In this corner SBH, in the other corner HI

[bkeats]

So we are trying to plan an extended family get together for next spring when the various branches of the family will meet before all the children have gotten too old and sophisticated to want to spend any time with the parents. Needless to say, the goal is to go someplace warm and sunny. Some have suggested Hawaii. I’ve put SBH into the mix. I’ve never been to Hawaii and though I have been meaning to go for sometime, wife and I prefer SBH for a spring trip. The left coast branch has been to Hawaii several times but never to SBH. Many of the others have been to neither. So I’m looking to make a bullet proof case for everyone to travel many hours to SBH instead of me travelling many hours to HI (so I’m a little selfish). I’m looking for advice from those who have been to both places and hopefully prefer SBH. What makes you want to go to one over the other?

 

[LMAC]

I've been to both places ...... it's like comparing apples and oranges. Totally different. I've been to Oahu and the Big Island - I understand there are other, less developed islands that may be better than the two of those.

From what I've seen of Hawaii - it's more like a stateside beach resort complete with fast food, LOTS of tourists and it takes forever to get there (though you did say some people will be going from the west coast).

You don't mention cost ..... and maybe it is not a factor, but I would think St. Barts would be considerably more expensive.

 

[zp]

I don't know how large your familly is but you could probably book either a large villa or an entire small hotel in Saint Barth. So it would feel a lot more like a familly celebration than being lost among 500+ guests in Hawaii.

 

[jeffbg]

Tough call because there are so many factors. Having been in both places, there are certainly tradeoffs.

Hawaii is like beach resorts on the West Coast, only more tropical and hotter, more lush. But, plenty of fast food, surf shops, etc. Not much of a retreat from the United States if that is what you want. Beautiful and plenty to do for sure, but more about tourism and activities than SBH.

In terms of cost -- we've looked for "villas" in Hawaii before and they either don't exist or don't come cheap. Depending on your group size, SBH might not be that much more expensive if you consider comparable lodging. Food, shopping, etc is a different matter, depending on what you want to do for your get together.

-- Jeff

 

[didier]

been to hawaii, the big island, very nice with very nice hotels, loved it also. although it does not compare to st. barts by any means, but the food and drink will be sooooo much cheaper in hawaii. ever considered fiji? very nice there and not as expensive as either sbh or hawaii, but a much longer flight.............lol. good luck with that decision, you may save a little on lodging by staying in st. barts, but the price of eating out will blow any savings there.

 

[bkeats]

Looking to stay away from Oahu. The choice is either the Big Island or Kauai. We have no desire to stay in a big resort with groups on package tours. While we have a budget, I think its pretty generous. I've been making the case for a quieter more relaxing place with amazing food. I have a harder time with the surfers as I lose that argument. I like the thought of Fiji though. Always wanted to visit Bora Bora too!

 

[Voosh]

OK. I'm biased. SBH.

Surfing? There's some decent opportunities on SBH for that. Plus - no fast food restaurants, no hordes of tourists, plenty of space on those 9 sq. miles to enjoy, great food, virtually no crime, great folks (usually, nobody surly,) a really cool air flight in, totally laid back, wear shorts to a superb dinner ... I could go on and on

 

[NHDiane]

I agree that it is an apples and oranges comparison. We have been to Oahu and Kauai and really like the latter. Hawaii is beautiful but we prefer SBH hands down only because we prefer the European vibe versus the US. You can't escape the commercialism of the good old USA and Hawaii is no exception. Too much of the "expected" if that makes any sense We have talked about returning to Hawaii but can't seem to pass up SBH (we can't do both). Although we feel that we know SBH pretty well, there is always something new for us. Guess you have to decide what it is that you prefer/like and list pros and cons.

 

[bkeats]

Where can you surf? I've seen a little when there are storms brewing, but wasn't aware of a regular surfing spot. That would be awesome if there was one. I'm all for SBH over HI. I love the ambiance and french feel and hopefully, that will carry the day. Thanks to all for your suggestions.

 

[Peter NJ]

Surfing at
Toiny Beach
St Jean Bay
Lorient
Beach Break at Flammands mostly bodyboarding

 

[tim]

Also just off the Christopher Hotel in the proper conditions.

 

[KevinS]

Surfing at
Toiny Beach
St Jean Bay
Lorient
Beach Break at Flammands mostly bodyboarding

Watch out for Toiny. There's sometimes a nasty rip in the water there.

Here are a few video clips of surfing at Toiny. These are NOT the typical conditions. I'm not sure if the clips were made before or after Hurricane Bill in August of 2009.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H3lnuAkZW0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mCAb3Eh0nY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4fvFbaSnjg

 

[Reed]

Hello,

Before I discovered SBH I use to live on the Big Island in the winter. Have traveled to all the other islands other than Molokai. The distance to travel became a problem if I had to get back to the East Coast for business. Hawaii has many beauties but in my opinion is in no way as fabulous as SBH. Think Walmart, K-mart etc. and a real non- community feel. You stay in a resort and you really don't learn anything about the local culture. The locals seem to be of 2 different types, either amazing tri-athleton folks or stoners hanging out and living on the beach. I lived their for 5 winters and have some knowledge of which I speak. Most fabulous place was on Maui at the Hotel Hana Maui which was paradise. Please feel free to PM me with any deets. k.

 

[MIke R]

been to both...one for 30 years ( SBH) and one once ( Hawaii )...couldn't wait to get the hell out of Hawaii....hated it...we went for wedding...did the big island, which was ok....Oahu I hated...we originally planned a week stay after the wedding...disliked it so much we canceled everything and instead went to Tahoe skiing which made this ski bum a very happy man

 

[BillandCathy]

Depending on where you stay, and what you care to do, HI may indeed have more to offer (golf, amusement parks, sightseeing, volcanoes, helicopter rides through the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, better snorkeling, etc). I do not, though I am sure some may disagree, think of SBH as a destination for those seeking activities, and often contemplate how little time it probably takes for a youngster to become bored. The greatest SBH draws for us are:
-The water temperature is above 80 so the water is more enjoyable; we find the Pacific just too darn cold.
-Great restaurants.
-Topless beaches.
-"Fashion shows" at Le-Ti St. Barth.
-People watching.
-Plenty of bars with cold Carib to pass the time.

So if your clan is looking for this kind of R&R it may be a quick sale. If they, however, want adventure, perhaps sell them on the thrill of the airplane landing at SBH. As for travel time, it’s about 17 hours door to door from PHX (if you can get the right flights without having to overnight at a connection). Perhaps you can impress upon the kids that you are too “frail” to fly so many hours to HI (you know, with bad cabin air and the risk of DVT’s), so they need to come your way .

An acquaintance just returned from HI, having rented a four bedroom home for $4000 for the week, so if cost is a factor, HI may be the value… not to mention the Euro exchange rate will further exacerbate the cost of a SBH trip.

 

[Dr. No]

Been to both places. Hawaii x3; St. Barth x2.

Never been to St. Barth with the kiddos (10 and 14) or the grandparents.

I'm strongly biased. I'd give up 10 weeks in Hawaii for one week in St. Barth. And you'll never see me spending time on a Hawaii website.

However, if you're going with FAMILY (young, old, different interests, maybe some difficulty getting around, whatever) Hawaii is the better family destination, even if it still feels like you never left the US. Logistics, travel, parking (most of the time) and the variety of activities make Hawaii the better choice for family--my opinion.

 

[rivertrash]

SBH and Hawaii just can't be compared. It would be like comparing Texas and Rhode Island. SBH is SBH. Hawaii is Honolulu, Hana, Wailea, Poipu, Hanalei and Lanai, all of which are very different from each other, and I'm sure there are other places there that I haven't been to and which are different from these. I suggest you take a look at the island of Lanai, which is not overrun with tourists, but has first class lodging and food and all the activities you could want. From Dallas the travel time is about the same as to SBH. Your mileage might be different depending on where you live.

 

[bkeats]

Hmmm, lots to think about, but the clear preference is for SBH (not surprising as this is a SBH board). We're trying to get siblings and siblings-in-law together and the kids. The ages of the kids go from 3 to 15. The starting spots are NYC, Boston and Cali so we're all going to have a fair amount of travel time. While we have some surfers, I don't think we're looking for a lot of activities. Maybe see if we can get the older kids interested in getting certified for diving, some tennis and I think we will be good. I think I have the points I need to make my case. Thanks to all for your feedback.

 

[taxkohn]

Living in CA, Hawaii has always been a convenient trip to get away from the NorCal winters. After four or five trips I completely swore off of Hawaii because it was far too touristy and the experience was not very enjoyable. About that time we discovered SB and have returned every year since. This year we were planning our 2012 February escape from winter and when Australia, and New Zealand fell through I took a look at Hawaii and found a lot of appealing properties on VRBO. The Big Island has a lot of homes as does the windward and North Shore side of Oahu. While condos still are the predominant housing option on Maui, Oahu and Hawaii, I was pleasantly surprised by the house options and the reasonable prices for them. I won't know until next year whether Hawaii is a good option, but I think it needs to be considered given the high cost of SB rentals in high season.

 

[Voosh]

Also just off the Christopher Hotel in the proper conditions.

Absolutely. One year we had a friend along that is an experienced surfer from CA. Main comment was "That's some short runs, but they do it well. Wish I had a few more days to go hit it."

Anyways, as with all family/group plannings - ya'll research, plan, have an open table discussion, understand that not everyone will be "thrilled," jump and shout, make a decision and then go enjoy it. Some will come back. Some won't. C'est la vie. But the process and enjoyment (for most) is the prize. Even the ones that weren't thrilled will, usually, talk to you again afterwards.