My husband and I will be staying for 2 nights in Oahu, 7 nights in Maui, and 6 nights in Kauai. We're all set with air, condos, and car rentals, but not the activities we'll do. We know that we'll go to Pearl Harbor early morning the day after we arrive. We know that we'll do a fly/drive over to the Big Island from Maui for a day and maybe even take a helicopter ride over the volcano (if it is active). But other than that we're trying to figure out the BEST things to do. We tend to visit a place only once, so we try to hit the "greatest hightlights" while we are there. We are not big nightlife people. So here are my questions: Which luau should we do? Where is the "best place" to SCUBA and with what dive company (we are certified)? Is it worth it to do the entire package at the Polynesian Cultural Center (admission, buffet, IMAX, show)? Are the whale-watching boats worth it? Is there a dive company that specialzes in diving with the whales? Any suggestions about fishing (where, with what company, etc.)? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!! THANKS!!!! Diane

Pack some jeans and sweaters. I was there in January a few years ago and was so cold on Maui.

Hi Diane,

I just came back from Oahu and fell in love with the place. We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center and I would recommend to just go and book the luau and the show at night. The night show was superb but the morning tour was boring and took all day. I would suggest to go to Hanauma Bay for snorkeling in the morning (go early) and its $3 per person and $1 for parking. Then in the afternoon, go hiking to Diamond Head or Manoa Falls, or go to Lanikai Beach. If you're into Pearl Harbor, go to the Punchbowl Cemetery and visit the USS Missouri.

Hi Diane,

I just came back from Oahu and fell in love with the place. We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center and I would recommend to just go and book the luau and the show at night. The night show was superb but the morning tour was boring and took all day. I would suggest to go to Hanauma Bay for snorkeling in the morning (go early) and its $3 per person and $1 for parking. Then in the afternoon, go hiking to Diamond Head or Manoa Falls, or go to Lanikai Beach. If you're into Pearl Harbor, go to the Punchbowl Cemetery and visit the USS Missouri. Email me if you have any more questions.

Probably "the best" luau is on Maui--the Old Lahaina Luau. You can make reservations way in advance, seating preference is in order of date reservation is made. I would not use the precious little time on Oahu to attend a luau there.

Best whale watching in January will also be on Maui. This is a MUST. Take a trip from Lahaina, lots of whale activity in the channel there.

This is only my own personal opinion, but with only 2 days on Oahu, I would skip the Polynesian Cultural Center and opt for two wonderful dinners in Waikiki plus strolling thru all the fabulous hotels (Royal Hawaiian, Moana, Halekulani) to listen to island music, have mai tais, watch the sunset. The PCC is a long haul and if you take the tour bus you will be trapped til the bitter end, LOL. (Ditto with the Oahu luaus.) I am sure many people will disagree, but I have made about 25 trips to Oahu and have never returned to the PCC. If you must go to the PCC, you can arrive in a rental car during a circle drive of the island. Remember, PCC is closed on Sundays and the other days it does not open til after noon.

For a one day fly-drive to the Big Island, I would fly in and out of Hilo and visit Volcanoes National Park (30 miles from Hilo airport) drive the rim road, stop at the exhibits, take a hike, go thru the Thurston Lava Tube, stop at the Volcano House. If there is time, go to Akaka Falls State Park on the way back to Hilo airport which will be about a one hour detour. The Big Island is REALLY BIG, there is no way you can see it all in one day.

Best place for the helicopter is Kauai, hands down. (UNLESS there is a very active flow on the Big Island.)

Do not miss the Hanalei Bay area of Kauai and beyond. Spectacular scenery.
A dinner at Cafe Hanalei or the Bali Hai in Princeville while the sun is setting will be truly memorable.

Luau - generally the Old Lahaina Luau on Maui is consider 'best' and most authentic

Scuba - on your itinerary probably Kauai would offer the best diving (sorry can't help with specific dive shops)

PCC - agree with mary

Whale watching - we went thru Pacific Whale Foundation and the cost was reasonable and definitely worth it. If you prefer not to take a boat, there are several lookout points on Maui with good viewing. The channel between Maui and Lanai seems to be the best place.

Diving with whales - as far as I know this is illegal in Hawaii. There's a minimum distance that must be maintained with all marine mammals and it's a heavy fine if you cross it.

Don't forget to see the Na Pali coast of Kauai by boat, helicopter, or on foot. Have fun!

Wow! I could not agree with Mary more. I second all her recommendations. I do not recal the name of the dive shop I went to on Maui but the backside of Molokini is a good dive. Frankly the snorkeling is so incredible you don't need to dive. Diving in the Carribean is fantastic but I prefer just under the surface in Hawaii.

The Pearl Harbor trip is a must. Don't miss the USS Missouri. You can buy an all admission ticket the the Arizona, Missouri and the WWII submarine Bowfin. Check out the official USS Missouri website (sorry I don't have the URL) before you go. There are some stories from Pearl Harbor survivors that capture the moment perfectly.

Have a great time!