Hawaii is the youngest state to join the US and is the only state not geographically located in the country. It has a tropical climate, with rainforests and coffee plantations.
The state is also famous for its mesmerizing beaches. And that’s probably why you are here.
But now you’re looking for some cheaper but the best Hawaii alternatives. There may be countless reasons you choose such a travel destination or similar places to Hawaii.
For example,
Let’s find out what I’ve got for you 🙂
25 Hawaii Alternatives in the World
You’d love exploring places like Hawaii in the world because why not! You might want to discover them in Europe, US, and Australia.
✈ Places like Hawaii in EuropE >.
✈ Alternatives in the US and Canada >
✈ Similar Places to Hawaii in AustaraliA >
Read on to explore the rest of the world’s Hawaii-like places.
1/ Galápagos Islands
The Galapagos islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) from the coast of Ecuador.
The islands are home to unique wildlife, including iguanas, penguins, and sea lions.
There are many things to do in the Galapagos islands; you can go snorkeling or diving to see the colorful marine life. Also, hiking to see the lava fields and volcanic crater lakes is a life experience.
2/ Bora Bora
Bora Bora is an island in French Polynesia, located about 160 kilometers (99 miles) northwest of Tahiti. The island is famous for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and luxury resorts.
Also, discover the best places like Bora Bora in Europe.
There are many activities in Bora Bora, such as swimming with manta rays, stingrays, and sharks. You can also go scuba diving or snorkeling to see the vibrant coral reefs.
And If you love adventures, 4then don’t forget to go hiking in Mt. Otemanu.
3/ Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is located in British Columbia, Canada. The island is home to rainforests, beaches, and mountains. Many small towns and cities, such as Victoria and Nanaimo.
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, and it’s also the largest city on Vancouver Island. The city has several historic buildings, including the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel.
Nanaimo is a smaller city located on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island.
The city is known for its waterfront promenade, which has some restaurants and shops. Nanaimo is also home to the Nanaimo Bar; a chocolate-covered treat popular throughout Canada.
So you’re guaranteed to enjoy more than just the Hawaii-like experience in Vancouver.
4/ Anguilla
Anguilla is yet another British territory located in the Caribbean Sea. The island is known for its white sand beaches and clear blue waters. And unlike Hawaii, it’s much cheaper here.
There are also many activities that visitors can enjoy in Anguilla. Some popular activities include golfing, sailing, and horseback riding.
The island also has many restaurants and bars, which offer a variety of local and international cuisine.
5/ Fiji
Fiji is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. The country comprises more than 300 islands; its largest island is Viti Levu.
Fiji is known for its beaches, rainforests, and coral reefs. Visitors can also go hiking, biking, or kayaking in the many national parks.
One of the most popular activities in Fiji is swimming and snorkeling in the coral reefs. Many tour operators offer snorkeling trips, including Blue Lagoon Cruises and Captain Cook Cruises.
Fiji is also a great place to go hiking and biking. The island nation has many well-maintained trails, and many companies offer bike rentals. The most popular hikes include the Mount Tomanivi Trail and the Naihehe Caves Trail.
You’ll surely find a lot of similarities between Hawaii and Fiji.
6/ Samoa
Samoa is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. The country is made up of two main islands, Upolu and Savai’i.
Samoa is known for its beaches and waterfalls. You can enjoy hiking, biking, or kayaking in the many national parks.
Samoa’s most popular tourist attractions include the To Sua Ocean Trench and the Piula Cave Pool. The To Sua Ocean Trench is a swimming hole located in a lava field. The Piula Cave Pool is a freshwater pool located inside a cave.
7/ Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands are British territories located in the Caribbean Sea. The islands are known for their white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and luxury resorts.
The cost of living in the Turks and Caicos Islands is relatively higher or equal to Hawaii, but there are ways to save money. For example, many restaurants offer discounts.
The average meal cost at a restaurant is $25, and the average hotel room cost is $200 per night. Some of the most popular activities include diving, fishing, and golfing.
8/ Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean country located on the island of Hispaniola. Like Hawaii, the country is known for its beaches, coral reefs, and luxury resorts.
The cost of living in the Dominican Republic is affordable compared to other Caribbean destinations. The average meal cost at a restaurant is $10, and the average hotel room cost is $75 per night.
That makes up a cheaper alternative to Hawaii! However, there are several activities that visitors can enjoy on the island that is not as affordable. Some of the most popular activities include horseback riding and zip lining.
9/ Barbados
Barbados is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a mix of historical and beach attractions.
Some of the most popular historical spots on the island include the Barbados Museum, the George Washington House, and St. Nicholas Abbey.
The Barbados Museum is home to many historical artifacts, including weapons and furniture.
The George Washington House is a museum dedicated to the first US President. St. Nicholas Abbey is a plantation that was built in the 1600s.
The beaches in Barbados are some of the best in the world. You will surely forget Hawaii for a while here. Some of the most popular beaches include:
- Crane Beach.
- Holetown Beach.
- And Mullins Beach.
Crane Beach is known for its white sand and clear blue waters. Holetown Beach is located in Holetown and is home to several restaurants and bars. Mullins Beach is known for its coral reefs and crystal-clear waters.
The average meal cost at a restaurant is $30, and the average hotel room cost is $150 per night. But you can still make it affordable if you know how! Some popular activities include horseback riding, sailing, and windsurfing.
10/ Bahamas
The Bahamas is a great alternative to Hawaii because it is much closer to the United States. The islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean. They are known for their white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and luxury resorts.
The Bahamas is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a mix of historical and beach attractions. You might want to visit:
- Pirates of Nassau Museum.
- Clifton Heritage National Park.
- Ardastra Gardens, Zoo.
- And the Conservation Centre.
The beaches in the Bahamas are some of the best in the world, just like Hawaii. You will love Cable Beach, Harbour Island Beach, and Paradise Island Beach.
Living in the Bahamas is a little more expensive than in Hawaii. But a few things are more affordable (e.g., a glass of domestic beer ($7 in Hawaii and $3 in the Bahamas).
11/ Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is a country located in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It is known for its natural beauty and the friendliness of its people. Its economy depends on tourism, agriculture, and light manufacturing.
Hawaii’s Kauai and Saint Lucia have similar lush landscapes and stunning beaches.
St. Lucia’s topography includes the Pitons, rainforests, waterfalls, and much more. You cannot go wrong about both places.
Plenty of activities keep you busy on the island, like zip-lining, bird-watching, hiking, and sailing. The average meal cost at a restaurant is only $5-$10, and the average cost of a hotel room starts from $50 per night!
Isn’t Saint Lucia a much cheaper alternative to Hawaii?
12/ Antigua
The island of Antigua is located in the Caribbean Sea. The capital and largest city are St. John’s. Antigua is known for its beaches, coral reefs, and clear blue waters.
The economy of Antigua depends on tourism, agriculture, and banking.
The cost of living overall is cheaper in Antigua than in Hawaii. For eating and drinking, Antigua is more reasonably priced. Also, the island is cleaner than Hawaii, so you will not get wrong about Antigua.
13/ Grenada
All the beautiful islands around the Caribbean Sea are great cheap alternatives to Hawaii. Grenada is no different! It’s one of the smallest countries in the world and is known for the following:
- Underwater sculpture park
- Chocolate production.
- Mesmerizing beaches.
- Refreshing waterfalls.
- Spices.
- Historical forts.
- Lush botanical gardens.
And much more. The economy of Grenada depends on agriculture, tourism, and construction. The main crops grown on the island are nutmeg, cocoa, mace, and bananas.
14/ Cook Islands
The Cook Islands is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean and is famous for its beaches, lagoons, and reefs. The capital city is Avarua, located on the island of Rarotonga.
While there, don’t forget to visit Muri beach, One Foot Island, Te Vara Nui Village, Punanga Nui market, and Muri lagoon. The music and dancing are also great in the Cook Islands.
The cost of living is cheaper than in Hawaii, and the food is fresh and healthy. You can find plenty of fruits, vegetables, and seafood at the markets.
The average meal cost at a restaurant is $10, and the average hotel room cost is around $50 per night.
15/ Perhentian Islands
Perhentian Islands is a place where you can find natural beauty and serenity. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy stunning views, making it one of the best places like Hawaii.
The island is also great for snorkeling and diving, as it has some of the best reefs in Southeast Asia. You can see sea life, including sharks, turtles, and colorful fish.
Some of the most popular activities on Perhentian Island include snorkeling and diving. Also, the Perhentian Islands offer some of the best kiteboarding conditions in the world, with perfect wind and waves almost daily.
16/ Tahiti
Tahiti is the largest island of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, located in the South Pacific Ocean. The capital of Tahiti is Papeete, which is also the largest city.
Tahiti is known for its black sand beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs.
Shaped like figure 8, Tahiti is a mythical destination that has long been known for its idyllic islands. The French artist Paul Gauguin often painted it.
Don’t forget to cruise through these islands while you’re there:
- Bora Bora
- Moorea
- Raiatea
- Tahaa
- Huahine
The economy of Tahiti is mainly dependent on tourism. And all these things make it one of the best places like Hawaii in the world. You’d love to go on a cruise tour from Hawaii to Tahiti.
Some of the most popular things to do in Tahiti include swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Tahiti is home to some of the best coral reefs in the world and is a great place to see all sorts of sea life.
17/ Belize
Belize is a small Caribbean country located in Central America. The capital of Belize is Belmopan, and the largest city is Belize City. Belize is known for its pristine jungles and rainforests.
You’ll feel like you are out of this world when you explore the many Maya ruins scattered throughout the country.
If you are looking for a cheaper place like Hawaii, don’t look further because Belize has similar beaches, soaring mountains, zip lines, and more.
Of course, they may be different in many ways.
18/ Jamaica
Jamaica is an island country located in the Caribbean Sea. Because it’s an upper-middle-income country, the economy heavily depends on tourism. Why have I enlisted it here?
Jamaica is home to lush mountains, rainforests, and reef-lined beaches.
Jamaica’s crystal blue water and white-sandy beaches are some of the best ones in the Caribbean. But Hawaii has better snorkeling and diving sites.
The cost of living in Jamaica is cheaper than in Hawaii, and you can find plenty of affordable accommodation options. The food is also very fresh, and you can find plenty of fruits and vegetables at the markets.
19/ Cyprus
With its Mediterranean climate and turquoise waters, Cyprus is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It’s often compared to Hawaii, and it’s not hard to see why.
The island nation has something for everyone, from pristine beaches and dramatic mountains to lively cities and quaint villages. Sound familiar?
Moreover, Cyprus is one of Europe’s most affordable places to travel. You can find plenty of cheap accommodation options, and the food is very affordable.
20/ Philippines
The Philippines is a paradise for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike.
With its tropical climate and diverse landscape, the Philippines offers visitors a taste of everything, from world-class surfing and scuba diving to hiking and biking.
The Philippines offers much more than Hawaii in terms of natural beauty. The beaches, mountains, and islands are simply breathtaking.
And there are many digital nomad places in the Philippines to remotely working. The best part is that there’s no shortage of Hawaii-like destinations; the country has 7000 beautiful islands.
21/ Maldives
The Maldives is an archipelago of 26 atolls located in the Indian Ocean. The country is best known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts.
With its idyllic setting and turquoise waters, the Maldives is often compared to Hawaii. And while the two destinations have similarities, the Maldives is more affordable.
If that’s not all, read my top reasons to visit the Maldives. These include its world-class diving and snorkeling, as well as its many overwater bungalows.
22/ Mauritius
Often referred to as the “jewel of the Indian Ocean,” Mauritius is a small island nation located off the southeast coast of Africa.
Mauritius is a veritable paradise on earth with its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush green mountains.
And luckily, it’s only a four-hour flight from Honolulu!
Mauritius is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable place like Hawaii. The island has plenty of cheap accommodation options and affordable food.
23/ Lakshadweep Islands
Lakshadweep is an archipelago of 36 coral Indian islands just off the southwest coast of India.
With its tropical climate and beautiful beaches, Lakshadweep is fast becoming a popular tourist destination with a taste of paradise outside of Hawaii.
The flight from your country to India might be long if you are from Europe or the US, but it is worth it. This place has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, lagoons, and reefs.
24/ Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
The Perhentian Islands are two small islands located off the coast of northeastern Malaysia. The islands are best known for their white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush jungle.
The Perhentian Islands are a great option if you’re looking for an affordable place like Hawaii. The islands have plenty of cheap accommodation options and affordable food.
There are many things to do on the Perhentian Islands, from scuba diving and snorkeling to hiking and exploring the jungle.
25/ Bali, Indonesia
Last but not least, we have Bali. No list of similar places to Hawaii would be complete without this Indonesian island gem. In fact, you’d love to explore more alternatives to Bali here.
Bali has everything you could want in a tropical getaway destination with its stunning scenery, friendly locals, and laid-back vibe.
The cultures of Bali and Hawaii are quite different, but both are equally exotic and inviting. In Bali, Hinduism is the dominant religion, which has a large impact on the culture.
Bali has a strong sense of community and family, and the locals welcome visitors. Hawaii is a melting pot of cultures, with strong Polynesian and American influences.
This leads to a diverse and eclectic culture that is unique to the islands.
Bali and Hawaii offer stunning natural beauty, with lush forests, pristine beaches, and majestic mountains. However, each destination offers its distinct flavor, making it a must-see for any traveler.
Conclusion on Hawaii Alternatives in the World
Whatever your reason for visiting a place like Hawaii, you’re sure to find a destination on this list that suits your needs.
From the Maldives and Caribbean islands, each of these destinations offers something unique even to a Hawaii lover like you.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next vacation today!
FAQs on Similar Places like Hawaii in the World
Is the Bahamas cheaper than Hawaii?
Both the Bahamas and Hawaii are expensive places to visit, but the Bahamas is typically cheaper than Hawaii. Why?
Because the Bahamas follows the USD, it’s easy to find all-inclusive resorts that are much cheaper than you would find in Hawaii.
What places are close to Hawaii?
The closest places to Hawaii are the US states of California, Oregon, and Nevada. The major closest city to Hawaii is San Francisco, and the closest islands are the Aleutian Islands of Alaska.
And if you want to explore something outside of the US. In that case, you might want to enjoy Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines, Hawaii’s neighbors.
Where in Europe is like Hawaii?
The Azores, Madeira, and Lanzarote are proudly called Europe’s Hawaii for their white sandy beaches, towering cliffs, and crystal clear waters.
Furthermore, Corfu, La Gomera, and Porquerolles are also great places to consider if you want a Hawaii-like experience in Europe.
