Hawaii or Atlantis?

[lovetheprincesses]

Okay, I am in the beginning stages of an anniversary trip two years away! Anyway, if you have been to both Hawaii and Atlantis, which do you prefer?? How much money did you spend at either and where did you stay and for how long did you stay? Did you rent a car once you got there, or what? Did you use a travel agent or book and plan it yourself?

 

[DVCJEN]

Okay, I am in the beginning stages of an anniversary trip two years away! Anyway, if you have been to both Hawaii and Atlantis, which do you prefer?? How much money did you spend at either and where did you stay and for how long did you stay? Did you rent a car once you got there, or what? Did you use a travel agent or book and plan it yourself?

No comparison in the world---Hawaii!!!!

 

[lovetheprincesses]

REally? Tell me more! Where did you stay? How much I $ am I looking at?

 

[minnierocks]

Subscribing...
I am also in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Hawaii...

 

[disneyfanx3]

I have never been to Atlantis - but was in the Bahamas when I was younger and I would vote for Hawaii - from what I have read on some TRs the Bahamas is just not that nice anymore.

 

[chris1gill]

Well, we've been to Hawaii 3 or 4 times, but I do understand Atlantis (the resort) is quite nice.

You didn't mention which island you were looking at in Hawaii.

My favorite island is Maui, it has everything, but my favorite resort is the Ko'Olina on Oahu, although we really love the Grand Waillea on Maui, but we can't stay too many nights at that rate... the Ko'Olina is fantastic, and the price isn't bad Our next trip we're planning is for 3 islands, we're hitting Kauai first & staying at the Princeville, then Maui, then over to the Ko'Olina... It takes more than a few days on each island by the way, Maui takes the most time IMHO....

The only weird thing about Kauai are all those roosters all over the place, they sort of creep me out

 

[cukal6]

I was just at ATlantis in September and it is beautiful! However, the island itself isn't that great. You would need to spend the entire vacation at your resort. I have sent may of my clients to Hawaii and they love it. You can stay at your resort or wander around the island if you want. My recommendation would be to do a split stay. 3 nights in Kauai and 4 in Maui. If you get a good travel agent they will do the research and get you a great vacation within your budget.

 

[pbharris4]

I've been to Hawaii and Nassau (but didn't make it over to Atlantis). I'd vote for Hawaii. You won't need a passport (I think you need one for Bahamas, not sure). Atlantis is a resort on an island, but the Hawaiian Islands themselves are kind of like a resort. It's really breathtaking from the rainbows to the mountains, to the blue ocean and greenery. You also don't feel like you are in another country. Airfare is probably more expensive. It was quite awhile since I have been there and we stayed with my sister for 3 weeks who lived there at the time. I can't wait to go back! Have a wonderful time wherever you decide to go!

 

[macaronigal]

I have been to Hawaii (3 islands - Oahu, Maui & Hawaii) several times. I have also travelled quite extensively in the Caribbean. If you have been to the Caribbean before and have the opportunity (and finances) to go to Hawaii you should definitely go!!
Most people will tell you to avoid Waikiki but I personally think you should spend a few days there, maybe before you head over to a neighbouring island. The Polynesian Cultural Centre is great if you have kids old enough to appreciate a full day there. You would not need/want a rental car in Waikiki but you would for the other islands. There is no shortage of things to occupy your time on Oahu and Maui......the Big Island (Hawaii) was much slower paced but I haven't been in 12 years.
We (DH, DD13 and me) spent a week in Waikiki over Christmas and a week in Maui over New Years........best vacation we have ever had! We rented a condo in Lahaina that was literally a stones throw from the ocean and could watch sea turtles and other marine life from our balcony. The unit had everything, and I mean everything you could need (binoculars, guide books, boogie boards etc). I can't say anything about Atlantis because I have not been there but there is something wonderful about Hawaii that keeps us going back again and again.

 

[macaronigal]

Sorry, that was my 1st ever post and figures I would get all excited writing about Hawaii and not really read your post!
I did all the planning myself - for me it's a very close second to actually taking the trip. I have never used a TA.
I mentioned about the car rental.
How much you spend depends on what type of accomodations you need...I am the type who would prefer to take more trips that cost less money so I would never stay in a fancy resort. I also have no qualms about cooking or doing laundry on vacation so we much prefer a condo to a hotel. Waiting for a load of laundry while sitting on my balcony overlooking the ocean with tiki torches lit around the pool just doesn't seem like a real hardship to me.
If you decide on Hawaii and want specific info re: location of hotels etc let me know.

 

[brymolmom]

I think it truly depends on what you are looking for in a vacation. If you plan to hit the beach/pool and RELAX and sunbathe....then Atlantis is perfect. The resort is beautiful but there isn't a ton of 'sightseeing' or venturing out on the island. Hawaii, on the other hand, you could spend the whole time sightseeing and still have more to see - depending on the island(s) you choose.

That's another factor - if you want a shorter trip 6 - 7 days max - Atlantis - for Hawaii (IMO) you need to spend more time and hit at least 2 - 3 islands to get the 'full' effect.

DH and I went to Hawaii (Oahu and Maui) for our honeymoon 9 years ago (so assume that prices have gone up) - for 10 nights, and spent about $5500. But our airfare is pricey - from upstate NY. That wouldn't be as bad depending where you're coming from. But, we're not huge spenders - we didn't do a lot of nice meals out at the expensive restaurants - only about 2. We did a lot of picnics in a cooler and that type of thing to keep costs down. We stayed at a lower-cost hotel right across from the beach in Oahu and found a B&B online in Maui where we stayed - which was a lot cheaper than the big name hotels on the strip.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

HAWAII !

 

[JNorris]

Subscribing...
I am also in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Hawaii...

Me Too!!!

We just booked our timeshare trade 2 days ago. We are going June 2009. Frankly, not looking forward to flying from the east coast, but we are staying for 12 nights, so maybe it will be worth it.

We are staying 4 nights on Oahu, 6 nights on Maui, and 2 nights on the Big Island.

 

[Jeanne B]

Can I vote for something not on your list? (ok, I'm going to anyway)

St. John, US Virgin Islands!!

Depending of course on what interests you and assuming you haven't been there already.

St John has beautiful beaches, two-thirds of it is national park, very lush and mountainous, several nice resorts to choose from as well as hundreds of villas (we rented a villa with our own private pool overlooking the ocean, it was fabulous). It's very easy to island hop so you can spend a day or two on St Thomas if you're interested in shopping or you can head to any of the British Virgin Islands for a day trip. We absolutely fell in love with St John two summers ago and we're so excited to be going back again in December (sooner than expected!!).

We've never been to Hawaii, we live on the east coast and it was bad enough making a trip to California last summer (too much flying for us) so going to Hawaii would be even more flying. It was always on our list of places to visit until we found the VI's and it's only a 4-1/2 hour non-stop flight for us from Boston. One of these days maybe we'll plan a trip to Hawaii but it's not as high on my list as it used to be.

We've also been to Atlantis a couple of times, it's very nice but I'd choose the VI's over Atlantis/Paradise Island in a heartbeat, much more romantic IMO. And even though I've never been to Hawaii I'd probably have to choose Hawaii over Atlantis for whatever that's worth.

 

[TaraPA]

Hands down Hawaii. Atlantis is so overrated. It's starting to remind me of the Jersey Shore strip on Paraside Island. It keeps getting bigger & bigger, glitzier & glitzier - and more crowded & much more expensive! The 1st time we went to Atlantis was the 1st year it opened - it was much smaller, quieter & relaxing. The more recent time I couldn't wait to get out of there. People were "reserving" beach & pool chairs by 6am. It was wall to wall bodies & horribly expensive. Nothing else to do on Paradise Island. You can take the ferry over to Nassau for some good shopping but nothing fabulous.

In Hawaii we've stayed at the Grand Wailea on Maui. Probably more expensive that Atlantis but much more upscale & quiet. It is also a huge resort though, I'd actually choose to stay elsewhere on Maui next time. On Maui you can do tons of sight-seeing - biking, hiking, whale watching, snorkelling, you name it.

We've travelled all over the Caribbean, and if I had to choose from a different Caribbean destination or Hawaii I'd choose the Caribbean. I'm glad I saw Hawaii but there's so many other Caribbean islands I'd rather go back to (or try for the 1st time). Depends on where you live too - I'm on the East Coast so it took us 20 hours to get to Hawaii with the layovers. No fun. I could never do it with the kids, I could barely stand myself or my spouse after that flight. We can be in the Caribbean in 4 hours from here!

 

[MoniqueU]

Well between Hawaii and Atlantis Hawaii for sure. I have been to Maui, Hawaii,Kaui and the big island. I liked the big island and Kauii the best.

But I also wouldnt rule out st john it is lovely. St. Thomas is just kind of Meh to me but St. John is awesome.

But my all time favorite island and the best beach of any I have been to is Turks and Caicos. we have gone 3 times and it is my favorite place to vacation. We have stayed at beaches turks and caicos both with and without kids and had a blast. But they also have the Sands at Grace Bay on Skyauction quite often for a good price. I wouln't hesitate to stay there. Turks is really my slice of heaven. I wish I was going back this year, we got to go twice last year. Just make sure your hotel is on grace bay and that is all you need.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

Agree with Hawaii. Admittedly, I have never been to Atlantis- I have been to Nassau though- never again! It's dirty, sleezy, generally gross tourist trap. If the Caribbean fits your budget/location better- certainly check out St John. It is gorgeous! (most of it isa US Nat'l Park- very well maintained!)

We did HI about 4 years ago. We were blessed with a moderate budget (travelled with my folks- military hotels- whoo hoo!) Most folks say to skip Oahu- but Polynesian Cultural Center is wonderful (skip the luau there though- it's more like a cafeteria buffet). Pearl Harbor is also a must see in my book, very moving and a reminder of the sacrifices so many have made. (Tip- get there EARLY as the boats out fill up fast.)

The other island we did was Hawaii. Total crime to me to go to HI and not see the lava flowing! Hawaii is entirely a different experience than Oahu, but we loved it even more, I think.

 

[4theloveofdisney]

How can you even begin to compare the two??? LOLOL! Pick Hawaii Silly! ; )

 

[lovetheprincesses]

WOW! Thanks for the responses! So.....Hawaii it is! Anywho, what can I do for around $10,000? We normally spend around $6,000 for about 10 days at Disney staying at the Polynesian, and dining wherever. Is $10,000 reasonable for a week? I do not want a condo. I don't want to sound like a snob, but my husband works a LOT, and when we go on vacation, we do what we want, when we want, and I won't be cooking or making up beds. Can I plan it on my own? I plan our disney trips, and have always gotten Cinderella's, etc with no problems....can I do it?? Can you name specific hotels, islands, etc? TIA!

 

[rparmfamily]

Where are you flying from? $10K is certainly enough money IMHO. Can you go for longer than a week, like 10 days? It's quite a distance flying-wise (6 hrs from the west coast!) so you want to make it worth while.

I've only been to O'ahu (live there!) and have stayed in the Hilton Hawaiian Village and the Hale Koa (military hotel) and we are going to the Big Island in May (assuming my ticket problem gets fixed, I booked w/Aloha airlines who just went out of business!).

I can send brochures if you'd like. Like the 100 things to do in Maui or 100 things to do on O'ahu type books if you'd like. The books are free. PM if you're interested.