
This is the time of year people want to talk about Hawaii.
So let’s talk.
From Los Angeles to Honolulu is a 6 hour flight and a 5 hour return flight (headwinds you know). Plenty of time to sip a Mai Tai or two.
The four major islands that we love to visit are Oahu, that’s home to Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach and the Banzai Pipeline; Maui, think Kaanapali Beach (rated one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, year after year, Road to Hana, Haleakala, the tallest can’t miss peak on the island and now wine country; the Big Island where you can drive from Kona to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in about 2 hours, Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls and black sand beaches; and Kauai, the most laid back island of all with stunning Waimea Canyon, the Fern Grotto, Princeville, Poipu and roosters, yes, roosters.
But there’s more to Hawaii than meets the eye. Each island is so different, really different. The lava beds on the Big Island are amazing. Kauai is lush and laid back. Maui has its incredible beaches and a moon scape on the top of Haleakala (and you can rent a bike and ride down the volcano!) and Oahu is its busy capital, yes there’s lots of traffic but there’s also the State Capital, the Iolani Palace and Pearl Harbor. In case you’re interested, and a lot of people are, Oprah’s home is on Maui.
If you’re staying more than a few days consider a condominium but remember hotels offer all of the amenities including room service and restaurants as well as the best spots on the beaches.
If you’re staying anywhere but Waikiki I recommend renting a car. In Waikiki you can walk or take a bus just about anywhere and to tell you the truth, there’s too many cars there now.
The best time to go depends on what’s important to you. The best weather compared to the mainland, December through March. It’s the best whale watching time too. That’s also when the rates are the highest. September through November and April and May (before Memorial Day) are when you’ll find the best deals and fewer crowds. November is one of the rainier months but that’s what keeps Hawaii so green and the prices down.
There is something so special about Hawaii that I feel a warm breeze just thinking about it. And ukuleles, I hear a ukulele playing Somewhere Over the Rainbow and I can’t wait to go again.
A hui hou!