Fiji or Hawaii?? SO TORN

Re: Fiji or Hawaii?? SO TORN

• SuMmErKuTiE member

  

  March 2013 edited March 2013

  We narrowed our HM down to Hawaii and Fiji as well and ultimately picked Fiji and I'm so glad we did. Especially with your budget, you should definitely go with Fiji. Hawaii can be done for much less so you should keep that on the back burner as a future trip.
  
  We spent a little less than you and stayed at a 5 star resort on it's own private island called Qamea Resort & Spa. We loved that the resort only accomodated up to 36 people at once and everyone stayed in their own beachfront bure (villa). We stayed in one of the 2 honeymoon bures that included a private courtyard with outdoor rock shower and spa tub. We also had a hammock and a day bed with curtains on the front porch which was very relaxing.
  
  There's no such thing as an all-inclusive resort in Hawaii or Fiji. But most resorts in Fiji are "mostly inclusive" which means all meals and most activities are included, but alcohol is extra. However, we received a complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival, and there were various wine and drink tastings throughout our stay so we drank for free plenty of times.
  
  What ultimately sold us on Fiji, was the once in a lifetime aspect of the trip, how private the resort was, and their excursions. Snorkeling the South Pacific, hiking to the waterfalls, and their Honeymoon Beach excursion, where they drop you off on your own private beach for the afternoon with a picnic lunch and come back and pick you up later.
  
  Also, since we were coming from the east coast, we flew to Vegas first to break up the long trip. We stayed there for a few nights, then rented a car and drove to LA and stopped at the Hoover Dam on the way (about a 4 hour drive to LA and really pretty).
  
  Reviews and pics in my married bio under the HM tab. HTH!

  
  Green Fashionista Blog Updated 2/25
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• Jells2dot0 mod

  

  March 2013

  Having been to both, you'll definitely get more for your money in Hawaii, and be able to stay longer, but your budget is sufficient for Fiji and you will be able to stay in some of the luxury private island resorts, especially in April. For a true all inclusive within budget, check out Namale. Also check out LikuLiku, Royal Davui, Tokoriki (does not include meals), and Matangi Private Island. With the exception of some of the larger resorts on the main island, you will most likely be staying at a resort with no more than 30 rooms, whereas Hawaii will be much larger resorts. The Fijians are also amazing people- so friendly and warm. Hawaii is great if you want to rent a car and explore on your own as well as having access to some of the comforts of home. So, if you really want to be in the middle of things and have lots of options to do things Hawaii may be better for you.If you want to slip away to a more secluded destination and focus more on water based activties, Fiji is great! They have amazng soft corals for snorkeling/diving.
  
  For an agent, you can check out Fijime.tv. Fiji specialists are called Matai agents. You can also do a search for Fiji matai agents in your area on google or just choose an agent anywhere in the country and most of the specialist agents  have dealt with were out of state, so I did everything over e-mail or the phone!

   

  

  
  
  
  

  
  
  
  

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• WinstonsGirl member

  

  March 2013

  I say Fiji.  It's not as expensive or difficult (time wise at least) to get to Hawaii, so it's easier to do in the future.  It'll be harder to save up for the cost of somewhere like Fiji once life takes over (house, kids, going on assumptions here).  Do the more exotic one now when you know you can

  
  

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• ktk143 member

  

  April 2013

  Thank you all very much!  This has been EXTREMELY helpful!!

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