I would appreciate information on the best time of year to go to Hawaii, which island I should stay on and what things should not be missed.

I don't think there is a bad time to go to Hawaii. I believe if you want to see the Whales you need to go before April, as they migrate north as the waters get warmer going into summer.

You also might repost with Hawaii in your title to attract Hawaii-philes.

Regardless of when you go, it's a beautiful & fun place! Good luck with your planning.

Actually, though reposting is probably a good idea, it's really not enough. You could find 10 people who had 10 completely different trips to Hawaii, and they were all happy with them. The first thing you need to do is basic research - about the islands, major sites, and major activities. You can use guidebooks (from a library or bookstore) and the web (fodors has a destinations link right at the top of this page).

Once you have an idea of what you want to do, post back (with Hawaii in the title) and with more specifics about what you want to know, and what your interests and budget are, and what ages/how many people will be traveling, etc.

Weatherwise, I would skip Jan-March, unless you want to see the whales.

I agree with regards to weather. We went in February mainly to see the whales and it was cool, windy and rained 3 of the 7 days we were there. Wasn't "tropical" weather. Summer months would probably be crowded with kids out of school and people doing family vacations.

I enjoyed Lahaina on Maui and a different trip Waikiki on Oahu. Truly you need to tell us more about what you want (activities, high-end resorts, history, rustic setting, shopping, solitude, etc.)

Even as far as the time of year, depends what you'd like with the weather. I found February very interesting with some warm sunny days, then the next a tropical storm would blow thru.

Time: Anytime! But it does rain sometimes during the "winter" months.

Where? I'd stop on Oahu and maybe 1 or 2 other islands...

Top must-sees on Oahu:
-- Waikiki (learn to surf, visit International Marketplace, walk down the strip)
-- Pearl Harbor to pay respects at USS Arizona.
-- North Shore to shop at cute stores and see the awesome waves! Get Matsumoto's shave ice while there.
-- Go see Iolani Palace, where Hawaii's royalty used to live. Also can see Mission House and state Capitol to get the historical side.
-- Kailua/ Lanikai if you want to find the best beaches on the island... Can rent kayaks or try kite surfing there.

Top must-sees on Maui:
-- Lahina for a whale-watching cruise or to check out the art galleries
-- Road to Hana
-- Haleakala
-- Snorkle at Molokini

Top must-sees on Kaui:
-- Kayak, zodiac or hike the Na Pali coast
-- Princeville is nice
-- We love staying at Kokee

Top must-sees on Big Island:
-- The volcanoes! Lava tubes... Wow!
-- City of Refuge
-- Coffee plantation in Kona

Good luck! (full disclosure: Grew up in Kailua on Oahu... Love it! Going home next week!)