How do you decide on Mexico vs. Hawaii: budget, access, ease of travel, personal preferences, or is it something else?
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165 thoughts on “Mexico vs. Hawaii Vacation in 2022 | Sound Off!”
How do you decide on Mexico vs. Hawaii: budget, access, ease of travel, personal preferences, or is it something else?
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I have been traveling to Zihuatanejo, Mexico by car, for the past 8 years. Today is January 26, and I can say Loudly that Mexico is safer than the US! The State Dept gives Mexico a bad rap because they want the dollars to be spent stateside. The Pandemic is no longer an issue. The cartels are interested in each other, and very rarely a tourist. Cancun does Not represent Mexico. I would suggest someone on your staff visit Zihuatanejo, and some of the other charming places other than Cancun. A joke.
My brother is in Maui right now paying $9k a month for a so-so place. He could be here like a king for half that or less. But he listens to the Sate Dept saying it isn’t safe.
Hi Rosanne.
Just FYI. Editor Jeff was robbed at gunpoint on the beach near Zihuatanejo. He at least, won’t be returning as that’s hard to get out of one’s mind.
Aloha.
I have heard nothing about this and I live here, in Barra de Potosi. I have many friends living in Zihua who also not heard of this incident
You might not have heard about it because the Mexico government doesn’t want to lose American tourist dollars. I live in southern California and use to drive over into Mexico. I stopped going because the last two times I got pulled over by federales and shook down for money. In addition, just look up crime stats. The Murder rate, armed robberies, kidnapping…etc are all way higher than the United States. For example, the murder rate is 5 times higher in Mexico. How can you reasonable say Mexico is safer. It clearly is not.
The Cartels run that country. It’s one of the most Corrupt countries on the planet. I do not feel safe going there anymore. Americans are seen as easy targets for criminals down there. I’ll pass.
I own five global timeshares including DVC (Aulani) in Oahu. Any experienced global traveler w/ a passport chooses Mexico w/ a doubt. The safety advisories are distrustworty and inaccurate- The U.S. also said that the U.K. was unsafe. Mexico is closer to the Earht’s equator and has better consistent temps all year around. There is more to do, see and explore in the country of Mexico versus the state of Hawaii. People and staff are greatly nicer, friendlier and helpful in Mexico, you feel much more valued. Hawaii’s time zone difference unbearable. I also strongly believe the aquatic life,snorkeling & scuba diving is much better from what I hear from countless travelers. The flight is quick to Mexico.
great and interesting topic.
my wife has alot of ohana on oahu and we have a beloved time share in kaanapali,maui.
we are blessed to be able to go “home” to hawaii twice a year, sometimes three.
hawaii will forever be our favorite and happy place.
went to maui timeshares sister resort in cancun,mexico this january.
had a wonderful awesome trip, felt totally safe and everywhere there was cleaning/sanitizing.
very kind,sweet people.
back to hawaii in march for our 42nd and cancun in may.
love both
Aloha,
I don’t travel to Mexico. So my comparison will be between Caribbean Islands and Hawaii. At first, the initial difference was the temperature of the ocean. Colder waters in Hawaii and much warmer ones in the Caribbean. Beaches at both destinations are beautiful, but I enjoy the calmer waters in the Caribbean. I do love the smell of the air when you first land in Hawaii. There is no other scent similar. However, I have found the the Caribbean people to be more welcoming and appreciative.
I have reservations for both Hawaii and Mexico this summer. I love Hawaii because it’s beautiful and I don’t get the aggressive harassment from locals begging me to buy like I experience in Mexico. It’s definitely more expensive in Hawaii, but I accept that. I go to Hawaii at least every other year and stay at least a month or so. However, I have to make a decision soon on canceling my reservation to Hawaii. The airfares have gone up as I’m scheduled for summer and the car rental rates are high
I believe a comparison from a country to the state of Hawaii is unfair regarding crime. Hasn’t the crime rate in the United State climbed exponentially the last few years. San Francisco, New York city among others. Yes I wouldn’t go to the Cancun area but there are many safe locations I have Visited.
For me Mexico is associated with work. It can be very exciting, it can be dangerous, it has great history and Pierre Marques in Acapulco was an ideal respite at weekends from the noise and pollution of Mexico City. Hawaii is more about relaxation to me. I chill out the minute the plane lands in Hawaii. I really like the local people and enjoy spending the holidays on Kauai’i mixed with New Years in Waikiki. Waikiki too though can be dangerous.Hawai’i for me
Rich, “Waikiki too though can be dangerous.” Years ago our Lewers St timeshare had a nightclub in the basement. Around 2am we awake the sound of police sirens. A high fight at the nightclub – many 6 squad cars.
As a kid raised in the South Bronx I was finally at home. I love big city noise.
Aloha,
Rod
Industrial area, more bars and adult clubs. I prefer Hawaii Kai and Northshore when I’m in Oahu. I also do yearly trips to big island south and north Kohala area. Maui and Kauai are also gorgeous. Cost is more but well worth it and I completely understood because cost of living is also more there. However less taxes than my CA and IL taxes! You can’t pay me to visit Mexico, first I don’t like being stuck at the hotels 24-7 and I absolutely do Not feel safe exploring.
Thanks for a great article. In 2002 when we brought our Kauai timeshare my sister bought one in Mexico. She bragged about the lower cost.
Her timeshare has an end date. Ours is deeded and can be left in our estate.
every time I went with her to Mexico I had very unpleasant stomach issues. I was very careful with what i ate and drank, but every single time.
Then her son (late 20’s) was robbed at gunpoint!
We do own now on Kauai so hotel and rental costs are no longer an issue. Hawaii for us fore
Hi Jacqui.
Thanks for your input on Mexico vs. Hawaii and your many other comments!
Aloha.
I’m in Sayulita on the Pacific Coast of Mexico right now. I currently live in Central Mexico and before that on the Big Island for 18 years. I personally wouldn’t go to the Cancun area but I feel very safe here and I also spend time in Zihuatenejo. As much as I miss Hawai’i, I’m not going back to visit until it stops being so restrictive. Also the costs here are about 1/4 to 1/3 of Hawai’i. I am a single woman, age 69 and often travel alone.
I travel to both destinations and agree with all the editorial and comment. Prefer Hawaii for safety, beauty, activites. The media always refers to Mexico with the same brush when it comes to crime(imagine if Chicago’s homicide problems was inferred to the entire U.S?) I have had a home in Cozumel and never experienced any kind of problem. I have heard of theft incidents but not experienced them. Food quality & variety is better in Cozumel,costs for all activities are half and easy to fly to.
I went to both Hawaii (Hanalei) and Mexico (Baja California) in 2021. I enjoyed both very much and felt safe in both places. Chief among the pros for Mexico is the cost. The Mexican locals are very friendly and helpful. I get the chance to practice my rudimentary Spanish. Like Hawaii, the water is warm and clean. Either way, a COVID test is involved: to fly to Hawaii or to return to the US from Mexico. This year, I am hoping to return to both Hawaii (Kaneohe) and Mexico (near Manzanillo).
We are in Puerto Vallarta. We feel very safe and we’ll taken care of at our resort. I wouldn’t personally chose any other area in MX. Covid tests provided at the resort before heading home. Everything is open with some inside mask requirements. Having a great time. Accommodation and rental car prices in Hi were out the roof. Entry requirements a hassle. No rental car needed in PV because transportation is inexpensive and readily available. Hoping things loosen and become more affordable in HI.
When I felt Hawaii was getting too expensive both to visit and to live, we contemplated moving to Mexico, Ensenada specifically with its beaches and lovely wine country. After they put the Chief of Police’s head on a Pike on the beach, got pulled over by fake cops demanding payment, and getting pulled over by a motor cycle cop for a fake infraction that required payment, (3-separate visits), I had had enough. The culture in Mexico is lovely as is it is in Hawaii, it’s situation is not.
Hi Alfred.
We knew we were kindred spirits. Jeff’s experiences were very similar to yours.
Aloha.
we have travelled to both Puerto Vallarta and Waikiki recently — we have been to both locations many times — In November there was really no specific restrictions with Covid in PV — it wasn’t busy and it seemed business as normal in bars/restaurants etc — everything was clean and nice — we are not aware of a lot of crime in PV vs Cancun — east coast appears to be major areas of crime — what we always enjoy in PV is the amount of great entertainment and which we did not see in Waikiki
I went to Mexico twice last year and had zero problems or concerns. I chose Mexico because the price to travel there was very budget friendly but honestly it was because of the entire covid requirements. Hawaii is way to strict and that makes me sad. I love Hawaii and cannot wait to go back but not with all the covid bs we have to go through. If that wasn’t a thing I would pay the higher travel costs and give Hawaii all my love and money. Mexico is beautiful but Hawaii feels like home to me.
I used to go to Mexico many years ago. With a big group of people that knew the ropes. But, once I had children, I was not willing to take that risk. In my opinion, I do not feel safe there. The fact that they don’t have stronger procedures in place to prevent the spread of Covid concerns me.
I feel very comfortable in Hawaii. I appreciate that they are following certain guidelines to keep everyone safe. We went there in September 2021. We have another trip planned for May 2022.
Keeping my money in the USA! Thank you!
We will be going to Kauai and Maui this year, as in most years. Although Mexico is closer and more convenient, do not feel that it is safe.
Thing is many foreign travelers are advised by their governments that do to our high covid and crime rates to not travel to the United States.
True story
Thank you for the intersting article! I have not been to Mexico since I was a child, I just remember seeing so many poor people, it made me sad and I had no desire to return.
I love Hawaii! No matter how poor people are, it is the United States and we help our people. Nonetheless, most people I see work very hard. The water is drinkable (usually), the people are friendly and we appreciate the care taken to help prevent the spread of Covid.
You get what you pay for.
Mahalo
Hi Lanell.
Thanks as always. Jeff spent a great deal of time in Mexico over the years and has many good memories. He stopped going there after too many bad incidents, including one in which he was nearly killed. Enough said.
Aloha.
I felt that way as well many years ago but upon returning, I saw that the resorts, catering mostly to Americans, were providing jobs and economic stability for those willing and able to work in the tourism industry. Although I’m not a fan of tipping, I tip heavily in Mexico. That being said, crime and COVID make me reluctant to travel in the carefree manner I used to.
I live 3 hours from the Mexican border. If safety wasn’t an issue, we’d go there more than Hawaii. But security is an issue. Been to Mexico about 5 times and Hawaii about 40 times and Europe perhaps 20 times (it’s a long flight from CA).
Interesting, considering the great desire to have a wall between Mexico and the USA.
Interesting indeed.
Considering the blizzard of restrictions Hawaii has put forth so far, one might be led to believe Hawaii would very much like a wall between itself and the mainland.
I have been to both. Mexico is a better bargain. Nicer beaches and the water in the ocean is the best. the sand in Mexico is even nicer, But the cost heavily favors Mexico.
My vote is for Hawaii. Safety, cleanliness, and attention to Covid protocols are the deciding factors. Why risk personal safety when the State Dept is on record warning about travel in Mexico. I am vaxed and tested regularly, so I don’t find the Safe Travels rules onerous at all. In fact I appreciate the measures taken to protect the health of everyone in Hawaii.
We try to go to Hawaii each year but this year we booked Costa Rica. Last time to Hawaii was March 2020.
The water in Mexico is unsafe from the tap, you must drink bottled water. This can also impact the food you eat. We considered Mexico briefly, it has some amazing places in Baja, but along with the other issues we decided it wasn’t worth it. Hawaii remains our go to spot.
The Mexican resorts are no more dangerous than in the US! The US runs these stories about 2 criminals being killed at a Mexican resort, and no one actually reads the story. Those Canadians killed were criminals from Canada, there to broker a deal with other criminals and it went south. This doesn’t happen all the time. The people are kind and very hospitable. The food and beaches are amazing! I love Hawaii and visit several times a year there as well. Can’t beat Cancun value though!
Since the mid-90’s, we‘ve been to Hawaii each year. We’ve vacationed in Mexico ~5 times, and I traveled there on business 12-15 times. Our biggest concerns about MX are security and always worrying about the water/food safety. The cleanliness of the towns and cities is also a big difference. The COVID control requirements are a hassle, but even today, Hawaii still stands head and shoulders above Mexico for us. All of our kids and grandkids will join us in Maui in June.
Being from California we went to and enjoyed many of trips to Mexico, About 25 years ago we decided it just wasn’t safe anymore and luckily we fell in love with Hawaii. It’s about the only place I want to be even during covid. I always feel happy and safe. For the folks that bash Hawaii and have chosen not to you return
I am sorry for you and wish you a warm Aloha!
I agree…. Being part Hawaiian due to work I’ve lived in CA (ridiculously cost of living and taxes) and IL (Chicago) another overtaxed state. Hawaii is actually lower in taxes if it is your primary home, sales tax is lower. What is more expensive is gas (last time we were there last year it cost the same as here in chicago) @costco gas Kailua-kona, wth! Me an my “haole” husband yes haole was never meant as a term of insult it just means not Native Hawaiian. We go 2x a year, he use to go to Mexico tourism spots 2x a year and since he met me he has no desire. Sure, it cost less but we absolutely love flying back to Hawaii and visiting our friends. We even buy chocolate macadamia nut from greenwell farms! Aloha
Mexico’s irresponsible, desperate bypassing COVID requirements had resulted in it being placed on the COVID Hotspot list. Places like this and people who want the easy way out and go to these places are prolonging the spread of COVID and encouraging mutations. Insane
Let’s compare:
Cost of Air, a tie when willing to search deals.
Beaches, Mexico by a nose.
Car Rental, Mexico wins.
Lodging, Mexico wins.
Sanitation, USA Wins Big!
Safety, USA Wins Big!
Aloha Spirit? Sadly, I’m not sure anymore.
Hawaii is our choice because of safety & sanitation, in spite of the draconian, ever-changing covid rules & regs.
Great Topic!
Used to play in the big Estero Beach two-person draw volleyball tourney each summer, but after the murders and shakedowns, no more Mexico. And you can’t drink the water. To quote Steely Dan, “Its cheap but it’s not free”. I will keep going to my condo on Kaua’i and am looking forward to a side trip to Lanai to see the cat sanctuary!
I’m going to stick with Hawaii for now. When my family and I travel to Maui we do so with respect for the aina and the people. As long as this feeling is reciprocated by the locals, I will continue to visit and feel money spent is well worth it.
My wife and I have done both in the last year. Went to Cabo in September and had a great time with friends. The only test was for returning to the US and took all of 5 minutes at the resort. Food, pools, beach were awesome. We own a condo on Oahu, and traveled there multiple times in 2021. We are both vaccinated so travel was quick and easy. Prices for airfare are almost double of what they were in 2020. Both destinations are awesome. Pick one or both and go and enjoy yourselves.
Will not go back to Hawaii because of all the rules and regulations they have in place! Plus the cost have gone out the roof for Car rentals and now paying more and more to go and do thing is enough!! I hope to someday go back when I do not feel like I am getting abused as a Tourist!! We have Budgets also and Hawaii is pricing them self’s out of a lot of money from myself and other Tourists!!
Good Luck
Aloha Rob and Jeff. I will never go to Mexico. Too much crime and the language barrier. They look down on Americans as stupid. Then there’s the water that you can’t drink or you get sick. Too many negatives for me personally. I can watch a Mexican travel video and that will suit me fine as far as seeing the places that are nice to visit. Kauai is my island forever. Nothing can change the way I feel when I am there. Will be heading back in early March to show a friend how beautiful it is. Aloha
Hi Debra.
Thanks for our input on this topic and your other 50 comments!
Aloha.
Re your comment “They look down on Americans as stupid.” Brings back memories. On each and every visit to Mexico, I have experienced shop keepers attempting to rip me off. That cute little gold charm in the shape of a sombrero is 24 kt gold. Out comes the scale and calculator …. only $750 American Dollars! After my second experience, I turned it into a game to see how far I can bargain it down. I once got the price down to $5.
Honestly. with the ease of access, I’m still going with Mexico over Hawai’i at this point. The new requirement of a booster and the requirement of proof of vaccination to eat is my deciding factor. My family loves Hawai’i, but until things get back to pre-COVID with NO restrictions, we’ll be visiting other areas.
Aloha, we’ve been coming to the big island for 24 years. We spent a full month there this past December into January 2022. We also travel to Mexico. Because of the overpriced car rental, cost of food, and rigid process in getting from the airports (covid drama) we will not be returning to Hawaii anytime soon. Thinking of even selling our timeshare that we’ve enjoyed for 24 years. I love MX and feel very safe at the resorts. People are friendlier there too!
There is a political aspect to choosing Mexico vs Hawaii for a vacation. Those leaning Right tend to choose Mexico, while those leaning Left tend to choose Hawaii.
I agree! Hawaii for me!
Thank you!
Maybe because the political
Climate is 99% left. No balance!
Well Rob maybe just maybe there is only 1% of yall left. It NEVER should have been political.
The Vaccine, Masks and restrictions to me are NOT in any way political. I do things for safety not because of what one or another politician tells me.
Just had our vacation to the Rivera Maya,in Mexico, cancelled by the place we were to stay. The Resort indicated that they are unable to guaranty sufficient staff due to the pandemic and the new rules being put into place along the Caribbean coast.