Which Beach Destination is Best For You Hawaii or Puerto Rico?

Hawaii versus Puerto Rico can be a difficult choice to make for travellers looking for the perfect tropical getaway.

While both Hawaii and Puerto Rico share a lot of similarities in terms of the experiences they offer, if you are looking to pick one, you need to analyse their differences.  

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Hawaii Versus Puerto Rico: The Better Vacation Getaway

Here is a sneak peek of the comparison between Hawaii and Puerto Rico as travel destinations – 

While Hawaii is well known for its mesmerizing beaches, vibrant culture, heartwarming people,  and exciting places to explore,  Puerto Rico or “The Island of Enchantment” also offers gorgeous beaches, colourful festivals, food, and diverse landscapes.

So, how do you pick between the two, let us help you pick one by analysing every travel-related aspect- 

Hawaii has a diverse landscape, and thus witnesses variations in its weather

Hawaii Vs Puerto Rico Climate & Best Time to Visit

Hawaii experiences a range of weather changes throughout the year with defined seasons. We recommend visiting the islands between Mid March to Mid October. During this time, you will witness the least rain and a pretty bearable temperature.

Travelling between October and December is preferable for people who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy some quiet time in the cool weather. 

Puerto Rico has a relatively even temperature throughout the year. Mid-April to June is the best time to visit the islands. 

Between June and November, all of the Caribbean including Puerto Rico experiences the hurricane season, so you should avoid planning a trip during this time.

VERDICT:  While Hawaii sees some wide weather variations, Puerto Rico’s weather remains fairly the same throughout the year.

How Many Days Are Enough for Hawaii Versus Puerto Rico?

Hawaii is huge in size and therefore to be able to explore the major attraction you will need anywhere between 7-10 days. Ideally, we would suggest at least two weeks.

Puerto Rico is much smaller in size than Hawaii. However, despite the size, there are plenty of things to explore and therefore you must plan at least a week to be able to visit all the major attractions.

VERDICT:  You need more time to explore Hawaii since it is much bigger than Puerto Rico.

What Is More Expensive Hawaii or Puerto Rico?

Hawaii is an expensive travel destination. The average trip cost of couples ranges from 2800 to 6000 USD for a week which includes flight booking, food, travel, sightseeing, and lodging in a 2-3 star hotel. 

 Average cost per day in Hawaii is 100 – 250 USD

Puerto Rico is comparatively cheaper when it comes to Hawaii.  A week-long trip can cost anywhere between 2500-3500 USD.

 Average cost per day in Puerto Rico is 120 – 200 USD

VERDICT:  Puerto Rico is comparatively cheaper than Hawaii for travellers.

The black sand beach Punalu’u Beach Park is the most famous one on the Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii Vs Puerto Rico Beaches: The Better Beaches

Hawaii has a plethora of stunning beaches with white, black, red and green sand. There are around 100 famous and not so famous beaches to explore.

 Puerto Rico has some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean. You will find white sand, black sand and even pink sand beaches in Puerto Rico.

VERDICT:  Puerto Rico & Hawaii both have some excellent beaches.

Built between 16th and 18th century, Castillo San Felipe del Morro is one of the most prominent historical sites of Puerto Rico

How is Hawaii compared to Puerto Rico for Sightseeing?

 Hawaii has a lot to offer when it comes to sightseeing spots. From beaches to museums and national parks, you can explore a number of places o your visit.

Puerto Rico also offers many sites to explore. It is mostly known for its historical sites that attract a lot of travellers from far and wide. 

VERDICT:   Hawaii has much more to explore, but Puerto Rico has better historical sites

Hawaii or Puerto Rico: Better for Outdoor & Adventure

Hawaii has a huge variety of exciting things to do. You can enjoy a wide range of activities like going hiking through lush forests, trying water sports activities, enjoying Hula dance, and more.

Puerto Rico is a popular holiday destination that will give you a joyous travel experience and awesome things to do like

VERDICT:  Hawaii offers a  wider range of outdoor activities to explore when compared to Puerto Rico

Better for Water Sporting Activities: Hawaii or Puerto Rico

Hawaii will provide you with a fascinating experience if you are someone looking for some adventurous after sporting activities. Some of the most popular activities include Whale watching, scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, Swimming with Dolphins, Kayaking, Cage Diving with Sharks, and Surfing.

Some of the famous spots to enjoy water sports in Hawaii are Waikiki, Kaneohe, Oahu, Niihau, Big Island, Molokini Crater,etc.

Puerto Rico gives Hawaii a good competition when it comes to offering water sporting activities. You can enjoy Surfing  Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and more. 

Some of the famous spots to enjoy water sports in Puerto Rico are Icacos Island, Bio Bay, El Yunque Rainforest, Culebra Island, Fajardo, etc.

VERDICT: Both are equally good as they offer an array of water-related activities 

The noodle soup dish Saimin is a common contemporary cuisine of Hawaii

Better Option for the Foodies: Hawaii or Puerto Rico?

Hawaii is famous for “Plate Lunch”, seafood tacos, Japanese-inspired Poke Bowl, and farm-grown fresh fruits from local markets.

Puerto Rico is a dream come true for foodies.. You can enjoy Puerto Rican food,  international cuisine and seafood at the cafes and restaurants here.

VERDICT: Both Hawaii and Puerto Rico offer local and international cuisines but Puerto Rico does a little better when we talk about food. 

Nightlife in Hawaii Versus Puerto Rico

Hawaii is an excellent place to experience diverse nightlife. Oahu, Waikiki, Honolulu, and Chinatown are known for lively nightclubs and bars. Apart from the party scene, you can also explore other activities such as sunset sailing, fireworks at Waikiki, stargazing, and Luaus performances.

Puerto Rico has a vibrant nightlife with live music,  late-night bars and great restaurants. Some of the best sports for experiencing a great night time are Old San Juan, Condado, Rincón, Mayagüez and Ponce.

VERDICT: When compared to the Bahamas, Hawaii is a better spot to have the most thrilling nightlife. 

Paradise for Shoppers: Hawaii or Puerto Rico

Hawaii is an ideal destination for shopaholics. Right from handcrafted jewellery to fresh fruits and clothing, syou will find everything here. 

Some great places to shop here are Farmer’s Market, Queen’s Marketplace,  Keauhou Shopping, Kona international market, Hilos Farmer’s market, Ali Gardens marketplace Shops at Mauna Lani.

Puerto Rico is a wonderful place for shopping. Old San Juan is the best place to shop in Puerto Rico. You can explore the shopping centres and the flea markets for some amazing souvenirs.

The Mall of San Juan, Plaza Las Americas, San Patricio Plaza, Mayaguez Mall, Plaza Las Americas, Feria Agricola De Luquillo, Plaza Rio Hondo, Serenity Point Yoga & Visionary Arts Space,  and  flea markets like De Vuelta Thrift Shop, Finders keepers, Cosas de Ayer y Hoy, Embeleco, Electroshock, Salvation Army and Pulguero de Bayamon are some wonderful places to shop here.

Accommodation Options in Hawaii Versus Bahamas

Hawaii has a plethora of accommodation options like Hostels, Cottages, resorts and hotels. However, Hawaii is slightly more expensive in terms of hotel prices than Puerto Rico and budget hostels will cost you somewhere around 65 USD- 115 USD

Puerto Rico offers something for everyone. From budget accommodations to fancy resorts, you can easily find a place that fits your budget. While a hostel will cost around 30-90 USD, a budget hotel will cost  120-200 USD  per night. 

VERDICT:  Hawaii and Puerto Rico both offer a wide range of accommodation options but Puerto Rico is more pocket-friendly.

Comparing the Ease of Moving Around in Hawaii Versus Puerto Rico

Hawaii is quite well connected which makes it easy for travellers to explore the island. You can hire a rental car to travel or a private limo, bus, or taxi to travel between the islands

Puerto Rico also has a pretty good internal transportation system. While hiring a car is the best way to explore, you can also make use of other options. Taxi services like Uber and Jaime te lleva are quite good. There are also buses, metro ferries and minibuses.

VERDICT:  Hawaii and Puerto Rico have an equally well-connected system of internal transportation. 

Hawaii or Puerto Rico: The Cleaner Islands

Hawaii for most parts is clean and hygienic but some parts do have a serious trash problem. Some of the cleanest areas in Hawaii to visit are Honolulu and Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina are the cleanest areas in Hawaii. 

Puerto Rico is also clean when it comes to hygiene in most visitor frequented areas. The only concern in terms of cleanliness is the tap water in Puerto Rico. Make sure to consume bottled water. Cayo Icacos is one of the cleanest beaches in Puerto Rico. 

VERDICT:  Hawaii is comparatively cleaner than Puerto Rico 

Hawaii is quite safe, but as is with all destinations, we must always be careful

Comparing the Safety of Hawaii With Puerto Rico 

Hawaii is a safe place for travellers. However, we would suggest that you stay safe in certain areas including Waikiki, campgrounds, and country parks. Stay alert and avoid deserted areas at night. 

Puerto Rico is a safe island for travellers and has a low crime rate. However, just like in other travel destinations, you must stay careful with your belongings, and avoid deserted areas at night. The safest areas in Puerto Rico are Old San Juan and Isla Verde. 

VERDICT: Safety-wise, Puerto Rico and Hawaii both are pretty good.

More Welcoming Islands: Hawaii or Puerto Rico

Hawaii has a rich native culture which is a blend of ethnic influences and unique traditions. Locals of Hawaii are extremely courteous and charming. You receive a heartwarming welcome with Lei flowers when you reach there. That’s the most unforgettable gesture you would ever experience on a beautiful Hawaii Island. 

 Puerto Rican culture has strong influences from Taino, Spanish, American,

and African cultures. People in Puerto Rico are cheerful and always greet you with a lovely smile even if they don’t know you. 

VERDICT: Hawaii and  Puerto Rico are both very welcoming toward visitors

Hawaii or Bahamas for the Perfect Family Vacation

Hawaii is the perfect choice for a family vacation. There are plenty of things to experience like hiking, cruises, snorkeling, serene beaches and more. There is never a dull moment in Hawaii.

Puerto Rico is a perfect family vacation spot because it has a plethora of famous attractions, stunning beaches, delicious food, entertainment, shopping, water activities, and whatnot. 

VERDICT: For a memorable family vacation, both are pretty good options

Hawaii and Puerto Rico are both incredible destinations for couples

A Memorable Honeymoon in Hawaii or Puerto Rico?

 Hawaii is incredible as an ideal destination for newlyweds. Enjoy the real scenic beauty of nature with calm stunning beaches, clear fresh waters, Aloha spirit, and one of the beautiful resorts in Maui, Oahu, Lanai in Hawaii.

Don’t forget to experience the romantic sunset cruise, go deep-sea diving, Kayaking in the Wailua River, and Honolulu – one of the most popular cities for honeymoon couples. 

Puerto Rico is the perfect destination for honeymoon couples. There are a lot of things you can do tether as a couple in Puerto RIco

Right from beautiful beaches, resorts, seaside villas, cosy rainforest treehouses, to delicious restaurants, you and your partner will fall in love with these places. 

VERDICT: Hawaii is more favourable if you have a bigger budget and prefer diverse activities. Puerto Rico is better for its cultural appeal and lower overall cost.

Hawaii Vs Puerto Rico: Taking a Final Call

Both Islands will prove to give you an enthralling travel experience. While Hawaii is more expensive, it does offer a wide range of experiences.

Puerto Rico on the other hand is cheaper but less touristy and better for history & culture lovers.

Happy Wayfaring 🙂