Cancun Or Hawaii: The Honest Comparison [2023] You Need!

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Last updated on May 22, 2023 by Wandering our World

When it comes to dream getaways, Cancun and Hawaii are two destinations that are at the top of most people’s bucket list. No wonder too, as both of these tropical paradises can offer unique and varied experiences.

But choosing whether to visit Hawaii or Cancun for that once-in-a-lifetime holiday or honeymoon can therefore be difficult, especially as they’re very different destinations.

For example Cancun is energetic, busy, loud and developed. The beaches and aqua water there are gorgeous and if beaches are your priority then Cancun will likely be a better choice than Hawaii.

However the beaches in Hawaii are tropical and beautiful too, but it’s the activities like surfing and hiking up volcanoes – as well as Hawaii’s famous aloha culture – that makes this destination stand out from Cancun, and the better choice for those looking for more than sun, sea and sand.

But that’s just scratching the surface when it comes to how different – and at times similar – both of these fun tropical destinations are.

And that’s where we can help! We use our experience below to compare Cancun vs Hawaii and show you what each has to offer and show you exactly which one will suit you the most. Let’s get started!

CONTENTS:

  1. A Quick Overview
  2. How Do The Beaches & Water Activities Compare?
  3. Which Has Better Excursions?
  4. Which Is Better For Culture?
  5. Where You Should Stay According To Your Budget
  6. Which Has Better Nightlife?
  7. Which Has Better Food?
  8. Which Is Better For A Family Vacation?
  9. Which Is Better For A Honeymoon?
  10. Which Is Cheaper?
  11. Which Is The Better Holiday Destination?
An infographic pitting Cancun vs Hawaii against each other by showing some of the key differences

A Quick Overview Of Cancun vs Hawaii

These destinations are very different, and so making the right choice between Cancun vs Hawaii is important.

If beaches are your priority, then Cancun will be a better choice than Hawaii. That’s because Cancun has many white sand beaches with soft, ‘powdery’ sand. The water is much calmer and warmer in Cancun compared to Hawaii too – no surprise considering this Mexican destination sits on the Caribbean Sea.

However, because Cancun is such a famous destination, the gorgeous stretches of sand there tend to be highly developed and very busy.

That means Cancun feels a bit like a concrete jungle at times, although the upside for tourists is that there are many all-inclusive hotel rooms with an ocean view.

Cancun beach with boat from drone
iStock.com/Jonathan Ross

Because Cancun is so tourist-orientated there’s also a very good shopping scene, lots of things to keep you entertained, and the nightlife is lively and loud with numerous bars and nightclubs. Although all of that has made the city quite ‘Americanized’ with chain restaurants and hotels.

Hawaii, on the other hand, is an outdoor lovers’ paradise, and while it has many pretty golden beaches, its mountainous jungle-covered interior is begging to be explored and enjoyed. In fact Hawaii’s biggest peak stands at 4207m!

These islands are also full of culture and there’s still a very ‘authentic’ feel to the place. Hawaiian culture – aloha wear, hula, and luau for example – is almost better known that Hawaii’s gorgeous sunsets and surfing spots. So getting a taste of the real Hawaiian experience is a must if visiting.

Subsequently, Hawaii is a destination that attracts tourists that are looking for outdoor adventures and culture, as well as sun, sea, and sand. There’s also a lively nightlife scene in Hawaii too, albeit arguably not as lively as Cancun’s (more on that later).

Below we look at what things you can see and do in Cancun and Hawaii in more detail, so you have an idea of what excursions are possible.

Honolulu with a vibrant red sunset
iStock.com/Jonathan Ross

How Do The Beaches & Water Activities Compare?

With Cancun flanked by the Caribbean Sea, it’s no surprise that the water is warm for swimming, and the sand perfect for sunbathing.

In contrast Hawaii – sat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean – has slightly rougher waves. Albeit that’s why it’s the home of surfing!

But the reality is, that whether you are looking for a quiet beach where you can dive into this season’s best-selling book, a party beach, or an activity-rich beach with excellent watersports options, both Cancun and Hawaii have you covered. 

We’ll look at their beaches and coastline in more detail below, showing you what the best beaches in Cancun and Hawaii have to offer, so you can see which may suit you best.

Akumal bay - Caribbean white beach in Riviera Maya, coast of Yucatan and Quintana Roo, Mexico
iStock.com/Simon Dannhauer

Cancun: Beaches & Water Activities

Cancun has many gorgeous white sand beaches, and within the Hotel Zone we would say Playa Delfines is one of the best.

The turquoise water there is shallow and warm making it perfect for swimming, but another fun aspect of this beach are the iguanas that come to sunbathe here too. You can often spot dolphins from the beach as well!

Of course Cancun is a destination where fun is always just around the corner, so why not head to Playa Ballenas where you can hire jet skis and go racing over the waves.

But if you prefer something more serene, like scuba diving or snorkeling, then you’re also in luck.

Passing right by Cancun is the Mesoamerican Reef, the world’s second largest barrier reef system, and a fantastic place to spot marine life including whale sharks.

For the best snorkeling day trips from Cancun, head out to Isla Mujeres on a whale shark snorkeling trip.

Whale sharks are one of the most impressive sights you can see in the ocean. They are the world’s largest fish, but fear not, they have no real teeth and have no interest in humans. Their diet consists of tiny plankton, which they filter feed from the ocean. Swimming with these gentle giants is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

whale shark swimming
iStock.com/crisod

Hawaii: Beaches & Water Activities

For travelers leaning towards a Hawaiian holiday, there’s still many great beaches where you can enjoy that famous laid-back surfer vibe and tropical sands.

Some of our favorites include the less well-known Waimea Bay Beach on Oahu, and the stunning Hanalei Bay on Kauai island. And for great snorkeling and the chance to see turtles, then visit Hanauma Bay on Oahu. A great underwater camera – such as this one – is a must.

For a more fun-fueled beach adventure, pick up a cocktail at the famous Waikiki Beach and get chatting to locals. If you’re feeling energetic, a hike up Hawaii’s Diamond Head – which looms over Waikiki – will give you spectacular panoramic views of Honolulu and Oahu.

But the big difference with the Hawaiian coast compared to Cancun is just how varied it is.

When it comes to the quality of Hawaiian beaches, they are jaw-dropping visual spectacles. Sand ranges in coarseness and colour—from gold to black and even green thanks to the lingering effects of volcanic minerals.

Recommended: Sharks & Shark Attacks In Hawaii

Water can change from crystal clear to deep blue to emerald green all within a matter of a few feet. Backdrops range from protruding volcanic lava rock formations to lush tropical jungle. Talk about photogenic!

Hawaii beach Honolulu city travel landscape of Waikiki beach and Diamond Head mountain peak at sunset, Oahu island, USA vacation.
iStock.com/Maridav

Alongside that there’s obviously fantastic surfing to be found throughout the archipelago – with the famous surfer-friendly beach of Waikiki (photo above) a great place to start.

Hawaii also boasts one of the highest densities of underwater species in the world and has frequently been crowned as one of the top diving destinations on the planet by leading travel publications. 

One of the most famous activities under the water is the Kona Manta Night Dive – where you get to watch manta rays feed amongst lights while swimming around them. It may just be the world’s best underwater experience.

For that dive, the dive operators will floodlight the reef. The lights attract plankton, and the plankton attracts the mantas. Then you sit and watch these gentle giants swooping back and forth above the reef, performing perfect barrel rolls as they feast on the plankton.

Simply put, while Cancun may have the best white sand beaches for sunbathing with a cocktail in your hand, Hawaii has the best beaches when it comes to stunning landscapes and exciting activities.

Surfer girl surfing walking with surfboard on Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii. Female bikini woman walking with surfboard living healthy active lifestyle on Hawaiian beach.
iStock.com/Maridav

Which Has Better Excursions?

There’s plenty of excursions and day trips in both destinations, but they’re very different from each other.

Do you want to hike active volcanoes or shop until you drop? Would you prefer a taste of Hawaiian aloha culture or do you want to go back in time to a period when the Maya roamed Mexico?

Knowing what the main activities and excursions are in both Cancun and Hawaii can help pinpoint which vacation spot suits your interests best. So let’s dive in!

Na Pali Coast from drone
iStock.com/ShaneMyersPhoto

Cancun: The Excursions

There’s always shopping opportunities in Cancun, and one of the best places to ‘shop till you drop’ is La Isla Cancun Shopping Village. This huge mall has a fascinating array of shops, from locals selling handicrafts to the world-renowned Prada. There’s even an aquarium.

But if you venture outside of the Hotel Zone you can find some exciting day trips – like swimming in cenotes and exploring ancient ruins – that many tourists often ignore, choosing to stay within the comfy confines of their all-inclusive resort instead.

For culture vultures, a day trip to the ancient city of Chichen Itza is possible from Cancun – this breathtaking ancient Mayan city is intact and atmospheric, and no trip to the region is complete without visiting it.

Close by you can also find cenotes – huge sinkholes that have filled with water and are now gorgeous natural swimming pools. They’re perfect for cooling down on a hot day, and the turquoise-hued water contrasting with the lush green jungle makes for a perfect Instagram shot.

Fancy a day-trip to a nearby island? From Cancun, you can also jump on the ferry across to Isla Mujeres. It’s a peaceful paradise and a great escape if the hustle and bustle of Cancun is getting too much for you

And for something a bit different, why not become a pirate in the evening and join Captain Hook Cancun. For several hours you will be taken out to sea on huge replica pirate boats to enjoy a themed show & dinner. It’s fun and sums up Cancun well – there’s always something happening here.

Recommended: Your Guide to Culture in Cancun

Sunset at Mayan pyramid of Kukulcan The Castle
iStock.com/IR Stone

Hawaii: The Excursions

Simply put, Hawaii is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream and if you’re looking for a nature or hiking-orientated holiday, then choose Hawaii over Cancun. The islands are filled with interesting geological structures, incredible hiking trails, and unique flora and fauna to explore.

Hiking destinations range from waterfalls tucked away in the depths of indigenous forests, such as the famous Hi’ilawe Falls on the Big Island; exclusive beaches such as Kaui’s Kalalau Beach which can only be accessed by the epic 11-mile long Kalalau Trail; and the legendary Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

In fact if you want to see some of the world’s most active volcanoes and lava bursting out of the ground (which you can see at Volcanoes National Park), or actual scenes from Jurassic Park (the landscape was filmed in Hawaii’s Kauai), then this U.S. state is going to be a dream vacation.

Alongside the countless hiking trails you can enjoy, other popular outdoor activities include exotic bird spotting, helicopter rides, flying through the forest via ziplines, cycling the hilly shorelines for ocean views, and traversing the jungles by ATV. 

And for something more cultural, head to the Polynesian Cultural Centre in Oahu to learn more about the Polynesian people and culture. We have more on culture in both destinations next!

A series of lava flows spill into the ocean over a cliff at dusk, on the Big Island, Hawaii
iStock.com/Ken McCurdy

Which Is Better For Culture?

Cancun: Culture

To put it frankly, Cancun on its own isn’t really the best place for those looking to get a taste of a different culture. Even though it is part of Mexico – which is a beautiful country with vibrant culture – Cancun is a city with a modern feel that was engineered to cater to American tourism.

You can, however, go on excursions to nearby towns to get a glimpse of local culture and history. One of the most popular cultural excursions from Cancun is, of course, ChichĂ©n Itzá – which we mentioned above.

But for a deeper dive into Mayan culture, you should try and experience the traditional Mayan Temazcal Purification Ceremony. This ceremony takes place at night, and you’ll get therapeutic healing from a shaman to relieve stress and aches.

The ceremony also includes swimming in a cenote and eating traditional Mayan dinner in a local’s home. It’s a truly special vacation experience to take home.

There’s also the El Rey Archaeological Zone Mayan ruin located in Cancun. It’s a much smaller complex than ChichĂ©n Itzá – which is understandable as ChichĂ©n Itzá is actually part of an ancient city – but it’s a great alternative for those who don’t have the time to travel out of the resort area.

Cancun, Mexico. Traditional handcrafted historic Mexican souvenirs artwork for sale at shop
iStock.com/Ingus Kruklitis

Hawaii: Culture

As we’ve mentioned previously, Hawaii is internationally known for its culture. Most of us even know aspects of Hawaiian culture without visiting: such as hula dancing and the traditional clothing that comes with it.

Luckily the local culture in Hawaii is still very prominent despite the many tourists that visit every year. And the traditional Hawaiian feast and entertainment, called a “luau“, is one of the top things to do while visiting the archipelago as it will introduce you to many aspects of Hawaiian culture.

For example at the Smith Family Garden Luau in Kauai, visitors are able to learn a Hawaiian cooking method called kalua, take part in the traditional “Imu Ceremony” of unearthing a pig, and will learn the hula dance.

When it comes to culture, we have to say that Hawaii wins over Cancun. The local culture is so prominent throughout the islands and you may even see hula dancers greeting you as soon as you get off the plane!

And despite politically being part of the US, Hawaii also has its own language. While most of the population will speak English on day to day basis, you’ll still find many who speak Hawaiian, especially on the island of Maui.

Two Hawaiian hula dancers move gracefully before the warm glow of the tropical sunset.
iStock.com/JayBraun

Where You Should Stay According To Your Budget

Cancun

Shoestring: Finding a stylish place on a shoestring budget is hard in Cancun, but Nomads Enigmatic Hotel & Hostel is just that.

This modern hostel in downtown Cancun has been created in an old Mexican style but comes complete with bar, outside swimming pool and wonderful shared garden. For the price, it’s a fantastic choice. See photos and rates!

Budget: It’s even harder to find luxurious beachside accommodation in the city’s famous hotel zone without stratospheric prices attached to it. However Oleo Cancun Playa Boutique All Inclusive Resort offers an all-inclusive experience – and even rooms with sea views – at more than half the price of many neighboring hotels. See photos and rates!

Luxury: Set in the heart of the action in Cancun’s hotel zone, and with every luxury imaginable including butler service, Turquoize at Hyatt Ziva Cancun with its unbelievable beachside views and infinity pool is as high end as you can get. See photos and rates!

Resort swimming pool with sunset
iStock.com/Soft_Light

Hawaii

Shoestring: Just one minute from the beach and with free bike rental, Hakuna Matata Hostel on Maui is fun, cheap and friendly. You’ll be making memories in no time here, and without damaging your bank account. See photos and rates!

Budget: Located in the heart of Waikiki, 2 minutes walk to the famous Waikiki Beach and surrounded by shopping and dining is the luxury boutique Halepuna Waikiki hotel.

This four-star hotel will stretch budgets, but the panoramic views of the ocean and city – alongside the gorgeous infinity pool – will be worth it. See photos and rates!

Luxury: Montage Kapalua Bay on Maui is one of those hotels we all wish to stay in one day. It’s extravagant beachfront luxury on a 24-acre landscaped resort with unparalleled views to the sea and beach access. It’s everything you’d expect of a five-star resort and more. See photos and rates!

Happy couple in infinity pool
iStock.com/grinvalds

Which Has Better Nightlife?

If vacation time means party time to you, then Cancun may be the better choice. Whilst there are plenty of bars and clubs throughout Hawaii, the huge nightclubs in Cancun (known as mega clubs) are just that bit bolder, brighter, and larger.

Cancun is renowned for being a boisterous Spring Break destination, and the clubs and bars are geared towards this party scene throughout the year.

Mega clubs holding 5,000 people blast out the tunes well into the early hours. In short, you will have no problem finding a wild party in Cancun.

We’d say the nightlife scene in Hawaii is a little more laid-back than Cancun, and in general is centered around the bar scene rather than mega clubs like in Cancun. 

There’s still plenty going on once the sun has set in Hawaii though, certainly in areas that attract the younger crowd like Waikiki. But if you are looking to party every night with like-minded vacationers, maybe Cancun will be the better option for you.

Young women dancing in a nightclub
iStock.com/shironosov

Which Has Better Food?

All in all, it’s hard to choose which one has the better cuisine as both places serve delicious food that represents their culture.

Cancun food is a combination of savory, salty and sour, spicy, and starchy, while Hawaiian food is a complement of meaty, salty, creamy, and sweet.

Cancun: The Food Scene

You simply can’t go wrong with Mexican food.

Even if Cancun is very tourist-oriented and may lose to other Mexican cities when it comes to authentic Mexican food, it still has a great food scene ranging from street food to international gourmet restaurants.

One of the foods Cancun is most known for is tamale, which is basically corn dough stuffed with meat, veggies, and sauce. Another specialty is the tikin xic fish, which is fish marinated in annatto and sour orange.

For a lighter meal, sopa de lima is a must-try. It’s a Yucatan special soup with citrus-infused broth topped with meat.

Of course, you can’t miss out on tacos while in Mexico. Cancun is particularly popular for its tacos de cochinita pibil, which are filled with suckling pig meat marinated in sauce and spices.

As for sweets, try marquesita, a rolled crispy crepe filled to the brim with melted shredded cheese or any topping of your choosing.

Many types of tacos on the table.
iStock.com/Gulcin Ragiboglu

Hawaii: The Food Scene

First and foremost, Hawaii is known for its poke, a meal consisting of raw marinated fish (usually tuna), served with cucumbers and rice.

There’s also the Hawaiian plate lunch, a cheap meal that you’ll find sold in every corner of Hawaii. It’s kind of hard to describe since the menu can vary, but overall it consists of rice, macaroni salad, and a protein source – usually local Hawaiian food like kalua pork or spam musubi.

Talk about kalua pork, Hawaii is known to have some of the best pork. Hawaiian pork is always juicy, succulent, and will melt in your mouth.

The traditional dish, laulau, is pork wrapped in ti leaves and cooked underground for hours. Fun fact, ti leaves are the same leaves used to make hula skirts.

Other Hawaiian specialties are the comfort food loco moco consisting of rice and hamburger with gravy, the ramen-like saimin noodles, and huli huli chicken.

For dessert, you can’t go wrong with shaved ice, topped with chunks of fruit and syrup. Starchy dessert options are chantilly cake or chantilly coco puffs, malassadas, and kūlolo.

One small detail is that Hawaii’s tap water is drinkable, while in Cancun it is not. It’s even said that Hawaii has some of the purest water in the U.S., due to its natural purification system by filtering through volcanic rock.

A girl eating and enjoying Hawaiian Ahi Poke Bowl on Waikiki Beach
iStock.com/mirnet

Which Is Better For A Family Vacation?

Cancun: For Families

With world-class beaches that are both beautiful and great for water activities such as swimming, water sports, and snorkeling, Cancun is a dream vacation. So both adults and children will have no trouble finding things to do on the shore!

Away from the coast, there are many other kid-friendly attractions. Still water-related, there’s the Interactive Aquarium Cancun. This is not just a standard aquarium, and as the name suggests visitors get to interact with aquatic wildlife firsthand. Swimming with dolphins? Check. Shark feeding? Check. Walking underwater? Check!

You can also take your children to experience being a pirate by booking a night aboard the Jolly Roger Pirate Ship. Witness a dramatic sword fight, pirates swinging from ropes, and treasure hunting with Captain Black Jack.

As you can see, there are many attractions around the resorts in Cancun, but most of them are manmade and often aimed specifically at kids.

Therefore, Cancun is suitable for parents looking for a comfortable trip with the kids where there’s many activities on your doorstep. There are also fun adventures outside of the resort area, if you want to venture away from the hotel zone. 

Happy family - mother, kid in snorkeling mask dive underwater, explore tropical fishes in coral reef sea pool. Travel active lifestyle, beach adventure, swimming activity on summer holiday with child.
iStock.com/B Raro

Hawaii: For Families

We’ve listed so many things to do in Hawaii, and all of them are family-friendly activities! From hiking and wildlife spotting to volcano touring, you will find many attractions that are exciting for kids.

But there are still so many family-friendly attractions that we haven’t mentioned. Your kids can learn about the universe by going through the exhibits at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center and watching the educational shows at their planetarium.

Named one of the top aquariums in the world, not only is Maui Ocean Center an aquarium but also an oceanography center. It is home to the largest living tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. One of their most popular attractions is seeing humpback whales in the 3D Sphere Experience.

Another unique attraction is the Pearl Harbor Tour. Commemorating the events that led to the start of World War II, the museum offers a thorough explanation of the incident. Visitors also get to board a U.S. Navy-operated boat for a visit to the Memorial.

Aside from the countless excursions and attractions, one point where Hawaii beats Cancun is the local cultural experience. It’s important to teach children about other cultures and most kids are naturally curious about different cultures, too. And Hawaii is bursting with culture.

In fact many hotels in Hawaii offer children’s programs called keiki. This usually includes learning how to make lei and hula dancing lessons.

One of the best family resorts in Hawaii is the Hilton Waikoloa Village. A lagoon runs through the property and you can find even dolphins swimming in there! Hotel guests are welcome to help out dolphin trainers and feed the dolphins.

The bottom line is if you’re looking for an easy and comfortable family trip, Cancun is a great option. On the other hand, if you want to take your family exploring, adventuring and want them to experience local culture, Hawaii is the best bet.

You can’t run out of things to do in Hawaii too, which is understandable as it’s a whole archipelago consisting of 7 (inhabited) islands. Meanwhile, Cancun is just one city.

As for a safety comparison, Hawaii has a relatively lower crime index compared to Cancun. So that’s worth keeping in mind too.

Mom and daughters silhouette in the sunset on bridge
iStock.com/travnikovstudio

Which Is Better For A Honeymoon?

Overall, both destinations are great for a honeymoon and we really can’t say which one is better.

That’s because both Cancun and Hawaii are known for having fantastic resorts for those looking for a lazy, relaxing honeymoon.

But the big difference is that Cancun doesn’t offer much more outside of its resort area, whereas in Hawaii there are so many things to do for adventurous couples.

We look at both when it comes to honeymoons next:

Couple enjoying beach vacation holidays at tropical resort with swimming pool and coconut palm trees near the coast with beautiful landscape at sunset, honeymoon destination
iStock.com/NicoElNino

Cancun: For Honeymoons

Cancun has long been a popular honeymoon location due to its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. The coast is lined with resorts offering sea views and direct access to the beach, all ready to spoil you and your spouse on your romantic trip.

As for the attractions other than the beach, if you’re willing to take an excursion out of the resort areas, we 100% recommend visiting the cenotes in nearby towns.

Mexico is known to have some of the most picturesque cenotes – see picture below – and they truly create an enchanting romantic vibe and great pics.

Cancun’s reputation as a party town is also a plus for young couples wanting to throw away their inhibitions together.

If that sounds like you, then Le Blanc Spa Resort is a great option for a hotel because it’s located near the best nightlife district which is called Party Center. The hotel itself is couples-oriented, being an adults-only resort, and offers a variety of amenities.

Another fantastic adults-only resort is Live Aqua Beach Resort. The hotel offers the ideal tropical honeymoon with private beach access and superb food. But where Live Aqua really excels is their impeccable service, as they go above and beyond to make sure your honeymoon is as relaxing and romantic as possible.

Happy, young couple in white summer clothes enjoying their vacation on a tropical beach
iStock.com/SHansche

Hawaii: For Honeymoons

Hawaii is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations on earth. The beautiful beaches are a big attraction, with riding horses along the beach being a particularly popular activity for newlyweds. But there are still so many other things to do in Hawaii for couples.

If swimming in the sea is getting boring, Hawaii also offers many beautiful, tall waterfalls, such as Wailua Falls. Swimming and taking pictures in front of huge cascades of waterfalls makes a fun and memorable honeymoon.

Sailing is also a popular thing to do for couples on their honeymoon in Hawaii. Set out on the open sea together and enjoy the romantic atmosphere, especially if you get to sail while the sun sets. Who knows, maybe you’ll come across a pod of dolphins too.

For an even more one-of-a-kind ride, book a private two-passenger helicopter tour overlooking the gorgeous landscape of Hawaii. You’ll see everything the state has to offer, from the coast to waterfalls to mountains. It’s a very unique honeymoon activity.

Another must-do activity in Hawaii is stargazing. The best stargazing spot is Mauna Kea, particularly on the mountain’s 13,803-foot-high peak.

This is no ordinary stargazing as you’ll be able to see the Galactic Core of the Milky Way if you visit from February through September!

For a less physically demanding experience, stargazing can be done in other spots in Hawaii and even on some remote beaches. Other popular stargazing spots include Kulanaokuaiki Campground on the Big Island, Polihale State Park beach on Kaua’i, and Haleakala National Park on Maui.

And of course, on your honeymoon don’t forget to enjoy an evening listening to live Hawaiian music while sipping a cocktail. Live Hawaiian music can be found in many tiki bars during the evenings.

In conclusion, choosing between Cancun and Hawaii for a honeymoon comes down to the kind of holiday you want to have. If you want a relaxing honeymoon in a resort, Cancun may be best. But if you want your honeymoon to be filled with diverse activities and some adventure, Hawaii is the better choice.

romantic couple in love sitting together on rope swing at sunset beach, silhouettes of young man and woman on holidays or honeymoon
iStock.com/anyaberkut

Which Is Cheaper?

One big advantage Cancun has over Hawaii is that it’s cheaper.

Food in Hawaii can be expensive, and even street food can be surprisingly costly. That’s because Hawaii is the most expensive state in the US, beating the likes of New York and California by a big distance.

Couple walking on Waikiki beach Hawaii vacation. Happy couple in love relaxing at sunset on tourist famous travel destination in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii.
iStock.com/Maridav

Cancun vs Hawaii: Which Is The Better Holiday Destination?

Both of these holiday destinations will provide unforgettable memories, but for very different reasons.

Cancun is energetic, busy, loud and developed. The beaches and aqua water here are gorgeous, and the shopping and nightlife scene is famous for a reason.

So if you’re looking for a lively holiday that combines sunbathing with eating out, partying late, and lots of touristy things to do, then Cancun will be the better choice than Hawaii.

However if you want an active holiday, then Hawaii will provide one that can be packed full of culture and adventure, as well as great beaches and snorkeling spots.

Hawaii also has a more authentic feel than Cancun, and the landscape is second to none.

Author

  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.