Having a hard time deciding whether to visit the Bahamas or Hawaii for your upcoming holidays? Well, you are at the right place! In the following guide, we did in-depth research about both countries, and hopefully, this article will help you in picking the most suitable destination.
The islands have become a common travel destination for people looking for a place to relax during their holidays. Hawaii and the Bahamas offer the tranquil environment that you are looking for when going on holiday. Heading to the tropical jewel is a joy for any traveler, and it is a place that you want to explore on your visit. With over 700 islands in the Bahamas, you have a wide array of places to see.
Choosing between Hawaii or Bahamas can be quite tricky because both places present you with the best island vibes you want during your vacation. However, there are some similarities between the two islands because of the sandy beaches, corals, and picturesque scenery. You can use the comparison as a guide to help you choose the best place you want to visit.
Before continuing, be sure to keep our other comparison guides in another tab:
- Bahamas or Jamaica
- Belize or Bahamas
- Bahamas or St. Lucia
- Jamaica or Puerto Rico
- Jamaica or Aruba
- Bonaire or Curacao
- St. Lucia or Antigua
Transport
Bahamas
Plane
The Bahamas has two major international airports, and you can arrive at this airport before you plan to explore the islands. There is so much that you can learn about history and diversity in this location. It is all that you need. You can also get planes flying to Florida and other major United States cities.
Rental Car
If you want something that you can move without any waiting, then it is to rent a car. You can rent a car in the capital, and they will charge you $54 per day plus $12 insurance fees. Therefore, if you want to choose the hire option, then you can budget or see if your budget can withstand.
Jitneys
These are buses, and they will charge you from $1 to $3 for a distance from the capital to downtown or any other destination. However, you might find these jitneys to be a nuisance to your travel because you cannot count them to be on time.
Taxi
Taxis are a better and easier option than driving on your own. You can easily get around in the Bahamas by using taxis around the country. The taxis usually charge a base fare of $4.50 and $2.02 for any extra kilometer covered.
Water Taxis
There are ferry services in the Bahamas, and you can use these ferries to hop from one island to the other. The water taxis act as a perfect link between these islands because they can ferry you any time. The cost will vary depending on the distance covered.
Hawaii
Hawaii Surfboards
If you can rent a car in Hawaii, you will find multiple companies offering these services. You can also inquire from the front desk office of the hotel you are staying in or the brochures that they give you.
Buses
Some buses offer public transport in Hawaii, and you can move from one location to another using these buses. The bus moves from the capital Honolulu to Waikiki, and this will cost you $2.75. However, the prices will go up based on the distance that you have traveled. The best way to save some money is to purchase a day pass for $5.50, which will allow you to move with ease.
Uber and Lyft
The ridesharing application and taxis are common in Hawaii as well. The base pay is $3.50, and you will be charged $3.50 for any additional kilometer you will be covering.
Accommodation in Bahamas
Budget
Airbnb houses
This is the most cost-effective way to reduce the cost of your travel because you will get a house at an affordable price. Here you will be charged around $20 per night, and the rooms are fair.
Guesthouses
This is another budget option in the Bahamas. The houses are built like dorms, and you will find a cubicle having two or four beds. Therefore, you will be sharing a room with one or three other people depending on your choice. The cost of these guesthouses is usually $25.
Hostels
This is another good option if you are looking for a cost-effective place that you can stay for the short period that you are in the country. There are some in Nassau, and you should look for them. You will be charged around $45 and upwards, depending on the location.
Midrange
Vacation houses
There are vacation homes that you can get at affordable prices. However, you must search for them beforehand. When you do this, you have all the necessary information about the house before the visit. The price of these homes usually ranges from $250 and upwards, depending on size and location.
All-inclusive hotels
The all-inclusive hotels are a new feature in the Bahamas. However, you will get some of the best services when you book these hotels, and the cost is usually $200 and upwards.
Luxury
If you are looking for the best tourist destination, then the Bahamas is the best location that you can ever visit. There are numerous luxury hotels that you can find in this destination, and the hotel you will be choosing will depend on the price. Some of the top hotels include:
Kamalame Cay
This hotel is unique because it is on a private island. It consists of 19 villas donned with Indonesian architecture, sunny decks, an oceanfront view, and you have dedicated staff who are always there to help you in case you need anything. Here you can quickly get a candle-lit dinner in the evening as you view the ocean in the evening. There is also a luxurious oil massage that you should try. It is an excellent option for you.
Rental villas
You can get a villa of any size in the Bahamas. The villas usually allow you to enjoy your time while in the country with ease and privacy because they usually have a beach view, and you will get all the amenities you want. In addition, these rented villas will usually have a maid willing to help you handle anything that you find difficult or offers excellent services described.
Ocean club
The ocean club is what defines bravado, glitz, and glamour in one place. It is one of those hotels with colonial architecture, but the excellent structure allows you to enjoy the beach and the best service. It is in a 35-acre well-manicured land, and 105 opulent rooms feature anything you have ever wanted on this planet. The rooms have private decks, and there is an 18-hole golf course around. These villas are equipped with infinity pools, and you will get butler service in every room.
Accommodation in Hawaii
Budget
Airbnb
This is one of the main options, especially if you visit the big island and it is the cheapest form of accommodation you can get in the country. The Airbnb is a perfect option for someone on a budget because, unlike principal hotel rooms, you will have kitchenettes to make your food. You can choose a perfect house depending on the price that you are willing to pay. The price is usually from $70 upwards.
Camping
This is one of the options that you have as a budget traveler to Hawaii. You can opt to go camping in different parts of the city, and during the summer you will find so many festivals that you can have fun at a lower price. The views are amazing.
Couch surfing
If you are traveling to Hawaii solo, you can opt to couch surf. It is a cheaper way of handling the cost of accommodation while on the island. In addition, when you have a local tour guide, they are usually happy to give you a place to stay for the night.
Hostel
There are hostels as well where you can manage your stay in the islands. It presents a unique opportunity to explore the region well. These are usually located closer to the beach, and most of them offer complimentary breakfast. You will find 3 bedroomed suite that accommodates six people or any other option of your choice. You can do all these whether you are on the big island, Oahu, or in Maui. Here you can pay anything from $70 and upwards per night.
Midrange
All-inclusive hotels
Hawaii is one of the best honeymoon destinations globally, and there are often many packages that allow you to enjoy your time with your loved one. The tropical islands give you the best ocean views and a fantastic environment where you can enjoy your stay. The honeymoon package is usually in the all-inclusive hotels, and you will find them on the main and small islands. The price is from $200 going up.
Ke Ikin beach bungalows
Here you will find two-bedroom, one-bedroom, and studio cottages that have access to the white sandy beaches, and it is a perfect place where you can enjoy your time during your stay on the island. The rates for these rooms start from $150 per night going up, and you can choose the room size depending on what you want. The rooms are well decorated, and they usually serve breakfast by the pool, which is included in the cost.
Kona tiki hotel
This is located on the big island, and it features well-decorated rooms that overlook the Pacific Ocean, and you can have the time of your life in these hotels starting from $90 per night. There is a shared pool, and you will get continental breakfast in the morning.
Holualoa Inn
This is located on a significant island, and it features one of the most secluded settings with artistic decorations and structure. You have access to the fantastic ocean views, and it has private suites where you can pay $270 upwards for a room you want.
Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono
This is in Maui, and it is one of the oldest hotels in the area. The theme is 1920 Hawaiian style. Their rooms are fitted with genuine rustic Hawaiian style, and they are spacious with access to the beachfront and the high ceilings, making them a perfect place to stay. You will be served a breakfast buffet, and the price is $190, going up depending on the room size and services offered.
Luxury
Four seasons resort
This is situated in Maui, and it is one of the most exciting destinations you can visit while on the islands. It is an exclusive location that you should visit because it has 3 golf courses, a modern shopping center, and a two-kilometer beach. The hotel is the epitome of Hawaiian culture, and it has 376 suites that have an ocean view and private terraces. In addition, you will get a wide array of complimentary services.
Hanalei bay hotel
This is a luxury hotel that is in Hanalei bay, and it is situated on a cliff that overlooks the amazing bay. The amazing views are some of the best sellers of this superb hotel. Equipped with 252 rooms, it is a perfect destination where you can spend your time in the islands of Hawaii. The calm, seductive nature with modern features makes it a goal that you should visit.
Hana-Maui Resort
This is among the best hotels in Hawaii because of the exceptional features that it has. If you want a room overlooking the Pacific Ocean and a peaceful location, then this is it. You will have private suites, and the environment is exceptional. You do not have to worry because there are many complimentary services offered to the customers to ensure comfortable.
Four seasons on the main island
The big island has one of the most luxurious hotels in Hawaii, and it features modern and exquisite amenities such as open-air living spaces, 243 guest rooms with private suites. You can choose from the three lounges and two restaurants that are within the hotel. The Tuscany model and seclusion without isolation are amazing features that allow visitors to enjoy their stay on the island. There is a sports club and a complete golf course for you to explore.
Daily budget
Bahamas
If you are traveling to the Bahamas on a budget, you are looking to spend about $80 per day. The hostel price is $20, and you can get a small place to hang out. However, you can pay around $120 per night for a hotel room with a private bathroom if you are on a mid-range budget. The luxury hotel rooms are available for $400. The average cost of food in the Bahamas is around $15, which is a good meal. However, if you want to choose international cuisine or western dishes, you will spend $30 going up. In addition, you can choose to cook your own meal, and purchasing a week’s groceries will cost you $60. Thus, the budget traveler will spend about $80 per day, the midrange budget will spend around $200, while the luxurious individuals can spend anything from $500 and above.
Hawaii
The cost of traveling or expenses per day in Hawaii will depend on what you are willing to pay. If you are a budget traveler, you will spend $90, while a midrange traveler will spend around $250, and a luxury traveler to spend $500 and above per day. The cost of a small room in Hawaii is from $50 going up, while a midrange budget room will cost you around $200. Luxury villas and resorts do not have a fixed cost, but you will part with any amount from $500 per night. You will find a wide array of food options in Hawaii, and you do not have to worry about the cost because it ranges from $5 for breakfast and a proper meal at $15 and above, depending on what you want. The cost of groceries per week will range from $80 and above, and you can cook your own meals.
Activities
Bahamas
Visit the Nassau straw market
The market offers a wide array of items that you can purchase as your souvenirs.
Explore Exuma
This district in the Bahamas houses major historical landmarks, and there are scenic views while in this place. In addition, it is one of the places where the major movie pirates of the Caribbean were filmed.
Bonefishing
You are not left behind if you are a sea lover because the Bahamas has some exceptional bone fishing excursions. So you can enjoy your time fishing in the Bahamas.
Swim with the pigs
This is a fun activity that people like doing while in the Bahamas. The pigs are friendly, and you can swim with them anytime.
Hawaii
Snorkeling
Hawaii offers the best snorkeling activities in North America, and you should try these activities while on your trip.
Watch whales
You can have one of the most memorable holidays by going on a whale watching tour. This is one of the best things to do while in Hawaii as it offers you a chance to explore the island well.
Sightseeing
Hawaii is a magical island, and you can take your time to explore what nature has to offer in this incredible destination.
Food Options
Bahamas
Johnnycakes
This is a South American-influenced dish, and you can sample it while in the region. It features bread cooked on a pan and consists of sugar, milk, butter, and flour.
Stew fish
When visiting the Bahamas, it is worth trying this dish because it is fantastic, and you will feel the best sensations you have ever experienced. The thick sauce is made from onions, tomato, celery, and other spices.
Souse
This is a local dish that you should sample on your next trip. It is composed of potatoes, meat, carrots, peppers, lime juice, and celery.
Baked Crab
This is a popular meal across the island, and it is a perfect chance for you to try it. It is made up of eggs, seasonings, and a crab mixed with bread crumbs and other seasonings.
Hawaii
Poi
This is served in taro root, like that of sweet potatoes; it is usually steamed or baked before mixing it with water to make it a meal. After that, you are typically served with pork or salmon.
Poke
Poke is a meal that is full of flavor and taste. In most cases, it is made up of tuna cut into cubes before being mixed with other ingredients such as onions, soy sauce, and sesame seeds.
Lomi Lomi Salmon
This may have similarities with poke; however, the technique of preparation is totally different. The salmon is usually salted and mixed with peppers before serving. Thus, it has that tangy yet flavorful taste.
Loco moco
This dish features a hamburger topped with a fried egg and gravy, which is usually over a rice dish.
Culture & People
Bahamas
The Bahamian people have a strong influence from Africa, Britain, and the western world, especially the United States. The music is unique, and they have several events to celebrate their culture and traditions. The Bahamian people are kind, warm, and friendly.
Hawaii
Hawaii is an excellent tourist destination because of the friendliness and welcoming nature of the people. The hula dancers will welcome you to the islands giving you the best vibes that Hawaii offers. They have their own culture and traditions influenced by their Polynesian ancestry.
Best time to visit
Bahamas
The best time to visit the Bahamas is from mid-December through April. During this period, the temperatures are favorable, and hurricanes are more minor. You would also want to avoid the rainy season. During this time, temperatures rarely fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hawaii
The best time to visit Hawaii is from December through April. During this season, the weather is fantastic, and you can explore many fun activities in the region.
Safety
Bahamas
The Bahamas is a safe place for tourists to visit. However, you should be aware of your location and continuously carry expensive jewelry while exploring the islands. The foods are good, and you should always ask for something that your body can handle to avoid stomach upsets.
Hawaii
Hawaii is the best holiday destination, and people are friendly, and you will rarely hear of any crime. However, it is always good to take precautions to void putting yourself or your belongings at risk. You are sure to enjoy your stay in Hawaii because of the safety of this place.
