Both attract the same demographic: generic upper middle class white folks with no imagination or sense of adventure. You might as well go to Disney.

Anonymous wrote:We went to Oahu and Kauai. The stores and the currency and the language and the airlines and the car rentals are the same as in this area, which makes things easy to navigate. Kauai is stunning. The flight is long.

In Costa Rica we flew into Tamarindo airport which is basically a roof with open sides. The fire department was a fire extinguisher beside an orange cone. We were weighed along with our suitcases. That was a bit of an adventure. We also stayed in one of the best hotels I've ever experienced in the capital San Jose.

Which hotel?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:



So so much more to do in Hawaii. Costa Rica is more rustic and is more about the beach.

That's so wrong, I wonder if you've ever been to CR!

CR has mountainous, rain forest, AND beach climates. It's really about being active, and it's very easy to partake in the activities.

Hawaii seems more "city" (Honolulu), and you have to seek out the tourist stuff more (imo).

Both have good aspects. I just think it's easier for someone to get to CR, and it's easier to be engaged b/c of the time zones being only one hour different from East Coast vs. Hawaii being 6 hours different. CR is a good option to start the travel experiences. Hawaii can wait... unless OP has a real interest in the polynesian/asian influence. Then Hawaii might be a better option if they are willing to push through the time zone tiredness.

Have you only been to Oahu? Because this isn't my experience of Hawaii at all, except for Honolulu.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Costa Rica is so much closer

How is that relevant?

How is it not relevant? NP

Oh gosh, I've been to both. I love both so much it is hard to choose, but if I had to I'd say Big Island, Hawaii. But I don't have kids so my thoughts aren't totally on point.

We went to Oahu and Kauai. The stores and the currency and the language and the airlines and the car rentals are the same as in this area, which makes things easy to navigate. Kauai is stunning. The flight is long.

In Costa Rica we flew into Tamarindo airport which is basically a roof with open sides. The fire department was a fire extinguisher beside an orange cone. We were weighed along with our suitcases. That was a bit of an adventure. We also stayed in one of the best hotels I've ever experienced in the capital San Jose.

We've been to the Big Island once and CR three times, so I guess that says something. CR is much closer and the time change is not as bad. Plenty of activities and beaches at both though.

Anonymous wrote:Costa Rica is so much closer

Exactly. We went to Costa Rica last year and had a great time, and saved 6 hours of flying time each way and a lot of money relative to Hawaii. Also consider Puerto Rico.

Love them both.

Hawaii is more straightforward to plan and navigate. We love all the islands, but Kauai is our favorite for (1) surfing in Hanalei and (2) hiking the Kalalau Trail to at least Hanakāpīʻai Falls. Get a permit for multiple days in case of rain, as they sell out. Snorkeling on Anini Beach and sometimes Turtles Beach is also great, as is hiking in Waimea Canyon. For teens, add mountain tubing, mountain biking, a catamaran tour of the Napali Coast, and kayaking. If your budget allows, the helicopter tours are great, too. There is excellent golf on all the islands, including Kauai, if that interests you.

Costa Rica is great for adventure and wildlife viewing. Teens would love river rafting, exploring the Arenal volcano and nearby hot springs, surfing, ziplining, and more. We love the biological reserves around the Oso Peninsula for birds, monkeys, snorkeling, and waterfall hikes.

Costa Rica truly offers an incredible blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation. From the cloud forests of Monteverde to the beaches of Guanacaste, every region has something unique. I’ve spent time exploring the country and always recommend travelers book local accommodations to enhance their experience. If you're planning a trip, check out hotels.cr — it’s a growing platform focused solely on Costa Rica, helping visitors find great places to stay across the country. Supporting local businesses while discovering hidden gems is the best way to experience pura vida. Thanks for sharing this inspiring post!

It depends which island you go in Hawaii. Kawaii is great. Costa Rica kinda same - depends what you are doing. We preferred CR as where we booked we had a private beach. It's SO much easier from a travel perspective additionally. You have to compare apples to apples and both Hawaii and CR have a lot of different areas to explore so it's not altogether same. In general Hawaii will offer a better water beach experience but you have to really research it out where to go. It's bigger in a way as CR offers a lot of options on a smaller scale. Based on travel times I'll always go to CR. It's just easier in every way as long as you have global entry. We love both places but would give it to CR based on travel experience.

Anonymous wrote:100% Hawaii. We are just finishing up in CR tomorrow and while it was fine kauai and the big island have unparalleled beaches and activities and just feel nicer.

Agree with this poster, Kauai alone is heaven on earth.

100% Hawaii. We are just finishing up in CR tomorrow and while it was fine kauai and the big island have unparalleled beaches and activities and just feel nicer.

Great activities in both but overall my kids preferred Hawaii because the food was better.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Currently in Costa Rica with my kids and they are having a blast. Whitewater rafting, zip lining, tubing, hanging bridges, hot springs, jet skis, snorkeling - just some of the activities we have done this week. We also loved Hawaii but it was more strictly beach which they don’t love for days on end. We did the volcano too which was cool and also a helicopter ride which was gorgeous but I think they’re overall having more fun here.

Did you organize these activities yourself, or is this offered via some sort of resort package? Also would you mind sharing which area of CR you’re based in for these activities?

We used an awesome local driver named Flaco who organized it all for us based on our interests. It is cheap ($30-50pp/day) for the driver depending on the group size and destination and he made all the tour reservations and usually got us a discount. I can post his what’s app if you’re interested. He’s the friend of a relative and completely exceeded our expectations for the trip. We are based in a lovely small hotel near Tilaran which is a drive from La Fortuna/Arenal but with him doing it it’s easy. We also spent several days at the beach on the west coast and I just organized the activities there from the vendors and hotel on the beach, it was relaxed and easy.