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Originally Posted On: https://www.turtlefiji.com/tahiti-vs-hawaii/

 

There’s just over 4,000 km between them, but in South Pacific terms Tahiti and Hawaii are practically neighbors. And with their sun-kissed beaches, it’s hard to beat Tahiti or Hawaii.

Let’s start with a Tahiti vacation. Known for its black-sand beaches, tropical lagoons and waterfalls, Tahiti is 4,400 km south of Hawaii, 7,900km from Chile and 5,700km from Australia.

It’s the largest island in French Polynesia and is divided into Tahiti Nui (the larger, western section) and Tahiti Iti (the eastern peninsula). Many of us will remember Tahiti as the location for the 1962 film Mutiny on the Bounty with Marlon Brando, firmly cementing its reputation as an idyllic, desert island.

Now let’s turn to Hawaii. Just under 4,000km from California, Hawaii is a major destination for US holidaymakers with eight major islands developed extensively with resorts, shopping malls and plenty of activities – from surfing and parasailing to 4WD tours and sunset cruises.

If the South Pacific is on your vacation radar, then have you looked a little further than Tahiti or Hawaii and considered Fiji? Due west of Tahiti, Fiji is made up of more than 300 islands and 540 islets. It’s your typical Robinson Crusoe-inspired vacation, renowned for its diving, snorkeling, pristine beaches and warm welcome you can only get from the Fijian people!

 

TAHITI OR HAWAII VACATION

What ticks your box when it comes to your perfect vacation? Are you a sun worshipper, rotating from front to back to get an even tan? Or does your idea of a dream escape involve action from dawn to dusk?

 

HAWAII

Think Hawaii vacation and you’ll probably picture nightclubs, tiki bars, sprawling hotel complexes and plenty of shopping malls. When it comes to choosing between a Tahiti or Hawaii vacation, then Hawaii will suit the adventure seekers. It’s packed full of activities for all vacation types, so there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Maui is a well-known hot spot for honeymooners looking to start their life together with a bang! But it doesn’t just have to be about the nightlife.

Hawaii also has 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.

 

TAHITI

Compare a Tahiti or Hawaii vacation and Tahiti is often overlooked and seen as the gateway to the rest of the Society Islands, such as Moorea and Bora Bora. But Tahiti offers plenty of luxury mixed with lots of adventure.

Take its beaches. Plage de Toaroto is a beautiful stretch of white sand and a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, as is La Plage de Maui on Tahiti’s southern shore.

A quirk of Tahiti is the island’s many black sand beaches, due to the island’s volcanic activity. Lafayette beach is one of the best black-sand beaches on Tahiti.

And for surfers, there’s the well-known Teahupoo Lagoon where the world’s best surfers come to test their skills on the island’s famous sharp reef breaks.

Away from the coast the volcanic island of Tahiti is perfect for jungle trekking, hiking and swimming in waterfalls. A popular trek for experienced hikers is to Aorai Mountain and a trip to nearby Moorea will offer up lots of waterfall trails, including the beautiful Afareaitu Waterfall, which is tucked behind mango trees and ferns.

 

FIJI

Most vacationers head to Fiji for a more low-key escape. However, if you’re looking to party, then Fiji also offers plenty of options.

As the sun goes down, many hotels and resorts will offer cocktails and pool parties, while on Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island, the most popular clubs can be found in and around Nadi and Suva including Ed’s Bar and Ice Bar.

There’s a barefoot vibe to the nightlife in Fiji where you can finish a day’s sightseeing and beach activities with a few cold beers and a live band.

During the day, Fiji’s activities are all about the country’s natural assets – its sensational waters and its lush interior. Packed with hiking trails and tracks, a day exploring Fiji on foot, on a bike or in a 4WD, will be a day well spent.

On Taveuni you can hike through the rainforest at Bouma National Park and head to the towering Tavoro Falls. These three waterfalls are perfect for a dip. Float on your back and you’ll see glimpses of colour as parrots fly overhead.

Fiji’s highest peak is Mount Tomanivi on Viti Levu which stands at 1,324 metres tall. It’s not an easy hike but the views across Fiji and the Pacific are well worth it.

Most vacationers come to Fiji to experience the country’s underwater world. The crystal clear water surrounding Fiji’s islands is home to myriad marine life including dolphins, corals and colorful, exotic fish.

 

TAHITI VS HAWAII HONEYMOON

Newlyweds who choose Tahiti or Hawaii for their honeymoon can be assured their vacation will be packed full of romance and adventure.

Hawaii is a great spot to search for dolphins and sea turtles, experience Haleakala – the world’s largest dormant volcano – enjoy the spectacular Black Rock and relax at some exquisite spa hotels.

And no honeymoon to Hawaii would be complete without a trip to the famous Waikiki beach. The beach backdrop might be high-rise hotels, but it’s a vibrant neighborhood with designer fashions stores in Kalakaua Avenue, fine dining and waterside cocktail bars. There’s also Honolulu Zoo, home to Komodo dragons and peacocks, while inside Waikiki Aquarium you’ll be able to see parrotfish and urchins.

In Tahiti, there’s still plenty for honeymoon couples to see and do, but it’s the natural attractions that really set this destination apart from Hawaii.

Tahiti offers the quintessential south-seas experience of seclusion and astounding natural beauty and attracts honeymoon couples from around the world.

Honeymooners can island-hop their way around Tahiti and they want to combine at least two or even three during their vacation.

The island of Tahiti towers over the ocean and is crowned with a circle of majestic peaks. Moorea soars out of the water in an explosion of green velvet. A visit to Bora Bora will appeal to honeymooners with its blue and green lagoon, white-sand beaches and Mount Otemanu piercing the sky.

In Fiji, romance is high on the agenda. While Fiji’s stunning beaches and tropical scenery are to be expected, honeymoon couples will love the experiences like private beach dinners and picnics on deserted motu or islets.

Fiji’s Yasawa Islands – an archipelago of about 20 volcanic islands lying north west of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu – feel so remote that you’ll feel as if you’re the first to set foot on the islands.

 

BEST TIME TO VISIT TAHITI VS HAWAII

The best time to visit Tahiti vs Hawaii is between March and September, when the temperatures are at their highest and there’s the least amount of rain.

In Tahiti the best weather can be found in the dry season, from May to October. From November to April temperatures rise and you can expect a bit more rain, making it humid and wet.

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

 

EXPLORE TURTLE ISLAND FIJI

If you’re already looking at the South Pacific for your next vacation, then take a closer look at Turtle Island Fiji? Turtle Island Resort can be found on a private island within Fiji’s superbly remote Yasawa Islands. Offering barefoot luxury and total seclusion, Turtle Island Resort is shared with just 14 other couples, making it feel like you have the place to yourselves.

Get in touch today to start planning your next vacation to Turtle Island.