How to Time Your Trip to Hawaii

Hawaii - the name alone conjures up images of perfect beaches, tropical flowers, lush rain forests and iridescent sunsets. These Pacific islands might be the closest thing to paradise on earth.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Hats Or Visors
• Hiking Shoes
• Swimming Trunks
• Swimsuits
• Travel Clothes
• Local Guidebooks To Hawaii
• Maps
• Sunscreen
• Airline Tickets To Hawaii
• Travel Services
• Cameras
• Film
• Golf Clubs
• Swimming Goggles

General Considerations

1. Decide which island you want to see. Would you prefer remote Molokai to popular Maui?
2. Consider weather, and when you want to visit Hawaii. The climate on each island is slightly different: Maui gets the most wind, Kauai gets the most rain, the Big Island is the warmest, and Molokai and Lanai are dry. The weather on Oahu (home to Honolulu, Pearl Harbor and plenty of tourists) is the closest to perfection, with a breezy 82 degrees F nearly year-round.
3. Remember that flights to Hawaii tend to be more expensive during the winter months, particularly from Christmas until March.
4. Check out what festivals, expositions and live performances are happening (see "Attractions and Seasonal Events" below).
5. Take care of your flight, transportation and accommodations (see Related eHows).
6. Check the weather forecast for Hawaii shortly before leaving, and pack accordingly.

Attractions and Seasonal Events

7. Acquaint yourself with traditional Hawaiian sports, games and music at the Ala Wai Challenge, held in January at Ala Wai Park in Honolulu. Call [phone].
8. Taste dishes from the best restaurants in Hawaii at the Taste of Honolulu. Exhibits on everything cooking-related are set up at the Civic Center Grounds in late June. Call [phone].
9. Celebrate and appreciate Hawaiian culture at several Aloha Festivals across the state in September and October. Learn more by calling [phone].
10. Immerse yourself in Hawaii's underwater wonderland. Try snorkeling, diving or taking a submarine ride into the warm blue waters teeming with exotic marine life.
11. Hike up Diamond Head for an awe-inspiring panoramic view of Oahu. The easy walk to the peak of this volcanic crater takes less than an hour.
12. Investigate one of America's darkest periods at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. There is also a modern submarine to explore; go early to avoid crowds.
13. Wander through the rain forests of Oahu. Fragrant tropical flowers, giant ferns and misty waterfalls will make you want to tear up your ticket home.

Tips & Warnings

• "Mahalo" means "thank you" in Hawaiian; "aloha" means "hello," "welcome" or "goodbye."