Is July a good month to go to Hawaii?
 

My husband and I have been dying to go to Hawaii. I would love to surprise him with a trip this July. Is that a good time to go?

I'm really most interested in staying in unusal types of places (i.e. tree houses, etc.). Would be fine with hotels or condos, too. Any suggestions for cost-effective lodging is much appreciated.

I have no idea what island is best and would probably want to island hop a bit. (How do I find out how to do that?) It would be 7-10 days total.

We're early 30's, very active. Want to hike, bike, kyack, swim, snorkling. Not really into surfing, scuba diving, helicopter rides.

Any suggestions on an itinerary!!!???

Help!
Thanks.

Kaua`i in July would be great. That would be my suggestion. The weather is fantastic and the beaches up north are beautiful for swimming and snorkeling. It is not as crowded as some of the other islands are in the summer. We'll be back for our third trip in three years this July.

For unusual places to stay: alternativehawaii.com has many listings for houses, cottages, b&bs, retreats, etc...
-Bill

July is a fine month to visit Hawaii, although Oahu and Maui might be a bit crowded. If you're looking for adventure you might want to do some research on the Big Island--a live volcano (the only one in Hawaii), tons of hiking, black and green sand beaches, waterfalls, great snorkeling, Hawaiian history and great hotels and food.

I love going to Hawaii in summer. Only draw back are the crowds and it does not seem like there are as many cultural festivals on. September has a lot of great festivals.

July still has the Prince Lot Hula festival if I am not messing up the name. I went to that two years ago. You also have bon dances here and there in July on Oahu.

Crowds are nutty at places like the Alamoana mall but still they are no where near what you face in places like the Jersey Shore or the piers in San Francisco. So don't worry too much about crowds. I have been in summer a few times still find beaches with very few people on them.

so it sounds like summer is not the best time to go. when would you absolutely recommend going? we're flexible!

Kauai July or August
Maui Whale season February or in there
Big Island whenever the volcano is flowing
Oahu Early september there are a few festivals in there. The Okinawaian festival around Labor day. Also Hokolelaua I think is in September

I've been to Hawaii in both November and early March. December-February tends to be a little rainier than the rest of the year. The humpback whales are there from December-March which adds another feature to visiting during that time. The weather was lovely during my visits in both March and November - though you probably don't want to wait almost a full year to go next March!

The islands are all noticeably different from one another. Picking islands to visit depends on what your priorites are. The Big Island has terrific hiking & snorkeling,plus the fascinating Volcanoes National Park. Kauai is more rural & rugged compared to the other islands. There's some hiking there & you can kayak down the only navigable river in Hawaii on Kauai. Sunrise on top of Haleakala on Maui and the bike ride down is fun too. Maui has more urban areas and upscale hotels packed closer together than do Kauai or the Big Island. Maui has a couple good snorkeling spots too.

If you have 7 days, I would pick two islands. If you have 10 days, you could squeeze in 3. They all have so much to offer - you don't want to have to rush. Keep in mind that the Big Island is BIG. It's bigger than all the other islands put together.

If July works for you - go ahead and go. If you're spending most of your time on outdoor excursions, you might not notice the crowds so much anyway. Just make reservations in advance for special excursions in case they sell out before you get there.

There are lots of B&B's on the islands that are probably less expensive than the larger hotels.

Kim - the humpback whales are usually in Hawaii from late November to May, not December to March. Though they've pretty well thinned out by the middle of April.
((S))((*))

We went in July. It was a wonderful time. Keep in mind, Hawaii is a year round destination.

It was wonderful. We went ot 3 islands and had great hotels.

rwells30,
Sometimes the time of year you go in depends on what you want to do and which island you plan on visiting. Research the islands and in the course of doing so you will learn about the attractions, things to do, and weather patterns on each island. You will start getting a feel for which islands sound appealing and then you can start making a decision. It is possible to visit Hawaii in the summer and not have to battle crowds. I've done it several times and will be going back again this July.
-Bill

rwells30 - what a nice thing - to surprise your husband with a trip to Hawaii - how cool! I wish someone would surprise me just that way! Anyway - Oahu is always my favorite, but recently I heard about Molokai Ranch - you might want to check into it - it is very different and not at all crowded and would offer many of the items you listed for activities and horseback riding too, in a unique atmosphere and far from the crowds of Waikiki. Look up their website - www.molokairanch.com - it might be just what you're looking for. In any event, whatever you decide - you will LOVE Hawaii and I'm sure your husband will be thrilled with your "little" surprise.

Well, would a water tank fit the bill of unusual lodging? Here's a very unique place to stay near Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island.

http://www.haleohia.com/44.htm

I stayed there a couple of years ago and it was great! Use Bill's / iamq's website to find lots of options.

If I were you....I'd fly into Oahu and spend a few days in Waikiki and drive around the island to the north shore. Then, fly over to the Big Island, go to Volcanoes (and stay at the above), then head back to the Kona area to find a place in the sun. Lots of snorkeling, kayaking, swimming options.

Have a blast! July is a great time to go.

I lived there and I'd recommend Hawaii from May to September. The water is warmer, the waves calmer (huge surf during winter in many places) and less wind and rain in summer.

The summer months can be hot if you aren't accustomed to it so I'd advise a place with air conditioning. It might be a little cool during the winter months.

You can often get some very lovely summer days from October to April too. There just may not be 10 days straight like that.

I'd definitely advise you to go to Kauai for your stated interests. Hike bike, snorkel etc. Then the Big Island and Maui are a toss-up. I'd go to
the Big Island just to see the volcano park (so-so beaches IMO) or Maui for Haleakala, the extinct volcano mountain which you can bike down (very nice beaches IMO).

The only other thing to consider is hurricanes (summer/fall) which are rarely a factor because Hawaii is such a little dot in the middle of the huge Pacific that storms miss them. It's been a while since they've been hit. Personally I'd take my chances and go in summer.

It's hard to do three islands in 10 days but I've done it and it becomes a "sampler" vacation. Save Oahu for another time.

Have fun!

Kakalena