Maui and O’ahu might be bywords for paradise, but if you’re looking for alternatives, then there are plenty of brilliant places like Hawaii to experience.
Whether you’re searching for world class surf or an island pace of life, a visit to one of these 10 places will ensure you get your very own slice of paradise.
1. US Virgin Islands, USA
Laden with remote white sand beaches and luxurious resorts alike, the US Virgin Islands are one of the best alternatives to Hawaii. The largest of these Caribbean islands, St Croix, is home to quaint cobblestoned streets, rewarding hikes that lead to historical treasures, and some outstanding cuisine. Roughly 40 miles away lies the mountainous idyll of St. Thomas, and a short hop further east is St John, the most rugged of the islands. The smallest populated landmass is Water Island, and these 4 inhabited islands are joined by more than 50 islets.
Like Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands allow you to experience both wild mountain beauty and five-star opulence at beachside resorts. Add in sumptuous weather and a mouthwatering cuisine, and it’s easy to see why this is a great alternative to a Hawaiian excursion.
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2. French Polynesia
To be woken by the gentle caressing tap of water against the stilts that hold up your Bora Bora water bungalow is to know true peace. The famous island is just one of 121 islands and atolls, spread over 1,200 miles, that make up French Polynesia. Like Hawaii, this country is in the Pacific Ocean, although that doesn’t mean they’re close – there is still around a 2,500-mile distance between them.
Other popular islands to visit in French Polynesia include Tahiti, home to the capital Papeete as well as lagoons, waterfalls, and black beaches, and Mo’orea, a rainforest covered Shangri-La delivering the sort of natural beauty that gets it onto countless travel bucket lists. Thrill seekers will also be pleased to know that there’s plenty of opportunity for water sports, as well as extreme sports like bungee jumping.
3. Key West, USA
Home to Ernest Hemingway’s home, famous shipwrecks, and the sort of shoreline that makes you think heaven might just exist, Key West is as quirky as it is idyllic.
This laid-back island’s distinctive coral rock geology and plethora of psychedelically covered marine life makes it a perfect diving spot, but you can also spend your time leaving your imprint on the sand. It’s also the southernmost point in the continental United States (in a way – the monument for the geographical point in the town, even though the actual location is further out to sea on the microscopic Ballast Key).
Beyond the fact they’re both island paradises, Key West has many similarities to Hawaii. However, its unique character and beauty make it well worth visiting on its own terms.
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4. Bali, Indonesia
Surging waterfalls in the north, night-long parties on stunning Canggu shorelines in the south, and the calm serenity of forested, mountainous Ubud in the centre: Bali offers it all.
The Indonesian island and nearby landmasses are one of the best places like Hawaii to visit if you’re craving a condensed version of the Pacific island chain. And if you’re a fan of surfing in Honolulu, the waves here are excellent for people of all skill levels. The food is also a highlight (we have no doubt you’ll be craving Nasi Goreng for months after your Bali excursion), as are the cultural marvels like Buddhist and Hindu temples.
If you’re ready for a trip to heaven, then check out our Bali Island Hopping tour and you’ll be basking under the Indonesian sun in no time!
5. Langkawi, Thailand
While the Thai Islands and Bali are rightly lauded among those who’ve been to Southeast Asia, the Malaysian island of Langkawi is an underrated alternative, and an excellent place to visit that’s like Hawaii.
Lying just off the northwest coast of mainland Malaysia, Langkawi is technically an archipelago of 99 islands, but the largest and main island shares the name. There’s a range of accommodation options to choose from too, including casual youth hostels down sandy streets and opulent resorts in the heart of the jungle.
Offering unique natural gems like mangrove forests, bone white beaches, and rainforests, this hidden gem destination is also blessed with fantastic infrastructure. This means visitors can also indulge in activities like jet skiing, jungle trekking, and birdwatching tours. Plus, the blend of Chinese, Indian, and Malay culture makes for some of the best cuisine in Southeast Asia, all at a relatively cheap price compared to Hawaii.
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6. Costa Rica
Vibrant rainforests, active volcanoes, and stunning sandy beaches. Sounds too good to be true? Well believe it, because the natural wonderland of Costa Rica has it all.
There are few destinations that match the number of hidden gems Hawaii has, but Costa Rica certainly gets close. Here you can be enchanted by glittering blue lagoons, hear the thrumming rhythms of diverse wildlife in the rainforest, and hike to hidden viewpoints that will take your breath away. And, after all that hard work having fun, you can enjoy high-end hospitality at one of the many luxury resorts dotting the country.
Whether you’re keen to spot monkeys from a boat in Tortuguero National Park or marvel at the biodiversity of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, this eclectic Central American nation has you covered.
7. Fiji
The sub-tropical paradise of Fiji is spread over 333 islands and more than 500 islets. Formed by ancient volcanoes, this once violent landscape is now one of swaying palm trees and serene seascapes.
The two main islands have a quicker pace of life but are still packed with natural gems. There are also countless other options if you really want to get away from it all, whether you’re looking for a more rustic, local experience, or a deluxe hotel holiday that makes you feel like royalty.
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8. Philippines
The beaches in the Philippines are among the best in the world, but this Southeast Asian island nation has more to offer than idyllic shoreline and sparkling turquoise waters. Manilla bustles with life and is home to unmissable cultural and architectural attractions, but you can just as easily spend your time in the country boating between desert islands and gorging on adobo chicken. It’s also considered a megadiverse country in terms of wildlife, which means it’s home to an astounding number of endemic species – perfect for budding biologists.
The alluring blend of American, Spanish, Chinese, and native Filipino culture makes for a truly unique experience, but it’s also fair to say that the Philippines is one of the most obvious choices when thinking about places like Hawaii. If you’re excited at the prospect of exploring this wonderful nation’s 7,641 islands, but don’t know where to start, then check out our Philippines Island Hopping West tour.
9. Belize
People often rave about the beauty of Central America, but Belize seems to be somewhat forgotten in all the fanfare – but that just means we can have it to ourselves.
Here you will find vibrant, life-filled coral reefs, ancient Mayan ruins, and plenty of opportunity to island hop. Much like Hawaii, there are also opportunities to get the adrenaline pumping, whether it’s through exploring the numerous cave systems, or jumping on a jet ski and zooming around the Caribbean Sea.
Belize is unique in the region for being English-speaking which can make communication easier than in other nearby nations. It doesn’t matter if you want to laze the day away on one of the world class beaches, be wowed by the dazzling sea life at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, or learn about local history at the Museum of Belize: this Central American nation has something for everyone. If you’re feeling the pull, then look into our Ultimate Central American Tour for some inspiration.
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10. Azores
Striking volcanic landscapes, shimmering blue waters, and a remote mid-ocean location: no, we’re not talking about Hawaii, but the Azores. This archipelago is also blessed with some of the world’s best hiking, delicious cuisine that adds a local twist to Portuguese classics, and a number of vineyards where you can indulge in the produce, allowing you to combine the best of Portugal with an island experience.
Although not quite as developed tourism-wise as the Pacific Island nation that inspired this article, the Azores fits the bill when considering places like Hawaii.
