Paul Rabe

OOOOOOkay, Mr English -- now that I know you were referring to Hawaii in this forum on the United States, I can give you some advice.

The time period between Easter and Memorial Day is a low point in Hawaiian tourism, so crowds will be at a minimum. I hate to sound like a tourist official for that state, but the simple fact is that there is NEVER a time when there is NOT excellent weather. As long as you are ready for a 20 minute shower at any time (always followed by a beautiful rainbow), you're ready for the WORST of Hawaii weather. The wave swell on the beaches is higher during winter, but this is also the time of most crowds.

As for best island, that depends on what you're looking for. For lush jungles, try Kauai or Maui. For cultural diversity as well as history, Oahu. For volcanoes, Big Island. All islands have friendly people and beautiful beaches, although Oahu's are the most crowded.

Becky

Neal, thanks you for explaining "Christina."I still want to know (in any realistic or creative answers) if that is THE Bebe Rebozo. The "There is no there, there" comment about Oakland ,California was made by Gertrude Stein. It's not true!! B. English, we all hope you are enjoying the "thread" of responses you started. You will love Hawaii. Aloha.

Tia

Hawaii has great weather all year round. If you want to avoid crowds, you're probably best staying away from Waikiki, especially during the typical high travel season, such as Spring Break. Which island to go to?....Pick any one...they're all beautiful!

Bebe Rebozo

I think I'm dead actually.

The Grim Reaper

Sorry to break it to you, Bebe, but you've been gone nearly a year. Aloha

Bebe

Yeah, well I thought so; this is just the kind of behavior that got me in trouble in the first place...

Bebe Rebozo

Will the real Bebe please stand up. And remember, I always kept my head above the crowds. (Don't tell me, the B. stands for Bad?) Christina is like a cop, never around when you really need her. Probably on vacation at a doughnut shop, or is that donut Neal?

fran

I found the first few answers to be entertaining and witty and I too LOL! B. English, remember to those of us from the coast(west and east) we have several islands. Altho, I will agree "The Islands" in the US do refer to the Hawaiian Islands. Now to your question: avoid Waikiki and the obviously busy times and you'll be fine. Weather is always good, avoid summer.

raeona

Good ol' Bebe deserves a hand for starting such a fun thread. Here's another vote (not that Fodors ever listens) for establishing a separate site for Hawaii. and for Disney and Vegas, as well, while they're at it.

Eric

when nobody is around

Neal Sanders

Fran, Bebe, et al.: "Islands" has multiple meanings to Americans, depending upon locale. In Boston, if one is going "to the Islands," then it is automatically understood that one is headed for Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard. To an Atlantan, "going to the islands for the weekend" means St. Simons Island and vicinity. To a Miamian, it means the Bahamas (Bebe, you ought to have known that, having died on Key Biscayne). And to a New Yorker, "the Island" is Long Island.

fran

Neal, I thought I was making the same point. Altho being a native Cal girl I do think of the Hawaiian Island first. I will make this my project towmorrow and ask around. Results to come later.

Rebecca

To a New Yorker (I live in California, but I'll always be a New Yorker), the island could, I s'pose, be Staten Island. You know how it got its name, right? Henry Hudson was sailing by and asked one of his crew, "Is tat an island?" ( Sorry, couldn't resist, given the "serious" nature of the responses to Mr. or Ms. English's original question)

Owen O'Neill

I beg to differ Rebecca... all the native New Yorkers that I know refer to Long Island as "the island" and call Staten Island by name (on the rare occasions that they ever mention it). As for the rest of you... most of us here in the Northeast (please correct me if I'm wrong) think of the Carribean in general when people say "the islands".

fran

Ok, here's what I found: 1. Hawaii, 2. The Bahamas, 3. Virgin Isalands. All respondents live in Dallas.

Gretchen

Yikes, this is a tough forum! To answer your question, I went to Maui last year the week BEFORE the Christmas holiday (Dec.12-20). The island was empty and we had perfect weather. (May have been a fluke, though. It rained the entire week before we went.) We never had a problem getting a reservation for anything at anytime--the best restaurants, activities, etc. If you go at that time, it's probably better to go to Wailea. Much less chance of rain. Definitely avoid Kapalua at that time as it can be very overcast.

Warren

Hey English-

History here; first of all, don't listen to that Paul Rabe character; I don't think he's ever even been there. I'll be on the Kohala coast in seventeen days, and I'll report back on my return, but it seems to me that you want to go immediately after any high season in order to get a break with the crowds and all. I was on Maui at Kaanapali in September and my wife and I practically had the place to ourselves, so just go when people are most likely locked up in work or school commitments.

D.B.

Don't forget icy Greenland and greenly Iceland, and any anyone in the Northwest knows that "islands" means the Orcas. California -- Lido Isle or Catalina? Then, of course, there's that island Britain and the island of Scotland within Britain, and someday they'll give Ireland back to the Irish. But what about the Phillipines, aren't they out there somewhere? Take a lazy gondola trip down the Guadal Canal. So, where on this island earth do you want to go B. English? Have a sandwich, and think about it (pun definitively intended).

"But for cryin' out loud, he just wanted to know a little about Hawaiiiiiiiii!!!" he said searching for a tempo.

Bebe

In lite of the Hawaiian posts lately.