few tourists and one can experience how the locals live.
I'd definitely take Hawaii over Belize since I like me some waves with my beach. Good diving/snorkeling but IMO the most interesting parts of Belize are the hilly areas much farther inland near San Ignacio. Belize also has crap for local food outside of the novelty of conch, but thinking about it so do most countries in Central America it's almost like someone decided flavor stops at the Mexican border until you get to South America.
Hawaii is one of MY best vacation spots. Coming from New England it was a long/expensive trip and completely worth it. We visited Oahu and Maui. Oahu was fun to see but we really liked Maui. Next trip I would like to go to Kauai, For me what made Hawaii so amazing was the natural beauty and the interesting weather. You could be on one side of an island and it only gets 11" of rain a year. a few miles away on the other side of the island it gets 300 inches. You can be at sea level and its 80 degrees or you can drive up to the summit of a volcano and its 30 degrees. You can be at once beach where its white sand and blue water, go to another part of the island where its black sand and volcanic rock. The natural diversity is amazing and i really like the Polynesian culture.
Long story short, I feel everyone should try to make a trip there if possible once in their life.
I loved Hawaii, but the chief reason I loved it was getting to spend the week with friends that lived there. We had more fun hanging out in their house than we did out doing touristy things.
My favorite vacation spots are Amsterdam and Israel. I'd move to Amsterdam in a heartbeat if ever given the opportunity. I wouldn't hesitate. I love it there.
This year I went to Israel for two weeks and it was amazing - I'd go again if the opportunity arose.
Amsterdam is okay during summer (and late spring at the utmost if one finds solace from the drizzly raibn in the blooming of the tulips) ; the rest of the time it is gloomy, due to the lack of sun hours (I believe a scanty 1.600 hrs a month) and in winter the sun sets at 4 , with those black tree stumps and black brick buildings...bleak bleak bleak, I would probably be depressive living there, I'm starting to understand why they need those *coffeeshops* to introduce a little fantasy in that picture...
Amsterdam is okay during summer (and late spring at the utmost if one finds solace from the drizzly raibn in the blooming of the tulips) ; the rest of the time it is gloomy, due to the lack of sun hours (I believe a scanty 1.600 hrs a month) and in winter the sun sets at 4 , with those black tree stumps and black brick buildings...bleak bleak bleak, I would probably be depressive living there, I'm starting to understand why they need those *coffeeshops* to introduce a little fantasy in that picture...
*lol* Winter is my favorite season - I like cold, dark and dreary. =)
For many people Hawaii could be considered best, since it is easily accessible and offers a taste of a beautiful tropical environment without even leaving the United States.
Well, from East Coast, it is an 11 hour direct flight, 13 - 14 with transfers. Not exactly very accessible...
I absolutely LOVE Hawaii. Been there five times (which, coming from the East Coast, is no small matter) and would gladly go back again. I'm actually surprised at myself that I enjoy it so much, given that I have little interest in beaches or water activities, and in general I'm not much of an outdoorsman. But I love the scenery and the culture and the history.
And I've been pleased with how friendly most people are. Yes, I've heard about the anti-haole animosity, but I've never experienced it. I think it's because I try and treat the local people as people, instead of servants or as props for my amusement. Also, I've heard that the local folks make a distinction between tourists and haole residents, and will generally leave the tourists alone.
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Originally Posted by Roadking2003
I would avoid Maui and Oahu.
Worst advice ever -- IF you, like me, are fascinated by World War II and love scenic drives. Pearl Harbor is as close to a transcendent experience as I've ever come, outside of a place of worship. And the Hana Highway is one of the most spectacular drives I've ever done.
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Originally Posted by Natnasci
Also first impressions are important, and the airport in Honolulu is stuck in the 1970's and really is quite a disappointment.
Ain't that the truth! In general, Hawaii's airports are really quite crappy and difficult to navigate and you have to go through all kinds of rigamarole to check in. They make a horrible first impression and last impression. I even did a thread about it in the Hawaii forum, where my opinions were knocked by people who live there. (I guess because they're used to it and all; or maybe they just haven't experienced anything better.)
I like active outdoorsy and exploratory trips, rather than "warm weather/tropical beach" or cruise/all inclusive type vacations. So Florida and the Caribbean aren't really my thing, but I really enjoy Hawaii. l. I think Hawaii has something to offer those with both preferences, depending on how you plan your trip. The islands are very different from each other, and there are a diverse range of experiences available in Hawaii. Two people could both say they have been to Hawaii, but gone to different islands, done very different things, and had trips that felt very different from each other.
Personally, I enjoyed Kauai and the Big Island much more than Maui and the little I saw of Oahu. They have a more rural and less "touristy" feel, and offered more of the kinds of activities and experiences I enjoy. Kauai captures the palm tree/white sand tropical beauty you expect from Hawaii, without feeling too built up and touristy. The Big Island is incredibly diverse and in many ways, bucks the stereotype of a tropical island - black sand beaches, rocky lava fields, active volcanoes. I can't say I'm well traveled, but Volcanoes National Park was one of the most spectacular, unique places I've visited. I had heard so many great things about Maui, but honestly, I was somewhat disappointed with it. My favorite part was hiking the bamboo forest on the far side of Haleakala park, which was off the beaten path. The snorkeling and luau on Maui were, however, better than the comparable experiences we had in Kauai.
Well, from East Coast, it is an 11 hour direct flight, 13 - 14 with transfers. Not exactly very accessible...
I didn't mean travel time, no matter where you are in continental US you are in for a long day going to Hawaii.
I mean no language barrier, no passport, no fears of being in a foreign country with different laws and customs, no currency exchange, no pointing and guessing at menus, etc. lots of people like to go places that are accessible in the sense it doesn't upend their comfort zone.
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