You’re planning a trip to Hawaii…wahoo!! How exciting! But it can also be pretty overwhelming…I mean, how do you even know where to start?
There are four main Hawaiian Islands: – Oahu – Maui – Kauai – Big Island (also Hawaii)
Kauai is the oldest island and also the smallest island. Oahu is the second oldest island and second smallest. Maui is the second youngest island and second largest island. And the Big Island comes in as the baby island and the only island with ACTIVE volcanoes which means that it’s still growing!!
Each island is fairly unique and has a lot to offer. While each island has a handful of attractions (natural or manmade) that you’ll only find on that island, EVERY island has supherb beaches, snorkeling, water sports, resorts, etc.
The VERY best time to go to Hawaii is during shoulder season in the fall. I’ve been to Hawaii pretty much all times of the year and I’m constantly monitoring prices on flights and hotels and I consistently find mid August through mid October to be the cheapest time of year to go to Hawaii.
Humpback whales migrate to the Hawaiian Islands every winter to feed, breed, and have their babies. Official whale season in Hawaii is December 15 through May 15, but I’ve never seen a whale with a calendar so it can be hit or miss.
If you’re flying a whole crew to Hawaii, you may be more focused on finding the cheapest airfare possible and just take whatever rooms you can find. In that case, nail down your airfare first.