Costa Rica doesn't cost as much as Hawaii but it's not "cheap" There is a lot of theft in Costa Rica but tourist are targets in Hawaii as well and the stats are in the same ballpark. If cost is a major concern then Nicaragua is a lot cheaper although many would say not as safe. Thailand and Vietnam are nice, relatively safe, cheap tropical destinations if you can find a reasonable deal on airfare. There are bugs in the tropics...all of the tropics. If that doesn't work for you then you'll probably just have to stay home and turn up the heater ;-)

Best weather for Costa Rica is February and March. Not sure about best weather months for Hawaii. A summer cruise to Caribbean islands may be more fitting to keep the bugs and thieves from spoiling your vacation.

if your thinking of Costa Rica then you should also look at panama .not as much crime and cheaper than CR . lots of direct flights as it is a major airport hub and we use the USD

I was looking into Costa Rica, and Oahu and Kauai in Hawaii. Kind of puzzled on where to go. I want a tropical place, but at the same time I want it to be nice and cheap at the same time. I heard Costa rica is cheaper then Hawaii, but apparently Costa rica has a LOT of theft and apparently there's ants on your dinner tables and bats flying around. Just wanting an opinion, just want an all around nice destination that's safe as well and somewhat cheaper. Ideas of other places would be good too! Feel free to throw any out there, thanks