For many, a holiday in Hawaii is the quintessential tropical vacation. However, for some, this paradise may be a dream too far due to financial or logistical obstacles. Fear not, for there are numerous alternative island destinations that offer an experience similar to, or even surpassing, that of Hawaii. Many of these are located closer to the US Mainland, making your exotic getaway more accessible than you might think.
In this post, we’ll delve into the top alternatives to Hawaii that offer a similar mix of unique culture, stunning beaches, adventure opportunities, majestic waterfalls, volcanoes, and rugged landscapes. We’ll also highlight the welcoming spirit that makes these islands a delight for visitors.
Top Alternatives to Hawaii near the US Mainland
Let’s dive into our top picks for Hawaii alternatives that offer a similar tropical island experience. These Caribbean gems are conveniently located within a 3-hour flight from the US shores and offer a unique blend of beauty, adventure, and culture.
- Saint Lucia
- Turks & Caicos
- Exuma (The Bahamas)
- Jamaica
- Barbados
- Nassau (The Bahamas)
- Antigua
- Grenada
From the friendly locals and stunning mountains of Saint Lucia to the world-class beaches in Turks & Caicos and the amazing snorkeling locations in The Bahamas, each of these islands offers a unique flavor of the tropics. Let’s delve deeper into what each of these incredible destinations has to offer.
Tropical Island Destinations with Incredible White Sand Beaches
Turks & Caicos
A stone’s throw away from the US mainland, Turks & Caicos boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The mesmerizing turquoise waters against white, and even pink sand, create a magical paradise that’s hard to match.
Flight time from Miami: 1 hour, 43 minutes.
Cost comparison with Hawaii: A meal in a mid-range restaurant and a local beer cost slightly less in Turks & Caicos than in Hawaii.
Honorable Mention: Exuma, the Bahamas
The Bahamas, particularly Exuma, is another destination that boasts breath-taking white sand beaches. Coco Plum Beach, a popular spot in Exuma, offers a unique experience during low tide, when you can walk right out into the ocean space, picking up sand dollars along the way.
Flight time from Miami: 1 hour, 15 minutes.
Cost comparison with Hawaii: Both a meal in a mid-range restaurant and a local beer cost less in Exuma than in Hawaii.
Tropical Island Destinations for Amazing Snorkeling and Diving
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is a diver’s paradise, offering a multitude of snorkeling and scuba diving spots. The visibility around the islands is usually excellent, making your underwater exploration a truly enjoyable experience.
Flight time from Miami: 45 minutes.
Cost comparison with Hawaii: Both a meal in a mid-range restaurant and a local beer cost less in The Bahamas than in Hawaii.
Honorable Mention: Grenada
Grenada offers a plethora of dive sites where you can explore fascinating corals, abundant sea life, and even historic shipwrecks. The Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park is a unique attraction that combines art and marine conservation.
Flight time from the closest big US city: 3 hours, 40 minutes.
Cost comparison with Hawaii: A meal in a mid-range restaurant costs more or less the same in Grenada than in Hawaii, while a local beer costs less.
Tropical Island Destinations with Great Surf
Barbados
For surfing enthusiasts, Barbados is a fantastic Hawaii alternative. The island boasts a vibrant surf culture and hosts numerous surf competitions and conventions. The island’s top surf spots include Duppies, Soup Bowl, and Silver Sands Beach.
Flight time from Miami: 3 hours, 35 minutes.
Cost comparison with Hawaii: Both a meal in a mid-range restaurant and a local beer cost less in Barbados than in Hawaii.
Tropical Island Destinations with Exotic Black Sand Beaches
Saint Lucia
A volcanic island by origin, Saint Lucia offers unique black sand beaches that are as fascinating as they are beautiful. Anse Chastanet Beach in Soufriere is one of the island’s most popular black sand beaches, offering excellent spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Flight time from Miami: 3 hours, 29 minutes.
Cost comparison with Hawaii: Both a meal in a mid-range restaurant and a local beer cost significantly less in Saint Lucia than in Hawaii.
Tropical Island Destinations with Active Volcanoes
Saint Lucia
Home to the Soufriere drive-in volcano, Saint Lucia offers a unique opportunity to visit an active volcano. The Sulphur Springs, located within a collapsed crater, allows visitors to drive right in and explore the area, bathe in Sulphur mud baths or hot springs.
Flight time from Miami: 3 hours, 29 minutes.
Cost comparison with Hawaii: Both a meal in a mid-range restaurant and a local beer cost significantly less in Saint Lucia than in Hawaii.
Tropical Island Destinations with Spectacular Hiking Trails
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia offers a diverse range of hiking trails that let you explore the island’s wild side. The trails offer stunning views and an opportunity to learn about the island’s native flora and fauna. Some popular trails include the Tet Paul Nature Trail, Gros Piton Nature Trail, and Petit Piton Trail.
Flight time from Miami: 3 hours, 29 minutes.
Cost comparison with Hawaii: Both a meal in a mid-range restaurant and a local beer cost significantly less in Saint Lucia than in Hawaii.
Tropical Island Destinations with Majestic Waterfalls
Jamaica
Jamaica is home to the stunning Dunn’s River Falls, a 100-foot waterfall that drops dramatically from the edge of a cliff. Other notable waterfalls include Mayfield Falls, Reach Falls, and YS Falls.
Flight time from Miami: 1 hour, 45 minutes.
Cost comparison with Hawaii: Both a meal in a mid-range restaurant and a local beer cost significantly less in Jamaica than in Hawaii.
Honorable Mention: Grenada
Grenada is home to the beautiful 65-feet high Concord Falls. Other amazing waterfalls in Grenada include Seven Sisters Falls, Royal Mount Carmel waterfalls, and the Annandale Falls.
Flight time from the closest big US city: 3 hours, 40 minutes.
Cost comparison with Hawaii: A meal in a mid-range restaurant costs more or less the same in Grenada than in Hawaii, while a local beer costs less.
Tropical Island Destinations with Luxurious All-Inclusive Resorts
Jamaica
Jamaica offers numerous options when it comes to opulent all-inclusive vacations. From Sandals Ochi, the largest resort, to Sandals Montego Bay, the flagship resort, you’re spoilt for choice in Jamaica.
Flight time from Miami: 1 hour, 45 minutes.
Cost comparison with Hawaii: Both a meal in a mid-range restaurant and a local beer cost significantly less in Jamaica than in Hawaii.
Honorable Mention: Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is the perfect blend of luxury and laid-back vibe. Sandals has three resorts on the island, each located in a picturesque location with close access to the many national landmarks and attractions.
Flight time from Miami: 3 hours, 29 minutes.
Cost comparison with Hawaii: Both a meal in a mid-range restaurant and a local beer cost significantly less in Saint Lucia than in Hawaii.
Tropical Island Destinations with a Welcoming Spirit
Antigua
Antigua is renowned for its warm and friendly locals. Whether you’re looking for directions or just want to feel at home, the welcoming spirit of the people in Antigua is sure to make your stay memorable.
Flight time from the closest big US city: 3 hours, 10 minutes.
Cost comparison with Hawaii: A meal in a mid-range restaurant costs more in Antigua than in Hawaii, while a local beer costs less.
Honorable Mention: Saint Lucia
Known for their friendly demeanor, Saint Lucians go out of their way to ensure visitors have the best experience. The warm, welcoming spirit of the people is one of the many reasons visitors fall in love with Saint Lucia.
Flight time from Miami: 3 hours, 29 minutes.
Cost comparison with Hawaii: Both a meal in a mid-range restaurant and a local beer cost significantly less in Saint Lucia than in Hawaii.
Conclusion: Fall in Love with Your Favorite Hawaii Alternative
With beautiful beaches, a welcoming spirit, majestic waterfalls, and awe-inspiring landscapes, Hawaii undoubtedly has a lot to offer. But, as we’ve shown, there are numerous alternatives closer to the US mainland that provide a similar, if not better, experience.
Whether you’re drawn to the beauty of Saint Lucia, the beaches of Turks & Caicos, or the waterfalls of Jamaica, each Caribbean island offers a unique charm that will make you fall in love. After all, the Caribbean is known for providing luxurious beach vacations that are hard to match!
—
Be sure to tag us in your photos and videos @resortcaribbean, and follow our socials: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube.
[…] Hawaii Alternatives Closer To US Mainland […]