After all of their variations, draws, highlights, and other features, it all boils down to how they differ in terms of the flavor they provide to curious tourists and vacationers. With its stunning beaches and rustic charm, the Bahamas is the definition of relaxation. This Atlantic archipelago will provide you with tranquility while being hugged by the Atlantic.
Hawaii
Anyone who hasn’t been living under a rock knows what Hawaii is and what it’s all about. Hawaii is a tourist household name, and for all the right reasons, thanks to mainstream media and the internet. This US island-state in the middle of the Pacific is a fan favorite, well-loved by the well-traveled, and uber-curious, thanks to its sunny mood, unusual scenery, and raw beauty.
Gorgeous beaches, magnificent natural formations, active volcanoes, a top-notch surfing scene, and a unique indigenous culture steeped in history can all be found on this beautiful volcanic island chain. Hawaii is always a wonderful choice, no matter what time of year it is; its beautiful circumstances and setting make it one of the most well-known, if not the most well-known, destinations in the tropics.
What Makes Hawaii Unique?
Beaches
Of course, while talking about Hawaii, you can always expect amazing, absurdly beautiful beach landscape. And you can be taken away even after gazing at their magnificence several times. The beaches of Hawaii are unquestionably lovely, and they frequently appear in travel articles and postcards. Some even make it onto the screens of TV shows, movies, and, most recently, TikTok.
Hawaii boasts over 100 beaches due to its archipelago setting, all ready to befuddle guests. Because of its size, you can expect a diversified range of beaches that always has something to offer. One of the most well-known is Waikiki Beach, which is located just outside Honolulu and is known for its high-quality infrastructure, the rugged beauties of Makapu’u, and the world-famous surfing conditions of Waimea Bay.
Volcanoes
Many people are unaware that Hawaii is a group of islands made up of volcanoes, rather than an island with a volcano on it. They first erupted on the Pacific Ocean’s floor, then ascended above sea level, after a series of eruptions. Over time, volcanoes have carved out some of the world’s most well-known sites and vistas.
The archipelago has around six active volcanoes, although there are many more that are dormant. Kilauea, an almost continually active volcano that erupted from 1983 to 2018, and Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano, are two of the world’s most active volcanoes. Make your trip to Hawaii even more exciting by taking one of the many volcano excursions offered on the islands.
The Hula
The Hula dance, one of Hawaii’s most popular cultural concepts, is known for its bizarre hand motions and hip-swinging, which typically replicate the movements of trees, waves, and other elements of island life. Hula is a Hawaiian dance created by the first Polynesians who arrived in Hawaii. The dance is symbolic and emotive, frequently invoking feelings of longing or tenderness.
The Hula used to perform in front of the chieftain at family celebrations or tribal meetings. It was suppressed when Europeans and mainland Americans arrived, but it has been resurrected since the twentieth century. Hula has been well-loved by everyone since then, thanks to media exposure and more and more indigenous actively resurrecting the art.
Surfing Scene
Surfing is one of Hawaii’s most well-known activities, thanks to the state’s beaches, which provide ideal conditions for the sport, attracting visitors from all over the world. However, contrary to popular assumptions, surfing isn’t only a millennial activity; it dates back to the ancient Polynesians. Surfing is more of a cultural phenomenon in Hawaii than anywhere else in Polynesia because it has thrived here more than everywhere else.
Due to Hawaii’s love of water sports, you may easily find a large number of surfers swarming many of the islands’ beaches, particularly those with large waves. Despite the fact that Hawaii has various surfing venues, surfers flock to the North Shore of the island of O’ahu. The North Shore’s waves are famed for breaking uniformly, which is a surfer’s dream, and they are huge, especially in the winter.
Infamously Expensive
Due to its remote location from the rest of the United States, Hawaii is one of the costliest states to live in and, as a result, one of the most expensive tourist destinations. This is owing to the island’s inability to manufacture many of its own resources, necessitating imports from the mainland and other countries. As a result, the cost of goods rises, from modest necessities to other recreational items.
Even if you’re only traveling to Hawaii, you should expect to pay a little more than on the mainland. Particularly for housing, food, and anything else that requires mainland importation.
Obviously, paying a visit isn’t going to bankrupt you. Keep in mind, though, that meals and lodging may be more expensive than you expect, and factor in the cost of a journey between the islands. In any case, it’s a price worth paying. Hawaii is a one-of-a-kind destination with stunning surroundings.
Polynesian Culture
You may nearly always catch a taste of the island’s eccentric culture if you watch any media that incorporates Hawaii, such as Lilo & Stitch or Hawaii Five-0. One of Hawaii’s most appealing features is its stunning Polynesian culture. You can be sure to be welcomed with a great hug by their customs and traditions the moment you step into the island, from a garland of flowers called “lei”, to an entertaining Hula dance in the hotel lobby, the Hawaiian people are proud of their enduring culture.
Hawaii’s diverse and rich culture is a product of the island’s history as a cultural melting pot. The 1.4 million residents of the islands have embraced traditional Polynesian influences that were formerly forbidden by the state. And, as a result of globalization, the mainland United States has welcomed a deluge of immigrants over time, contributing to Hawaii’s already diverse population.
The Bahamas
Did you know that the Bahamas is an archipelagic country? A country filled with breathtaking panoramas on specks and stretches of land and surreal sights in the water. Plan your trip accordingly knowing this fact to get the most out of your visit.
The Bahamas is not all about its colored-sand beaches (you read that right, colored sand as in it’s not all about just white sand), this gorgeous country has beauty both inside and out — a spectacular visage, deep-rooted customs and traditions, and a hospitable people. You can’t beat that combo.
What Makes the Bahamas Unique?
700 Islands, 700 Reasons
In the Atlantic Ocean, there is more to see than the all-too-common island in the Bahamas called New Providence. You’ve got the other main inhabited islands, in no particular order:
“Berry Islands, Mayaguana, the Bimini islands, Salvador Island, Ragged Island, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Cat Island, Rum Cay, Long Island, San, Acklins, Crooked Island, Exuma, Great Abaco, and Great Inagua”
If those islands are not enough, there are a ton of other islands, cays, and islets to explore, which collectively are over 700 in number.
“What’s the point of hopping all over these places?” you ask.
For each of these islands, there will be no shortage of picturesque portraits for your photogenic poses. How about taking a dip in a unique spot each and every time? Imagine the triumph of landing on uninhabited shores like a conquistador; there’s nothing like believing being first on an uninhabited island, it’s a rush for sure!
Pink Sands Beach
If you’re tired of the same old gold or white sands of the “commonplace” touristy beaches — enter the realm of the pink-sand beach of the Bahamas.
This seemingly otherworldly hue might evoke images of extraterrestrial beaches to some extent. But it is nothing of the sort. Its hue comes from homegrown microscopic organisms called foraminifera.
Other than experiencing an out-of-this-world photoshoot locale, you can do just about anything — snorkeling, swimming, strolling, and sunbathing while always keeping the “pinkness” within reach — it is what you are there for after all.
Cave Dive Extravaganza
The variety of cave-diving experiences you can have in the Bahamas is simply astounding. You can choose from underwater caves or inland caves, each with its respective peculiarities. Explore the ornate paths of sinkholes and deep-fracture caves in:
“Grand Bahama Island, Great Abaco, Eleuthera, Great Exuma, Long Island, Island Andros Island”
You can find a lot of these specialty tours in the Bahamas. They’ll train you to safely navigate the world of marine caves and inland diving. This is a challenge you don’t want to miss out on, especially for the hardcore adventurer either in body or heart.
Pirates of the Caribbean — err — Bahamas
There are a lot of legendary pirates in the Caribbean, and the Bahamas was a hotspot that was home to one of the infamous ones, namely Edward Teach, aka “Blackbeard.” Everybody, who doesn’t live under a rock, knows this name, but not everyone is aware of his actual deeds.
Step inside the Pirates of Nassau Attraction to get the lowdown on piracy in its prime — the Golden Age, if you will. Listen and read about tall tales of plunder and treasure in an all-encompassing exhibit of pirates and their adventures (or shenanigans, if you are so inclined), misadventures, and their ultimate fate at the hands of so-called purveyors of justice and law and order.
Which Is Better – Hawaii or Bahamas?
After all their differences, draws, highlights, and what-not, it all comes down to how they differ when it comes to the flavor they offer to curious travelers and holidaymakers. The Bahamas is the epitome of relaxation, with all its beautiful beaches, and a rather quaint appeal, this Atlantic archipelago will give you solace under the sun, as you are being embraced by the Atlantic.
Hawaii on the other hand is best reserved for adventurous travelers, or fun-seeking families and friend groups. Packed with a ton of thrills and activities, and exciting places to explore, Hawaii is not meant to be just an R&R destination. It is animated just as it is diverse and colorful. If you’re looking for a varied landscape, and a seemingly endless thrilling holiday, then Hawaii is your best bet.
Despite being super far away from each other, both destinations are the big guns of the tropics. With all their beauty and fame, a choice between Hawaii or the Bahamas is undoubtedly confusing. But if you’ve picked up anything from everything you’ve looked up about them, their fine-drawn differences will either make your decision or leave you further confused. Sometimes, you can help but visit the two.
FAQ
Is Hawaii or Bahamas Cheaper?
Both destinations are the most expensive countries in the world, so you can expect a costly time on both islands. According to a recent survey, The Bahamas is the world’s sixth most expensive country to live in. Hawaii ranks 12th when considered separately from the rest of the United States. It’s best to look up in advance about possible prices, so you can already estimate your budget.
For both destinations, it’s best to bring around 2,000 USD for a week’s worth of traveling per person. You can double that amount if you’re traveling by pair or as a couple. Due to the common higher prices, expect that rates and fees are a bit higher than the average in other regions such as the Caribbean. But just like any other tourist destination, there will always be ways around the peak and low seasons.
Bahamas vs. Hawaii for Honeymoon
Which is better will depend on what kind of vibe you’re going for on a honeymoon. If you’re for thrill-seeking, and tons of adventures post-wedding, then Hawaii is the place to be. With a vibrant, diverse culture, varied landscape, and a world-renown culture, the Pacific islands are indeed a place to beheld for the animated and dynamic couple.
The Bahamas is for slowing down, a rather quiet, and peaceful retreat for the newlyweds. It’s not saying that the Bahamas isn’t as exciting as Hawaii, but the best draw for its brand is its specialty in giving the well-deserved R&R to anyone coming to its shores. Newlyweds looking for a rather chilled and quiet time after the big event should consider the Bahamas as their dream destination.
Nassau vs. Hawaii
Nassau is the Bahamas’ capital, situated on one of the Atlantic archipelago’s many islands. The city is the country’s main hub for business and entertainment. Expect to encounter some of the country’s history lessons, streets lined with aesthetic colorful colonial buildings, and all the makings of a grand capital of a touristy country.
Nassau itself already has many attractions and resorts that people can enjoy upon arriving in the country. You can head to famous resorts such as the Atlantis in Paradise Islands, and Cable Beach. You can also take day tours and trips, such as snorkeling tours on nearby islands and cays.
Hawaii, on the other hand, is best when it comes to thrills and fun. Filled with diversity in different aspects, jam-packed with adventure and novelty, the Pacific jewel is best for energetic travelers. From volcanoes, surfing, rich culture, and history, you can get a head start in the US states’ capital of Honolulu. A legendary point in the pacific that just by the bare mention of it already says a lot.
