Costa Rica vs. Hawaii Honeymoon

We have been to both recently.

Costa Rica, to me, is a Mexico-like getaway, but nicer. Less crowded but same feel. Don't expect it to be cheap though (at least not where we went...Tamarindo on the north pacific side). The food was fantastic in our opinions!

They are similar in the fact that you can surf, scuba dive, horseback ride, zip line, hike, etc.

Hawaii is quite expensive! You might feel more comfortable renting a car in Hawaii. It also depends on what island you are looking to visit. Maui is more expensive than Oahu.

The water was warmer in Costa Rica (I'm a scuba diver), but if you're looking to go in May you might encounter their rainy season. We went in the middle/end of April and just missed the beginning of their rainy season. You can't go wrong with weather in Hawaii.

Hmmmm...

Where did you stay in each? Would you recommend the hotels?

I haven't been to Costa Rica, but my sister has been many times. I was recently in Hawaii... we stayed in Oahu just outside of Honolulu. Our hotel had a kitchenette in it so we were able to buy groceries and prepare almost all of our meals for the whole trip (12 days). We stayed at the equus hotel and marina tower. It was a great location. We could walk to a lot of places. It wasn't the nicest hotel ever, but it was clean, good bed, cheap ish parking (not cheap at all but in comparison to other hotels it was cheap - $18/day compared to $30/day- outrageous! I know!) We did rent a car so we could drive around the entire island and experience some of the main attractions. All in all, everything in (flight, car, hotel, food and attractions) we spent about $3000.00 for 12 days. I was thrilled. I would go back in a heartbeat! Loved it there.. I think the big thing for us is that it was still US (we're from Canada but still similar).. food and major chains were all familiar and we felt safe

Hey Christy, our wedding dates are almost the same and we are debating both of these places! Bumping this up as I would love to hear more recommendations!

We stayed at Marriott all places and yes, I would recommend them. Overall, our Costa Rica trip was less expensive than Hawaii (though we went to both Oahu and Maui). We stayed about the same length of time. In Costa Rica we went scuba diving, pontoon dinner cruise, hiking, zip lining and horseback riding. In Hawaii we went to Pearl Harbor, horseback riding, luau dinner, helicopter ride, volcano bike ride...

Both destinations offer adventure, beaches, relaxation, and water sports.

Hawaii = longer flights (more time lost to travel), better restaurants, more nightlife/shopping opportunities, more options on different types of white/black sand beaches, better weather in May, no all-inclusives, wider variety of condo-type hotels, better infrastructure (roads) for getting around on your own to explore.

Costa Rica = shorter flights, availability of all-inclusives (if that's what you're looking for), more jungle/wildlife type experiences, generally less expensive than Hawaii, May is beginning of rainy season.

I have to disagree with Annie about the availability of all-inclusives for Costa Rica. All inclusives are not typical there and the few that are located there are in the northwest part of the country. It also isn't the type of place you want to go and stay at your hotel all day every day either.

We went to Costa Rica in May last year and it was amazing. Seriously, I want to go back a million times. I absolutely loved it. Don't let the "beginning of rainy season deter you." As people say, it's the beginning, which means it is still transitioning. We got rain every day, but it never rained for long and it never ruined a single activity that we had planned for the day. You also get cheaper hotel rates due to the "rainy season."

We traveled around a little bit but spent the majority of our time by the Arenal Volcano. We stayed at Arenal Nayara and I 200% recommend it, especially for a honeymoon. It was nothing short of amazing

Future Mrs Ohler - I agree that I would not recommend an all-inclusive in Costa Rica, but that's my personal preference (and yours too, it sounds like!). Plenty of clients seek them out, so I was just pointing out that they're available if she wants them.

Another pro for Hawaii. No passport needed and they use US currency.

So... Thanks for all the idea! I have been warned not to use all-inclusive in Costa Rica, because you will not get the experience that you should get.. So I was thinking about getting away from it anyways, but wasn't sure if they were available in Hawaii. I already have a passport so won't have to worry about that. The good thing is we are going from Texas instead od Boston, so it makes the flights (no matter which we choos) shorter...MrsOhler, I had a friend stay there and say the same thing.

I want Costs Rica, FH wants Hawaii, I feel like we can do a lot of the same things in both, but Costa Rica seems slightly cheaper, and for some reason I am partial to going there.. although I couldn't tell you why.

You could also check out a site called I stop over where people put up their apartments and condos for sale. Just came back from Hawaii so am partial to that and the snorkeling in Kona was AMAZING!!!!!

What is an island that is more relaxing beach atmosphere and less of the city atmosphere?

If you are interested in the Pacific side of Costa Rica (Manual Antonio Park Area), we would be glad to help you, just let us know.

In particular, we can help you with an All Inclusive in that are that is quite unique. Local chefs are used, so you experience the true cuisine, as well as tropical fruits & vegetables of the region.

As for the Hawaiian Islands, I think you can find tranquility on most of the islands. Kauai is particularly nice for that I think, and more lush that the others!

Congratulations!

Costa Rica is beautiful in nature and variety of ecological tours. Also if you're looking to get lost in a paradise, Costa Rica is an ideal place. I recommend this hotel: http://www.cristalazul.com/ is beautiful and is beachfront.

I know of Cristal Azul and it IS an ideal place if you want to honeymoon in Costa Rica! Very very private, romantic and far from the touristy crowds. They have a private chef that is amazing too. The owners actually married there so great as a destination wedding too!