Just an FYI----Hawaii is made up of more than just four islands.

In my opinion, it is two different worlds. And I like both! Maui is more like the USVI in some places than say Oahu which is very populous. St John is fewer people and much more laid back. Beaches are a little better on STJ. More varied terrain on Maui, ranging from ocean side to an extinct volcano. Some white knuckled roads on each. Good restaurants on each. Over all I would say Hawaii on the whole is more expensive, both for food and accommodations. However, I would not turn down a trip to either the USVI or to any of the Hawaiian islands.

We might say it's like comparing mangoes and papayas.

there really are four major islands

1. Hawaii
2. Maui
3. Kauai
4. Oahu

there are major hotels on Lanai and Molokai also! And they are considered to be some of the best in the islands

We've been to Hawaii twice. First trip was Maui and Kauai. Second trip was the Big Island and Kauai. We liked Maui and the Big Island. We fell deeply in love with Kauai. Next trip (and I don't know when that will be), we might just stay on Kauai. If we do decide to get to two islands, it would be Kauai and Molokai. Molokai really intrigues me. I'd like to spend time there for the same reasons that I'm not interested in spending time on Oahu.

What about the weather in St. John? I've been to Hawaii several times and would like to visit the USVI. I absolutely love Hawaii's lack of humidity and warm air and water temps - it just always seems nice there. Could someone tell me what the weather is like in St. John? I'm assuming the Carribean will be a little more humid.

I have had this discussion with my neighbor (who I will be showing the real VI this Dec.) He is a Hawaii fan.
I must admit, I am biased. I have visited Hawaii only once and it was on a cruise. So I really was not able to give Hawaii the same chance that I have the VI. But I argue that the water is soooo much better in the VI. Shallower, more colorful, safer to swim/snorkel/dive in. VI may not have the great variety of marine life as does Hawaii but the fish and coral are still spectacular and the probability of falling peril to the marine life or the currents are greatly diminished in the Caribbean. The people of VI are more on island time than Hawaii. Less stress, if I don't look for it in the VI, I do not find it unless it is another visitor like me, and those are easy to avoid once your out of the airport. The flight time is such a big factor. But I still say that if the flight was the same price and distance the same, I would still head to the caribbean any day.

Hawaii and the Virgin Islands are at almost the same latitude and have very similar climates. I just checked the current humidity in several spots in Hawaii (via weatherunderground) and saw that 69-77% seemed to be the norm for places where it wasn't currently raining. Our current humidity is 67%, so we are about the same. The tradewinds are what make it feel so comfortable. Tropical weather IS always nice!

My .2 cents.

If you're more about the natural beauty of the island itself, then Hawaii.

If you're more about the beaches and water, then St. John.

I really like Hawaii but I adore St. John.

Greetings to all,

Having lived on the West Coast for many years before living here, visited Hawaii many times. Favorite spot is Kauai for it's simple pleasures, nice beaches and spectacular foliage. We typically rent a house there on Anini Beach near Princeville (north side), You can't beat the Hawaiian people for their culture and hospitality.

We chose living here in the USVI because of the diversity in culture, incredible beaches, water and scenery. Also, the ability to visit other islands nearby is a definite plus. Living here feels more like island life. Hawaii is more commerical and very similar to living in the states.

I lived on Oahu for 5 winters and although Hawaii and the VI are both islands there is a world of difference. On Oahu there is everything, cities, shopping health care water sports and an economy that is easy to engage in and work. Hawaii is a state and the infrastructure is more like state side. Most of the interfaces with the govt. are much more responsive and customer friendly than the VI.
Living in the VI (STX) is more like living in a small town. For the most part people in the VI are more friendly and help full.
The North Shore of Oahu has the surf scene and the great waves. You see movie stars shopping at Food Land and there's a slew of millionaires.
Hawaii has figured out how to exploit their culture and nurture the Aloha Spirit. The VI is still struggling with this.
For raw beauty I think Hawaii wins. The Vi is beautiful and is my choice as a wonderful place to live.
But I think everyone should visit Hawaii at least once, it' s unforgettable and the experience will stay with you for a life time. Then after that come back and enjoy the VI. I sure do

Bombi: I have friends who lived on Oahu and said that there were unscrupulous locals who would sit in a bar and bet with tourists over football games, etc. The tourists didn't know that the games were delayed because of the time difference and the locals already knew the outcome!

Another thing about Hawaii is-it is extremely remote compared to the USVI. You have to fly hours to get back to the mainland, where we can be in Miami fairly quickly. Also we can take a short ferry ride to other islands, you have to fly between most of the Hawaiian isles.

Wow! I haven't visited this forum in awhile but decided to check it out and what a timely topic to bump up!

We decided on Kauai (I think). Does anyone have condo. recommendations on the North side for May? It is so confusing checking out all of these places on line and trying to decide. We actually keep saying, maybe we should just go back to STJ! But no, I am going to STJ in a month and I may never again get this chance to visit Hawaii again!

We've been to Kauai twice and I really love it. I'd like to go more often, but we're east coasters which makes it an expensive and physically grueling trip. The TA Kauai forum was the best we found. Post there and you'll get plenty of help planning a trip.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g29218-i304-Kauai_Hawaii.html

The Locals call it all bus, which translates to all busted. The football thing I saw happen at Turtle Bay. Most locals are friendly and helpful but there's always the ones that try to bust your balls by giving wrong directions and stuff. But usually they give you the correct information.
It is a long flight so when we go we try to stay for awhile.
The scenery is incredible, 3000 ft mountains, miles long beaches, reefs, great fishing ,world class waves,movie stars and great food. Aloha

Terri,

We always stay in Anini Beach once we found out is existed......on north side next to Princeville. Here is a website to check for house rentals

www.a1vacations.com

Most of the homes listed are all on the street as the beach......we love it.

gcgem,
We are actually thinking of Anini Beach. Where did you stay? We are having a hard time deciding.

The only famous guy I saw was Famous Amos...

When we were on Kauai last year, I saw a guy who looked like the Pope. My wife told me that it absolutely could not have been and she was probably right........still, though, you never really know.