When would the best time for my wife and I to visit be. We were thinking of November, but I heard the rainy season is from nov-feb. I would think seeing the whales would be a good thing during the winter (Dec-june?). The waves on the north shore, also in the winter would be impressive, but I can't surf the big ones, anyway. I heard the south shore has surf in the summer.
I have some credit card miles expiring this year, but I'm not sure if I have to buy the tickets or actually travel by the end of the year, so I might have to travel between now and the end of the year.
We're thinking Oahu and Maui, but there are too many choices, both among the islands and within each island, its kind of mind boggling.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks

The good thing is it is rare you can't find a sunny spot somewhere. You'll have small waves in during the winter on other shores. Or the rain comes and goes. It's rarely constant.

Hi, I've been to Maui twice however that was some time ago. In 1986, we stayed (in the month of May) at the Kapalua Bay Resort. Humid, hot but such an incredible resort. I just saw that it's been downgraded to a 3.8 on Fodor's which really bothers me since I'd love to travel there again. My next vacation was a condo on Wailea next to a terrific large resort (can't remember the name) in September. Kauai was under seige with a hurricane. Our last 2 days were not spent at the private beach because the weather turned nasty. I think February is really the best time to go - hurricane season will have ended. Don't forget to take a wonderful boat trip out of Lahaina and dive with the sea turtles. And I think renting a car is essential. Have fun!

Aloohaaa,
We've been going to Kauai over Nov/Dec/Jan since '89 and could probably count the times we've been "rained out" on Mrs Kals tiny hand.

You're right about NoShore surf in the winter. Sometimes IT'S AWESOME!
Especially when 20-30' waves are up near Hanalei and the spray fills the valley at sunset.

Last season was probably the best we've ever experienced for whale watching. We saw them all over the island vs. usually 5-6 around Poipu.
Go. Enjoy. Any island mo' bettah!
Kal

I believe the prime whale watching time is really December thru April, maybe early May.

We just returned from Maui a couple of weeks ago, and it was warm and humid. Our two previous trips were in November and I recall the weather being less humid with little rain.