Jordan

Jordan vacations are unusual and unforgettable. Teeming with Middle Eastern culture, relics of bygone civilizations and breathtaking rugged scenery, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a land of inspiration.

The Kingdom of Jordan has long captivated visitors inspiring religion and faith among Christians and Muslims alike. Jordan is full of biblical references, which fuels spiritual Jordan vacations. This remarkable heritage is recorded in the Islamic Qur’an. It is generally believed that the region, which now makes up modern day Jordan, was part of the blessed neighborhood. In the Jordan Valley, significant holy sites reflect the development of Islam and contain the tombs of Prophet Mohammad’s companions. For Christians, the Book of Genesis also mentions the Jordan River Valley that is believed to be the location of the Garden of Eden.

Other religious sites include Mount Nebo where Moses was buried. Visitors can view a spectacular panoramic scene from the mountaintop, just as Moses did, taking in the Jordan River Valley, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem. A place called Bethany Beyond the Jordan contains the site of what is believed to be the earliest example of a Christian church to have been found anywhere in the world. The site is also referred to by Roman and Medieval texts as where John the Baptist lived, preached and baptized Jesus.

A beautiful and contrasting country, Jordan vacations present a range of attractions from traditional handicraft markets, to modern art galleries and the historic crusader castles of Karak, Shobak and Ajloun. There are also plenty of opportunities for sports like rock climbing, abseiling, hiking and scuba diving.

Jordan tourism boasts some distinctly inspirational sights. The majestic Wadi Rum is a stretch of high rocky desert walls where herds of gazelles and Oryx sweep the canyon floor. Visitors to this magnificent reserve are encouraged to “hear the silence” of this peaceful landmark. Also known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum has famous patronage among many high profile figures including T E Lawrence who described the landscape as “vast, echoing and god like”. For an unforgettable experience, visitors can soar over the wadi in a hot air balloon.

A major Jordan tourism destination is the Dead Sea coast. Washed up along the rocks of the shoreline are huge salt crystals, which look at first glance like snow. Lavish 5 star hotel resorts and spas line the coast offering modern facilities, exotic cuisine and complete luxury from which to branch out and explore the fascinating landscape. A world-renowned place to rejuvenate body and soul with a mud bath, the high salt content of the seawater allows you a literally buoyant experience.

Definitely the most popular Jordan tourism attraction and often referred to as the eighth wonder of the ancient world is the “lost city” of Petra. Carved into a sheer rock face the underground city is accessed through a narrow gorge or Siq before reaching the Al-Khazneh (treasury). Built in the 1st Century, this exquisite architectural gem houses a tomb of a Nabataean King. The site even featured in a 1989 Hollywood film, Indiana Jones and the last Crusade starring Harrison Ford and Sean Connery. Jordan tours to Petra by night offer a uniquely magical experience as 2000 burning candles lead visitors through the underground rooms to the treasury.

From the southern City of Aqaba at the northern tip of the Red Sea, on a clear day you can see Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt! Here you can experience excellent snorkeling and scuba diving of teeming coral reefs or simply view the magical underwater life from a glass bottom boat.

At the sprawling mountain city of Amman, Neolithic remains sit alongside an archaeological site known as the citadel, which contains Byzantine relics such as the Temple of Hercules and an Umayyad Empire era palace. Lying at the foot of the citadel is a 6000 seat Roman theatre that is still used for cultural performances.

Boasting a number of desert castles with fine examples of early Islamic architecture, the Kingdom of Jordan can be proud to have such magnificent structures chronicling the regions illustrious past. Many of these Islamic complexes can be visited by Jordan tours within one or two days from Amman. Certainly Jordan tours will stop at Qusair Amra. This is an astonishingly well-preserved castle and UNESCO World Heritage Site full of lively frescoes.

The ancient city of Jerash has seen more than 6,500 years of human occupation and as such contains an exceptional list of Roman era attractions. Once a bustling Roman provincial town, the ruins here have been painstakingly excavated and restored. At this major Jordan tourism attraction visitors can walk around a complete Roman town with paved streets, hilltop temples, theatres, public plazas and baths. Standing among the ancient stone structures, the experience allows tourists a fascinating insight into the glory of the Byzantine era.

Perhaps more than most other Arab countries, the people of Jordan are regarded as particularly warm and friendly. Women enjoy the considerable freedom of education and high appointments within business and politics. While local tradition and customs continue to play a large part of everyday life, tourists are particularly welcome and certain western liberties accepted. In short, Jordan vacations offer an accessible and comfortable introduction to the first time visitor to the fascinating region of the Middle East. Exceptionally hot through June to September the best time to visit is spring and autumn.

Israel

Israel is underpinned by a strong ethnic heritage, rich history, and modern cosmopolitan cities, but it's also full of passionate people, ancient religious sites, booming nightlife and busy markets. Geographically diverse and packed with biblical relics there is no escaping the Culture of Israel.

In the north, Haifa, Israel’s third largest city is set amongst a breathtaking panorama of the medieval fortress of Acre, the Carmel Mountain and the snow capped peak of Mount Hermon. Haifa is the gateway to northern Israel and cool mountain breezes, sunny beaches and deep forest trails. Heavy mixes of ethnic groups make it a vibrant and bustling place to visit. The Mount Carmel national park has many observation points and hiking trails affording magnificent views for a scenic picnic. Haifa bristles with museums including the Hecht Museum which showcases rare archaeological finds. A local Druze village provides a lesson in the traditional culture of Israel.

From Haifa tourists should not miss the sandstone walls and fortresses of the UNESCO world heritage city of Acre. Packed with ancient Ottoman and Crusader history, Acre is fascinating. There are Turkish baths, Christian monasteries, Islamic mosques and halls built by the Knights Templar. There are also inviting beaches and a busy fishing port. The city celebrates its strong cultural heritage with a number of annual festivals. Walking along the city walls at sunset, picking up a bargain in busy open air markets or exploring ancient alleyways, Acre charms many tourists.

Visitors to Galilee are confronted by contrasting sceneries of mountains, valleys and a shimmering Mediterranean Sea. Galilee is an accessible destination from which to visit major attractions all over Israel. An increasingly popular place for Eco Israel tours, the Galilee Mountains are famed for the birthplace of the Kabala and attract spiritual Israel tourism to the area.

The southern city of Eilat meanwhile offers fantastic scuba diving and is a great choice for a water sport enthused Israel vacation. The year round warm crystal clear waters are a haven for marine life. Teeming coral reefs and long hot summer days sustain many species of fish, providing world class diving at around 20 dive sites. The summer months see a boom in Israel tourism as Israelis flock to the city.

With a swath of Mediterranean Sea coastline, an Israel vacation will inevitably centre on a beach. Boasting some exceptionally sunny weather, Israel travel is a favorite among beach lovers the world over. There is definitely a beach scene around coastal towns as scores of young Israelis come to soak up the sun by day and groove to techno music by night. Most beach enclaves have a real hippy vibe. Eilat boasts some particularly good sand. The popular and bustling central Papaya beach attracts partying teenagers. Nikki Beach meanwhile lures young and professional crowds to beach side VIP bars to sip fashionable cocktails.

Tel Aviv is also a city with a number of lively beaches. While Gordon beach is the busiest courtesy of its central location, Nine beach has a distinct sub culture scene luring many an aspiring surfer to its breaks. Seemingly made up of bars, clubs, restaurants and 24 hour cafes Tel Aviv is a mega hub of nightlife activity. The hip neighborhoods of Florentin and Yad Haruzim and the city port present the best night spots for both trendy locals and tourists alike.

Sitting aside the Dead Sea, an Israel vacation can be a healthy and relaxing one. The Dead Sea is famous for its rich mineral content and remains a world renowned place to rejuvenate body and soul with a mud bath and spa treatment. The Dead Sea resorts are a major hub for Israel tourism. There are a number of hotels and guest houses organized around beaches and bathing areas providing convenient access to the waters. Local Israel tours offering jeep and bicycle tours complement the many art and cultural activities also on offer.

Jerusalem is a must for any visitor. The capital of Israel and sacred to three religions, it has been fought over for centuries. Muslims, Jews and Christians intermingle in the bustling markets as prayer calls ring out over the city. A hub for Israel tours, the western wall still remains of what was once the temple of Solomon. Many of Jewish faith come here to pray. Israel tours to the golden topped Dome of the Rock situated on Temple Mount which dominates the view of Jerusalem provides a fine example of Islamic architecture.

Bahrain

Bahrain, a small island kingdom in the Persian Gulf, is famous for its oil and pearls, and it's also a shopping Mecca for the budget traveler. While the markets of neighboring gulf countries attract the elite, local souks in this archipelago are a paradise for the cosmopolitan middle class. These souks, or commercial areas, house imported luxury products that can be within many budgets, provided you're up for a little bargaining. Travelers can also purchase traditional items including authentic red clay pottery, weaving products, traditional clothes, and baskets. The Bani Jamra and A'ali village are excellent places to buy traditional local items. The Bani Jamra, a village situated in the north west of the island country, is popular for its fabric weaving, and the local weavers sell intricately woven fabric to travelers at an affordable price. The A'ali village in Bahrain is famous for its red-clay pottery. The ancient process of creating Bahraini pottery work is still followed by the local potters in the village.

For those who are looking for a more expensive Bahrain travel souvenir, it's worth visiting the boutiques in the Osama Bin Zaid Road in Manama. It houses some of the best designer outfits, accessories and jewelry. Travelers looking for the best in high-end luxury goods should head straight towards the Moda Mall, which is located in the first floor of the 787-foot Bahrain World Trade Towers in the capital city, while those interested in gold will enjoy wandering through the glittering Gold City in central Manama. Travelers can purchase some of the finest gold bangles and accessories from a variety of gold shops in Central Manama's Gold City.

Besides shopping, there are numerous things to do during vacations in Bahrain. Water sports in the gulf's warm waters are especially popular, and tourists often spend time surfing, scuba diving, and sailing. There are plenty of hotels, and there is also an international 18-hole grass golf course, which is located twenty minutes away from the capital city of Manama. Known as the Royal Golf Club, this par-72 championship course resembles an exotic oasis in the desert plains and features numerous date palms and artificial lakes.

A trip to the nearby Hawar Islands can also be an excellent option for Bahrain holidays. Situated in the Gulf of Bahrain, these islands are home to many endangered wildlife species, including the beautiful flamingos and dolphins frolicking in the calm gulf seas. In 2002, the Hawar Islands were recognized as a World Heritage Site because of its unique habitat for endangered species. Travelers can access this group of sixteen islands by taking a 45-minute boat ride from Bahrain.

An archipelago of more than 30 islands, Bahrain was the first country in the Arabian Gulf to discover "black gold," and it has remained famous for its oil. On October 16, 1931, an oil well was found near the Jebel Dukhan hill, and today there's an oil museum located close to the site. A trip to the oil museum is an excellent way to learn about local history during vacations in Bahrain. The museum exhibits underground rock samples and old drilling equipment, as well as detailed information about companies that helped in the exploration of the oil well. The oil museum attracts thousands of tourists who are keen to know about the history of oil in the Middle East.

Non-Muslims and Westerners are welcome to spend their vacations in Bahrain, and its more Western-friendly tourism industry may feel more comfortable than what is found in other Middle Eastern countries, due to the kingdom's not applying Islamic law to visitors. Compared with other gulf countries, this island kingdom's laws are liberal about social behavior such as drinking alcohol. It is always wise to be respectful, however, and keep in mind that both consuming alcohol in public, and drinking and driving, are illegal and may bring fines or even jail time.

Bahrain travel is most popular during the months of November through March, when the sweltering heat subsides and the cool climate greets travelers. If you have trouble with hot weather, it might be best to avoid visiting between May and September, as the high temperatures and hot sun might hamper your trips to the marketplaces and other areas of interest. Air travel is typically the easiest option to reach the country. The Bahrain International Airport is located outside the capital city in Muharraq and offers flights via Dubai and other destinations. Once in the country, the best Bahrain travel options are taxis, buses, and rental cars. Buses are by far the cheapest option, but however you choose to get around, you're sure to find this archipelago to be an intriguing destination and a fascinating introduction to the Middle East.

Lebanon

Lebanon possesses exception scenery, such as its Mediterranean coastline and snow-capped mountains. With traditions steeped in ancient history and the emergence of a new generation of fun loving people, Lebanon is kicking off its civil war shackles and carving out a future as a vibrant and fashionable Middle East travel destination.

Stretching east towards Syria, the rugged mountains of the Bekaa Valley beg to be explored. Known as the “breadbasket” or “granary” of the Roman Empire, the region still continues to operate as the main agricultural province of Lebanon. The warm climate and fertile soil, make the Bekaa Valley the centre of wine production in Lebanon, housing some of the countries best vineyards . Because of the importance of the Bekaa Valley as a place of provision, some of the largest Roman temples ever constructed were located here. Today, well preserved shrines built in honor of the gods Jupiter and Venus combine perfectly with a visit to the vineyards to offer a major Lebanon tourism attraction.

With Middle East travel to the temperate Mediterranean climate, Lebanon’s golden beaches are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. From the coastal cities of Saida and Jbail visitors are greeted with excellent opportunities for snorkeling amongst Phoenician ruins while at Khalde you can scuba dive a wreckage of a World War II submarine. Meanwhile, the nearby Mount Lebanon Range in Chouf, offers some great hiking and camping. In the winter, the Chouf region turns into a major Lebanon tourism spot with blanket snow cover falling across high mountain peaks resulting in some excellent ski slopes. The ski resorts here are world class and Lebanon is one of the few Middle East travel destinations where you can actually ski. The ski season runs from December to April.

In the heart of Mount Lebanon country lays the Qadisha Valley. Dubbed the “Holy Valley”, the region housed some of the most important early Christian settlements in the world. Cut into steep rock faces, chapels, grottoes and monasteries dot the landscape. Many display lively frescoes dating from the 12th and 13th Centuries. Symbolic of Lebanon country, the valley contains the famous ancient Cedars of Lebanon. Proving popular Lebanon tourism activities, hiking, climbing and caving keep the more energetic tourists busy in some of Northern Lebanon’s fine National Parks.

Centre of an ancient Islamic trade post connecting Damascus to the Mediterranean Sea, the ruins of Aanjar are notable for its Umayyad Dynasty arcades and stone arches. Further to be found in the south of Lebanon, packed with Lebanon culture, Sour (Tyre) has seen just about every famous conqueror in ancient history. As such the archaeological and cultural legacy is astounding. Relics of the largest Roman hippodrome in the world and extensive city ruins and monuments nod to the presence of Alexander the Great, Crusaders and Phoenician Kings.

Touched by ancient civilizations and fashionable culture, Lebanon embraces the new while retaining a strong sense of tradition. Nowhere else reflects this heritage better than trendy Beirut. Showcasing the best of modern day Lebanon culture, visitors will find a progressive attitude. The cities gastronomic delights, cafe culture, bars and nightclubs in Archrafiye pulsate to youthful exuberance. As a centre of Lebanon culture, theatre, galleries, museums, chic shopping malls and top range dining mean you’re spoilt for choice in Beirut. Taking a sunset stroll along the coastline looking out to Pigeon Rocks jutting from the calm Mediterranean water, Beirut leaves you feeling like you’ve discovered a new version of Lebanon.

Hawaii Attractions

The Hawaii attractions cover a wide spectrum, and while some visitors will be interested in little more than some time on an idyllic beach, others will want to tackle as many different activities as possible. There are activities in Hawaii to fit every taste and preference, and if surfing the big waves on Oahu's North Shore isn't for you, you might treat yourself to an unforgettable kayaking tour along Kauai's stunning Na Pali Coast. When looking for attractions in Hawaii to add to your vacation itinerary, you won't run out of options. In fact, you'll need more than one Hawaii vacation to enjoy all of the activities and attractions that this unique state has to offer.

Understandably so, spending time on the beach is one of the top activities in Hawaii. Some will argue that the Kauai beaches are the best beaches in Hawaii, while others might find favor with the sandy stretches that can be found on the island's of Maui and Oahu. Truth be told, all of the main Hawaiian Islands boast some spectacular beaches, and thanks to the island's volcanic history, some of these beaches even feature black sand. Speaking of volcanoes, Hawaii is the state to visit if you are interested in them. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which can be found on the Big Island, is easily one of the top Hawaii tourist attractions, and you won't want to miss it if you want to learn more about the state's geology.

When you're not hanging out at the beach or taking in the volcanoes on the Big Island during your Hawaii vacation, a trip to a Hawaii plantation can make for a welcome addition to the agenda. The Kona coffee plantations, which can be found on the Big Island's western side, are the most renowned coffee plantations in Hawaii, though they're not the only ones that you can tour. The largest coffee plantation in Hawaii can actually be found on the island of Kauai. Visit the Kauai Coffee Company, and you can learn about the entire coffee making process, not to mention sample some premium coffee. Other Hawaii plantations that figure among the top overall Hawaii attractions include the Dole Plantation, which specializes in pineapples, and the Maui Tropical Plantation, which grows coffee, nuts, and a variety of exotic fruits.

Sightseeing is one of the most rewarding activities in Hawaii, and there will be great sights to see virtually everywhere you go in this tropical archipelago. One of the best ways to take in the countryside on the different Hawaiian Islands is by driving. Scenic drives on roads like Maui's Hana Highway or the Big Island's Saddle Road can definitely be a highlight of your trip, and if you get the chance, touring the small island of Lanai in a 4x4 vehicle is a real treat. Lanai is an island that many Hawaii visitors leave out when planning their trips, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't venture over for a look at some point. In addition to two upscale resorts, Lanai is also home to some home rentals, a bed and breakfast inn, and a small hotel. The relatively deserted beaches might be the top attractions, however, unless you prefer the crowds of sunbathers that can be found on Waikiki Beach.

Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous Hawaii tourist attractions, partly because of the fact that it is an excellent place to sunbathe and enjoy water sports like surfing and swimming. Waikiki Beach is also a great place to people watch, and lining the beach are numerous resorts and hotels, some of which figure among the best in the state. Waikiki is part of Honolulu, which is the state capital of Hawaii, and it can be found on the island of Oahu. Honolulu is an excellent city to explore, thanks to renowned Hawaii attractions like the Punchbowl Memorial, the Waikiki Aquarium, and Chinatown, and it's definitely the city of choice if you want to enjoy some urban exposure in the Aloha State.

Museums, national parks, sacred sites, and waterfalls figure among the most popular Hawaii tourist attractions, and you will have numerous opportunities to enjoy attractions like these on all of the main islands. What one island lacks, another one has, which is why interisland travel is big in Hawaii. Interisland cruises and interisland flights are your transportation options when it comes to island hopping in the 50th state, and flying isn't only limited to planes. Helicopter tours are wildly popular in Hawaii, thanks the breathtaking scenery that can be found across the land.

Hawaii is a great place to visit any time of year, though some activities have their seasons, which might affect your decision concerning when to go. Whale watching and surfing, for example, which are two of the most popular activities in Hawaii, are best enjoyed in the winter months, while snorkeling and swimming are usually at a premium during the summer months. You're bound to have fun on a Hawaii vacation regardless of when you decide to visit, so start planning yours today and see why so many Hawaii visitors choose to return to the islands time and again.

Things to do in Hawaii

Since there are so many fun and interesting things to do in Hawaii, you won't have trouble staying busy during your visit. Building up your Hawaii vacation itinerary can be a blast, as there is no shortage when it comes to the possible activities and attractions. The only issue that is bound to arise when building up your itinerary is what to leave off of the list. Since the Hawaii attractions and options for things to do are so numerous, you will likely need more than one visit if you really want to do everything that this breathtakingly beautiful Pacific archipelago has to offer.

Big Island Things To Do

Of all the possible Big Island things to do, none is more popular than visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This 333,000-acre national park is easily one of the top overall Hawaiian attractions, and many Aloha State visitors understandably make exploring it a priority. If you are interested in the Hawaii volcanoes, there is simply no better attraction. When you're not visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, hanging out in the Kona area is recommended. Some of the best Big Island things to do can be enjoyed in and around Kona, and they include spending time on Alii Drive, booking fishing and whale watching excursions, and doing a little surfing.

While the Big Island isn't considered the best place to find beaches in Hawaii, it does boast its fair share. For those who want to enjoy some beach time on the Big Island, the Kona and Kohala Coasts are where you should arguably go. Don't forget to check out the renowned Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park when looking for Big Island things to do. This park offers some fascinating historical sites, as well as some tempting hiking trails.

Maui Things To Do

If you're looking to relax, then Maui is an ideal destination. It's also an ideal destination if you are looking to enjoy a lot of activity. Some of the top things to do in Hawaii include scuba diving and enjoying cruises, and Maui is one of the best islands for these pursuits. Many of the Maui cruises revolve around whale watching. Maui is arguably the best place to go whale watching in Hawaii, so you might keep that in mind.

The beautiful Maui beaches figure among the top overall Hawaiian attractions, and some of the best include Kaanapali Beach, Wailea Beach, and Big Beach. When you're not soaking up some sun or enjoying other water related activities on your Maui getaway, you might head over to Haleakala State Park or check out some of the Maui museums. Should you be up for some urban exposure and a little nightlife on your Maui escape, then the city of Lahaina is where you will want to go.

Oahu Things To Do

Seeing and being seen on Waikiki Beach is easily one of the top things to do on the island of Oahu, as is shopping and dining in Honolulu. Relaxing or enjoying some water sports at Waikiki Beach is definitely not the only option when it comes to staying busy. Understandably so, many Oahu visitors make it a point to visit Pearl Harbor, where they can learn more about the 1941 Japanese attacks that essentially propelled the U.S. into WWII. If you are interested in visiting Pearl Harbor on your Oahu trip, you are also bound to find interest in the Punchbowl Memorial, which is the final resting place for those who perished during the Pearl Harbor attacks.

Running out of things to do in Oahu is hard, especially when you consider attractions like Diamond Head Crater, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and Sea Life Park. Visiting a plantation is one of the more popular things to do in Hawaii, and should you find yourself on the island of Oahu, the Dole Plantation is one that you will do well to add to your agenda. Adding a little surfing to the agenda is recommended as well, especially if you are up for taking on the renowned wintertime waves on the rugged North Shore.

Kauai Things To Do

The island of Kauai is generally considered to be one of the best Hawaiian islands for those who are seeking adventure and activity. Kauai lacks the level of development that some of the other islands in Hawaii feature, so there's plenty of open terrain to explore. Speaking of exploring terrain, there may be no finer place to do so than the Napali Coast, which can only be reached by helicopter or boat. Kokee State Park also deserves some attention if you're looking to do some hiking in Kauai, and you can bet that hiking is a top activity.

No trip to Kauai would be complete without a visit to another state park, which is home to what Mark Twain referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Waimea Canyon State Park is where you will find the Waimea Canyon, as the name would imply, and this canyon is one of the top Kauai attractions. When you're not exploring the Na Pali Coast, Kokee State Park, or Waimea Canyon State Park, don't forget to visit some Kauai beaches like Kalapaki Beach. The Kauai beaches are arguably the best beaches in Hawaii, so you won't want to neglect them.

Lanai Things To Do

While Lanai might not be an easy island to get to, there will be some very tempting options for things to do once you arrive. Since Lanai is very underdeveloped, it's one of the top places in Hawaii to bond with nature. Dramatic views abound here, so you won't want to leave your camera behind. Hulopoe Bay is one of the top Hawaiian attractions on the island of Lanai, and some of the activities that you can enjoy at this marine preserve include swimming and snorkeling.

In addition to swimming and snorkeling, some of the other popular Lanai pursuits include horseback riding through a forest, scuba diving in sea caves, and touring the island in a 4x4 vehicle. Should touring the island in a 4x4 vehicle interest you, taking the dirt road from Lanai to the Garden of the Gods is recommended. The Garden of the Gods is a mesmerizing place, thanks to its barren and rugged terrain.

When To Go in Hawaii

For most people the best time to go to Hawaii is determined more by personal reasons than seasons. Hawaii tourism flourishes because the state is graced with beautiful beaches and natural landscape as well as year-round warm weather. The best time to visit Hawaii can be decided by the most affordable time to visit or simply by when your holiday times are. Hawaii tours operate throughout the year. There are numerous places around all the islands that feature excellent snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving conditions in both winter and summer. Travel to Hawaii in both seasons has heavy Hawaii tourism peaks, exhibiting higher prices and more crowds.

The climate and weather in Hawaii are basically based on two different seasons, winter and summer. Winter spans from the middle of October through April where daytime temperatures are very comfortable, from mid-60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit or roughly 15 to 28 degrees Celsius. Hawaii tourism during the winter, whether you're visiting the Big Island, Maui, Oahu or Kauai, will exhibit cooler temperatures at night, often dropping 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Bringing along a light jacket or sweater is wise if you're planning on any Hawaii tours at night like a dinner cruise.

One big advantage of travel to Hawaii in the winter months is the surfing. Hawaii surfing competitions are most popular along the North Shore in Oahu. Along the North Shore some of the most impressive surfing conditions are enjoyed by thousands every year. Oahu surfing is world-famous, but Kauai surfing, Big Island surfing and surfing on Maui are also excellent along the northern shores during the winter months. Typically there's more rainfall in the winter, especially in November and December. Oahu's Waikiki Beach, Wailea, Makena and Kihei on Maui, Kohala and Kona on Big Island and the Poipu Beach area on Kauai are the driest, making them the best for winter travel to Hawaii.

The best time to visit Hawaii for many is the summer months. Summer begins in May and spans until the middle of October with temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit or roughly 30 degrees Celsius. Evenings also cool off, just like in winter, by about 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. There is some rainfall in the summer but it tends to burst in short spells. Summer is an excellent time of year for beach activities and Hawaii sailing trips or golfing. One of the best Hawaii travel tips for the summer is to avoid the months of June through August. Thousands of tourists travel to Hawaii with their kids during school holidays. Hawaii tourism runs rampant and rates are considerably higher.

Hawaii tourism also peaks around the second week of December through the holidays and into the next year. Tourists from all over the world travel to Hawaii around this time creating an influx of visitors to the most popular attractions. It is not the best time to visit Hawaii if you don't like crowds. Securing affordable vacation packages and planning months in advance are two of the best Hawaii travel tips to follow if you're heading over for the holidays. If you don't plan ahead it can be extremely difficult to find a cheap Hawaii car rental, let alone affordable accommodations or space on any of the tours offered. Hawaii vacation rentals are all snagged up at this time due to the high demand.

There aren't really any Hawaii travel tips specific for the best time to go. With the little hindrance short rainfalls can cause, many people choose to visit in the summer. The winter is ideal for many who want to get away from their own cold countries and enjoy beautiful Kauai beaches, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or stunning sunsets on Maui. Oahu is one of the most popular for Hawaii tourism. The many things to do in Honolulu coupled with the many things to on Oahu outside of the city area provide an all-encompassing vacation experience.

The best way to get around, by far, is driving. Each island can easily be explored during the day with a car along highway circuits. The only exception is Big Island. The Big Island requires a few days drive to see the many attractions as it's double the size of all the islands combined. Another suggestion in Hawaii travel tips is if it's storming on one side of the island, take a drive to the other end and you'll often find a complete dichotomy with sunny weather and busy beaches. The best time to visit is determined by your own budget and your ability to get away as Hawaii is a strong magnet for tourists all through the year.