Island comparison

jacketwatch · December 10, 2005

Hi guys: Well I'm pumped about going but it'll be a while :sad: We don't embark till Aug. but I am curious how the South Pacific compares to Hawaii in terms of natural beauty, topography, etc. Can anyone help with t :cool: his? Thanks, Larry

KarenUK · December 10, 2005

So have you booked your cabin on the Tahitian princess then? have we got congratulations to give?? :grin:

jbond · December 10, 2005

Personally, I don't think that there is too much similarity.

The Hawaiian Islands are much more "organised". There is very much more commercialisation in Hawaii than in FP. There are no souvenir shops in FP, even in Papeete. You can buy tee-shirts and pareau(sarongs) in the market place and stores, but they're the same stores the locals use. The most commercialised island is Raratonga in the Cook Islands, but again it's very low key. There is absolutely no pressure to buy anything.

They also have a much different climates, i.e. Hawaii is tropical on the Hilo side and quite arid on the Kona side. The islands in FP are tropical to the extreme.

I think the beaches in the Hawaiian Islands are much better than in FP. In FP, unless you go to a hotel, the beaches are usually very sharp coral and difficult to walk on. For beaches, my personal preference is the Caribbean.

Hawaii is expensive, FP is out of site. As you said on another thread, cruising FP is the only way to go as regards to pricing.

Hawaii is laid back, FP is really laid back, I mean really laid back. We found the people in both areas to be very pleasant and polite.

Hawaii is very attractive and has some great sites, Waimea Canyon, Kilawea, Waikiki, the Iolani Palace etc. FP is visually spectacular everywhere you go. I don't think I've ever seen anything as beautiful as Moorea. Well, maybe Bora Bora or Santorini. The islands rise out of the water in spectacular fashion and they're so lush and green.

Snorkeling is good in FP and different. You can snorkel with the sharks. However, the best snorkeling I've ever done was on the Big Island at Kealakekua Beach. I've snorkeled in many places besides FP, the Keys, Caribbean, Australia, Fiji, Samoa, Mexico and nothing came close to Hawaii.

The water in FP is the most beautiful you will ever see. It is so clear that there were times when you really think that you are flying. The sand is very white, even whiter than the Caribbean. There are so many shades of turquoise in the water that you can't count them.

If you go to FP expecting to find Hawaii, you will be surprised how very different the islands are. We are going back to Hawaii in March, 15 days on Island Princess. I would go back to FP in a heartbeat, but we're waiting to see if the cruise lines get something other than Tahitian Princess out there. I know the Gaugin is out there also, but I'm not that wealthy.

jacketwatch · December 10, 2005

:cool: Hi guys; Well we are not yet booked because my new boss, who needs to approve my vacation and will I am sure is having meltdowns several times a day. :grin: Her stress level is off the charts I'm afraid but I think this will be no problem, assuming she stays out of a straight jacket. :grin: She has gone from 28 yrs. as a staff nurse to being a director of 3 critical care units w/o any mgmt. experience B4 and brother she gives new meaninf to the adage "rough around the edges" :grin: Actually I though it would have been done by now but not yet. Its a daily watch to see if her chest pain gets worse.

JB thank you for that wonderfully descriptive answer. You have painted a very clear picture. We do look forward to that S. Pac. culture. Cheers, all, Larry :cool: