15 Best Places Like Hawaii to Visit in 2024

Keep reading to discover the best places like Hawaii to visit in 2024!

Hawaii is one of the most beautiful travel destinations on EARTH. I have traveled to over 50 countries and still think it is one of the most unique and magical places that everyone needs to visit.

However, for one reason or another – maybe you’ve already been, or it’s too far for you – Hawaii is not an option. This is no problem as there are actually plenty of other places like Hawaii to visit to get a similar experience!

Below are the best places like Hawaii in the US, the Caribbean, and around the world for you to consider visiting.

(Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you may even receive a small discount. See disclosure for more information.)

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15 Best Places Like Hawaii

5 Best Places Like Hawaii in the US

Key West, Florida

Key West is an island city located at the southernmost tip of Florida. Known for its vibrant culture, laid-back atmosphere, and stunning natural beaches, Key West is one of the most beautiful places like Hawaii in the USA.

Similarities between Hawaii and Key West:

Key West has beautiful beaches with white sand and blue waters.
Both destinations offer a ton of outdoor activities.
Key West shares Hawaii’s relaxed vibe and welcoming hospitality.

Differences between Hawaii and Key West:

Key West is a single island with flat terrain.
Key West has a blend of American, Caribbean, and Cuban influences.

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara, located along the coast of Southern California, is known for its stunning beaches, Spanish architecture, and Mediterranean climate.

This charming city offers the perfect blend of coastal beauty and cultural richness making it one of the best places to visit like Hawaii in the USA.

Similarities between Hawaii and Santa Barbara:

Beautiful beaches.
Mild and pleasant climate year-round.
Both places offer a wide range of outdoor activities.
Both destinations feature a laid-back vibe and a focus on leisurely coastal living.

Differences between Hawaii and Santa Barbara:

Santa Barbara is located on the mainland.
Santa Barbara is characterized by coastal cliffs and rolling hills.
The cultural influences stem primarily from Spanish colonization.
Santa Barbara offers a Mediterranean-style architectural aesthetic.

US Virgin Islands

Situated in the Caribbean Sea, the US Virgin Islands encompass three main islands—St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix—along with numerous smaller islets.

Known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and lush landscapes, the US Virgin Islands offer a tropical paradise that is comparable to the beauty of Hawaii.

Similarities between Hawaii and the US Virgin Islands:

Stunning beaches with soft white sand and clear, turquoise waters.
Topical climate with warm temperatures year-round.
Diverse marine life.

Differences between Hawaii and the US Virgin Islands:

The US Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean Sea.
They are characterized by coral reefs and coastal forests.
Predominantly Caribbean cultural influence.

South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island TX on a nice sunny day

South Padre Island, located off the southern coast of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico, is a popular beach destination known for its beaches, warm climate, and vibrant atmosphere.

Similarities between Hawaii and South Padre Island:

Both destinations are known for their beautiful beaches.
Both have a warm climate.
Both destinations have a relaxed vibe and a focus on coastal living.

Differences between Hawaii and South Padre Island:

South Padre Island is located in the Gulf of Mexico.
South Padre Island is characterized by its barrier island ecosystem and coastal dunes.
South Padre Island has a distinct Texan and Hispanic cultural influence.
South Padre Island is known for its lively beachfront scene and annual events.

Big Sur, California

Big Sur, located along the coastline of central California, is famous for its dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, and stunning natural beauty. Stretching along the Pacific Coast Highway, this remote region offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, lush redwood forests, and cascading waterfalls.

Similarities between Hawaii and Big Sur:

Coastal landscapes with rugged cliffs and ocean views.
Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Laid-back vibe and a focus on connecting with nature and the outdoors.
Diverse array of flora and fauna.

Differences between Hawaii and Big Sur:

Big Sur is located on the mainland of California.
Big Sur is characterized by its coastal cliffs and redwood forests.
Big Sur has a temperate Mediterranean climate, while Hawaii has a tropical climate.
Big Sur has a more secluded and rugged wilderness experience.

5 Best Places Like Hawaii in the Caribbean

Aruba

Aruba is a picturesque Caribbean island known for its beautiful beaches, blue waters, and year-round sunny weather.

Located in the southern Caribbean Sea Aruba has a diverse landscape that includes sandy beaches, rugged coastlines, and desert terrain.

Similarities between Hawaii and Aruba:

Both destinations have stunning beaches with soft white sand and turquoise waters.
Warm tropical climate year-round.

Differences between Hawaii and Aruba:

Aruba is located in the Caribbean Sea.
Aruba has a predominantly Dutch and Caribbean cultural influence.
Aruba offers a more compact island experience with a diverse range of resorts and attractions concentrated in a smaller area.

Tulum, Mexico

Tulum is a coastal town in Mexico known for its stunning beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and bohemian atmosphere.

Set against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea, Tulum offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and world class parties and events. It is a popular destination for yogis, couples, partiers and more.

Read more:

Similarities between Hawaii and Tulum:

Both destinations have stunning beaches.
Tulum, like Hawaii, enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round.
Both destinations feature a relaxed vibe and a focus on eco-friendly and sustainable tourism.

Differences between Hawaii and Tulum:

Tulum is characterized by its coastal mangroves and cenotes.
Tulum has a rich Mayan cultural heritage, with ancient ruins scattered throughout the region.
Tulum offers a more bohemian and boutique-style travel experience, with fewer large resorts.
Tulum welcomes a younger crowd and hosts beach parties and events regularly.

St. Lucia

St. Lucia is a stunning island known for its lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and world-class beaches.

With its dramatic mountains, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, St. Lucia has earned a reputation as a tropical paradise. It is a sought-after destination for honeymooners, adventure seekers, and relaxation enthusiasts.

Similarities between Hawaii and St. Lucia:

Amazing beaches
Warm temperatures.
Stunning mountains landscapes and natural beauty.

Differences between Hawaii and St. Lucia:

St. Lucia has a Creole cultural heritage, influenced by African, French, and British traditions.
St. Lucia offers a more intimate island experience with fewer tourists and a slower pace of life.

Barbados

Barbados is an island nation known for its beaches, culture, and warm hospitality. With its turquoise waters, lush landscapes, and colonial architecture, Barbados offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

Similarities between Hawaii and Barbados:

Beautiful beaches.
Warm climate.
Both destinations feature a laid-back vibe.

Differences between Hawaii and Barbados:

Barbados is characterized by its coral reefs and sugarcane fields.
Barbados has a rich British colonial heritage.
Barbados offers a more British-influenced cultural experience, with traditions such as afternoon tea and cricket.

Turks and Caicos Islands

Drone photo of pier in Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos is an archipelago known for its beaches, clear turquoise waters, and marine life.

Consisting of 40 islands and cays, with the main islands being Providenciales, Grand Turk, and South Caicos. This British Overseas Territory offers a perfect tropical escape with its luxurious resorts, world-class diving sites, and laid-back Caribbean charm.

Similarities between Hawaii and Turks and Caicos:

Beautiful beaches.
Both destinations are known for their upscale resorts and luxurious amenities.

Differences between Hawaii and Turks and Caicos:

Turks and Caicos is known for its flat limestone terrain and coral reefs.
Turks and Caicos has a British colonial influence.
Turks and Caicos offers a more exclusive and secluded island experience.

5 Best Places Like Hawaii Around the World

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, a province of Indonesia, is an island known for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and spiritual atmosphere.

With its terraced rice paddies and ancient temples, Bali offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

Similarities between Hawaii and Bali:

Amazing beaches.
Bali, like Hawaii, enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round.
Rich cultural heritages and spiritual traditions.

Differences between Hawaii and Bali:

Bali is characterized by its rice terraces and tropical jungles.
Bali has a predominantly Hindu cultural influence.
Bali offers a more affordable travel experience compared to Hawaii.

Tahiti, French Polynesia

Overwater Bungalows in Mo'orea French Polynesia

Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning landscapes, picturesque lagoons, and rich Polynesian culture.

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Tahiti is a dream destination for honeymooners, adventure seekers, and luxury travelers.

Similarities between Hawaii and Tahiti:

Breathtaking beaches with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Year-round warm weather.
Both destinations have a strong emphasis on preserving their cultural heritage and traditions.

Differences between Hawaii and Tahiti:

Tahiti has a predominantly French cultural influence.
Tahiti offers a more remote and exclusive travel experience compared to Hawaii, with fewer tourists and a focus on luxury resorts and overwater bungalows.

Fiji

Fiji is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and warm hospitality.

Made up of more than 300 islands, Fiji offers a diverse range of experiences, from luxurious resorts to remote villages.

Similarities between Hawaii and Fiji:

Amazing beaches.
Warm tropical climate year-round.

Differences between Hawaii and Fiji:

Fiji has a predominantly Melanesian cultural influence, with unique traditions such as kava ceremonies and meke dances.
Fiji offers a more secluded and intimate travel experience compared to Hawaii.

Seychelles

The Seychelles, an archipelago off the coast of East Africa, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse marine life.

Comprising 115 islands, Seychelles offers a secluded and luxurious escape with its untouched nature, turquoise waters, and rich biodiversity.

Similarities between Hawaii and Seychelles:

Beaches with soft white sand and clear turquoise waters.
Tropical climate.
Both destinations have a strong emphasis on ecotourism and sustainability.

Differences between Hawaii and Seychelles:

Seychelles features granite and coral islands with unique rock formations.
Seychelles has a diverse cultural heritage influenced by African, European, and Asian traditions.
Seychelles offers a more exclusive and remote travel experience.

Maldives

The Maldives is a tropical paradise known for its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and overwater bungalows.

With its picture-perfect scenery and luxurious resorts, the Maldives offers a dreamy escape for honeymooners, couples, and luxury travelers seeking romance and relaxation.

Similarities between Hawaii and Maldives:

Beautiful beaches.
Both destinations are known for their luxurious resorts and overwater bungalows.

Differences between Hawaii and Maldives:

Maldives is made up of countless islands.
Maldives has a predominantly Muslim cultural influence.
The Maldives offers a more exclusive and secluded travel experience compared to Hawaii’s larger and more developed tourism infrastructure.

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Love,

SSW