Caribbean vs. Hawaii:
Find Your Perfect Beach Vacation
Answer 3 quick questions and discover which tropical paradise matches your dream beach getaway
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Beach Destinations at a Glance
Compare key features of top Caribbean and Hawaii beach destinations side-by-side
| Feature | Aruba | Hawaii (Oahu) | Hawaii (Maui) | Bahamas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Flight Time | 4.5h from NYC | 10h from NYC | 11h from NYC | 3h from NYC |
Beach Type | White/Pink Sand | White/Volcanic | Golden Sand | Pink/White Sand |
Avg. Daily Cost | $$-$$$ | $$$-$$$$ | $$$$-$$$$$ | $$$ |
Top Activity | Snorkeling | Surfing | Whale Watching | Swimming |
Water Temp | 80°F | 77°F | 76°F | 82°F |
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Aruba: One Happy Island
365 days of sunshine, pristine beaches, and the friendliest people in the Caribbean
Eagle Beach
Consistently rated one of the world's best beaches
Why Choose Aruba?
- Perfect Weather: Outside hurricane belt, 82°F year-round
- Short Flights: 4.5 hours from NYC, 5 hours from Miami
- Safe & Clean: Low crime rate, pristine beaches
- English Spoken: Easy communication for US travelers
Quick Facts
Best Beaches in Aruba
Eagle Beach
Family-Friendly- Wide white sand
- Calm waters
- Fofoti trees
- Less crowded
Best For: Families with kids, relaxation, photography
Palm Beach
Luxury & Activities- High-rise hotels
- Water sports
- Restaurants
- Nightlife
Best For: Couples, luxury travelers, active vacationers
Baby Beach
Snorkeling Paradise- Shallow lagoon
- Excellent snorkeling
- Protected cove
- Colorful fish
Best For: Snorkelers, families, beginners
Flamingo Beach
Unique Experience- Pink flamingos
- Private island
- Crystal waters
- Instagram-worthy
Best For: Photographers, couples, unique experiences
Top Things to Do in Aruba
Snorkeling & Diving
Explore shipwrecks and coral reefs
Windsurfing
Perfect trade winds year-round
ATV Tours
Explore rugged Arikok National Park
Sunset Cruises
Romantic catamaran experiences
Casino Gaming
World-class casino resorts
Beach Hopping
Visit multiple stunning beaches
Hawaii: Paradise in the Pacific
Volcanic landscapes, world-class surfing, and the warmth of Hawaiian culture
North Shore, Oahu
Legendary surfing destination and winter wave capital
Why Choose Hawaii?
- Diverse Islands: Each island offers unique experiences
- No Passport Needed: US state, easy travel for Americans
- Rich Culture: Authentic Hawaiian traditions and aloha spirit
- Year-Round Activities: Surfing, hiking, volcanoes, and more
Quick Comparison
North Shore Beaches, Oahu
Waikiki Beach
Iconic & Accessible- Calm waters
- Surf lessons
- Hotels nearby
- Nightlife
Best For: First-timers, families, city lovers
North Shore Beaches
World-Class Surfing- Pipeline waves
- Sunset Beach
- Surf competitions
- Food trucks
Best For: Surfers, wave watchers, adventurers
Lanikai Beach
Pristine Paradise- Turquoise water
- Soft sand
- Kayaking
- Sunrise views
Best For: Photographers, couples, kayakers
Maui's Best Beaches
Wailea Beach
Luxury Resort Beach- Golden sand
- Snorkeling
- Luxury resorts
- Calm waters
Best For: Luxury travelers, snorkelers, relaxation
Kaanapali Beach
Family-Friendly- 3-mile stretch
- Black Rock
- Resorts
- Activities
Best For: Families, resort guests, snorkelers
Hamoa Beach
Secluded Beauty- Road to Hana
- Gray sand
- Bodysurfing
- Scenic
Best For: Road trippers, nature lovers, privacy seekers
Top Hawaii Activities
Surfing Lessons
Learn at Waikiki or watch pros at North Shore
Snorkeling
Hanauma Bay (Oahu) or Molokini Crater (Maui)
Road to Hana
Scenic 64-mile drive with waterfalls
Pearl Harbor
Historic WWII memorial and museums
Whale Watching
December-April humpback whale season
Luau Experience
Traditional Hawaiian feast and entertainment
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Beach Weather & Crowd Calendar
Find the best time to visit each destination to avoid rain and crowds
Aruba
Hawaii (Oahu)
Hawaii (Maui)
Bahamas
Legend
Weather
Crowds
Prices
Rainfall
Best Overall Times to Visit
Aruba
Year-round (outside hurricane belt)
Best value: May-June, September-October
Hawaii
April-May, September-November
Whale watching: December-April (Maui)
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know to choose your perfect beach destination
Hawaii is generally more expensive than most Caribbean destinations. A week-long Hawaii trip typically costs $3,500-7,000 per person (depending on the island), while Caribbean destinations like Aruba or the Bahamas range from $2,500-4,500. Hawaii has higher accommodation costs, longer (more expensive) flights from most US cities, and pricier dining. However, Hawaii offers more diverse experiences across multiple islands, and you don't need a passport. The Caribbean offers better value for pure beach relaxation, while Hawaii provides more adventure activities and cultural experiences.
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