Planning a Trip to Hawaii

[Julia Homes]

For many people, Hawaii remains the ultimate travel destination. Many travel agencies offer superlative services that can make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. The moment you step off the plane, you will find yourself setting foot on the gleaming white sand that abounds in the USA's Aloha State. Tourists seldom fail to feel impressed by the sights, sounds and smells that this tropical paradise offers, suiting all kinds with a wide variety of activities and of natural sights ranging from the sapphire-colored seas to the jade mountain vistas to the numerous opal beaches that dot these eight islands.

When you plan a trip, you’ll need to consider which of the six main islands that you plan to visit: Hawaii (the Big Island), Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, or some combination thereof. Then you’ll need to ascertain the weather forecast for the time of the year when you want to come. Lastly you will need to decide whether you want your visit to coincide with any particular festivals or events. Other things to consider include accommodation prices, airfares, availability of the attractions that you’re interested in etc. And on Oahu, you will deinitely want to rent a car in Honolulu to make getting around much easier.

There are basically only two seasons The dry season runs from April to October, and the wet season from November to March (it during this season, especially from mid-November to early February, that you'll see some of the best surfing and most powerful waves). Summer highs usually reach around 88 °F (31 °C) during the day, with the temperature reaching a low of 75 °F (24 °C) at night. Winter day temperatures are usually around 83 °F (28 °C); at low elevation they seldom dip below 65 °F (18 °C) at night.

Top attractions include:

• The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, which marks the place that led to the involvement of America in World War II.
• The North Shore of Oahu, which draws visitors for its large waves and breathtaking coastlines.
• Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, a unique blend of beaches, restaurants, shopping centers, and nightlife.
• The Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park in Kauai, which features lavish waterfalls and freshwater rivers, along with a wide selection of Hawaiian flora and fauna.
• The Haleakala National Park in Maui, which offers ample scope for guided activities, hiking and camping.
• The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, to observe the volcanic lava fields, fiery infernos and billowing steam vents that led to the formation of the Hawaiian Islands.

For getting around Hawaii at your own convenience, you will need to avail car and motorbike hire services. Ideally, you should obtain a car rental in Honolulu airport. Budget, Avis, Thrifty, Hertz, National and Alamo offer some of the best car hire facilities (If you want to drive in Hawaii, you will need a valid International driver’s license). Otherwise, you could use taxis that remain available on all the islands; your hotel service desks will be able to order these cabs when you need them. Moreover, many major resorts offer shuttle services in the vicinity too. Public transport can also be a great way to travel through Oahu and some other islands.