Hawaii Vacations

With Hawaii weather, you'd be hard-pressed to find a bad time to go. Leeward (southwestern) coasts are sunny and arid, and the windward (northeastern) sides are mountainous with jungles and pounding surf. The uplands are cooler and the landscape is rural. From December to March, Hawaii sees an influx of crowds and hotel rates are competitive. Fall and spring are little slower and discount hotel rates are easier to find. Winter brings rain, but the temperatures rarely dip below 60 degrees.

Events populate Hawaii year-round, but if you want to join the largest crowds, hit Aloha Festivals on Oahu in September, the Ironman World Championship on the Big Island in October, and the Honolulu Marathon on Oahu in December.

Experience Hawaii like a local at this Honolulu haven. Located on Kapahulu Avenue, drinks are reasonably priced and the pork chops are a house specialty.

Honor the thousands who lost their lives here, most famously at the USS Arizona Memorial, which is accessible only by boat. Beneath the memorial is the sunken hull of the battleship where more than 1,100 sailors lost their lives. Admission is free, with tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Named one of the West's best farmers markets by Sunset Magazine; shop here for fresh produce, tropical flowers and handmade crafts.

Experience Hawaiian mythology and history at "Ulalena: A Story of Hawaii's People" where the stage lights up with acrobats, hula, traditional dance and music.

This is one of Kauai's top sites for snorkelers, scuba divers and swimmers. The massive hook-shaped reef features inner crevices teeming with sea life and tunnels and caverns along the outer reef. Check the reports before heading out, especially during winter, when the sea is consistently rough.

Hit the trails with smooth-riding Hawaii Paso Finos -- gaited horses ideal for all ages and skill-levels. The Vitorinos specialize in historic horseback rides on Hawaii's North Kohala Coast, including rides through plantations and rainforests.

This scorching beauty on the southeastern side of the Big Island is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Loop the Crater Rim Drive where you'll zip through a rainforest, see steam vents, treeless plain cliffs and Halema'uma'u Crater, plus the Jaggar Museum abuzz with seismographs and stunning views.

This Oahu beauty mark was left after a volcano exploded some 300,000 years ago. Experienced hikers hit the dramatic Diamond Head Summit Trail, a 1.6-mile loop to the summit and back with views of the southeastern Oahu shoreline.

These Oahu hotspots are Hawaii's most popular, studded with hotels, beaches, Asian-fuelled eateries and shopping. Head to Waikiki Beach for swimming and surfing, and bring the kids to the Hawaii Children's Discover Center.

Time moves a little slower in this historic surf town. Hang ten at Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay and Ehukai (Banzai Pipeline) -- the area's most famous. Surfers dig the big waves in winter, while summer brings much calmer shores. Put a hibiscus in your hair, then hit the town's boutiques or pineapple plantations in nearby Wahiawa.

Explore the traditions of Polynesian culture and the people of Hawaii, Easter Island, Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti and more. Swivel your hips in an authentic luau, watch a canoe pageant and join hands-on activities such as tree climbing and tiki carving.

Located less than two hours from Kahului, a trip here is not the jetlagged or tired: The best time to hike Mount Haleakala is 3 a.m. to reach the summit in time for sunrise.

The town of Hana is on the east side of Maui, but it's the road getting there that people rave about. This 68-mile drive from Kahului is more like a three-hour obstacle course with hairpin turns, one-lane bridges and narrow roadways. But the white-knuckle grips offer ongoing rewards with spectacular views, and a coastal rainforest with lush vegetation.

Plan your arrival to this rugged 15-mile stretch, inaccessible to automobiles. Arrive via boat or helicopter tour and spend the day sailing, rafting and hiking.

This curvaceous bay 10 miles east of Waikiki draws snorkelers to its calm waters. Come face to face with colorful fish, manta rays and turtles. (The beach is closed on Tuesdays.)