If you want to experience Hawaii, go to the Big Island and hike at the Volcano. The diving/water activities here are great. You can literally step off the sidewalk and enter pristine waters teeming with fish. A beautiful beach on this side of the island is Hapuna Beach. Take your sunscreen!

Maui is also a beautiful island. Hana is a small town that will transport you to yesteryear. Makawao is a quaint "paniolo" or cowboy town. Upcountry Maui is beautiful. Again, beautiful beaches here.

We cruised on Pride of Aloha. It was our first trip to Hawaii. We had a great time! I think that is one great way to get acquainted with Hawaii. We sailed from Oahu, spent 1 & 1/2 days on Kauai, 1 day at Hilo on Hawaii, 1 day at Kona on the other side of Hawaii, 2 days on Maui, then back to Oahu. There is so much to do & see that it would take several trips to explore each island fully.

I spent two weeks in Hawaii. I went to the Big Island and Oahu. I really loved Hilo on the Big Island. Check out the Hilo Market, on Wednesdays and Saturday mornings – fresh fruit, flowers, some local crafts. Be sure to go to the Volcanoes National Park and drive down Chain of Crater’s road around sunset. You’ll get down to the end of the road at dusk and be able to see the lava flowing down from the volcano to the ocean! It’s a spectacular site. On Oahu, go to Waimea beach – beautiful! But, be careful in the water, the current is really strong. Go to the Stadium Flea Market for all of your gifts – it’s got all of the touristy gifts for half the price of Waikiki or stores.