Originally Posted By Sara Tonin My son-in-law just got orders to Pearl Harbor, HI, so instead of vacationing on the Jersey Shore I'll have a couple weeks twice a year in Hawaii. What are the best times of year to visit (least humidity and heat), are there little known things I should make sure to see. And what does everyone want me to bring back for them?
Originally Posted By wahooskipper I haven't been there in a LONG time but I have good memories of the Arizona Memorial, obvsiously, and a place called the Polynesian Cultural Center which celebrates island life. There are plenty of good beaches and if you can get reasonable island transportation you certainly would want to check out some of the other islands. Hawaii....Jersey Shore...I think you won this battle.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<What are the best times of year to visit (least humidity and heat)>> I've never been there myself, but people who have usually say the climate there is much the same year-round.
Originally Posted By Sara Tonin I wanted them on the west coast, but yes, this is better than NJ. I of course want to visit the Arizona Memorial...but would really like the authentic island experience....maybe I should experiment with the spam and rice before I get there.
Originally Posted By PetesDraggin The one time I went to Oahu was in early February. The weather was beautiful (not too hot or humid). It was pretty crowded because I was there the week of the NFL Pro Bowl, so you'll want to plan around that. To do, there's lots of hiking in the mountains, waterfalls, the North Shore, snorkeling, and so much more. Plus on Oahu, you have a big city, which you really don't get on the other islands. One thing we did that was amazing was a dolphin excursion boat ride. We saw tons of dolphins and a humpback whale breached (jumped nearly all the way out of the water) about 100 yards away from us. We got to get out of the boat a couple of times to swim and snorkel with the tropical fish, turtles and dolphins. Hawaii is an amazing place, even if you don't like Spam.
Originally Posted By hopemax When my parents recently visited on the Disney Wonder, they took a shore excursion that was done by Home of the Brave Tours. My Dad thought it was a fabulous experience, and they only got an "edited version" of the main tour. <a href="http://www.pearlharborhq.com/" target="_blank">http://www.pearlharborhq.com/</a>
Originally Posted By RoadTrip It looks like what I've been told is true... both temps and precipitation in HI are pretty much the same year-round. <a href="http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USHI0079" target="_blank">http://www.weather.com/weather...USHI0079</a>
Originally Posted By iamsally >>>but would really like the authentic island experience<<< For that you need to meet people. So get a bus pass and take the bus instead of renting a car. If you need a place to stay try a hostel instead of a hotel. (Honestly, these are things I have done.) The typical Hawaiian weekend consists of taking your grill to the beach with some hot dogs, burgers, fresh fish and beer. For snorkeling on the North Shore you must visit in the summer as the surf is too high in the winter. Shark's Cove is great for that. PCC is Hawaii's answer to Disneyland; with a bullet biting price. (I do not mean it is really like Disneyland. It is a way to learn a lot about different Polynesian cultures and their dinner and night show are impressive. It is just really expensive.) Do not get talked into a paid excursion to the Arizona. It is free. The temperature year 'round is pretty even but it is cooler in the winter and spring. A 90ยบ day in August is a day to hang out at the mall or take in a movie in an air conditioned theater. You feel the humidity much worse July, August and September. Try finding some books on Hawaiian hiking trails. The view from the top of Diamond Head is amazing.
Originally Posted By WDWdreamin I always like Trip Advisor to give me some suggestions. Glad you asked about this, because we would like to go to the different islands soon-ish and need suggestions too. (We've only been to Kauai, which is wonderful.)
Originally Posted By tashajilek ". Glad you asked about this, because we would like to go to the different islands soon-ish and need suggestions too." I am going to Oahu and the Big island for my first time ever in April! we have researched the big island a lot and there is a ton of things to see and do. I will do a trip report when we get back
