HAWAII- best islands at xmas time
 

thanks! we are hoping to go to hawaii at xmas this year (family, adult kids in their mid-twenties). I am having troubles figuring out the best islands re the weather etc that time of year as I understand there are certain islands and even certain parts of islands to avoid at xmas.
our interests are in history and nature, not big resorts or shopping , and need only a couple days on the beach. we are looking for more hikes, volcanoes, etc

would appreciate your help planning this 2 week trip! which island should we look at!

thanks!

Really, the weather is fine on all of the islands. While the north shore of Kauai is not where I'd go at Christmas time, anywhere else would be ok (Even the north shore of Kauai would be stormy but not cold) No reason at all to worry about the weather.

If you want active volcanoes, then your only choice is the Big Island. Certainly all of the islands are volcanic in origin, and Maui has a dramatic mountain, but only the Big Island has an active volcano. So start by deciding how important is it to you to see an active volcano.

You will need to make hotel reservations soon as many places are booked a year in advance at Christmas time. Expect the prices to be the highest of the year and be aware that everything will be more expensive from rental cars to accommodation.

Agreeing with the post above, the only live volcano is on The Big Island. But it would not be my recommendation for a first trip otherwise.

For "history", Honolulu on Oahu has the Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, Pearl Harbor, Mission Houses, etc. Lahaina on Maui also has a few historic sites because the monarchy was based there at one time.

I think Oahu, Maui, or Kauai would all work for your family. Hawaii is a bit hard to plan that way. My first trip I went to the library and checked out a few hard-copy guidebooks so I could look at photos and read about what each island has to offer.

Hmmm. I don't really need an "active" volcano, more interested in two ( maybe three) islands that offer scenery, hiking, nature and history. Again, not interested in big fancy beach resorts. If you were choosing 2-3 places to explore, which would you choose? Thanks for your thoughts- -and we will get on to bookings asap once we settle on which islands to visit

Well if you want to go to three different islands in your two weeks you could do: Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. They all have fabulous opportunities for hiking and exploring. Go to Haleakala on Maui. And Waimea Canyon on Kauai.

You keep referring to "history"... I'm not sure what you mean by that?

well, by history I mean any WW2 (pearl harbour) sites, museums or other cultural activities, "local" history etc...

if you want WW2 history then Oahu for sure with the Arizona and the Missouri being there, hike up to Diamond Head with its look out bunkers on top. Hope you find some hotels as Christmas fills up very early and keep in mind that prices are raised quite a bit for the holidays. With family I would think about a condo so you have more room, kitchen to hold snacks, food, beer, etc. VRBO has always worked for us.

While deciding and choosing - go for a villa or condo rather then hotel rooms is my preference…..

well if you like history you might enjoy this book I am re reading

Tommy's Wars - Paradise To Hell And Back
Howard Fields

If It were me, I would spend a good bit of time on Oahu, making sure to take in the north shore. Go to the Palace and understand the Queen was placed under house arrest and the history of the missionaries and sugar kings.

I would then go to Maui and spend a few nights in Hana and absorb it's history and community. I would also try to steal away to Molokai to Kalaupapa, and study that history, as it will change once the last resident has passed. And spend the rest of my time on either the West or South. Both have great things about them.

<<any WW2 (pearl harbour) sites, museums or other cultural activities, "local" history>>

Pretty much what was already mentioned... you want Oahu for that. Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, Pearl Harbor.

I'd stick to two islands in two weeks and agree with renting a condo. Some places may well have minimum stays of a week or more during this popular and expensive time. Plus you have to pay a cleaning fee and security deposit for each condo.

I understand there are certain islands and even certain parts of islands to avoid at xmas.

Having LIVED there I hope you've told whoever told you this that they are full of it.

When planning flights over the Pacific, consider arriving on one island and departing from another, easily doable. For accommodations try VRBO for a good family condo unit.

Dukey1,

I'm pretty sure they were just referring to *weather* - how one shore of each island will be different from the other (north/south, east/west, etc.).

We've been going over to Kauai every year since '89, starting in Nov/Dec (the first few times over for our anniversary) and then Dec and Jan for New Year's.
(We have been over in June 3x but...)

The only thing I can guarantee about the weather in Dec is there <b>isn't</b> a guarantee.
We have done 3 weeks in Dec/Jan several times and I recall one, 3 week trip where it only rained maybe one day where you couldn't do anything.

I've had pals go over in June/July and said their stay was ruined by 5 straight days of rain.

So...<i>yah' pays yer money-you takes yer chances.</i>

But yes...the rule of thumb on Kauai is Princeville/Hanalei in the Summer...Poipu in the Winter.
And even if it is raining on one part of the island, the other side might be clear as a bell. So keep Salt Pond, Kekaha on the Westside in mine.