hammond

Wow, yeah, definitely go to Hawaii, and do NOT miss the Big Island: I love Maui, Oahu, and Kawaii, but the Big Island is something magical.

1. Lava flows. Go through the trouble of seeing flowing lava somewhere. I was lucky enough to see it firehosing out of the side of a cliff into the ocean. It was mind-blowing. Even if all you can see is a hardened lava field, it's a completely unreal experience.

2. If you SCUBA dive, do a night dive with Manta Rays: even you don't have an underwater camera, this experience was completely unforgettable.

3. Do a drive around the island: I did it in two days which included a bunch of short hikes to scenic spots along the way. Were I to do it again, I would budget 4 days, but between the 1,000 old ruins of a sacrificial temple on the most Northern point, to Green Beach (which is literally greenish sand), to amazing hikes through sand dunes to pristine snorkeling (you can take clear pictures of the fish from the shore!) - the Big Island is where it's at.

+++

Amazing things to see on the other islands as well: breathtaking waves on the North Shore of Oahu, gardenesque wildlife and fewer tourists in Kawaii: Maui has it's own charm... you can't really go wrong (flowers, birds, sunsets, etc).

My only recommendation is to stay away from Honolulu in general, be very polite with the locals, and enjoy the adventure.

Blu1Dog Loc: Florida

I love Maui, and the big island...didn't enjoy Oahu much...take as long as you can, there is always more that you will want to do than time permits.

justmyshutter

Volcanos. Black lava rock on the big island of Hawaii that sucks the light right out of the sky at night. Na Pali coast... it’s like no where else in the lower 48!!!

Tommy 86 Loc: East TN

I must have 300 pictures of the waves crashing into the lava rocks on the beach in Kauai, let aline the sunrises.

rskoba Loc: Honolulu, Hawaii

I grew up in Hawaii and have lived most of my adult life in Hawaii. Here are some limited comments. Each island has it's own "personality" and I suggest that you do some research before making your decision. The texture of the sand which is eroded coral or lava is very different from the sand along the St Petersbug beaches.

Oahu: The population center. Lots of history in/around Pearl Harbor and Hickam Air Force Base. Note: Visits to the USS Arizona Memorial are currently limited to the Visitor Center. https://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm

Kauai: Called the Garden Island because of abundant rainfall. The average annual rainfall on Waialeale is 450 inches. As someone else noted a boat/helicopter ride to see the Napali Coast is well worth the time/expense.

Maui: A visit to Haleakalaa to see the sunrise is spectacular but access is limited during sunrise. https://haleakalacrater.com/haleakala-sunrise/ If you choose to drive to Hana, don't forget that you have to drive back. To my eyes, the white sand beaches in the Kaanapali area are impressive-Much better than in Waikiki.

Lanai: It used to be dominated by pineapple fields. That industry has been replaced by high-end resort hotels.

Molokai: Kalaupapa is located here. Read the story about Father Damien. If you decide to visit Kalaupapa, consider taking the mule ride down there. You could fly there (expensive) or could walk (going downhill is OK, returning is more challenging) https://muleride.com/ Since not many people live here, there are no permanent stop lights. https://themolokaidispatch.com/islands-first-temporary-stoplight/

Hawaii: Yes, it can be confusing. Many here call it the Big Island to differentiate it from the name of the state. In the winter, you can go from black sand beaches (not many white, sandy beaches here) to a snow-capped mountain top (Maunakea). The Kilauea volcano is no longer active but you can see where the recent flows entered the ocean. Rainbow Falls is spectacular after a big rainfall. Akaka Falls is something to visit. http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/akaka-falls-state-park/
If you drive to South Point (I'm not sure that rental car companies would be happy if you did this.), you will be at the southern-most point in the United States. It is further south than Key West.

Kahoolawe: The Navy used it as a bombing target. Most of the ordnance has been cleared. I suggest that you not visit this island.

Niihau: It is privately owned. You can visit only if invited by the Robinson family.

I hope that these limited comments will lead you to internet searches which will help you decide whether Hawaii is worth visiting.

RolandDieter

There is really no similarity between Florida and Hawaii. Yes, both have beaches with water and sand, but the Hawaiian beach I found to be partially similar to Florida's is Waikiki. It, like Florida's, is crowded and surrounded/faced by high rises. The other Hawaiian beaches or mostly natural.

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

Sorry to hear unaccompanied. Always best if you can share an experience. I sense a great loss on your part. Perhaps Hawaii on your own will be healing.

Danielmb

Count me in the "Go As Often As Possible" category. My favorite -- referred by many - is Kauai. Take a helicopter tour with the doors off at least twice. The view will stay with you forever but don't get so carried away that you leave your camera behind.

wwright Loc: Tucson

The big island has lots of opportunities, orchids, manta rays, lava, waterfalls - Maui for Haleakalā National Park are just some of the possibilities.

MauiMoto Loc: Hawaii

https://youtu.be/oZRURoL-swg
I shared this guy before, he's a friend I ride with.

Photocraig

I have been to Hawaii at least 10 times. It is different from any other lace I've been. Even the Caribbean islands are very different from Hawaii.

The scenery is diverse, the natural plant life and birds are unique. The culture is Asian influenced and Pacific Islander as an indigenous people. The food is excellent with several species of fish available there almost exclusively.

The air trip is long, but worth it. And the photographic opportunities are definitely unique and excellent. Maybe even break up the trip by staying in California, LA, San Diego or San Francisco, or Seattle. Even do the bigs and go to Alaska. But with the 4 hour trip from the West Coast to Hawaii and a similar trip home would reduce the seat time and add another dimension to your trip.

In my mind. Kauai and the other Islands, too are what I imagine Heaven is like. And it is here on earth--with Cocktails!

Almostageezer Loc: USA

If I lived in Florida I might like to see Alaska before Hawaii.

markjay

Does Florida have volcano's, whales, or black sand beaches ?

aubreybogle Loc: Albuquerque, NM

I vote enthusiastically yes with those supporting your visit to Hawaii. I lived on Oahu in the late 60's - early 70's.While working, I had regular meetings there over the years. Since retirement, I have been back almost annually for all the reasons articulated above. One way to consider making your first visit is to take a cruise ship from one of the west coast cruise ports, with a return to the same port. (I did such a cruise in March, and it was delightful.) This avoids the tiresome 11 hour flight someone complained about and gives you a sampling of the principle scenic islands. It will also give you an opportunity to meet your several hundred or several thousand new best friends (depending on the size of the ship), fellow cruisers on the ship. One thing is certain, you won't to be lonely, unless you choose to be.

I also lived in Alaska, and have taken the inside passage cruise several times. Also highly recommended.

ollie Loc: Ogdensburg, NY

Go in Jan or Feb and see all the humpback whales around Maui and sunrise at the top of the volcano is a must see, as well as the road to Hana .... That's just a taste of one of the Islands. Do a little research and you'll see the other 48 are nothing like Hawaii. Try a cruise around all the islands and get a taste , then spend more time on the ones you want to experience more of.. I've been 5 or 6 times and can't wait to go back