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Originally Posted On: Hawaii vs Bahamas: Idyllic Destinations Compared – Turtle Fiji

 

Searching for a tropical getaway? Then a Hawaii or Bahamas vacation is going to be hard to beat given the natural beauty of both island destinations.

Around 2,000 miles to the west of the US, Hawaii is home to eight major islands that have been well developed with resorts, hotels and plenty of activities from world-famous surfing to parasailing and sunset cruises. Hawaii is one of only two states outside North America and the only state composed entirely of islands.

Sitting off the east coast of Florida, the Bahamas are home to 700 islands scattered across the Atlantic Ocean, with 16 main islands to choose from. There’s a Caribbean island vibe here – even though they’re not actually in the Caribbean Sea – with powder-white soft sand, water sports galore and lively nightlife.

But if it’s remote island life you’re looking for, have you considered Fiji? This South Pacific archipelago is a collection of 300 islands and 540 islets, providing travelers with tropical landscapes, world-renowned snorkeling and diving and the unique Fijian culture.

Enjoy our guide and we’ll let you decide where to take your next island vacation.

 

HAWAII VS BAHAMAS: ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURES

HAWAII

For those with an adventurous spirit, then Hawaii is a must. Think stunning beaches with waves suitable for every level of surfer and mountains and rainforests for hikers and trekkers. You can even cycle down Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on the island of Hawai’I and the highest point in the state.

You can fly between the islands in Hawaii giving you the chance to hike up an active volcano, zip line down waterfalls and enjoy a parasail over the ocean at sunset. Then there’s the snorkeling, kayaking and fishing trips galore.

BAHAMAS

Thinking about Hawaii or Bahamas for adventure? Then Bahamas has plenty of things to get your heart rate pumping. There’s world-class golf courses, aqua parks, pink sand beaches and excursions to coral cays to see swimming pigs. There’s also the Junkanoo festival in the Bahamian capital of Nassau – a street parade with music, dancing and costumes of mixed African origin that takes place on Boxing Day.

Head to the remote Out Islands – or Family Islands as locals call them – for more secluded beaches but plenty of outdoor adventures such as deep-sea ocean fishing, sailing and paddle boarding.

 

FIJI

In the South Pacific, Fiji also packs a punch when it comes to adventurous vacations. Think rugged volcanic mountains, waterfall and rainforests all waiting to be explored on foot, by bike or in a kayak.

Plus with 333 islands to explore, it’s the perfect place to island hop – in particular to the islands of Mamanuca and Yasawa, a stunning group of islands to the west of Fiji.

Water sports in Fiji range from kayaking and sailing to stand-up-paddle-boarding and surfing. The surfing in Fiji can rival the waves in Hawaii. A popular surf location is the Mamanuca Islands which are home to some of the best surf breaks in the world, including Cloudbreak, off Tavarua Island. Easy to reach from Fiji’s capital, Nadi, they’re a popular place to visit.

While you’ll find a lot of parallel activities in Fiji to keep you busy, it has a different feel about it. Fiji hasn’t been as heavily influenced by western culture, which gives the country a more culturally authentic feel.

Where Hawaii has had several decades of development and infrastructure, making it more populated by both tourists and western city structures, Fiji has more of a remote, less-developed appeal.

 

HAWAII VS BAHAMAS HONEYMOON: ROMANTIC DESTINATION

For couples looking for a romantic vacation, it’s easy to see why island destinations such as Hawaii or Bahamas feature high on the list. There’s year-round tropical sunshine, postcard-worthy beaches and top notch dining options for romantic dinners for two.

The Bahamas – once home to smugglers and pirates – is now a top spot for honeymoon couples looking for their own haul of romance. Couples can party the night away in clubs and bars in Nassau and kick back on the picture-postcard beaches of Eleuthera, Andros or the Exumas.

Honeymoon couples will enjoy the plethora of hotels and resorts in the Bahamas, from the all-out luxurious to the charm of the Georgian colonial architecture with all-inclusive dining, inviting pools and award-winning restaurants.

If you’re looking for a honeymoon filled with nightclubs, tiki bars, shopping, and huge hotels, Hawaii could be the place for you. Maui is a well-known mecca for honeymooners looking to start their life together with a bang.

However, for some, Hawaii may have too many similarities to home, as it doesn’t have the same remote feel of a Fiji honeymoon.

Fiji constantly ranks as one of the top destinations for honeymoon vacations and it’s easy to see why. Fiji can offer couples the chance to truly get away from it all. These remote islands offer culture, spectacular beaches and the friendliness and warmth of the Fijian people – something they’re renowned for world wide.

On Turtle Island Fiji – which is couples only apart from certain times of the year when families can visit – all guests are assigned their very own ‘bure Mama’ when they arrive. From her very first ‘bula!’ greeting, she’ll attend to your every whim, from unpacking your suitcase and taking care of your laundry, to ironing your clothes and arranging private beach picnics. You’ll soon find you can’t live without her!

Fijian islands are smaller than Hawaii’s islands, making them less busy – you can even rent your own island.

 

HAWAII VS BAHAMAS: WEDDING

Hawaii and Bahamas both score highly when it comes to weddings.

If you’re getting married in the Bahamas, you’ll have a choice of saying ‘I do’ on a private island or in luxurious hotel. The Bahamas lives up to its reputation as one of the world’s leading wedding destinations where the white sand and turquoise blue sea is the ultimate backdrop for the wedding photos.

A Hawaii wedding will be steeped in natural beauty, from crystal-clear blue ocean waters to fiery lava flows and tall mountain peaks. The Aloha State is also home to some of the friendliest people you’ll meet – alongside the Fijians – who’ll make sure every detail is catered for during your wedding.

In Hawaii, each island will offer its own areas for weddings, allowing you to choose the ideal setting for your big day – from a party atmosphere on Waikiki or more of a peaceful setting in a Kauai rainforest.

Fiji meanwhile is known for running on island time, allowing newlyweds to celebrate their marriage at their own pace. Many couples even strive to have their wedding ceremony held on one of Fiji’s beautiful beaches. Delivering your vows on the shores of this paradise is a moment that will be etched in you and your partner’s history, forever.

A Fiji resort wedding might be in a chapel or on the beach, where the arrival of the bride will be heralded by the sound of a conch shell blown by a Fijian warrior.

 

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HAWAII VS BAHAMAS

Whether you’re visiting Hawaii or Bahamas, or you’re keen to try Fiji, all three destinations are lucky to enjoy pleasant temperatures year round.

The best time to visit Hawaii is between March and September, because it sees the least amount of rain and has the highest temperatures. This is also the perfect time to enjoy the beach or the water.

However, Hawaii’s perennial warm weather makes it a good destination at any time of year, with temperatures between 23°C and 30°C.

In the Bahamas, the peak season is from mid-December through to April, which brings with it the highest rates and the biggest crowds of the year. The off-season, from May through mid-December, typically brings the lowest airfares and hotel rates, and fewer crowds.

The hurricane season in the Bahamas officially stretches from June to November, with September and October the two months at risk of hurricane activity.

If you’re travelling a bit further to Fiji, then you won’t be disappointed with the weather.

The best time to visit Fiji is from late October to early November when you’ll be rewarded with cheaper airfares and accommodation. During this time the weather is dry and warm and the beaches and resorts aren’t as crowded.

Fiji’s winter, or dry season, runs from May to November with temperatures ranging from 19°C – 29°C. Summer (the wet season) runs from December to April and sees temperatures sitting at a comfortable 22°C – 33°C.

 

EXPLORE TURTLE ISLAND FIJI

If you’re considering a vacation to Fiji, but you’ve never been, then take a look at Turtle Island Resort. Shared with just 14 other couples, this remote island beauty really is your own slice of paradise. With 500 acres of lush forests to explore and 12 private beaches, at Turtle Island Resort you really can escape the crowds.

Contact us today to find out more about your next vacation to Turtle Island.