The south end of both islands is where you will find the least waves in winter - but you could have a week where a storm or two blow in/through, and it might not be the best visibility/conditions.

Also - go early in the morning - when the visibility is usually the best.

Kauai is our personal favorite - and staying down by Poipu is probably best in the winter - but do get up to the uber lush North Shore/Bali Hai view (our very favorite place) - and also over to Waimea Canyon.

For specific recommendations on accommodations - check out the many other posts in here under Hawaii.

You can always grab a deal to Oahu some other time.

Kiahuna Plantation in the Poipu Beach area would be my choice for a place to stay.

On Oahu the best place to snorkel in January for visitors is Hanauma Bay, which is a nature preserve on the south shore. There is a beach but there is no accommodation right at the site.

Hi Melissa --

I'm not a snorkeler, so can't help you much with that. But I know that Lydgate Park (on the East Coast -- near Kapa'a) is protected and most of the time the water is calm.

I'll be on Kauai's North Shore most of January and part of February. Last year, I had mostly beautiful weather at that same time; I think at one point there were about 20 consecutive, mostly sunny days--with rain only in very brief showers--or in the evening. Then a 5 - 7 day period with more rain than sun. It's so hard to predict for a short duration.

But I do recall some huge surf on the North Shore last winter. I loved it--but I'd rather spend my time walking along the edge of the water than being in it.

If snorkeling is a priority I'm not sure the winter is the time for Hawaii. But others might have better info.

The Ko Olina lagoons (man made) on the Leeward shore of Oahu offer protected snorkeling year round. It's not great snorkeling, some small reef fish and usually a couple of resident turtles at Honu lagoon (lagoon 2). Access is via the sandy beach and there are several accommodation options. The JW Ihilani, Disney Aulani, Beach Villas and Marriott Ko Olina are all beachfront. In addition, there are non-beachfront houses/condos for rent. This also tends to be the driest side of the island.

I haven't been to Hanauma Bay in years but it can be fairly crowded.

Winter is the time to stay south on Kauai, Oahu, and to some extent on Maui. Summer is a much better time to visit Kauai and Oahu, but the sealife on these two is less good than what you've experienced on Maui and Big Island.

January is Whale Season, best enjoyed from Maui. Maui also has a much wider choice of what you are asking for: lodging ON a sandy, easy-access beach. I prefer the calmer ocean off South Maui in winter, but weather would be OK from Kahana on south.

We *have* stayed Poipu in winter, but...the most gorgeous north will almost certainly be wet; even Poipu was drenched last winter.

Hanauma Bay has the best snorkeling in the Islands - and it is not that busy in the winter - but still - suggest you go early there - or elsewhere (Poipu, Lydgate or Ke'e on Kauai) - when the Ocean is at it's calmest and has the best vis for snorkeling/diving.

It's really a tradeoff. Even if you don't to snorkel much - the Ocean will be beautiful if the big surf is breaking/blowing in.

BTW - I/we have snorkeled/dove all over the Islands (with the exception of Lanai and that is next on the list) - and I don't think Maui is any more spectacular than what you can find anywhere else.

It's all about rocks and other underground "structure" - reefs, etc - where the whole chain of food is available - starting with smallest fish and getting bigger.

Our second favorite snorkeling beach is Ke'e (North Shore Kauai) - and Lydgate (mid-island) is probably 3rd - and Poipu has some good places - but there are also other good places on Oahu (around Chinaman's hat was fun and "shark's cove" - where there really aren't any sharks anymore on the North Shore of Oahu is good - and there are many other places, and Black Rock at Kaanapali (Maui) is vry good - as are other coves above Kaanapali and down at La Peruse Bay is also very good - and we found some fun places out at Hana - and Hey - Big Island has even more choices around the big island - and Molokai also has some nice spots.

So if it's snorkeling you want - you will be fine on either Oahu or Kauai this trip - weather permitting.

good conditions for snorkling at Ke'e in January is extremely rare.

FYI, the winter whales in Kauai are FANTASTIC. I see many of them every day from the lanai at the Sealodge condo I rent on the North Shore. Other great viewing spots include the Kilauea Lighthouse, the walking path past Kealia Beach, and Spouting Horn.

You definitely do NOT have to go to Maui to see whales.

I reiterate that I've had some beautiful, DRY weather on the notoriously wet North Shore--but there are no guarantees. I think the rainiest time was March--but that affected the entire island.

January in Paradise is a bit like Forest Gump and a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get.

And totally agree with Sondoc:

I have been to North Shore Kauai twice during the winter months - and the first time - a big storm blew in - and the surf closed out Hanalei Bay - even though it was "only" 15 foot plus waves. Just spectacular.

Two days later - snorkeling was great.

The second time - had a couple of smaller/daylong storms, which left nice waterfalls on the hills - and again, it was calm/smooth with good vis a couple days afterwards.

Tomsd: I'm intrigued by haunama bay on Oahu as you are experienced and you say it has the best January snorkeling on the islands. I'm a cautious snorkeler but I love it because I feel free in the water. You see I have some feet and hip issues which limit my hiking but I don't have any pain in the water. Yay! Can I walk into the water at haunama bay? I don't like climbing into the water off a rocky ledge. Also where would you stay to be near haunama bay for early morning snorkeling? I was looking at the pricey The Kahala hotel which is on the other side of diamond head from Waikiki. doesn't need to be that pricey but we like it quiet at night for sleeping and well located and preferably on a beach. Thanks!!!

Songdoc: we just want to snorkel a couple mornings. You see I can't hike far without pain due to some feet and hip issues but I don't have any pain in the water! Yay! But we also want to go on lots of short scenic strolls on beautiful coasts. Currently I can only walk about an hour max before I gotta take off my shoes and rest. then on a good day I can do another hour. So we need easy scenic strolls. I'm getting custom orthotics adjusted and physical therapy. I'm in my 50s and hope to regain my former hiking abilities! I love your trip reports and Kauai is calling me strongly. Still torn between Kauai and Oahu. Husband wants to see some of the museums on Oahu but being a biologist I'm afraid he will be disappointed in Oahu. We saw Kauai over 20 years ago and loved it but it was a summer trip with kids. This is a winter trip plus anniversary trip!

Love Kahala but you don't have to stay there if you are leaving early to go snorkel at Hanauma Bay - as you are going the opposite direction from Waikiki/Honolulu - against the flow of all the traffic coming into town from out by Hawaii Kai.

Hanauma Bay - and Ke'e as well as Lydgate on Kauai - are very easy to snorkel - and you can just walk out to the reef (it's starts very close at Hanauma and Lydgate - a bit further out over sandy bottom at Ke'e - but still protected - assuming of course if there is not big surf) - if need be, and then as you get more confident - or ss your body allows, swim around a bit.

Think there are lifeguards at all three beaches but double check once you get there.

Entry to Hanauma Bay is from a beach. It's a partially submerged crater and you park at the top (if you can find any) and walk down to the beach. It's a bit steep but I believe there's a shuttle you can take up and down. There's an entry fee and a parking fee and you're required to watch an educational film first. The preserve is closed on Tuesdays.

tomsd and Patty: Thanks. I've been looking at beaches that are safe for snorkeling or swimming in January at both Oahu and Kauai. I also looked at accommodations. I thought this might help me make up my mind. But instead I now have a list of places to stay on both Oahu and Kauai.

And we still aren't sure which island to head for this January 2013...Kauai or Oahu! (It is also possible we would go in December instead of January...but I'm assuming weather would be similar. Usually we go in January not December.)

Thanks Patty for adding about the shuttle/golf cart type service from not only the parking lot to the actual Hanauma bay entrance (where you can actually be dropped off with your stuff while DH parks the car) - but also down and up the hill which is a climb if you have knee/hip challenges.

We also like to stop at the shopping center at Hawaii Kai (just before you go up the hill to the parking lot entrance) - and pick up snacks for lunch - either from the Foodland? market - or sometimes from a sushi takeout place right there, which is reasonable.

As for your "dilema" - I say go whenever (Dec or Jan) - to either Isle - when you get the best deal - or one you like - which will not during be the week of Christmas to New Years, or now maybe not even the week before the Holidays.

And hey - storms can blow in from November on - so you just go with it - and there are other fun things to do when it rains, and again, after a rain - it's so beautiful in Paradise.

Tomsd: Thanks for all the advice! I have the Fodors Hawaii guidebook 2012 which has all the islands. I went to the bookstore today, intending to choose either the Fodors Kauai book or the Fodors Oahu book. But I couldn't choose so I didn't buy either!

My husband told me I can choose as he seems advantages & disadvantages to both. Which ever I choose, we will do the other one in a couple years anyway.

I think I might choose Kauai but still unsure.

Most likely the calmest beaches will be on the south shore during the winter. But that is just based on averages. It doesn't mean you can't find a safe beach up north. I have snorkeled many times at Tunnels and Ke'e beach, and it has been amazing (however in the summer). You can't go wrong, make sure the water is safe, put on the flippers and take a look.

Here is a site we use
http://www.kauaibeachscoop.com/activities/snorkeling

If you want to snorkel I would suggest Hanauma Bay in Oahu. It is truly a wonderful experience.

http://www1.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/

http://www.gohawaii.com/oahu/regions-neighborhoods/honolulu/hanauma-bay

Tunnels on the North Shore of Kauai is also one of my favorites. But check with the local dive shops because it can be dangerous because there is an underground "river" that can sweep you out to sea if you aren't aware. There is no life guard on that beach. The dive shops are very good about advising people on dangerous day to day conditions on the various beaches.

Going in December would not be different, weather-wise, but early December, after Thanksgiving and before Christmas, is THE least crowded, least expensive time to visit Hawaii.

Even if you go on to an outer island - which I recommend - suggest you stop for a couple days at least on Oahu and definitely snorkel at Hanauma Bay. Again, go early - when it
is usually the calmest with the best visibility.

And if you don't bring equipment (we don't take it anymore due to the extra charge for baggage) - if I didn't mention it earlier - check out the tourist mags for rental deals - and I always check Snorkel Bob's - for not only the equipment/prices - but also you can rent on one island and then take it with you to the next island. see: http://www.snorkelbob.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/hotpicks.htm?E+store

Not sure if that cut and paste for Snorkel Bob's is working. If not - try this one: http://www.snorkelbob.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/hotpicks.htm?E+scstore

Hey thanks you all! Looks like we are spending 4 nights on Oahu and 4 nights on Kauai! This is our winter anniversary trip (January or February.)

Oahu: Found a b&b in Diamond head. Snorkeling at Haunama Bay is on our to-do list!

Kauai: Booking the Sheraton Kauai, I'm pretty sure. I understand we might be able to swim/snorkel on this beach in the winter. I can get the Sheraton's Deluxe Ocean Front room for less money than the Hyatt's Partial Ocean View.

We will have a rental car on both islands to explore the islands!

THANKS so much for all the info on snorkeling etc.!

The remodeled and revamped Sheraton will be nice. The beach there really is great.

Both locations sound fine, but...do you want to waste precious time flying between islands with such a short stay? I've never lost less than four hours -- getting to the airport, checking baggage, getting there in time for the TSA nonsense, waiting for baggage, getting the car, getting to the next hotel and checking in. Are you coming from the west coast? Able to fly into HNL and home from Lihue?

I'm not trying to dissuade you at all, just want to be sure you know that the Sheraton (no matter how great the remodeling) and the Grand Hyatt are not in the same class/style of hotel. The Sheraton is on a better beach, however.

wekewoody: I'm pleased the Sheraton was remodeled. We especially love staying on a beach that has swimming/snorkeling in winter, which isn't easy to find!

ChiSue: I suppose you are right that we will "lose" some time by leaving the airport and staying on 2 islands. But our flight would have to connect in Honolulu in any case, even if we only visited 1 island. Yes we are flying from the west coast but still have to connect in Honolulu. I hope we don't regret visiting 2 islands. But my husband really wants to see sites such as Pearl Harbor...we have never visited Oahu. But I didn't want to spend the whole winter trip on Oahu. From the air, I can see that Honolulu/Waikiki area is overbuilt for my taste.

sf7307: Yes I know there is a world of difference between the sheraton and the Hyatt on Kauai. On tropical islands, aside from a morning swim/snorkeling at the beach, we won't spend much time at our hotel or resort. We tend to head out and explore the island. Now, if only we could move the Hyatt over and plop it at the nice beach where the Sheraton is located, we'd have everything! Ahhh, but then it would get even more expensive. Here is my impression... The Sheraton embraces the ocean...whereas the Hyatt embraces itself. (That probably won't make sense to anybody else except for me. )

Actually, that makes total sense to me! I think you'll be very happy with your choice.

Go for it. It's a fun/scenic flight from Oahu to Kauai, as about the time the Flight Attendant brings you your beverages - the Captain is announcing - prepare for landing - as it's all of about a 20 minute flight.

And the Shearton is fine. But check the local entertainment - and see if they have a kid's hula class and or dance demonstration at the Hyatt, wherever - which is/are fun and free. Double

BTW - for touring Pearl Harbor - and if you want to get to the USS Arizona - go early - and take the "Navy" tour - which is the only one that actually docks at the Arizona. Check out the schedules and think you can make a reservation? http://www.nps.gov/valr/planyourvisit/index.htm

After that - since you are part way there - continue on up toward the North Shore - going up the middle of the island - through/past Schofield Barracks - on to Haleiwa (30 minutes? from Pearl) - and then around Turtle Bay and on down the east side of the island.

sf7307: Now that I've made the accommodations decision, I'm getting more excited! Looking forward to learning more about things to do and great local places for casual eating.

Tomsd: Hey thanks for that advice. I was focusing on accommodations and snorkeling, and now it's time to look into the sites and dining!

How exciting Melissa! You might check out songdoc's trip reports here on Fodors for additional things to do and places to eat.

Melissa, The Hyat has a torchlighting followed by a hula show on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, I think Tue and Fri is the keiki (children's) hula show, they sell leis after the show to raise money for their hula school. It is free, at the Ilima Terrace, great place for a drink and maybe an app, you could if you wanted go to dinner at Tidepools there after the show.

great local places for casual eating

A few places we've enjoyed around Honolulu so far this trip:

Nico's at Pier 38 http://nicospier38.com/ get the furikake ahi

Whole Ox Deli http://wholeoxdeli.com/ if you like meat

Pig and the Lady http://thepigandthelady.com/ at various farmers markets

Town http://www.townkaimuki.com/

Salt http://salthonolulu.com/

Went to Hanauma Bay this morning. I think it's been 18 years since we were there last! We were told weekends are usually less busy so were pleasantly surprised to find the parking lot only half full when we got there just after 9:00am. No line at all and got tickets for the 9:30am film which lasted about 10 minutes. The water was pretty clear and we saw a spotted eel which was cool. Didn't see any turtles but we saw them every day at Ko Olina. Visibility was better than Ko Olina. By the time we left around 11:00am, they'd closed the parking lot.

Interesting reading. Topping this thread to move Hello Relaxation down another notch.

If you are in the Hanapepe area on a Friday night, the Art Walk thing is low key, but fun. There are some good eats there too, especially the Right Slice pie tent. Delicious sweet and savory pies!

I'm here to answer my own question! We are home from our vacation. For us this year, the best "winter" snorkeling was at these 2 spots:

--Poipu Beach Park, Kauai

--Haunama Bay Preserve, Oahu

Will post a trip report soon.