Barbados vs Hawaii
I’m absolutely an island girl! Perhaps it’s because I was born in Barbados, but this post won’t be a biased sell on Barbados, because I very much loved Hawaii! I’ve been to Oahu and the Big Island and plan to return one day to see the Nā Pali Coast in Kauai!
What I will do is break down Barbados vs Hawaii and compare them in various categories so you can decide which slice of paradise will be the one to choose for your next trip!
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Geographic Overview | Barbados vs Hawaii
Barbados
Barbados is the Eastern most island in the Caribbean. It sits quite far south with St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines as it’s closest neighbors. It is a small island of 21 miles long by 14 miles wide and one of the more densely populated places on earth.
Barbados is a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, averaging around 80°F (27°C). For such a small island, it boasts diverse landscapes! You can experience everything from the white sandy beaches of the west coast to the rugged cliffs of the east coast, where the Atlantic Ocean creates dramatic waves and breathtaking views.
The capital city, Bridgetown, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich history and colonial architecture. The island’s lush interior is dotted with sugar cane fields and botanical gardens. Overall, Barbados is a captivating destination that combines natural beauty with cultural richness.
Hawaii
Hawaii is an enchanting archipelago located in the central Pacific Ocean, comprising 137 islands, with eight main islands being the most notable. Each island offers its own unique experience. Oahu is famous for its bustling city life and iconic beaches like Waikiki, while Maui is renowned for its scenic drives and luxury resorts. Of course, you already know I’ve got my sights on the Nā Pali Coast in Kauai.
The warm tropical climate ensures pleasant weather year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C), though there are mountains in Hawaii that can see snow!
Hawaii’s geographical features are a blend of volcanic mountains, expansive beaches, and stunning waterfalls. Hawaii’s rich geological history and breathtaking landscapes create a sense of awe and adventure, making it a captivating destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
Limestone vs Volcanic
Unlike other islands in the Caribbean or Hawaii in the Pacific, Barbados is not a volcanic island. Barbados has a nickname among locals calling it “the rock” as it is essentially one massive reef emerging from the Atlantic!
Hawaii, as you probably already know, was created by volcanic activity and still has an active Volcano! As the lava cools, it creates new land, so Hawaii is still being formed as lava continues to flow!
Local Food | Barbados vs Hawaii
Local Flavors of Barbados
Seafood is the obvious star of the show in Barbados! Flying fish is the signature dish and a must try when on the island! The other must try is a fish cutter which is a sandwich with salt bread! You can get fish cutters with various types of fish, but flying fish or dolphin (mahi) are the most common.
I recommend Cuzz’s Fish Stand, which as the name suggests is a humble fish stand serving fish cutters. Just talking about it makes me want one right now! It’s a simple meal, but delicious! However, you can get delicious fish cutters from plenty of places!
Oistins Fish Fry can be a great experience if you don’t mind crowds! Besides the national dish of flying fish and cou cou, other dishes to try include macaroni pie, Conkies, plantains (pronounced plant-in ;)), fish cakes and don’t forget to try some rum punch!
You can also try roti here, but it’s actually a Trinidadian dish! My mum is from Trinidad and I love Trini food! Flavors are 10 of 10, but it’s not technically Barbadian.
Local Flavors of Hawaii
Hawaiian flavors have been influenced by a completely different set of cultures, but seafood is a staple here as well! Poke is considered a must, and I have to say I love how popular poke has become.
Loco Moco, Spam Musubi, Saimin, Manapua and garlic shrimp are other foods to put on your radar while in Hawaii! Poi is very Hawaiian made from taro. It’s served as a side and is said to go well with poke, meats or fish.
Poi is often served with Kalua Pork at Luaus, which is a cultural experience I recommend while in Hawaii! You will learn about the Polynesian and Hawaiian cultures, get a delicious meal and a show!
Checkout this Luau: Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia’s Forgotten History
Winner?
I’m calling this a tie! They are completely different but both offer a delicious local food scene and have great restaurants overall! I’m salivating for a fish cutter right now because there is no way to get salt bread up here and the quality of fish here is average at best! However, I had poke the other day thanks to its popularity, so we’ll keep this as a draw.
Activities and Attractions | Barbados vs Hawaii
Surfing
You might think Barbados vs Hawaii in regards to surfing will have a clear winner, but Barbados is also a world class surfing destination! Now surfing actually originated in Polynesia, however, most of the documentation of surfing took place in Hawaii!
So Barbados did not originate surfing, but advanced surfers would have heard of Soup Bowl. Kelly Slater, the GOAT of surfing, calls it one of his favorite waves!
Of course, North Shore in Hawaii is legendary and with surfing being part of the Hawaiian culture the opportunities to surf will be plentiful!
Beginner Surf Lessons
I didn’t take surf lessons when I was in Waikiki, but that is a great place for beginner surf lessons in Hawaii! One drawback could be the crowds, but it’s considered a great wave for beginners!
Of course, since surfing is part of the Hawaiian culture, you will have opportunities on any island!
Surf Lesson | Waikiki Private Group
I have taken beginner surf lessons in Barbados! Generally, beginners would take lessons on the south coast. The water is beautiful, clear and the waves are good for learning! One advantage of being a small island is it is easier to get to a better break down the coast if needed.
Che’s Surf School
Waterworld Surfing School
Barry’s Surf School
Winner?
Hawaii is widely considered the founder of surfing as we know it, so I suppose they have to be the winner, but barely! You can’t go wrong for beginner surf lessons at either destination and if you’re an advanced surfer, both locations are likely on your list already! However, Hawaii is much larger and with multiple islands, so the number of surfing spots far exceed Barbados since it’s a small island.
Snorkeling
Both Barbados and Hawaii offer snorkeling to see sea turtles! I’ve done this in Barbados a couple of times! You can’t go wrong sailing the calm waters of Barbados on a catamaran, with a drink in hand, taking in the views and stopping to admire the sea turtles!
While I’m sure Hawaii has a great experience as well, I think the Barbados ones come with more on the drinks and refreshments end. However, paradise and sea turtles are a win either way!
Diving
Again, both destinations offer scuba diving! Barbados is known for the shipwrecks and reefs! Hawaii is more known for animals from sharks to manta rays! And even humpback whales during their migration!
Two very different types of diving experiences, so it comes down to preference. Considering the shipwrecks in Barbados are in calmer, clearer waters, beginners like me might be better off gaining experience in Barbados before heading to Hawaii.
Humpback whales tend to make an appearance in Hawaii most years between December-March! Head to Barbados any time of year as those shipwrecks and reefs aren’t going anywhere!
Winner?
For both snorkeling and diving, it’s a tie! You can snorkel by sea turtles in both places! The diving is very different when it comes to Barbados vs Hawaii, so it’s not really comparable. Yet you can’t go wrong with either!
Hiking
Barbados doesn’t really have mountains and hiking isn’t plentiful. While there are some hikes, it doesn’t compare to Hawaii when it comes to hiking!
Hawaii is dripping with hikes to beautiful waterfalls or stellar views! It’s absolutely a hiking destination though be sure to consider which island has the hikes you want when planning your trip to Hawaii!
Winner?
Hawaii! There are so many options to hike in Hawaii! Barbados isn’t known for hiking and doesn’t really have a strong infrastructure for it.
Caves or Volcanoes
We’ve already touched on the fact that Barbados is made of limestone and Hawaii is volcanic.
I have visited Harrison’s Caves, which was a very well run ride through the caves! If you want a hike and a more rugged cave experience, consider Cole’s Cave Hike! If you haven’t rented a car for your Barbados trip, consider the tour below for Harrison’s Cave.
I’ve also been to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island! While I never saw any lava, the park is amazing to see and very large! My cousin and I did not do a tour as she was living there for college and had a SUV. However, even with a tour, you may not see lava, so be sure to ask and research if that is even possible if that is important to you!
Big Island Volcano Adventure: Explore Hilo and Volcanic Wonders
Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens
Winner?
Pick your preference as both are great! Barbados vs Hawaii on this one just comes down to what you want to see and experience.
Historical Sites
Barbados vs Hawaii when it comes to history cannot be more different, but both have plenty of historical sites to explore!
In Barbados head to St. Nicholas Abbey and enjoy some rum punch while you’re there! For some American history in Barbados, visit George Washington House where the first president of the United States lived for a period in 1751 as a nineteen year old. Barbados is the only place he lived outside the USA.
Also, check out St. John’s Parish Church (one of the Outer Banks filming locations if you’re a fan of the show) and Codrington College and be sure to take in the East Coast views while visiting either location. Consider Gun Hill Signal Station as well and of course Bridgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In Hawaii I got to visit Pearl Harbor, which has a more recent history for the USA, but a must visit if you’re in Oahu. While there also visit the Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri Memorial.
For Hawaiian history, check out Iolani Palace! Kealakekua Bay offers history and marine life! Pu`u Loa Petroglyphs offers archeological history! Also consider Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design and Historic Aloha Tower.
Of course, a lot of historical offerings in Hawaii merge with national parks and Hawaii has plenty to choose from!
Winner?
We’ve got another tie! Even Barbados has US history and both Barbados and Hawaii have interesting histories worth learning about and learning from.
Beaches
Barbados vs Hawaii in beaches, should we go ahead and call the tie! You literally cannot go wrong! Both will have calm, clear beaches. Both have beaches with waves! Barbados has a pink sand beach and Hawaii has black sand beaches.
You will enjoy a tropical paradise regardless of which you choose! Just be sure to check the beach you choose to stay on is the right type for you! Both islands have beaches that are better for swimming and beaches that are better for just admiring!
Island Hopping
Neither the Caribbean or Hawaii is currently setup for the type of island hopping Fiji offers in the Yasawa Islands.
The Caribbean Islands are not as setup for island hopping via ferry, mainly because they are quite far apart! Flight prices can vary, but I wouldn’t say they are cheap. A cruise is the easiest option for island hopping, but as someone who isn’t big into cruising, this is not my preferred method of island hopping.
However, sailing I’d be into! While SEARADAR does not currently offer Barbados as as destination option, there are other Caribbean Islands on the list. For an island hopping experience, look into the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands or St. Vincent and the Grenadines!
Hawaii is made up a numerous islands and inter-island travel is easier! Of course, for people who like cruising, there are plenty of options to cruise around the Hawaiian Islands. Flights to various Hawaiian Islands run about a third less than what a flight from Barbados to other Caribbean Islands would cost!
There are limited ferry options, but overall, the cost of flight travel coupled with the time saved, I think think flying will be the best way to go regardless.
Winner?
Hawaii is much easier and more affordable to island hop! While you can easily fly to other islands in the Caribbean as well, it’s not as cheap as in Hawaii (at least not yet).
Unique Experiences | Barbados vs Hawaii
Swim with Horses
In Barbados, you can head to Pebble’s Beach for a morning swim with race horses! The ritual takes place most days between 5:30 am and 7 am. Respect the guidance from the grooms and take in this experience from the shore or in the water!
If you need transport, consider the below tour option! Just make sure they offer pickup from your hotel or accommodation before booking.
Rum Tastings
Barbados is considered the birthplace of rum, as they have documentation dating back to 1650! I don’t drink much, but I have to say of drinks I’ve tried, rum drinks are my favorite. Maybe it’s in the blood? If you aren’t renting a car in Barbados, consider the below tour that offers hotel pickup and dropoff.
Cliff Jump at the Southernmost Point in the USA
The big island of Hawaii has the southernmost point in the USA. While I have been here, the conditions were not favorable for cliff jumping that day. However, I know my cousin jumped this cliff while she was attending school on the big island.
If you are a fan of cliff jumping, you may want to take on this 40 foot drop, but be sure to take all necessary safety precautions. And respect the ocean! I didn’t jump because the conditions were intense the day I visited.
Nā Pali Coast
I know, I’m borderline obsessed with the Nā Pali Coast! The images I’ve seen look incredible and while there might be some comparable areas on this planet, I haven’t seen enough proof or they aren’t as accessible. The coastline looks epic and worth seeing from a boat and/or helicopter!
Accommodation | Barbados vs Hawaii
When it comes to Barbados vs Hawaii, the biggest difference will be that one location is American and one is not. I say that as someone born in Barbados but grew up in America and well, most Americans have high expectations especially for hotels and resorts.
Can Barbados meets those high expectations? Yes and maybe no. If you have traveled internationally a lot, then I’d imagine your expectations of Barbados to be normal. If you have NOT traveled much internationally, it may not meet your expectations depending on what they are and where you stay.
Obviously, I love Barbados! However, I have heard American friends surprised by the condition in Nassau, Bahamas which both surprised me and didn’t surprise me. Puerto Rico is a good example as well. It’s not a state like a Hawaii and isn’t quite as built up (which I prefer) and the roads and buildings aren’t as well kept as you would find in Hawaii.
Personally, when I leave the states, I want a different experience. I loved Hawaii and appreciated the local culture, but it definitely feels like it’s part of the United States.
So if you are looking for a different feel than in the States, Barbados would win! If you want an American experience in paradise, then Hawaii for sure!
Barbados Accommodations
Prices are subject to change. They will also vary based on time of year.
Luxury over $1,000 | Sandy Lane
Under $1,000 Luxury | Cobblers Cove
Under $600 Room for a Family | Beach View
$250+ | The Crane Resort
Under $200 | OceanBlue Resort
Under $100 | Maxwell Del Mar Hotel
Hawaii Accommodations
Prices are subject to change. They will also vary based on time of year.
Luxury over $1,000 | Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Under $1,000 Luxury | The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu
Under $600 Room for a Family | Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu
$250+ | Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel
Under $200 | The Equus
Under $100 | Howzit Hostels
Weather and Best Time to Visit | Barbados vs Hawaii
Overall, both locations are year round destinations.
December to April is high season for Barbados and also the dry season. These months are popular as northerners want to escape winter. Barbados is the most quiet in September and October and some (not all) hotels and restaurants will shut down during this time.
December to January and Spring Break months are high season for Hawaii. For fewer crowds, consider April to June and September to November.
June to November is considered hurricane season for both. Hawaii rarely deals with these storms, and while Barbados can and does get hit by hurricanes, their Southeastern location is helpful in dodging a lot of activity!
Safety | Hawaii vs Barbados
The beauty of both of these destinations is they are relatively safe! As with any location, exercise normal precautions, but overall I’ve felt safe in both places. Consider your belongings as petty theft can happen in both places.
In Barbados, tourism is well regarded. Now that doesn’t mean you will have a perfect experience, but overall Bajans are friendly and helpful! They are happy you are there and the island knows you having a good experience is important.
I do remember some hostility from locals while on a tour bus in Oahu, Hawaii. From the little I understand it comes from a frustration that they can’t afford to live in their homeland and I can sympathize. However, it can feel off-putting when you are visiting.
This was an isolated experience, but I’ve seen coverage of these frustrations increasing. Again, I would feel frustrated if I was a local Hawaiian. It’s something worth noting and I think it would be great to support local, small businesses as much as possible during your trip!
How to Get to Barbados or Hawaii
There are cruises to both places, but flights are more common and much faster!
Miami to Barbados with a direct flight will take just under 4 hours and New York to Barbados will take under 5 hours.
A flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, Hawaii will take about 6 hours!
Depending on where you live, will influence how long the travel will be to either destination. This may ultimately be the deciding factor especially if your trip is a week or less.
Entry Requirements | Barbados vs Hawaii
Hawaii is a state, so US citizens will not need a passport. You will need a valid government photo identification as with all air travel.
Barbados does require US citizens to have a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays less than six months.
Is Hawaii close to Barbados?
I’m not sure they can be any further apart! Barbados is in the Atlantic Ocean sitting quite far south and is the easternmost island in the Caribbean. Hawaii sits in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Barbados sits 13°10′ North of the equator in the Atlantic and Hawaii sits 19 degrees North of the equator in the Pacific.
Which is further south the Hawaiian Islands or the Florida Keys?
Hawaii is further south and has the southernmost point in the USA. The Florida keys is the southernmost point in the continental USA.
What are some differences between Caribbean and Pacific Islands for vacationers?
Location and culture are the biggest differences! Both offer tropical paradise and adventures!
Depending on where you live, one set will feel more exotic than the other just based on accessibility. I’m partial to the Caribbean, since it’s my birthplace, but I also loved my time in Hawaii and Fiji!
Culturally they are very different as well, so I say visit both if you can!
Is Barbados more expensive than Hawaii?
For a lot of islands, cost of living tends to be high, since import costs exist on a lot of items!
Gas also tends to be more expensive, but on the flip side, you tend to drive less on an island and don’t need to fill up as often.
Barbados dollars are usually two to every one US dollar, but after the exchange rate, you are typically paying what you’d pay in the States or more. In Hawaii, you are using US currency.
Both destinations can be costly, but there are ways to save money as well. Overall though, if you are looking for a lower cost of living neither island is low.
Is it cheaper to live in Barbados than in the US?
As someone who has a birth certificate and could live in Barbados, I’d say cost of living is more in Barbados. However, cost of living in the States has really gone up as of late, so maybe they’re closer now.
For anyone who wasn’t born in Barbados, you have to meet a net worth requirement. With that being said, the cost of living won’t matter as much if you qualify.
What is better for a holiday Hawaii or Miami?
I live in Florida so I automatically think Hawaii! They are completely different destinations though! Miami can be a shorter trip, but I think you need more time to really enjoy Hawaii! Overall, I’d choose Hawaii.
Barbados vs Hawaii | Which is Better?
Well I hope this helped you in deciding which is better for your next trip! Both islands offer plenty of things to do so you won’t be bored if you want to do more than relax.
I love a tropical paradise and both destinations deliver! Barbados is small, so a week is good amount of time to explore the island with plenty of time to relax as well. Hawaii is much larger and with more islands to explore, so if you’re limited on time, be sure not to try and fit too much in!
Barbados and Hawaii are beautiful in their own ways! I love both destinations and I really don’t think you can go wrong. Each has its own beauty, culture and adventure to appreciate!
