Honeymoon Dilemma - Costa Rica or Napa/Hawaii?

We're planning our honeymoon for early October....and can't decide whether to do Costa Rica or Napa for a few days and then Hawaii.

October is part of Costa Rica's rainy season - but I'm not sure just how rainy that means.

My FH has been to Hawaii with family - it was years ago and he didn't go to all the islands.

...any opinions/input?

Re: Honeymoon Dilemma - Costa Rica or Napa/Hawaii?

We're thinking 12-14 days...so Costa Rica would be the whole time...moving around a little bit... If we chose Napa/Hawaii...we'd do Napa for like 3 days...and head to one of the islands.

Re: Honeymoon Dilemma - Costa Rica or Napa/Hawaii?

Won't it be hurricane season for Costa Rica? If I were choosing between the two, I'd definitely pick Hawaii.

Re: Honeymoon Dilemma - Costa Rica or Napa/Hawaii?

Apparently Costa Rica is far enough away from the Hurricane belt...that's what the travel agent said.

I would love to go to Hawaii too...but I feel like everyone does Hawaii on their honeymoon...not that it's a bad thing...I just want something a little different...but if it's going to be raining the whole time - it's not worth it!

Anyone been to Costa Rica?

Re: Honeymoon Dilemma - Costa Rica or Napa/Hawaii?

OOOh Hawaii/Napa OR Sonoma! (I like Sonoma better, personally). That's exactly what we did on our honeymoon. We went to Hawaii first, hit Sonoma for 3-4 nights on our way home, and stayed one night in San Fran before flying home from Oakland. It was AWESOME!

Re: Honeymoon Dilemma - Costa Rica or Napa/Hawaii?

I'd pick Hawaii

Re: Honeymoon Dilemma - Costa Rica or Napa/Hawaii?

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Posted by JNMWineBride

Apparently Costa Rica is far enough away from the Hurricane belt...that's what the travel agent said.

I would love to go to Hawaii too...but I feel like everyone does Hawaii on their honeymoon...not that it's a bad thing...I just want something a little different...but if it's going to be raining the whole time - it's not worth it!

Anyone been to Costa Rica?

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I agree. If it's going to be raining a lot, I definitely wouldn't go there. I've never been to Costa Rica, but I have been to Hawaii and it is just amazing. The other thing to consider is the flight. Costa Rica is a heckuva lot closer than Hawaii.

Re: Honeymoon Dilemma - Costa Rica or Napa/Hawaii?

I'm bias, we're going to Costa Rica in September. Everyone we know that has been there loved it and said that it typically rains once in the afternoon and then the shower is over. We're more into adventure though and there's plenty of that in CR. FH's mom owns a condo in Hawaii because she's a flight attendant and has to stop there alot. FH finds it boring and alot like FL. If you want more of a relaxing trip I'd pick Hawaii, if you want alot of diversity and adventure I'd choose Costa Rica.

Re: Honeymoon Dilemma - Costa Rica or Napa/Hawaii?

We are doing Hawaii and then Nappa

Re: Honeymoon Dilemma - Costa Rica or Napa/Hawaii?

I love CR- we are going there for our honeymoon, but from what I understand-- it is really rainy there Sept- Nov. In the summer it rains a little every day and sometimes it is like a monsoon. I think it is monsoon - like almost every day in the fall.

Re: Honeymoon Dilemma - Costa Rica or Napa/Hawaii?

I think Hawaii would be better

Re: Honeymoon Dilemma - Costa Rica or Napa/Hawaii?

I love Napa Valley So many great restaurants and of course, great wine country, but I'm biased! I think it depends on what type of vacation you want. My brother went to Costa Rica this past fall and he did a lot-hiking, kayaking, white water rafting, explored caves, ruins, etc. If you want R&R, then Hawaii would be your choice. Good luck!!

Re: Honeymoon Dilemma - Costa Rica or Napa/Hawaii?

I know Sept is their rainiest month of the year..You can look up the weather or climate history on yahoo...we wanted costa rica but getting married in the middle of Sept..good luck let me know what you decide..maybe it can help me plan

Re: Honeymoon Dilemma - Costa Rica or Napa/Hawaii?

My neighbor is from CR, there is sort of a mini dry season in September, but she said in any case it isn't that bad.

Re: Honeymoon Dilemma - Costa Rica or Napa/Hawaii?

We are going to Napa/Sonoma/Monterey for our honeymoon for 2 weeks so my vote would be for Napa/Hawaii

Re: Honeymoon Dilemma - Costa Rica or Napa/Hawaii?

Costa Rica is beautiful but the rainy season can be really rainy - it all depends on what part of the country you plan to visit. I was there on 2003 at the beginning of the rainy season. It POURED every night that we were in San Jose. San Jose is in a valley and the rain clouds get stuck there.

Once we moved to the mountains it rained less, but it still rained. The coast (I went to Manuel Antonio) was hot and sunny during the day, but the rain came at night.

I would do Hawaii only because it is such a great Honeymoon spot.

Re: Honeymoon Dilemma - Costa Rica or Napa/Hawaii?

i would definitely do hawaii. It was amazing!

my friend went to costa rica in late october for her hm and it rained 7 out of the 10 days!

Re: Honeymoon Dilemma - Costa Rica or Napa/Hawaii?

we did a similar napa/hawaii honeymoon and loved it! i definitely suggest it.

good luck!