Each (VI and HI) brings its own beauty. IF all other things being equal, you might consider travel time. I sent my folks to HI using my frequent flyer points (back in the day when FF points had value) for their 25th wedding anniversary. First Class - so they would be comfortable. They were very appreciative and extremely happy to have made the trip of course. About a year later, they let slip that they're just as happy to go to the VI and forego the lengthy travel to HI. Just a consideration: Departure city and the travel time to HI destination.

I have been to both the VI and Hawaii. It depends what you are looking for. Hawaii has much more to offer scenery wise. Lots of great waterfalls, lush green hills and beautiful flowers. So in my opinion the inland of Hawaii is much more beautiful.

But as for the water, snokeling and beaches I will take the VI anytime. The water of the carribean is clearer, calmer and warmer. There are really no coral reefs to speak of in Hawaii. If you are like me and like to spend lots of time snorkeling, definetly go to the VI. If lush green vegetation and spectacular waterfalls are more what you are looking for then go to Hawaii.

As far as cost its probably a wash.

I live a 5 1/2 flight from Hawaii and a 10 1/2 flight from the VI but we will be on STJ in less than a month!

I have been to both..going back to Hawaii in less than a month now.
Of course it's preferance...but when it's my dime, I will choose to go back to St. Thomas in a heartbeat!!

Hawaii is beautful...& truley paradise! But it really seems that St Thomas is more peaceful, alot less touristy stuff, & lot less people....if you stay away from where all the cruise ships dock!!

Congrats & I know wherever you choose, you'll remember it for a lifetime!

IMHO, Hawaii was too much like the mainland. Kinda like going to Florida, but with pretty scenery. The VI works for me!!

Thanks to all for the great feedback! I think we're leaning more to the VI now, but we're talking and considering all options. If we're getting married in September what will it be like weather wise in the islands, i'm worried about hurricanes but a friend from STJ said that virginia (where we're from) had alot more trouble with hurricanes last year than the islands but i imagine thats not normal is it?

Let's see, Hawaii has sharks, big waves and poi. The VI has sweet fishies, calm waters and rum. 😉

The weather doesn't change much throughout the year here. Maybe 6 or 7 degrees from hottest to coldest? And, as far as hurricanes go, we keep our eyes and ears open just in case, but it's kind of like living in Kansas. Do you think they worry about tornadoes? They happen all the time, but what are the chances that they will hit where you are? Same thing here. They happen every year, but we are a very small speck in the middle of (actually in between two) a very big ocean(s). The odds are much greater that Florida, or the rest of the East coast, will get hit with one. Just tune in to the weather channel at :50 after every hour for the Tropical Update. If one is brewing and predicted to hit this area during your honeymoon, then go to Hawaii! Or vice versa! Haha!

dale...i totally agree..the caribbean is so much more beatufil the water is so clear ...even figi was not as great as the carib
and as for money i have been to hawaii several times and it is way more expensive than the virgini islands!
...marty my friend...you are soooo right hawaii is the west coast florida

It's hard to reply to your question, because "Hawaii" consists of different islands and each island has its pros and cons. I too thought south Maui was like the west coast of florida, but then go to the Hana area of Maui and it was wild and deserted and utterly beautiful. Same with Kauai. The north shore was lush, green and not as crowded as the dry, arid Poipu area. Molokai is very private and isolated, whereas the Big Island has all those things rolled into one, plus the active volcano. If you want seclusion and relaxation, go to one of the caribbean islands and just revel in each other. If you want to do a lot of exploring or sightseeing, go to Hawaii.

We were making the same decision and ultimately decided on the VIs....It seemed like everyone we knew went to Hawaii for their honeymoon and we just didn't feel like following the crowd. Also, we were in St. John for a wedding last year, and the moment you get on the boat from St. Thomas to St. John, a relaxing calm comes over your body. Truly amazing.

As for cost, I don't think we are saving too much money than if we went to Hawaii. But, as it is everywhere, cost depends on where you are staying, where you eat, what you do, etc.

We've been to both and love both. We love STJ. We like Maui, but we deeply love Kauai. We get to STJ most frequently, because we're east coasters and it's a lot of travelling to get to Hawaii. You really can't lose if those are the choices to pick from.

BUT--since your wedding is in September, that means hurricane season in the Caribbean. Now that can be a good time to be there: fewer people, reduced rates for some things. Hurricane season is only a problem if a hurricane is hitting the island you're staying on or disrupting travel in that part of the Caribbean, The odds are greatly against that happening. But the odds are high that one of these years whatever island you plan to go to will get slammed. If you WANTED to experience a hurricane, September would be a good time to be there. If you do decide to go to the VI, do invest in good travel insurance.

we've done both as well. If you're on the east coast. go to the VIs. less travel time. If you wake up after you get married and rush to the airport to spend your first day as a married couple on cramped plane ALL day... it's not any fun! And yes we even went first class, but i'd rather be on the beach half a day, than on a plane a whole day! hawaii does offer more greenery... but from what i've seen of the waters, the carrib is much more picturesque! If you really want to do it off the beaten track, go camping in cinnamon bay campground! it's in it's own way romantic, secluded and different!

don't get me wrong, we loved maui, but think we'll be spending more time in the carribean! As a matter of fact- the USVI is better than the bahamas to me!