10 costa rica vs hawaii Ideas

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a vs Hawaii: The Honest Comparison In 2022 You Need!

Last Updated on December 6, 2022 by Wandering our World

Daydreaming about your next getaway is always an exciting time, but picking the location can be challenging. You may be trying to decide which tropical location is the best, Costa Rica or Hawaii, and with so much information about both, you are probably having a hard time deciding.

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These two destinations are quite similar, but thankfully we know both well and there’s some unique differences that you need to know.

Hawaii will give you access to a more resort-like vacation, whereas Costa Rica is considered more rural and natural. Both destinations offer beautiful beaches, a wide range of fun activities, and amazing accommodations. Costa Rica provides visitors with unparalleled biodiversity, and unique animal encounters, but Hawaii is perfect for families, has active volcanoes and is the home of surfing!

You can’t go wrong with either, but deciding what is the best fit for your needs will make your trip one to never forget.

Luckily below we pit Costa Rica vs Hawaii to help you make the right decision.

We look at which has the better beaches, wildlife, weather, activities, which is more affordable, family friendly and more. All so you can make the right decision. Let’s get started!

CONTENTS:

1. Which Has Better Beaches
2. Which Has The Better Overall Climate
3. Which Has Better Wildlife
4. Which Has Better Activities
5. Which Is More Biodiverse
6. Which Is More Family-Friendly
7. Which Has Better Amenities
8. Which Is More Affordable
9. Which Is The Better Choice

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Which Has Better Beaches?

Both locations are known for having beautiful beaches.

However, Hawaii has around 100 beaches across the main islands, compared to the 300 beaches in Costa Rica. But quantity doesn’t always mean quality. Many people report preferring the beaches in Hawaii to those in Costa Rica.

In Costa Rica, you will have access to two types of beaches. On the Caribbean side of the island you will find warm, gentle, clear water, like the beaches of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. However, you may need to drive far to find a great beach spot as some of the best places are in more remote areas.

The other type of beach Costa Rica has are on the Pacific side. These beaches tend to have some great waves for surfing, and there’s often a good nightlife and beach bar scene at the more popular beaches.

Related: The Best Pacific Beaches in Costa Rica

Which Has The Better Overall Climate?

Costa Rica has a very diverse climate but overall is very warm with average annual coastal temperatures of 80-90℉ and about 75-80℉ inland and around the mountains.

Costa Rica experiences quite a bit of rain during the summertime, particularly in the mountainous rainforest areas. That means Costa Rica may not be the better choice if you are traveling during your summer vacation, but could be a great winter escape for those wishing to take advantage of the warm weather over the winter holidays.

On the other hand, the average summer day in Hawaii is 85℉ and winter temps only dip to about 75℉. Hawaii experiences its rainy season in the winter, making it a good option if you’d like to travel in the summer.

Both destinations offer a great tropical environment at different points in the year so decide when you’d prefer to travel and use that to help guide your decision.

Winner: Draw

Which Has Better Wildlife?

If bird watching and unique wildlife sightings are what interests you, then Costa Rica takes the cake. Costa Rica is home to a very diverse animal population. In Hawaii, you’re unlikely to encounter much wildlife on land, but you can expect to find a great offering of diverse sea life.

Costa Rica will take you to the depths of some of the most lush and tropical rainforests, with monkeys swinging above your head, more than 850 species of bird, along with volcanoes and bountiful rainforests. We love the birdlife here so much we’ve even written about it in the past!

In fact it’s entirely likely that you’ll run into a monkey right outside your hotel or rental in Costa Rica. This is a country home to sloths, beautiful birds, and many species of monkeys.

If visiting the country, check out the amazing safari options from Costa Rica Experts. You can choose your safari based on which animals you’d like to see in their natural habitat.

While Hawaii offers the opportunity to snorkel alongside dolphins and turtles, Costa Rica not only provides the same experience with these animals, but even more with other types of wildlife. That makes it our clear winner for animal enthusiasts!

Winner: Costa Rica

Which Has Better Activities?

Both Costa Rica and Hawaii offer amazing activities that span a wide variety of options. Outdoor activities like surfing, snorkeling, and diving are available in both areas. You’ll find a variety of exceptional hikes, waterfalls to swim in, and even volcanos to explore, in both destinations.

Hiking through beautiful forests to waterfalls, like the Bajos del Toro Waterfall in Costa Rica or the well-known Manoa Falls Trail in Hawaii’s Oahu are musts while visiting either place. The sheer number of outdoor activities available in each area is enough to keep even the pickiest visitor happy and busy every day.

However, in our experience getting to activities in Costa Rica can be more troublesome. Often your destination may be in a more remote area and transportation to those areas can be challenging unless you hire a rental car. In Hawaii it is often easier to access a wide range of activities.

Which Is More Biodiverse?

Costa Rica wins this one, hands down.

This nation offers a rich climate including Caribbean beaches, cloud forests, and huge varieties of plants, animals, and insects.

Costa Rica also has access to incredible rainforests and you can even drive right up the Poas Volcano! Costa Rica is the more rural of the two options, with fewer large cities to visit. As such, visitors to this country can drive several hours and then find themselves in a completely different landscape.

While no one is arguing that Hawaii isn’t beautiful, there is less diversity to offer visitors. Many of the most popular islands are very urban, which may surprise visitors who are looking for more of a tropical escape.

Some areas of Hawaii can sometimes be crowded with other tourists too, as it tends to be a more popular destination for tourists than Costa Rica.

Winner: Costa Rica

Which Is More Family-Friendly?

We can’t overstate how beautiful both destinations are and how similar the activities are in each region.

However, much of Costa Rica is still developing and many areas are more remote. That makes traveling more challenging with children.

A true Costa Rican vacation would be made up of visiting a few different places, which is not always compatible with kids.

Hawaii offers all of the same great activities and amenities that you are looking for, but within in easy access and often in one area. That can be significantly easier for people who are traveling with children, especially young ones! (Related: Which is the Best Hawaiian Island for Kids?)

Winner: Hawaii

Which Has Better Amenities?

Hawaii offers all the big-name hotels and resorts that you are probably familiar with. You will also have access to your favorite well-known restaurants and fast food chains in Hawaii, and access to a variety of transportation options.

In Costa Rica, you’ll have access to smaller more boutique accommodation options and many Airbnbs. Transportation can also be a little more challenging as many of the roads in the country can be more rural.

Restaurants in Costa Rica will be more local fare than familiar offerings and you’re unlikely to find many international names. So the winner here really depends on how adventurous you are and how many creature comforts you are willing to part with in the name of a new experience. If you want something different and new, Costa Rica will have it. If you want something you already know, then Hawaii is for you.

If you do go to Costa Rica then check out the beautiful Hotel Aguas Claras, modeled off of the traditional banana plantation houses. It’s located on Chiquita Beach, Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.

In Hawaii, you’ll have access to all of the hotel brands you know and love, but the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu has been a favorite of visitors for many years.

Winner: Depends on your level of adventure

Which Is More Affordable?

In general, your money will go further in Costa Rica than it will in Hawaii, as Costa Rica is a poorer nation than the U.S.

For budget travelers it’s easy to stay cheaply at some amazing mid-range accommodations in Costa Rica, but you can also splurge on luxury accommodations in the country too, like beachside resorts or jungle lodges.

However, in Hawaii, even the standard accommodation could set you back. Food and experiences are also cheaper in Costa Rica than in Hawaii.

Winner: Costa Rica

Where To Stay According To Your Budget

Costa Rica

Shoestring: This hotel is excellent value, and while it’s in a rural location, it does sit right on the beach in the Tortuguero National Park – a place famous for its wildlife and turtles. To get a beachside spot at this price, with outdoor pool and hammocks included, is a steal. See photos and rates here!

Budget: The four-star Eco Boutique Hotel Vista Las Islas Reserva Natural complete with infinity pool, pool bar, and spectacular ocean views over the Gulf of Nicoya is an affordable choice which looks worth more than their current nightly rates. Dreamy is the best way to describe it. See photos and rates here!

Luxury: With its own private beach, swimming pools, tropical gardens, and every facility imaginable (even a nightclub!), Resort Dreams Las Mareas All Inclusive is one of those places we all want to visit once in our lifetime. See photos and rates here!

Hawaii

Shoestring: Just one minute from the beach and with free bike rental, Hakuna Matata Hostel on Maui is fun, cheap and friendly. You’ll be making memories in no time here, and without damaging your bank account. See photos and rates here!

Budget: Located in the heart of Waikiki, 2 minutes walk to the famous Waikiki Beach and surrounded by shopping and dining is the luxury boutique Halepuna Waikiki hotel. This four-star hotel will stretch budgets, but the panoramic views of the ocean and city – alongside the gorgeous infinity pool – will be worth it. See photos and rates here!

Luxury: Montage Kapalua Bay on Maui is one of those hotels we all wish to stay in one day. It’s extravagant beachfront luxury on a 24-acre landscaped resort with unparalleled views to the sea and beach access. It’s everything you’d expect of a five-star resort and more. See photos and rates here!

Costa Rica vs Hawaii: Which Is The Better Choice?

Choosing between Costa Rica and Hawaii comes down to two aspects; how adventurous you want your trip to be and how much time you can devote to planning it out.

If you’re looking for the easiest, most relaxing beach vacation possible, then Hawaii is a better choice than Costa Rica. Hawaii offers accessible beaches and activities, top-tier accommodation, and easy access to everything you’ll need.

If you are interested in a little bit of adventure, exploration, and are willing to put in more time planning, Costa Rica is a better option than Hawaii.

Costa Rica provides visitors with unparalleled biodiversity, unique animal encounters, and the option to individualize your experience – alongside some stunning beaches that are often far less developed than Hawaii.

You can’t go wrong with either location, so we’d recommend making time for both at some point in your travels. Happy traveling!

Recommended For Your Trip To Costa Rica Or Hawaii

Extra Information About costa rica vs hawaii That You May Find Interested

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Frequently Asked Questions About costa rica vs hawaii

If you have questions that need to be answered about the topic costa rica vs hawaii, then this section may help you solve it.

Is Costa Rica or Hawaii better?

Both locations provide visitors with stunning beaches, a variety of exciting activities, and incredible lodgings, but Hawaii is ideal for families, has active volcanoes, and is the birthplace of surfing! Costa Rica offers visitors with unparalleled biodiversity and unique animal encounters.

Which place is more affordable: Costa Rica or Hawaii?

There is more to do in Costa Rica for less money, and you can occasionally splurge on more opulent lodgings without breaking the bank, whereas a standard hotel in Hawaii will already be quite pricey.

Where else could I travel besides Hawaii?

Good Hawaii substitutes can be found in the Caribbean, particularly:

• Saint Lucia.
• Turks & Caicos.
• Exuma (The Bahamas)
• Jamaica.
• Barbados.
• Nassau (The Bahamas)
• Antigua.
• Grenada.

What Costa Rican beach is the most stunning?

Conchal Playa

Is it worthwhile to live in Costa Rica?

Pros of Living in Costa Rica: The crime rate is low; the country is especially safe for single female expats; however, a standard amount of caution is always advised. If you’re looking to escape the cold of your home country only temporarily or permanently, this country is ideal for you.

Is Hawaii a tourist destination that is overrated?

Hawaii is an overrated destination because there are hundreds of beautiful beach locations that are significantly less expensive than Hawaii. However, while I can’t deny the beauty of Hawaii’s beaches, many resort areas have grown overcrowded, and our members noted that there’s no real vibe unless you get pretty far away from the tourist spots.

In which Costa Rican hotel do the Kardashians reside?

The Kardashians’ decision to film their reality show in Costa Rica at The Springs Resort & Spa was not a mistake; this sprawling hot-springs resort in Arenal, with rates north of 00 (£380) a night, is the pinnacle of luxury lodging in Costa Rica.

What beach ranks as the best in the world?

According to Tripadvisor users, Grace Bay Beach in the Turks and Caicos islands is the world’s No. 1 beach for 2022, according to the second annual Travelers’ Choice Awards: The Best of the Best Beaches, which were just announced.

Is Tamarindo overrun with tourists?

Tamarindo does provide a convenient way to experience the Guanacaste region and some of its top activities, so you’ll never be stuck for things to do in Tamarindo even though it can be crowded and touristy.

In Costa Rica, where do celebrities go?

One of the countless reasons we chose to locate our school in Santa Teresa is because Playa Hermosa is making Costa Rica as well-known as a Hollywood star. These celebrities prefer Playa Hermosa in Santa Teresa to Papagayo Gulf in Guanacaste and Mal Pas in the South Pacific.

What is the top beach in America?

Ocracoke Island’s Lifeguarded Beach is the No. 1 stretch of sand for 2022, according to coastal scientist Stephen Leatherman, also known as “Dr. Beach.” Leatherman, a professor and director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University, has been ranking America’s best beaches since 1991.

What beach ranks first in America?

Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach is known for its iconic 1823 lighthouse, the country’s second-oldest lighthouse, as well as a herd of once-wild ponies thought to be descended from Colonial Spanish mustangs. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach has been named the best beach in America in 2022.