Hawaii vs Mexico for Honeymoon? If you find yourself in this situation, you are not alone. The majority of Americans face this dilemma while selecting the ideal honeymoon destination.
Both Hawaii and Mexico are well-known as world-class honeymoon destinations, and both are on the top of many people’s honeymoon bucket lists. While each of these destinations is a popular honeymoon spot, they are surprisingly distinct in many ways.
Having visited both destinations, I’ve compared Hawaii and Mexico in this article on a variety of critical elements to assist you in deciding which one to visit for your honeymoon vacation.
Mexico is a better honeymoon alternative than Hawaii for beach lovers on a budget. In Mexico, your vacation revolves around the beach and the resort. Hawaii is a better honeymoon destination than Mexico if you wish to explore Hawaii’s lush green mountains and gorgeous surroundings. Hawaii has a romantic charm that Mexico lacks.
Hawaii vs Mexico for Honeymoon? Which is better for a Honeymoon?
Table of Contents
Flight Price and duration
For many honeymooners, flight price and flight duration are key factors when picking between Hawaii and Mexico as their honeymoon destinations. That is why we should begin by examining the flight pricing and durations for both destinations.
When comparing flight prices from the United States to Hawaii and Mexico, it is clear that throughout the year, flights to Mexico are frequently less expensive than flights to Hawaii.
The primary reason is the travel time. Hawaii is a much longer distance for many people than Mexico, resulting in higher Hawaii flight prices. A flight from the United States to Mexico costs between $200 and $400 per person. In addition, nonstop flights depart from major US cities every 2 to 4 hours.
When flying to Hawaii, flight prices vary significantly depending on your departure point and season. Flying to Hawaii from the east coast typically costs $860 per person, $685 from the midwest, and $430 from the west coast. Keep in mind, however, that these are only estimates, and that travel prices fluctuate frequently.
Again, flights to Mexico are shorter than ones to Hawaii. Between the United States of America and Mexico, the average flight time is between 3 and 5 hours.
While travel time from the United States to Hawaii ranges between 5 and 10 hours or more, depending on your departure point. Hawaii is approximately 5-6 hours from the west coast of the United States of America and 10+ hours from the east coast.
Winner: Mexico
Accommodation
The following table summarises the average cost of lodging in Hawaii and Mexico
| Places | Hawaii | Mexico |
| Budget | $57 | $25 |
| Mid-range hotel | $165 | $66 |
| Villas/Luxury rooms | $527 | $350 |
Accommodation is a critical factor for all types of travelers. Finding decent accommodation at a reasonable price, particularly for a honeymoon vacation, is usually a difficult task. Hawaii is, of course, extravagantly more expensive than Mexico in every manner, including accommodation.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority reports that the average cost of lodging in Hawaii in 2018 was $264. In general, lodging in Hawaii will cost between $130 and $550. (Budget or Luxury). If you’re a budget traveler or on a low budget, though, you may stay at youth hostels or on Airbnb for between $32 and $55.
Accommodation in Mexico is far less expensive than in Hawaii. The reason for this is that the majority of resorts in Mexico’s most famous tourist locations, such as Cancun and Cabo, offer affordable all-inclusive packages.
These all-inclusive vacation packages frequently include lodging, three meals a day, and nearly all alcoholic drinks. Outdoor activities and spa treatments are also included in the all-inclusive packages offered by some resorts.
These all-inclusive-family holiday packages often cost between $1000 and $3000. However, for roughly $2000, you can generally find a nice all-inclusive package that covers practically all of your family’s needs.
These all-inclusive packages are quite affordable, which is why an increasing number of Americans are vacationing in Mexico rather than Hawaii.
Even if you opt-out of these all-inclusive packages, Mexico offers significantly more affordable lodging than Hawaii. There are a variety of accommodation options available in popular tourist areas such as Cancun and Cabo, ranging from budget to luxury.
Even if you’re traveling solo or as a backpacker, you may easily find affordable lodging for between $15 and $55 per night.
Winner: Mexico
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Food
Comparison of Average Cost of food per day
| Places | Hawaii | Mexico |
| Meal for Two (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $30 | $9 |
| Meal for Two (Mid-range Restaurant) | $70 | $27.89 |
| Beer | $6.50 | $2.00 |
| Cappuccino | $5.67 | $2.09 |
| The average cost of food per day | $75 | $47 |
As expected, Hawaii’s cuisine is more expensive than Mexico. Even at the cheapest restaurant, expect to pay between $15 to $20 per person. You have to spend between $50 and $100 per person each day for food in Hawaii. If you are low on budget, you can purchase food at the supermarket to save money on meals.
In Mexico, If you have chosen an all-inclusive package, you will not have to worry about food because it will cover all the meals and drinks. Even if you step outside your resort for meals, you will easily discover food that is significantly less expensive than that found in Hawaii.
For instance, in Cancun, visitors can sample the city’s delectable street food. On the streets of Cancun, you can get a full meal for as little as $4 to $6. That is why Mexican street food is so popular with tourists.
🏖 Suggested read: Is Cancun worth Visiting? Real Pros and Cons to Help You Decide!
Winner: Mexico
Beaches: Which are better?
When it comes to beaches, Mexico has better beaches than Hawaii. Particularly, the beaches along Mexico’s Caribbean coast are world-class and unspoiled. Mexico is known for its soft, white sand and greenish-blue water beaches.
Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Tulum have some of the best beaches in Mexico. One of my favorite aspects of Mexican beaches is their natural swimming pools known as “Cenotes.”
Cenotes are naturally occurring deep-water sinkholes located primarily in the Yucatan Peninsula. Swimming in these natural waters is extremely relaxing and restorative. On the downside, Mexican beaches are more chaotic and unclean than those in Hawaii.
While Hawaii, too, boasts a broad assortment of world-class beaches with red, green, and black sand, Mexico’s smooth white powdery beaches and mild blue waters provide a far better beach experience.
However, when it comes to water sports, Hawaii has more options. Hawaii, in particular, is the best location for snorkeling. The thrill of floating beside marine turtles in Hawaii’s crystal clear warm waters is unparalleled.
Winner: Mexico
Things to do: Hawaii vs Mexico
When it comes to sightseeing and adventurous activities, Hawaii is better than Mexico. Hawaii has without a doubt one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. It is a paradise for adventure lovers. Hawaii is made up of six major islands, each with its own distinct personality.
You can visit the major island to trek volcanoes, go to Kaui to enjoy Hawaii’s luscious green forests and waterfalls, or to Maui to explore the island’s marine life. In other words, tourists visiting Hawaii will find an abundance of adventure activities, ranging from beautiful landscapes and lush green forests to active volcanoes and waterfalls.
Mexico has a long and illustrious history. Therefore, if you are interested in history, from museums to old Mayan temples, Mexico has a lot to offer. Mexico’s primary attraction is the mystical city of Chichén itzá. Chichén itzá was an ancient Mayan sacred city. It preserves a number of ancient Mayan monuments, including temples, pyramids, and cemeteries.
As a result, if you are a history enthusiast, you will undoubtedly enjoy this location. Another big draw is Mexico’s natural swimming ponds, called Cenotes, which are found in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Cenotes are naturally occurring deep-water sinkholes that have become highly popular with tourists due to their naturally soothing waters. Cenotes were extremely important to the Mayans, and it is thought that they possess healing abilities.
Winner: Hawaii, Hawaii offers a plethora of adventure opportunities for visitors
Safety
When comparing Hawaii with Mexico, safety is unquestionably a key concern. Hawaii is unquestionably one of the world’s safest travel locations. Indeed, it boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the United States of America. Not only violent crimes are uncommon, but also petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing.
It makes no difference if you are a solitary female traveler, a backpacker, or a family with children; Hawaii is quite safe for all types of visitors. Volcanic eruptions are Hawaii’s only significant threat, although they are also exceedingly rare.
On the other hand, Mexico does not enjoy a favorable reputation for safety. However, major tourist locations in Mexico, such as Cancun, are relatively safe in comparison to other regions of the country. That is why tourism in Cancun continues to grow at a rapid pace year after year.
Indeed, 44.5 million tourists visited Mexico in 2019, making it the world’s seventh most visited country. However, if you are visiting Cancun, try to stay inside the resort area and avoid venturing too far away from Cancun.
Winner: Hawaii
Nightlife
Mexico is unquestionably a better choice for nightlife than Hawaii. Cancun, Cabo, and Tulum in particular are well-known for their vibrant nightlife. Once the sun sets, Cancun and Cabo come alive with nightclubs and bars where you may dance and drink till the next morning.
If you are a party animal then go to Cancun “Punta Cancun” or “Party Zone” area, which is tightly packed with nightclubs and bars. Plaza Bonita is the hub of Cabo’s nightlife in this case.
Hawaii’s nightlife is rather relaxed. While Hawaii lacks major nightclubs and DJs, local restaurants and bars offer cocktails, live music, and dance programs. Oahu is the nightlife center of Hawaii. On Oahu, you will find a plethora of local bars and wild dance clubs.
Winner: Mexico
Hawaii or Mexico for Honeymoon: Which is better?
Budget is frequently the deciding factor when deciding between Hawaii and Mexico as a honeymoon destination. If budget is deciding factor, Mexico is clearly a better alternative than Hawaii.
Mexico is substantially less expensive than Hawaii, offers a more active nightlife, and features smooth, white powdery beaches not found in Hawaii. Mexico, on the other hand, is more of a vacation location. It lacks the honeymoon vibes associated with Hawaii.
If budget is not an issue, Hawaii is a better Honeymoon destination than Mexico. Hawaii is incredibly beautiful, quite safe, and exudes an aura perfect for a romantic getaway. Additionally, in comparison to Mexico, Hawaii offers a range of activities, from lush green forests to volcanoes and waterfalls.
Winner: Hawaii, While Hawaii is more expensive than Mexico, it is a better honeymoon destination.
🏖Suggested Read: Hawaii or Cancun for Honeymoon? Which is the Best Romantic Getaway for You!
🏖 Suggested read: Hawaii or Cabo for Honeymoon? Which is the Best Romantic Getaway for You!
Hawaii or Mexico for Family vacation: Which is better?
When it comes to family vacations, budget and safety are critical considerations when choosing between Hawaii and Mexico as family vacation destinations. If your budget is not constrained, Hawaii is undoubtedly a better destination for a family vacation to Mexico. Hawaii is significantly safer than Mexico, has multiple family-friendly beaches, and offers a range of family-friendly activities.
If your budget is limited, Mexico is definitely a better option than Hawaii. Cancun’s all-inclusive packages are quite affordable for family vacations, and once you’ve chosen one, you won’t have to worry about additional expenses.
Winner: Hawaii, Although Mexico is far less expensive than Hawaii, Hawaii provides your family with a higher level of safety and adventure opportunities
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Hawaii or Mexico for Solo travelers: Which is better?
Mexico is a better option for solo travelers than Hawaii. Whether it is food, accommodation, or transportation, Hawaii is far more expensive than Mexico in every aspect. In Mexico, lodging expenses for solo travelers range between $15 and $25, whereas in Hawaii, finding accommodations for less than $50 is challenging.
In Hawaii, the cheapest food costs at least $15, whereas in Mexico, a good meal is often found for under $5 if you stick to street food. If on the other hand, you’re looking for adventure, Hawaii is a better pick than Mexico. Hawaii has a lot of intriguing things from lush green forests, waterfalls to mountains to offer fot adventure-seeking spirits.
Winner: Mexico
Best Time to visit
The best time to visit Mexico is from December to April, during the dry season when there is less rain and pleasant weather for enjoying Mexico’s world-class white-sand beaches. The hurricane season, which lasts from June to November, is the worst time to visit Mexico. August and October are particularly prone to storms.
Due to the little rainfall, the months of March through September are the best time to visit Hawaii. Thanks to Hawaii’s year-round great weather, visiting at any time of year is ideal. If you want to save money on airfares, the best time to visit is between June and September, when airline tickets are the lowest.
Winner: Hawaii, Hawaii enjoys year-round lovely weather
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