The Weather

When planning a vacation, one thing most travelers look for is good weather. The good news is that Hawaii has some of the best weather anywhere in the world. While the islands have a drier season (summer) and a wetter season (winter), the temperature remains relatively steady throughout the year. While rain showers keep the islands green and lush, every island has an area where the sun shines almost every day of the year. When the trade winds are blowing, the cool breezes make for a perfect day in paradise.

The People

While every vacation destination has a few people who don't like visitors, Hawaii has fewer than most vacation destinations. Part of the reason is that tourism is the major "industry" in Hawaii and almost every family has someone who works in the tourist industry. A larger reason, however, is that most people in Hawaii do promote the "aloha spirit." In fact while most people practice it as a part of their nature, it's actually the law in Hawaii that all citizens and government officials are obligated by law to conduct themselves in accordance with this law.

The Culture

Hawaii is the only state in the USA where everyone is a minority. In addition to the original Hawaiians who sailed to Hawaii from the islands of Polynesia, the islands have attracted groups of people from around the world including Caucasians, Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, Hispanic/Latinos and more.

Many were brought to the islands to work on the sugar and pineapple plantations that once were prevalent on every major island. Each of these various immigrant groups brought with them their own unique cultures. Today, Hawaii is truly a melting pot of all of these cultures. Almost 25% of island residents claim ancestry of two or more races. I encourage all visitors to learn about the cultures and history of all of the people of Hawaii.

The Beaches

With over 750 miles of shoreline and over 400 named beaches, all of which are public beaches, you're sure to find a beach in Hawaii that's perfect for you and your family. In Hawaii you can also choose the color of your beach. There are white sand beaches, yellow sand beaches, black sand beaches, red sand beaches and even one green sand beach. Since the ocean conditions can be unpredictable, my best advice, if you plan to go into the water, is to select a lifeguard protected beach.

The Ocean

Where there are islands, there is water, and Hawaii has a wide assortment of ocean activities of which you can partake.

For those who want to ride the waves, Hawaii has some of the best surfing, boogie boarding and windsurfing spots in the world. If you enjoy getting under the water, there is great scuba diving, snorkeling and the latest craze, snuba.

If you want to stay mostly dry, there is are great catamaran and other sailing tours, whale watches, zodiac raft tours, sunset and dinner tours, and some of the best deep sea fishing the world. You can even soar high above the waves by parasailing.

The waters of Hawaii have beautiful reef fish, green sea turtles, Hawaiian monk seals, and yes, even a few sharks. Whatever way you choose to enjoy the waters of Hawaii, be safe.