Waimanalo Beach, Oahu

Hawaii can be subject to rain in winter but the air temperature is moderate year round.  The driest spot will be Kona on the Big Island.  As you head north, the islands get more lush but also have more chance of some rain in winter.  The sequence from south to north goes Big Island, Maui, Oahu and Kaui.  Hawaii is busy in the summer with Hawaiians taking vacations and it's busy around Christmas and in winter with tourists.  In addition to this overview pages, see our Hawaii with Tim by Land or check out Hawaiian with Tim on the Carnvial Spirit.

Oahu - The highest volume of tourists are here.  Things to see in Waikiki include:

• Waikiki Beach
• Waikiki International Market Place
• Kapiolani Park, including the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium
• Diamond Head - drive through a tunnel into the center of this extinct volcano and then climb to the top to the World War II bunker
• Pearl Harbour

Kapiolani Park & Waikiki from Diamond Head

Kapiolani Park & Diamond Head

Around the small island are a number of other attractions:

• Polynesian Cultural Center
• Hanauma Bay - easy public snorekling and wonderful beach
• Sea Life Park - dolphin shows and interactions
• North Shore - professional surfing at Banzai Pipeline
• Turtle Bay - great resort with day fees for visitors
• Dole Pineapple plantation - pineapple ice cream and a train tour of the plantation

Hanauma Bay, Oahu

Turtle Bay, north shore, Oahu

Maui - Lots of wealthy people have homes here, like Oprah.  Things to do in Maui include:

• Waterfront at Lahaina
• Beaches at Kihei
• Iao Tower - mountain
• Haleakala Crater
• Maui Ocean Center
• Road to Hana
• Snorkel at Molokini

Kihei, Maui

Haleakela, Maui

Travellers recommend the Kamaole Sands (Castle Resort) on the beach at Kihei.

Kauai - This is a very small island and is the most beautiful of the islands for vegetation.  Things to do in Kauai:

• Rent a car and drive all 100 miles of roads.
• Waimea Canyon

Nawiliwili, Kauai

Waimea Canyon, Kauai

Tracie loved the time she spent at the Kaha Lani Resort (Castle Resort) on the beach at Lihue.

Island of Hawaii (The Big Island) - This island is the driest and most desert like of the island chain. Kona is on the drier side of the Island, while Hilo gets lots of rain.  Things to see can involve some distance in travelling:

• snorkelling and beaches in Kona and Kealakekua
• Black sand beaches like Punalu'u
• Mauna Kea summit - 14,000 feet
• Volcanoes National Park - Kilaeua Volcano, Thurston Lava Tube

Kona, Big Island

Kilauea, Volcanoes National Park, Big Island

Mauna Kea, Big Island