Iza

A lot of you will probably recognize me as a frequent poster on this board regarding Costa Rica. We travelled to Costa Rica twice in the last two years and fell in love with that country.<BR>So here is our dilemma for this year: we discussed the various possible destinations for our annual family vacation in August and thought after much research that Kauai may be a good place to visit. We don't like big resorts and Disney-like attractions but always wanted to visit Hawaii. We love nature, beaches and are not into nightlife or shopping. Kauai was recommended as the least spoiled and commercial of the islands. However, when I started doing my research on places to stay in Kauai I can see that it is quite built up and commercial and it is not likely that we will find accommodations comparable to some of the beautiful places in CR that we visited. Plus it is a long flight for us from the East Coast and expensive.<BR>On our two trips to CR we visited Tamarindo, Arenal, Manuel Antonio, Osa Penninsula and did a day trip from San Jose to Poas, Sarapiqui River etc. The place that we have in mind for our next trip to CR (and there will be another trip to CR whether it is this year or next year!) is Nicoya Penninsula (start in Tambor and work our way up the coast to Tamarindo).<BR>The question I have for all helpful Fodorites is: if you have been to both Hawaii and Costa Rica please compare them and tell me why we would prefer one over the other. <BR>Thanks! <BR>

Dawn

I love both Costa Rica and Hawaii so this is hard decision. I would probably go to Lanai. While I have not been to this area of Hawaii, I think it really fits what you are looking for. It is typically referred to as the least developed and most secluded of the major islands. Until recently the entire island was owned by the Dole family for the purposes of pineapple plantations so there has been little time for development to take hold. However, if you do choose to go to CR, I would consider the Nicoya Peninsula the most heavily developed part of the country. I don't think that Kauai is more developed than that northwestern area of the country. If I were to go back to CR in August, I would be sure to go to Tortuguero because that is in the middle of the Green Sea Turtle nesting season and it is almost certain that you could see turtles laying their eggs. Based upon what you are looking for, I am not sure that the Nicoya Peninsula is what you are looking for.

Ally

Iza,<BR>I've only been to Maui and I know that's not the place for what you're looking for (too commercial) but I have to disagree about the last post regarding the Nicoya P. area. If you didn't find Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio too built up and commercial, then the route from Tambor up the coast would be exactly right for what you're looking for. All the other towns on the coast are smaller and less commercial than Tamarindo! And if money is a concern at all, then Costa Rica is certainly cheaper, by far than Hawaii!<BR>Hope you'll enjoy your family vacation where ever it may be!

lisa

I've been to both Kauai and CR. If you want to be "away from it all" on Kauai I would recommend that you stay on the north shore near Hanalei. The beaches are gorgeous and there is great hiking on the Napali coast. This area is not nearly as built up as the eastern and southern sides of the island. <BR><BR>What you get in CR that you can't get in Kauai is wildlife. I did a kayak trip in a nature preserve on Kauai and we saw no wildlife whatsoever other than a couple of birds. CR by contrast (as you know) has monkeys, toucans, etc. Also, CR is less expensive than Kauai. Kauai, on the other hand, has the advantage of no language barrier, common currency, etc. And Kauai's roads are better than CR's (although traffic is bad in places).<BR><BR>Both are beautiful. I prefer CR personally but since you've already been there I think Kauai is a great idea. It really is beautiful. Yes, it is more commercial and developed than CR, but there are still parts of it that are pristine and beautiful. <BR><BR>By the way, I have also been to Lanai, and while it is true that it is not very populated, it is really small and frankly not that pretty compared to Kauai or CR. If you're looking for waterfalls, mountains, lush foliage, gorgeous beaches, etc. then I think Kauai & CR are better choices. <BR><BR>By the way, I have not been to the Nicoya Peninsula so I'm not sure how that compares, but I think it's drier than much of the rest of CR and I get the impression it has less wildlife than Manuel Antonio & Osa. It didn't sound as pretty to me but I could be wrong.

Barb

Iza, you were so helpful to me when I was planning our trip to CR that maybe now I can return the favour. Visited Kauai in Sept. 2000 and absolutely loved it. We went there after four days in Honolulu at a conference and absolutely, positively would return to Kauai. Previous poster is right about Hanalei - very laid back but that is just the north shore. Developments are low key, other than in Princeville, compared to the south shore. More picturesque on the north shore we thought - gorgeous hiking and fabulous snorkelling. Let me know if you want further details but if you have never been, I don't think you would be disappointed. In fact, we were thinking about going back but thought we should expand our horizons and are therefore heading to CR. Happy planning!

Iza

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses!<BR>I guess Kauai it is! <BR>Since we will have 2 weeks we'll probably split the time between the north and south shores. Barb and others, do you have any recommendations on places to stay? We're thinking about renting condos instead of staying at hotels since a relative is probably coming with us so there will be four of us this time.<BR>Now, if only I can find decently priced flights....

Barb

Iza, good choice and I don't think you'll regret it. It's always neat to go somewhere you've never been. We stayed at Hanalei Bay Resort which is a wonderful two/three level resort built into the hillside overlooking Bali Hai and the ocean. It is very condo like - one or two bedroom units with a loft, full kitchen and living/dining space. Do a search for other folks impressions here - have heard some negative stuff but we could not have been happier. Great layout, landscaping and pool with a small waterfall. Nothing pretentious, just nice. They are converting their units over to timeshare though but check through their website because they still rent them out when not being used. Do keep in mind that it is a walk down to the beach, which is not huge and is shared with the Princeville Hotel next door, or you can take their little shuttle cart but we didn't have a problem with this. Also, ask what the rate is for the Entertainment Card. We saved alot using ours. One more place you might want to check out are the Pali Ke Kua condos which are in the same area. Do a search for them to. You'll have lots of fun planning. Email me directly if you need further info. Can't recommend accomodation on the south shore but check out the Hawaii forum. Mind boggling info. Also, get the Fodor's or Fommer's Hawaii book. We used the latter and found it very helpful. Best of luck!

Iza

Barb,<BR>Thanks for the recommendations. Pali Ke Kua looks nice and may be just what we're looking for. <BR>Just curious, when are you going to CR and what kind of itinerary did you decide to do? <BR>Make sure you post a trip report when you're back.<BR>Have a wonderful trip!

Barb

Iza, we're going at the beginning of March - one night at Vista del Valle then onto Tamarindo for 3 nights, Lake Arenal for 3 nights and then back to San Jose area for the last night. Not a long trip but should give us a taste of CR. Can't wait. Happy planning!

C.J.

I am from Hawaii and am planning a trip to CR at the end of March. We would appreciate any travel advice in CR (must see's, plane or bus throughout CR, best beaches, etc...) As for vacations in Hawaii--thr post re: Lanai is very incorrect. For what you are looking for in a vacation, I would not recommend Lanai as a "destination." I love Lanai, but would recommend a day trip via ferry or whale watching catamaran from Lahina if wanted to see Lanai. Kauai is beautiful, especially the North side of Kauai. Hiking the Na Pili coast is a must, however, if travelling with children, the "short" hike is recommended because the longer hike can get dangerous and on many occasions, travellers tend to have a great time going in, but when the weather starts to turn and the sun starts to set, they realize that they have to hike out and thats when trouble starts. Advice for the hikes: start early, pack lunches (AND WATER!) and enjoy the beach or views, and please, stay on the trails. Other recommendations for Kauai is a day at the Waimea Canyon and a helicopter ride (I know there is one out of Princeville that we really enjoyed). I usually don't recommend helicopter type tourist things, but as a local, I really enjoyed it on Kauai because you are able to see parts of the island that you absolutely cannot get to any other way. A MUST. Since you have 2 weeks, I would also suggest taking 4-5 days to discover the Big Island of Hawaii. The volcano is really beautiful and I'm told, not like the one is CR. Also, excellent snorkeling at Captain Cook (a day trip tour is well worth it). The Kohala Coast and Waipio Valley is beautiful as well as the beaches on the Northern Kona Coast--the best in Hawaii. I would highly recommend spending some time in the Big Island of Hawaii. There is a lot of natural beauty and diversity, it's safe, and there is a diverse selection of accomodations. Plus, you can fly directly into Kona from the east coast and not deal with the headache of honolulu! I hope this helps with your travel plans and enjoy your stay in Hawaii.