I know nothing about Hawaii--but I want to go! Please help

My husband and I have been dying to go to Hawaii and are thinking about going in either October or January. I have no idea about anything--what are the different islands, what does each have to offer, etc. My husband likes history, diving and flying (he is a pilot) and I am looking just for good beach relaxing. Money is flexible--we aren%26#39;t rich but generally spend comfortably to take nice vacations. We would probably go for 7-8 days and would want to stay in one place (two at the most).

I know this is very open-ended, but I will take any advice I can because I am really at square one right now.

I know nothing about Hawaii--but I want to go! Please help

Aloha,

Each island has much to offer and there is no one better than the other, so you win regardless of which island you choose. I am glad you are going to focus on one island this trip, we hope you will return and get to know a second island in the future. I am partial to the Big Island so I will share my thoughts on that island, I am sure others will join in with their feelings on their favorite island.

October is considered low season except during Ironman which is held on Oct 13. I would suggest coming the last week of Oct. if you choose the Big Island. January is High Season so prices will be higher.

Kona has amazing diving opportunities because the water is so clear. Many divers return to the Big Island because of the clarity and beauty.

Check out ';LET%26#39;S GO SHORE DIVE%26#39;N%26#39; on the Kona Coast';

The Big Island also offers many cultural and historical opportunities.

Here are a few places you may want to look into. Feel free to email me for URL%26#39;s if you get stuck:

Hulihee Palace,

Kona Historical Society Museum, Captain Cook

Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Captain Cook

Parker Ranch Museum and Historic Homes

Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center,

Onizuka Center for International Astronomy,

Pacific Tsunami Museum,

Lyman House Memorial Museum

%26#39;Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii,

Also the biggie IMHO is

Volcano National Park!

We may have fewer beaches than the other islands, but they are beautiful and vary in sand color.

Here are jus a few to look into:

Old Airport State Park

A-Bay

Hapuna Beach (my favorite)

Kahuwai bay (near Hualalai )

Punalu%26#39;u (black sand)

I am not a pilot, wish I was! I am sure someone else will help you with that.

Have fun planning!

I know nothing about Hawaii--but I want to go! Please help

I might suggest that you buy a general Hawaii (state of) guidebook. Read about each of the islands and decide which one might appeal. If you are only going for one week, I would suggest you stay on one island. Certain parts, basically the north shores of some of the islands experiance big surf and more rain in the winter. October is also a less pricey time to visit. Please ask more questions.

Shanty has an excellent suggestion for you. Go buy a guidebook that includes the 4 major islands. Another way to suppliment that is to go to each island%26#39;s forum and type ';trip report'; in the search box. You can read tons of info about what other people have seen and done on their vacations. Once you get an idea about which island seems just right, come back on and post a few more questions. I second the idea of going in October. Great weather and cheaper prices add up to make a winning combination!

I, too, love the Big Island best. They are all wonderful and beautiful, but it holds something dear to my heart. It doesn%26#39;t have as many touristy destinations and feels more like visiting a remote, rural, tropical island, as does Kauai. Maui and Oahu have more sophisticated, city, tourist locations, although there are parts of both that are beautifully remote.

Have fun as you study, but if you decide to go in January, start getting things in gear. We always book a year in advance to get the best places if going during the high season.

I also agree with shanty, and I have found the Moon Publications has very good general Hawaii book. You need to some general research and then you will able develop some specific questions.

You say your husband is a pilot. Is he by any chance military, either active or retired? If so check in to the Hale Koa hotel. We stayed there last month (military only) and it is awesome and you won%26#39;t beat the price anywhere. We were on Oahu and there is plenty to do and see.

Have a great trip.

Lots of info:

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