Things to do in Hawaii Aloha Express Tours info about Waikiki THERE’S MORE TO O’AHU THEN THE GLITZY RESORTS AND RETAIL. MECCA OF WAIKiKi. VENTURE OUT AND DISCOVER THE ISLAND’S NATURAL BEAUTY AND RICH: HISTORY AT SOME OF THETOP SIGHTS: ‘lolani Palace The only official royal residence in the United States, ‘lolani Palace is the former home of the Hawaiian monarchy: Built by King Kalăkaua in the late 1800s, the palace was the center of social and political activity before the overthrow the Hawaiian kingdom in 1893: Walk in the footsteps of royalty on a docent-led or self-guided tour, and marvel at the grandeur of the palace’s unique architecture (which was fitted with electricity and telephones before the White House:) The royal regalia, furnishings and artifacts on display all add to the story of this important time in Hawaiian history. 364 South King Street, (808) 522-0822. Nu’uanu Pall Lookout Perched nearly 1,000 feet over the dramatic peaks of the Ko’olau Mountain Range, the overlook from the pali (cliffs) offers breathtaking views of the valleys, mountain ranges and blue waters of O’ahu’s Windward side. Beneath its striking beauty, there is a haunting twist to this popular attraction: A gruesome battle between King Kamehameha and a rival chief took place here, and thousands of warriors were pushed off the escarpment, plummeting to their deaths into the valley below. Taking in the verdant landscape and feeling the strong gusts of wind that pass through this lookout point is an invigorating experience. Aloha Express Tours Hawaii is one of the hottest tourist destination in the world. There were about 6.5 million visitors to Hawaii in 2003 and about 7.3 million visitors in 2005. Hawaii is such a popular tourist destination is largely due to the fact that the state is blessed by beautiful natural landscape and beaches as well as its tourist friendly weather all throughout the year. So there is actually no best time to visit Hawaii unless for specific reasons such as whale watching season. Weather and climate in Hawaii - The weather in Hawaii can be simply divided into two seasons, namely winter and summer. In winter, which is from mid-October to April, day time temperatures are in the comfortable mid 60 to 80 degree Fahrenheit or 16 to 27 degree Celsius. At night, the temperature will plunge another 10 degrees Fahrenheit so you may need to bring a jacket or a sweater if you are going outdoors. There is generally more rain at this time of the year, especially so in November and December. The driest places during winter months are Waikiki on Oahu, Makena, Wailea and Kihei on Muai, Kona and Kohala on the Big Island of Hawaii and Poipu on Kuaia. Summer takes over from May to mid-October and daytime temperature hovers around mid 80 F or about 30 degree Celsius. Evening is cooler by 5 to 10 F. Also there will be less rainfall and even if it does rain, it will be only in short spells. This is the best time for beach activities such as surfing the waves and scuba diving in Hawaii. Tourists season in Hawaii - The busiest tourist season in Hawaii is from around Christmas time to mid-April despite of the wetter weather during those months. If you travel to Hawaii during this season, you will have to jostle with tourists from all over the world when you visit Hawaii's popular tourist attractions. Hotels, vacation rental homes and accommodations will also be a lot more expensive because of the high demand. So if you want to avoid crowds and have a less expensive Hawaii holiday vacation, then the best time to visit Hawaii will be from May to October. Other plus points for visiting Hawaii during May to October months are that the trade wind is at its most refreshing and the weather is dry making Hawaii more pleasant for jet lagged tourists. The north eastern part of the Hawaiian islands bear the brunt of inclement weather most and it is not uncommon to see tourists sprawling on the beaches enjoying sunbathing on one part of the island while fierce rain and wind batter the other part. Hawaii is sort of blessed where hurricanes and earthquakes are concerned as these forces of nature are infrequent although volcanic eruptions are happening periodically on the Big Island. However, not only are these eruptions safe, viewing the volcanic eruptions close up is one on the favorite tourist activities. Views of the eruptions may be compromised by a "vog" or haze which hangs in the air after the eruptions. So when is the best time to visit Hawaii? You decide for yourself as Hawaii is a tourist magnet all year round. Things to do in Hawaii Guided tours or narrated tours are one of the best ways to see all of Hawaii, with knowledgeable local motorcoach drivers and guides to take you all over the Hawaiian islands in comfort. Sit back and relax, get out, tour and explore, learn things no guidemap will ever tell you! Or, if you feel more adventurous, create your own island tour. There are so many Hawaii activities, no two Hawaii tours are the same!