Last Updated: August 1, 2022
Jamaica vs Hawaii – Make The Perfect Choice
When it comes to searching out the island getaway of a lifetime, I’m sure two spots that made your list are Jamaica and Hawaii. These are two spectacular islands but they are extremely different which is what you’d expect since they are on opposite sides of the planet, well almost.
So how do you choose between Jamaica vs Hawaii for your next vacation? Well, it’s almost an impossible task if you haven’t been to both, but I’m going to try and give you all the details you need to make the right decision.
Join me as we take a look at Jamaica vs Hawaii, and dive into the nitty-gritty about each of them so you can choose the perfect one for you.
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The Beaches
Island getaways, what’s the first thing you think of when you hear those words? White sand beaches, blue seas, and perhaps a fruity cocktail pop into my head. So, how does Jamaica vs Hawaii compare when we take a good look at what their beaches have to offer.
Jamaica
Jamaica has a 1,022-kilometer coastline and all along it you’ll find white-sand beach after white-sand beach, it’s why it’s such a popular destination, especially for couples who want to frolic on the sand. It’s not just home to white-sand beaches either, you’ll also find romantic coves and some cool cliffs too.
With such a large coastline to explore, the opportunities are endless but there are some real gems that shouldn’t be missed when in Jamaica. Those postcard white sand beaches with crystal clear sea washing on them are what we’re talking about.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Jamaica and certainly the most famous of them all is Seven Mile Beach. This long stretch of pristine white sands stretches for miles across the western side of Jamaica in the resort town of Negril. It goes on and on and is the perfect place to chill out and relax for the day.
There are plenty more beaches in Jamaica that are just as beautiful as Seven Mile and some that should not be missed include Bloody Bay, Franchmas Cove, Doctors Cove, and if you want a happening beach part scene, the beach at Montego bay will have your back.
Hawaii
Hawaii is a little different from Jamaica as it’s made up of 6 islands while Jamaica has just 1. But despite this, the coastline of Hawaii stretches only 200 km more than that of Jamaica, with a total length of 1,210 km so you have just as much to explore, but you have to add some island hopping in, in order to do it.
The beaches of Hawaii are every bit the paradise of Jamaica and since the islands are volcanic, you also have the opportunity to gaze over huge cliffs and sit on beaches with a stunning backdrop. Basically, the beaches of Hawaii are a little bit more dramatic than those in Jamaica.
Some of the best beaches in Hawaii to hang out at include Hanalei Bay on Kauai island, Waimea Bay Beach on Oahu, and Hanauma Bay which is also on Oahu. To be honest, trying to name all the amazing beaches in Hawaii would take a while as there are so many that are all easily accessible if you have a car.
If you love white-sand beaches and a chilled vibe, Hawaii has got you covered, although the ones in town might get a little crowded, you can drive out of town and find your own slice of paradise on Hawaii’s dramatic coastline.
Hawaii also has some of the best black sand beaches, so be sure to check those out too!
Verdict
Picking between Jamaica vs Hawaii when it comes to beaches isn’t easy as it depends on your character. If you want a proper island vibe where things are super relaxed and covered with palm trees, then Jamaica will probably suit you more.
If you’re like me and always want to explore what is around the next corner or spend hours on google maps looking for cool beaches to check out, then you’ll probably enjoy Hawaii more.
Ocean Activities
A trip to an island nation such as Jamaica vs Hawaii should involve a little bit of time spent on or in the sea. If your hobbies revolve around the ocean or if you’re just up for trying out something new like learning to surf or you just fancy a sunset cruise, then an island vacation couldn’t be better. So, what’s on offer when it comes to Jamaica vs Hawaii?
Jamaica
Jamaica has more ocean-based activities than you can shake a stick at and the surrounding sea is pretty much excellent for all of them. Whether you want to sail around in a Hobie-cat, have a relaxing SUP or Kayak, go fishing, diving, or snorkeling, it’s all available in Jamaica.
Along most of the resort beaches, you’ll be able to rent a kayak, SUP, or small sailing boat to take out onto the ocean for a little self-exploration. There is nothing more freeing than being able to explore the surrounding ocean solo.
The snorkeling in Jamaica is also great and you’re guaranteed to see something cool whether it’s corals and tropical fish or something a little bit more mind-blowing like a turtle, stingrays, and even a reef shark or two.
The best thing about snorkeling in Jamaica is that you can just swim out from the beach with your mask and flippers on and still have a chance to see these beautiful creatures. Doctors Cave Beach, Treasure Beach, Booby Cay, Montego, and Seven Mile Beach are all great snorkeling spots but, you’re more likely to experience some bigger and better sitings if you get taken in a boat to the other side of the reef.
If you like snorkeling but prefer diving or want to learn to dive, then Jamaica is a great spot for it. There is a range of interesting dive sites including caves, cliffs, wrecks (one old plane wreck), and reefs plus you’re likely to see big shoals of reef fish, the odd pelagic, turtles, dolphins, and seahorses.
If you’re like me and love a bit of fishing, then you should book a day of deep-sea fishing while you’re in Jamaica. On the menu are blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado, and lots more.
Hawaii
If you know anything about Hawaii then you’ll know that surfing is a big thing in Hawaii and it’s home to some of the best, and some of the most frightening waves in the world. If you’re worried about big waves, you needn’t be as Hawaii has the perfect wave in almost every size for every ability, so it’s a great place to learn and improve your skills.
Along with surfing in Hawaii also comes windsurfing and kite surfing, in fact, pretty much any board sport is widely available for anyone to try when they are there.
The offshore fishing in Hawaii is some of the best in the world especially if you’re looking to catch your first or biggest blue marlin. During the summer months, blue marlin migrate right off the shores of Hawaii and some of the biggest in the world have been caught there. You can also find some great tuna fishing off Hawaii as well as GTs dorado, wahoo and lots more.
The snorkeling and diving in Hawaii are out of this world and some of the best on the planet. You can snorkel right off the beach in some places such as Hanauma Bay with the chance of seeing turtles or you can hop in a boat for the chance of snorkeling with dolphins and manta rays.
The dive sites off Hawaii are so diverse and so are the species. You can see caves and caverns, lava flows, and old shipwrecks, plus dive with multiple species of sharks, rays, turtles, and huge shoals of large reef fish.
Of course, Hawaii also has some great hiking as well, both on Kauaii and on Oahu.
Verdict
If spending time in the ocean is a hobby of yours then the choice between Jamaica vs Hawaii is an obvious one. Hawaii blows Jamaica out of the water when it comes to surfing, fishing, snorkeling, and diving so it’s by far the better choice.
If you like spending time chilling on the ocean and don’t want all the hype that comes along with the intensity of Hawaii’s ocean culture, then you might prefer Jamaica. It’s way more relaxed and chilled, plus the sea life is still pretty amazing.
Inland Activities
While most island holidays revolve around remaining beach-side, this certainly isn’t the case when it comes to Jamaica vs Hawaii. Both of these islands are home to some amazing internal landscapes that are a must-see and worth exploring for a day or two, but which one is more suited to you?
Jamaica
Jamaica is the second-largest island in the Caribbean with so much space inland there has to be something cool to explore right? Right! Jamaica is home to the Blue Mountains and the highest peak of the range sits at a huge 2,256 meters above sea level.
The Blue Mountains are filled with pretty butterflies and birds, some stunning jungles with rivers and waterfalls running down them, plus some fruit and coffee plantations too. If you love to hike and want to see some of the best views in Jamaica then the blue mountains are for you.
One of the best ways to explore the Blue Mountains is by hiking up the Blue Mountain Peak Trail. The trail is 14 miles long and takes you windy through the jungle, past stunning rivers and waterfalls, all the way up to the highest peak from which you get some amazing views across the island.
On the other side of the Blue Mountains, you’ll find Holywell National Park which is a protected part of the mountain range. There you’ll find a plethora of hiking trails through the lush preserved wilderness that offers what some say are even better views than the Blue Mountain Peak Trail.
A great thing to do at Holywell National Park is to camp out for the night so you can see the sunset over the sea, the dazzling stars of the night sky, and catch sunrise before you go too.
You don’t have to go hiking to enjoy the blue mountains either, you can just go to the waterfalls and rivers for the day. Getting there is easy and you have the choice of either Dunn River’s Falls, Secret Falls, and Reach Falls all of which you can swim in.
Another great activity to do is hopping on a bamboo raft tour down the rivers where you’re guided through the jungle.
Hawaii
Hawaii is a volcanic chain of islands that is home to some amazing mountains and volcanoes and what you get to experience depends on what island you’re on. The highest peak in Hawaii is 4,207 meters above sea level, almost twice the height of Jamaica’s, so you can imagine just how dramatic the scenery is.
If you’re on the island of Kauai then you’re where the backdrop of Jurassic Park was filmed, and you couldn’t find a more dramatic landscape. Imagine a jagged chain of peaks and valleys covered with lush green jungle that then suddenly falls into the sea, that’s what you get on Kauai. It’s covered with awesome walking and hiking trails so be prepared to be amazed if you love to stretch your legs.
On the Big Island of Hawaii, you’ll find the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park which is famous for having active volcanoes that are constantly smoking and spewing lava. You can visit the national park and hike close enough to see this wonder of nature in occurrence and you can even do a helicopter flight over it too.
While on the main island of Oahu, you hike up the Diamond Head which sits over Waikiki beach and gives you amazing views of the island. You also have other awesome trails in the internal reserves which are full of life along with the features like craters and waterfalls.
No matter which Hawaiian island you’re on, the interior holds something magical in the form of landscapes, mountains, jungles, waterfalls, and more.
Verdict
While Barbados has some great things to do when you stray inland from the beach, it doesn’t quite compare to what’s on offer in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains. If you’re looking for an island with more of an adventurous side away from the sea, then Jamaica has Barbados beaten.
That being said, there is more than enough to explore in Barbados if you’re looking for a few days off the beach to rest your tan before topping it up again.
The Food Scenes
Jamaica
One of the most famous Jamaican cuisines is their jerk spice mixture. Jerk is said to have come about via the slaves who fled into the Blue Mountains and created a spice mixture to put on their food before always cooking it over an open fire.
Jerk is made up of a whole range of different things and everyone has their own special blend in Jamaica but the basics include allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, scallions, thyme, garlic, and ginger.
When grilled the jerk seasoning really brings whatever it’s lathered on, pork, chicken, or fish, to life and it’s something you have to try while in Jamaica.
Saltfish and ackee is one of Usain Bolt’s favorite breakfasts. Ackee is a bit like lychee and it came to Jamaica from West Africa during the slave trade. It’s cooked up and served with salted grouper (rock cod) that is caught fresh off the shore of Jamaica.
It’s a traditional Jamaican breakfast but the flavor might be a little intense for breakfast though as saltfish is quite punchy, so maybe try it for lunch or dinner.
Being by the sea, you’ll also have access to amazing seafood while in Jamaica so think fresh fish and delicious sauces to go with them as well as shellfish too.
Hawaii
The food scene in Hawaii is pretty westernized and that’s no surprise considering that it’s part of the USA. But it still has some influences from its past which include Polynesian cuisines which are then combined with a load of European, Japanese, and American cuisines too.
One of the most traditional foods to have in Hawaii is Kālua pork. This is made by slow-cooking a whole pig for hours and when served the meat is as tender and delicious as can be.
Another Hawaiian dish that is a must-try is Poke. You might have had Poke before but if you haven’t, it’s like the Hawaiian equivalent of sashimi. Raw tuna is served on top of a bowl of rice with delicious onions and salsa. There is nothing fresher or better tasting when you have had a long day on the sea.
As well as all the other Hawaiian foods, you’ll also find some of the best seafood restaurants in the USA in Hawaii along with great steak houses and lots more other cuisines too.
Hawaii also has some tasty and unique souvenirs such as Macadamia nuts, Hawaiian sea salt and Kona coffee.
Jamaica vs Hawaii – The Verdict
Jamaica vs Hawaii, which one would you choose? For me, it’s an obvious choice but I’m kind of obsessed with exploring the outdoors whether it’s under the sea, on it, or in the mountains, so I’m biased. If you love being active in the outdoors, Hawaii is 100% the right choice.
If you’re looking for a little bit more of a chilled vibe where you can just relax and chill on the beach with zero pressure, but with great options available too, Jamaica is an awesome choice.
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
