Hawaii

Best time to visit Hawaii

Spring (April to June): Spring is an excellent time to visit Hawaii. The weather is typically warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 29°C and minimal rainfall. This season also brings fewer crowds and lower prices compared to summer, making it a great choice for a more relaxed vacation. The blooming flowers and lush landscapes add to the island's natural beauty, and the ocean temperatures are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Summer (July to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Hawaii, characterised by higher temperatures, ranging from 24°C to 31°C, and increased humidity. While the weather is generally sunny and perfect for beach activities, this season also sees the highest number of visitors and, consequently, higher prices for accommodation and flights. It's an ideal time for families and those seeking a classic summer vacation, with a wide range of activities and events.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn is a favourable time to visit Hawaii, offering a continuation of warm temperatures and pleasant weather, with average highs of 25°C to 30°C. This period is less crowded compared to summer and comes with more affordable prices. Autumn is also a great time for whale watching, as humpback whales start arriving in Hawaiian waters by late November. The combination of fewer tourists and beautiful weather makes it an appealing option for many travellers.

Winter (December to March): Winter in Hawaii brings cooler temperatures, averaging 22°C to 28°C, and is considered the rainy season, especially on some islands. However, this is also the best time for whale watching, as humpback whales are active in the waters surrounding the islands. The winter months can be busy around the holidays, with higher prices and larger crowds. On the North Shore of Oahu, winter is also the prime season for big wave surfing, attracting enthusiasts from around the world.

Highlights of Hawaii

The islands overflow with natural beauty. Long days of Pacific sunshine sparkle over multi-hued volcanic beaches, jaw-droppingly beautiful waterfalls, verdant rainforests and palm-fringed cobalt-blue lagoons. Yet despite all their exotic allure and isolation – two-and-a-half thousand miles from anywhere else in the USA and entrenched in the midst of Polynesia – there’s no mistaking the quintessential Americaness of these Islands.

With a choice of many flights from America’s west coast, travelling to all the islands is fairly easy either on a direct flight or jumping on another flight from Oahu or Maui. Oahu is Hawaii’s most populated island with over three quarters of inhabitants calling the island home. It’s also by far the most visited, due to its reputation as “one-stop Hawaii”- all the ingredients of tropical paradise in one. Pristine beaches mingle among headline-grabbing restaurants, panoramic turquoise bays and emerald valleys compete with the legendary surf of north shore. Whilst Maui skilfully juggles the staggering beauty of its waterfalls, white sand beaches and breathtaking ocean views with the fine dining, pampering spa treatments and the beautifully landscaped gardens of its luxury resorts.

Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island to distinguish it from its state, is a geological masterpiece whose joint star attractions both reside in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: The 13,796-foot Maunaloa is the planet’s largest volcano, while Kilauea is the most active and there’s a pretty good chance you can see it in action. Consequently the beaches of the Big Island come in a various shades of gold, white, green or black sand. The last of the big four – Kauai – carries a weighty responsibility. It’s generally considered the most beautiful of all the islands and with very good reason. With icons such as Waimea Canyon and the pleated cliffs of Napali Coast as part of its scenic portfolio, it’s no wonder the island has become such a regular fixture among Hollywood locations.

Things to do on your Hawaii holiday

Beaches
Hawaii is world-renowned for its beautiful beaches and the islands here have every type of beach imaginable: white, black, green and red sand beaches; romantic bays and beach parks for the family; popular shorelines for people-watching; and off-the-beaten-track sands that have escaped development.

Pearl Harbour, Oahu
Visit part of America’s history at the moving site of Pearl Harbour, which was attacked by the Japanese in December 1941. Learn about tragic loss of 1177 seamen who died in the Japanese surprise attack during the film documentary. See the names of all those who died etched in marble in the Shrine Room and see the oil patterned waters than continue to rise from the sunken battleship.

Maui
Tropical sun, beautiful sandy beaches, surf, and sport activities are abound on the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Dominated by Haleaukala Crater, a dormant volcano it’s visible from just about every point on the island. Numerous hiking or horse-riding trails take you to various scenic vistas to see red deserts, lush waterfalls, and rock gardens. American Affair can prebook helicopter tours that fly over the remote North Shore of Maui, the famous Road to Hana and the nearby beautiful islands of Lanai and Molokai.

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Things to do on your Hawaii holiday

Hawaii – Big Island
The largest and most diverse island, Hawaii, the Big Island has white and black sandy beaches, coffee plantations, rainforests, and the dramatic Volcanoes National Park. The park extends from sea level to nearly 14,000 feet and encompasses the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can enjoy hikes along the volcanic terrain and drive to various vantage points to take in the views of the craters and how the lava changed the national park terrain.

Kauai
The verdant island paradise of Kauai is the oldest of all the islands where spectacular natural attractions and nature are in abundance. So much so, the tropical vegetation has earned the island the nickname of ‘The Garden Isle’. Hire a car or book a tour and visit Waimea Canyon, known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the West’. Over 14 miles along, one mile wide and over 3600 feet deep the terrain of the park showcases red, brown, and green hues, rugged landscapes and pretty waterfalls.

Top tips for visiting Hawaii

• The story behind Lei
  The giving and receiving of Lei, whether made of flowers, leaves, shells, seeds or other materials is a special way to express Aloha. It is a sign of welcome, congratulations or just an expression of feeling and bond. Regardless of material, wear it with pride. When purchasing a Lei, be aware of products that cannot leave the state of Hawaii or be taken back home.

• Hawaiian sunsets
  When planning sunset activities be aware that Hawaii, like other places close to the equator, has a very short (5- to 10-minutes) twilight period after the sun sets. After that, it's dark. If you hike out to watch the sunset be sure you can make it back quickly, or else make sure you take a torch with you.
  
• Driving in Maui, Kauai and Hawaii
  Hiring a car is highly recommended on the islands of Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii, so you can see as many of the island’s pretty landscapes and amazing attractions. You can of course take a bus tour which can be a more stress-free way to explore the Islands, and shuttles, taxis and public transport are available on most islands.
  
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Top tips for visiting Hawaii

• Hawaii weather
  Weather in Hawaii is very consistent, with very little fluctuation in temperature throughout the year. There are only two seasons in Hawaii: summer is from May to October and winter from November to April. The average daytime summer temperature is approximately 25°C while the average daytime winter temperature is 26°C. Winter tends to be wetter but does make a welcome respite from the cold weather back home. The best weather can often be found in April, May, September and October.
  
• Island hopping
  If you are not on a cruise, the best way to see the Hawaiian Islands is to island-hop. With regular and short and flights, that offer value for money this is a great way to get a taste of all the different islands.