Cancun vs Hawaii

Really, there is no match here. Its like comparing sweet, ripe, tasty pineapple to... crap. Lets take a look at what they both have and what they don't' have. They both have sand, ocean, humidity, and blue sky. But there they differ, in my opinion, is feeling... spirit... soul. Of the times I have been to Cancun I have noticed a few similarity among the people who tend to make Cancun their preferred vacation spot over a place like, say... Hawaii. They seem the type to have no problem what so ever with alcohol, smoking or public indecency. All three of which you will see on a regular basis. They are generally older and/or honeymooning couples who want that picturesque, completely cliched "romantic" vacation or "partiers", young college students and the more likely middle age loosers who have nothing better to do than "go to Mexico" to get completely "bombed" with the intent of hooking up with some "sweet little tart". Now I may sound a little negative toward Cancun but that's only because I have nothing good to say about it. For those who know me, know that my being part of the LDS faith has no influence on my opinion.
I think it is deceiving and dishonest to advertise Cancun as the "wonderful tropical beach location" that it is portrayed as. Of course then again, a "desert lined with hotels, buildings and concrete as far as the eye can see lined with a man made beach" wouldn't necessarily be what people want to hear to get them excited to go to Cancun.
So "what is my opinion regarding Hawaii" you ask? Well... I'm glad you ask me such a question. I have been to Cancun twice and to Hawaii countless. I lost track after the third or fourth time when getting myself to Hawaii went from "I need a vacation" to "dropping $500 on a ticket is more important than paying my rent".
Many people have told me their stories of going to Hawaii. Staying in a nice hotel, doing all the "tourist" activities of para sailing, zip lining, and spending the rest of their time lounging on what they call the "beaches" of Waikiki. If your on Oahu, for me, its all about the "North shore". The first time I went to Hawaii I rented a car and got a hotel just up the road from downtown Honolulu. As much fun as it was, I only slept in my hotel room two of the seven nights that I had it for and my trip really didn't start till I left the big city and found what I had always been looking for. The bulk of my time was spent with friends and locals on the beaches from Laie to Haleiwa to the north side of Kaena state park. Now, when I go to Hawaii I get off the plane walk outside hop on the pearl shuttle and don't get off till I'm on north shore and know that special spot when I see it. Probably the biggest difference I see between Hawaii and Cancun is the ability to explore. When your in Hawaii there is an innate insatiable desire to get out and explore, find something new and stay there as long as you can.