Costa Rica vs. Hawaii: Which Destination Is Better for a Vacation?

Passports:

• Hawaii: No passport required for U.S. citizens since it’s a U.S. state. Any other nationality entering Hawaii will need a passport, with the same entry requirements as for the mainland U.S.
• Costa Rica: Passports are required to enter Costa Rica.

Language:

• Hawaii: English
• Costa Rica: Spanish is the official language. However, many in the tourism industry possess varying levels of proficiency in English. Visitors who only speak English can still navigate the popular tourist areas with ease.

Climate:

• Hawaii: The climate in Hawaii is mainly warm tropical, but here's a fun fact: thanks to its large mountain peaks, you can find 10 of the world's 14 climatic zones there! As you climb higher, the temperatures drop, even leading to snow accumulation on the peaks of Haleakala, Mauna Kea, and Mauna Loa during winter. Fancy a dip? Ocean temperatures range from a ‘cool’ 75°F (23.8°C) between January and May to a warmer 82°F (27.8°C) come September and October. Thinking of the best time to visit? March to September is ideal. But if you're there in December, pack a light sweater for those 60s evening chills. Oh, and keep an umbrella handy from October to March – that's Hawaii's rainy season, with December being the wettest.
• Costa Rica: There are two main seasons in Costa Rica: the dry season, from mid-December to the end of March, and the rainy season, stretching from April to December, with September and October being the wettest. But here's the good news: the water's always inviting! Expect temperatures between 82 to 86°F (28 to 30°C) from May to September, and a slightly cooler 77 to 82°F (25 to 28°C) in January and February. If you're looking for the best weather to explore, December through April is your sweet spot.

Geography:

• Hawaii: An island in the mid-Pacific Ocean.
• Costa Rica: A Central American country located at the heart of the isthmus connecting North and South America.

Travel time might also be a tie-breaker. Flying direct to Hawaii from the U.S. West Coast? That's about five to seven hours, depending on your starting point. But if you're jetting off from New York to Honolulu, brace yourself for a little over 11 hours. And layovers could stretch that even further! On the flip side, Costa Rica, snuggled south of the U.S. and aligned with Alabama, promises shorter flights. From the U.S., you're looking at anywhere between three to seven hours, with Miami being your quickest route.

But here's a heads-up: direct flights to Costa Rica are mainly from cities like Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, Atlanta, Denver, and New York, while others, such as Washington DC, offer direct flights seasonally. So, if you're outside these zones, you might need a connecting flight. And for our Canadian friends, Air Canada, WestJet, and Sunwig offer non-stop flights to Costa Rica from several major airports.

Hawaii:

• Waikiki Beach: Hawaii's most visited beach, situated on Oahu's south shore. Its popularity stems from its location in Honolulu, the capital city, which also houses the main international airport. Fun fact: Iolani Palace on Waikiki Beach was electrified before the White House!
• North Shore of Oahu: Often dubbed the "seven-mile miracle" due to its consistent, high-quality waves during winter. It's the heart of the global surfing scene, where pro surfers reside and compete from late November to early March.
• Kilauea Volcano: Nestled in the southeastern part of Big Island, this is the world's most active volcano. Visitors can frequently spot molten lava from designated viewpoints within the Volcano National Park.
• Napili Coast Kauai: A breathtaking 15-mile stretch on Kauai's north shore, boasting valleys with scenic waterfalls and beaches, divided by towering cliffs (up to 4,000 ft) and accessible only by boat or by hiking the Kalalau Trail. An adventurer's paradise!

Costa Rica:

• Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna: La Fortuna isn't just home to the renowned Arenal Volcano; it's also Costa Rica's adventure hub. With lush rainforests, majestic waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, it's a must-visit.
• Monteverde: Tucked between two primary cloud forest reserves, Monteverde is a global favorite. Rich in diverse flora and fauna, it promises intimate encounters with nature and a plethora of activities.
• Manuel Antonio: Perched on the Central Pacific coast, this spot provides a unique chance to dive into the region's rich biodiversity, right from your doorstep. The crown jewel? The national park teeming with wildlife and pristine beaches.
• Osa Peninsula: The proud home of Corcovado National Park, dubbed the most bio-diverse intense spot on earth by National Geographic, the Osa Peninsula is ideal for those yearning for an untouched rainforest experience.
• Nicoya Peninsula: In Costa Rica's northwest, this is one of the world's "Blue Zones" where folks tend to live longer. Its beaches, distinct from the rest of the nation, mark the shift from tropical rainforest to dry forest.

Accommodation prices in Hawaii vary across the islands. Oahu, for instance, is more budget-friendly, aligning with Costa Rica's mid-tier pricing. Both Kauai and the Big Island are similarly priced, with their low-end offers aligning with Costa Rica's top end of the mid-range. Maui's basic accommodations are on the pricier side, with its basic offering comparable to Costa Rica's high-end options price-wise.

Cost of Accommodation in Hawaii:

• Budget Hotels (1-2 stars): Expect to pay between $140 to $320. Some options include the Pagoda in Honolulu, Hotel Kauai Palms, and Arnott’s Lodge in Hilo.
• Mid-range Hotels (3-4 stars): These vary from $200 to $600, with the average 3-star hotel costing $385 per night and a 4-star setting you back north of $500. Popular choices include the Outrigger Reef Waikiki, Royal Kona Resort on the Big Island, Aston at The Maui Banyan, and the Kauai Shores Hotel.
• High-end Properties (5-star): Prices start at $450 and can soar to $2,000+ per night. While Oahu offers more affordable luxury, prices on neighboring islands start at $1,200. Top-rated properties include the Four Seasons Hualalai, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Princeville Resort in Kauai, and Halekulani on Waikiki Beach.

Cost of Accommodation in Costa Rica

• Budget Hotels (1-2 stars): Prices range from $50 to $150 per night. Expect basic rooms, usually with a private bathroom. Air conditioning might be missing, and views are likely limited.
• Mid-range Hotels (3-4 stars): These cost between $150 and $400 per night. Perks include spacious rooms, breakfast, air conditioning, WiFi, and usually a swimming pool. The price can fluctuate based on the view—ocean or mountain versus garden or jungle. Some popular picks are Hotel Kioro, Tamarindo Diria, and the renowned Si Como No, Spa and Wildlife Refuge.
• High-end Properties (5-star): These range from $400 to $900 a night. From big names like the Marriott, Westin Conchal, and Four Seasons Papagayo to boutique gems like Tabacon and Arenas Del Mar, luxury is the name of the game.

Hawaii:

• Breakfast: $10 to $15 per person
• Lunch: $15 to $30 per person
• Gourmet Dinner: $60 and up
• Beer and Other Alcoholic Beverages: $5 to $15

For those looking to dine on a dime in Hawaii, the "Plate Lunch" is a must-try. This local favorite features a generous serving of fish or meat, paired with rice and your pick of a green salad or macaroni salad. You can easily find these "Plate Lunches" in towns across the islands, from drive-in restaurants to grocery stores and food trucks.

Costa Rica:

• Breakfast: $8 to $15 per person
• Lunch: $12 to $25 per person
• Gourmet Dinner: $50 and up
• Beer and Other Alcoholic Beverages: $4 to $12

Craving an authentic and budget-friendly meal? Head to the local "sodas," scattered across every town and major route in Costa Rica. At these spots, you can savor a hearty "Casado" plate brimming with rice, beans, your choice of protein (be it fish, chicken, beef, or pork), and a fresh salad—all for under $8.

Hawaii:

• Pearl Harbor: An all-access pass is priced at $90 for adults and $45 for kids.
• Polynesian Cultural Center: This center has six island villages, each representing the unique cultures of Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga.
• National Parks in Hawaii: Hawaii is home to two majestic national parks: Haleakalā in Maui and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes on the Big Island. Both parks are nestled atop mountains that occasionally receive winter snowfall. Entrance fees are as follows:
  • Private Vehicle: $30 (valid for seven days)
  • Motorcycle: $25 (valid for seven days)
  • Pedestrian/Cyclist: $15 (valid for seven days)
• The Dole Pineapple Plantation: If you're a pineapple aficionado, don't miss this spot! Initially set up in 1950 as a fruit stand to serve the local community, it has since transformed into a plantation-style home and museum celebrating the pineapple. Today, it stands as one of Hawaii's top attractions. And the best part? Admission is free!
• Zipline Courses: For thrill-seekers, zipline courses are scattered throughout Hawaii. Prices range from $100 to $400+ per person.

Costa Rica:

• National Park Entrance Fees: For foreign visitors, it's between $5 and $15, depending on the park.
• Zipline Tours: Depending on the provider, zipline tours can range from $60 to $135 per person.
• Catamaran Trips: Fancy some snorkeling followed by delightful food and drinks? Catamaran trips can set you back anywhere from $100 to $150 per person.
• Hot Springs. Most hotels in an area with hot springs have pools where you can enjoy them for free. If you pay a one-day entrance ticket, it can go between $60 and $110 per person.
• White Water Rafting. Depending on the type of rapids, it could go between $90 and $175 per person.

Hawaii:

Navigating Hawaii is a cinch. The islands are quite small, with roads hugging most of the coastline and handy routes crisscrossing from one side to the other. Most folks opt for rental cars, with daily rates floating between $35-$100. And nope, you don't need 4WD here.

Shuttles, both private and shared, are everywhere. And if you're an Uber fan, you're in luck—it’s available throughout the islands. But here's a tip: fares are cheapest in Honolulu since that's where most folks live. On the neighboring islands, Uber might be a tad pricier and not always around when you whistle. So, think of it as a "grab-it-when-you-can" option.

Costa Rica:

Even though Costa Rica is compact, navigating from one spot to another can be a tad challenging. You have two primary choices: renting a car or hopping on a private shuttle. Both have their perks!

Shuttles? They're a breeze. Sit back, relax, and soak in the scenery without a care in the world. And they're pretty budget-friendly too! A few shuttle rides from the airport to various hotspots might cost you about the same as renting a 4x4 that you'd drive yourself.

Speaking of car rentals, they're a popular pick. But, a heads up: driving in Costa Rica can throw you a curveball, especially during certain seasons. Think unexpected mudslides and the occasional fallen tree. And while 95% of the roads are paved, a 4-wheel drive is a good idea. Those random potholes and construction zones? The extra clearance comes in handy. Plus, with your own set of wheels, you can chase those hidden gems—like that secret beach someone whispered about. A week's rental of a 4x4, with all the trimmings like full coverage insurance and gas, will set you back around $900 to $1,100.

Fancy catching a bird's eye view? Domestic flights connect the capital, San Jose, to major regions. These quick hops range from 35 to 65 minutes and will cost you between $100 and $180 per flight.

When it comes to honeymoon getaways, both Hawaii and Costa Rica stand out with their distinct offerings. Whether you're seeking spa treatments, ocean-view dining, or outdoor adventures, both Hawaii and Costa Rica promise a diverse range of experiences for every romantic getaway.

Hawaii, a long-standing favorite for honeymooners, offers a mix of luxurious resorts, pristine beaches, and cultural experiences. However, its options for adults-only accommodations are limited. Properties like the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, The Royal Hawaiian, and the Andaz Maui at Wailea exemplify the top-tier accommodations available. These resorts, each with its own charm, provide couples with access to white sand beaches, world-class dining, and a range of outdoor activities.

In contrast, Costa Rica boasts a wider range of adults-only choices, including numerous boutique hotels that cater exclusively to adults. Noteworthy picks include Nayara Springs and Amor Arenal, both situated near the Arenal volcano. Along the coast, you'll find gems like Casa Chameleon, Kura, and Aguas Claras. These properties don't just restrict their guest list to adults; they also prioritize privacy with individual, separate units. In essence, Costa Rica is the ideal destination for couples aiming to blend nature and adventure into their romantic sojourn.

Budget-wise, it's worth noting that prices in Costa Rica's top-tier hotels are priced similarly to the mid-range offerings in Hawaii, offering couples more value for their money in this tropical gem.

Hawaii has long been a favorite family-friendly destination with plenty of hotel options across its islands. The Hilton Hawaiian Village on the world-famous Waikiki beach is perfect for families craving sandy shores, gentle surfing waves, beachfront luaus, and a smorgasbord of dining options. Another gem is the Hilton Waikoloa Village, a hidden oasis along the north Kona coastline. Characterized by its barren black lava fields that resemble the moon's surface, this village offers world-class snorkeling, expansive pools with waterslides, and cascading waterfalls. Plus, it's a gateway to Hawaii's tallest volcano, home to the world's best stargazing platform.

Switching gears to Costa Rica, it's also a top pick for family vacations, offering a myriad of activities for all age groups and a diverse range of destinations. Take, for example, the Tabacon Thermal Resort, strategically positioned at the base of Arenal Volcano, often dubbed the adventure capital of the country. Families can bask in the warmth of its hot springs, which gradually heat up as you approach the spring's source. Adventure seekers can embark on sloth hikes, zip-lining, and hanging bridge combo tours. For those craving adrenaline, whitewater rafting and waterfall rappelling await. And for the coffee and chocolate lovers? Guided tours to plantations let you experience the entire process, from planting to processing, topped off with sampling award-winning coffee and chocolate. Another family favorite is Shana By The Beach in Manuel Antonio. It's a paradise for those wanting to be close to the ocean, offering breathtaking ocean views, easy beach access, and an abundance of activities. The surrounding jungle teems with wildlife, from sloths to various monkey species, ensuring an unforgettable experience.