St Lucia or Hawaii – How to Decide Between St Lucia and Hawaii for Your Next Vacation

St Lucia or Hawaii

St Lucia or Hawaii: Which Island Paradise is Right for You?

 

Are you dreaming of a tropical getaway but can’t decide between St Lucia or Hawaii?

Both islands are stunning destinations, offering beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, rich culture, and diverse activities.

But they also have some differences that might make one more suitable for your preferences and budget.

In this article, we will compare and contrast St Lucia and Hawaii on various aspects, such as:

 

  • Location and Climate
  • Cost and accessibility
  • Attractions and activities
  • Culture and cuisine
  • Pros and cons

By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of which island paradise is right for you. Let’s get started!

 

Location and Climate

St Lucia

St Lucia is a small island nation in the Caribbean Sea, part of the Lesser Antilles.

It has a total area of 617 square kilometers (238 square miles) and a population of about 184,000 people.

It is located about 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) southeast of Florida, USA.

St Lucia has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 23°C (73°F) to 31°C (88°F) throughout the year.

It has two seasons: a dry season from December to May, and a wet season from June to November.

The wet season coincides with the hurricane season, which can bring heavy rains and strong winds to the island.

Resources:

Hawaii

Hawaii is a state of the USA, consisting of eight major islands and several smaller ones in the Pacific Ocean.

It has a total area of 28,311 square kilometers (10,931 square miles) and a population of about 1.4 million people.

It is located about 3,900 kilometers (2,400 miles) southwest of California, USA.

Hawaii has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C (65°F) to 27°C (80°F) throughout the year.

It has two seasons: a dry season from May to October, and a wet season from November to April. The wet season can bring occasional showers and storms to the islands.

Resources:

 

Comparison

Both St Lucia and Hawaii have tropical climates but differ in location and seasons.

St Lucia is closer to the mainland USA than Hawaii, but it is also more exposed to hurricanes.

Hawaii is farther away from the mainland USA than St Lucia, but it is also more sheltered from storms.

 

Cost and Accessibility

St Lucia

St Lucia is relatively affordable compared to other Caribbean islands.

The average cost of a one-week trip for two people is about $2,800 USD, including flights, accommodation, food, transportation, and activities.

However, this can vary depending on the season, the type of accommodation, and the activities you choose.

St Lucia is accessible by air or by sea.

The island has two airports: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in the south, and George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) in the north.

Most international flights arrive at UVF, while SLU serves regional flights.

You can also reach St Lucia by cruise ship or by ferry from nearby islands such as Martinique or Barbados.

 

Hawaii

Hawaii is relatively expensive compared to other US states.

The average cost of a one-week trip for two people is about $4,800 USD, including flights, accommodation, food, transportation, and activities.

However, this can vary depending on the island, the season, the type of accommodation, and the activities you choose.

Hawaii is accessible by air or by sea.

The state has several airports, but the main ones are Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu Island, Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui Island, Kona International Airport (KOA) on Hawaii Island, and Lihue Airport (LIH) on Kauai Island.

Most international flights arrive at HNL, while inter-island flights connect the other airports.

You can also reach Hawaii by cruise ship or by ferry from other islands such as Lanai or Molokai.

 

Comparison

Both St Lucia and Hawaii are accessible by air or by sea, but they differ in their cost and availability.

St Lucia is cheaper than Hawaii, but it has fewer flights and less frequent ferries.

Hawaii is more expensive than St Lucia, but it has more flights and more regular ferries.

 

Attractions and Activities

St Lucia

St Lucia is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Some of the main attractions and activities on the island are:

  • The Pitons: These are two volcanic peaks that rise above the sea on the southwest coast of St Lucia. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the island. You can hike, climb, or zip-line around them, or enjoy the views from the nearby beaches or resorts.
  • Sulphur Springs: This is a geothermal area in the south of St Lucia, where you can see bubbling mud pools, steam vents, and hot springs. You can also take a dip in the mineral-rich water, which is said to have healing properties.
  • Rainforest Adventures: This is a park in the north of St Lucia, where you can explore the tropical rainforest by aerial tram, canopy walk, or zip-line. You can also spot wildlife such as hummingbirds, parrots, monkeys, and snakes.
  • Pigeon Island National Park: This is a historical site in the north of St Lucia, where you can see the ruins of a 18th-century British fort, a museum, and a lookout point. You can also relax on the sandy beaches or swim in the clear water.

 

Resources:

 

Hawaii

Hawaii is a paradise for beach lovers and culture enthusiasts. Some of the main attractions and activities on the islands are:

  • Waikiki Beach: This is one of the most famous and popular beaches in the world, located on Oahu Island. It is a long stretch of white sand and turquoise water, lined with hotels, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. You can surf, swim, snorkel, or sunbathe on this beach, or enjoy the nightlife and shows.
  • Volcanoes National Park: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Hawaii Island, where you can see two active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. You can hike, bike, or drive around the park, or witness lava flows and eruptions.
  • Pearl Harbor: This is a historical site on Oahu Island, where you can see the remains of the US naval base that was attacked by Japan in 1941. You can visit the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri Battleship, the Pacific Aviation Museum, and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
  • Haleakala National Park: This is a park on Maui Island, where you can see the dormant volcano Haleakala. You can watch the sunrise or sunset from the summit, or explore the crater and the surrounding wilderness by hiking, biking, or horseback riding.

 

Resourses:

 

Comparison

Both St Lucia and Hawaii have attractions and activities for different tastes and interests.

St Lucia is more focused on nature and adventure, while Hawaii is more focused on beach and culture.

However, both islands also offer some variety and diversity in their offerings.

 

Culture and Cuisine

St Lucia

St Lucia has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by its African, European, and Indian heritage. Some of the cultural aspects of St Lucia are:

  • Language: The official language of St Lucia is English, but most people also speak a French-based creole called Kwéyòl. You can hear this language in the music, literature, and everyday conversations of the locals.
  • Music: The music of St Lucia is a blend of various genres, such as calypso, soca, reggae, zouk, and jazz. Some of the famous musicians from St Lucia are Nobel laureate Derek Walcott, singer-songwriter Taj Weekes, and jazz guitarist Ronald “Boo” Hinkson.
  • Festivals: The island celebrates several festivals throughout the year, such as Carnival, Jazz Festival, Independence Day, Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day), and Festival of Lights. These festivals showcase the colorful costumes, dances, music, and food of St Lucia.
  • Cuisine: The cuisine of St Lucia is a fusion of African, French, Indian, and Caribbean influences. Some of the typical dishes are green fig and saltfish (the national dish), bouyon (a hearty stew), accra (fish fritters), bakes (fried bread), and roti (flatbread with curry). You can also try the local fruits, such as mangoes, bananas, soursop, and breadfruit.

 

Hawaii

Hawaii has a unique and diverse culture, influenced by its Polynesian, Asian, American, and European heritage.

Some of the cultural aspects of Hawaii are:

  • Language: The official languages of Hawaii are English and Hawaiian. Hawaiian is a Polynesian language that has only 13 letters and is spoken by some native Hawaiians. You can hear this language in the songs, chants, and greetings of the locals.
  • Music: The music of Hawaii is a blend of various genres, such as traditional Hawaiian, slack-key guitar, ukulele, hula, reggae, and pop. Some of the famous musicians from Hawaii are Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, Jack Johnson, Bruno Mars, and Jake Shimabukuro.
  • Festivals: The islands celebrate several festivals throughout the year, such as Aloha Festivals, Merrie Monarch Festival, Kamehameha Day, Lei Day, and Lantern Floating Hawaii. These festivals showcase the colorful costumes, dances, music, and crafts of Hawaii.
  • Cuisine: The cuisine of Hawaii is a fusion of Polynesian, Asian, American, and European influences. Some of the typical dishes are poke (raw fish salad), laulau (pork wrapped in taro leaves), loco moco (rice topped with hamburger patty, egg, and gravy), spam musubi (rice and spam wrapped in seaweed), and shave ice (flavored shaved ice). You can also try the local fruits, such as pineapple, papaya, coconut, and guava.

 

Comparison

Both St Lucia and Hawaii have culture and cuisine that reflect their diverse history and geography.

St Lucia is more influenced by African and French cultures, while Polynesian and Asian cultures more influence Hawaii.

However, both islands also have some similarities and common elements in their culture and cuisine.

 

Pros and Cons

St Lucia

St Lucia is a beautiful island that offers many advantages for travelers who are looking for a natural and adventurous vacation.

Some of the pros of visiting St Lucia are:

  • It has stunning scenery and diverse landscapes
  • It has a rich culture and friendly people
  • It has a variety of activities for all ages and interests
  • It has a relatively low cost of living and travel

 

However, St Lucia also has some drawbacks that might deter some travelers who are looking for a more comfortable and convenient vacation.

Some of the cons of visiting St Lucia are:

  • It is prone to hurricanes and rainy weather
  • It has limited flights and transportation options
  • It has fewer amenities and facilities than other Caribbean islands
  • It has some safety issues and crime problems

 

Hawaii

Hawaii is a beautiful state that offers many advantages for travelers who are looking for a beach and cultural vacation.

Some of the pros of visiting Hawaii are:

  • It has gorgeous beaches and warm water
  • It has a unique culture and hospitable people
  • It has a variety of attractions and activities for all ages and interests
  • It has a high standard of living and travel

 

However, Hawaii also has some drawbacks that might deter some travelers who are looking for a more affordable and accessible vacation.

Some of the cons of visiting Hawaii are:

  • It is expensive to travel to and within
  • It is far away from the mainland USA and other countries
  • It has crowded tourist spots and traffic jams
  • It has some environmental issues and natural hazards

 

Comparison

Both St Lucia and Hawaii have pros and cons that depend on your preferences and expectations.

St Lucia is more suitable for travelers who are looking for a natural and adventurous vacation, while Hawaii is more suitable for travelers who are looking for a beach and cultural vacation.

However, both islands also have some drawbacks that might affect your decision.

 

St Lucia or Hawaii Table

St LuciaHawaii
A small island nation in the Caribbean SeaA state of the USA, consisting of eight major islands and several smaller ones in the Pacific Ocean
Has a tropical climate, with two seasons: a dry season and a wet seasonIt has a tropical climate with two seasons: a dry season and a wet season
Relatively affordable compared to other Caribbean islandsRelatively expensive compared to other US states
Accessible by air or by sea, but has limited flights and transportation options.Accessible by air or sea, but far from the mainland USA and other countries.
A paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering stunning scenery and diverse landscapesA paradise for beach lovers and culture enthusiasts, offering gorgeous beaches and warm water
It has a rich and diverse culture influenced by its African, European, and Indian heritage.It has a unique and diverse culture, influenced by its Polynesian, Asian, American, and European heritage.
Prone to hurricanes and rainy weather, it has fewer amenities and facilities than other Caribbean islands with safety issues and crime problems.It is expensive to travel to and within, has crowded tourist spots and traffic jams, and has some environmental issues and natural hazards

 

Conclusion

St Lucia and Hawaii are both island paradises that offer amazing experiences for travelers.

However, they also have some differences that might make one more appealing than the other.

In this article, we compared and contrasted St Lucia and Hawaii on various aspects, such as:

  • Location and climate
  • Cost and accessibility
  • Attractions and activities
  • Culture and cuisine
  • Pros and cons

We hope that this article helps you to decide which island paradise is right for you.

Whether you choose St Lucia or Hawaii, we wish you a wonderful and memorable vacation!

You May Also Like