hawaii

Best Hawaii Resorts & Cruises

GET HAWAII RESORT QUOTES FOR BEST DEALS

Click For Packages Prices

Resort Specials

Click Either Image Button

BOOK DIRECT & SAVE !
Immediate Confirmation!

Hawaii Cruises

GET HAWAII CRUISE QUOTES FOR BEST DEALS

Temperature and Climate Zones
Weather on all of the Hawaiian islands is very consistent, with only moderate changes in temperature throughout the year. This is possible due to the year-round warm sea surface temperatures, which keeps the overlying atmosphere warm as well. In practical terms there are only 2 seasons here: the summer months (called Kau in Hawaiian) that extend from May to October and the winter months (Ho'oilo) that run from November to April. The average day-time summer temperature at sea level is 85 degrees F. (29.4 C) while the average day-time winter temperature is 78 degrees (25.6 C). Night-time temperatures are approximately 10 degrees F. lower.

Visitors to Hawaii will find that it is a marvel of nature. As a result of the shielding effect of her volcanic mountains and the differences in weather found at various elevations, there are as many different climate zones here as exist along the entire coast stretching from Alaska to Costa Rica. The islands can be described as an incredibly diverse collection of many micro-environments, each possessing unique weather, plants and animals. To see the full impact of this natural wealth visitors only need to explore the islands by car, or helicopter and they will be struck by the beauty of tropical rain forests, cool alpine regions, stony deserts and sunny beaches, all within the span of just a few short miles.

Rainfall and Storms
Through most of the year Hawaiian weather patterns are effected primarily by high pressure zones in the north Pacific that pump relatively cool, moist trade winds down onto the island's northeastern slopes. This pattern holds true for most of the summer and approximately half of the time in the winter. These winds are forced up-slope by the mountain heights where ultimately their moisture condenses into clouds that produce rain. Most of the rain then falls in the mountains and valleys on the windward (northeastern) side of the islands. It is this weather phenomenon that creates the rich tropical environment of flowers and verdant greens that have made Hawaii famous. The wettest months are from November - March, but these winter rains do not generally disrupt vacationer's plans, since the very localized nature of the weather usually means that if it is raining where you are, there is almost always a sunny spot to be found by a short drive around the coast.

The action of trade winds here means that there is always a cooling breeze. The strength of this wind builds as the heat of the day rises and reaches a peak in the afternoon, only to diminish in the evening and start again the following day. Several times during the year the trade winds will stop completely and the wind will switch around to come out of the south or west, bringing stormy or hot sticky weather. Islanders sometimes call this "Kona" weather, because kona is a polynesian word that means leeward or South, and this points to the direction from which these weather systems arrive. Stormy weather does come to the islands, primarily in the winter and sometimes lingers for several days. Severe storms, however, are not a common occurrence here.

Water and Surf Conditions
Beach-goers will be happy to learn that the temperature of Hawaii's near-shore waters stay comfortable throughout the year. The average year round water temperature is 74 degrees F. (23.3 C), with a summer high of 80 degrees F. (26.7 C). Wave action varies a great deal between winter and summer, and between island coasts. Generally summer waters are very gentle on all beaches. This changes in the winter on many north facing beaches, as storms far out into the Pacific drive ocean swells towards the islands, which build into large breaking waves.

As with island rains, wave conditions are often very localized, so if there is too much surf on your beach, you can usually find calmer water by taking a short drive to a beach that is sheltered from the prevailing surf. Swimmers should keep in mind that strong currents can make any beach unsafe at any time during the year, but this is particularly true in the winter. When in doubt, simply ask your hotel staff or a local for their recommendations and also watch for warning flags and posted beach conditions.

Hawaii's Mountains and Volcanos
Many visitors to the islands will be drawn to the natural beauty found in the higher elevations such as Kokee on Kauai, or Haleakala on Maui, or Kilauea on the Big Island. In preparing for your trip you'll want to take long pants and several layers of cool weather clothing because the temperature in the higher locations drops 3.5 degrees for every 1,000 feet above sea level that you climb. For example, the summit of Haleakala at an elevation of 10,023 feet can be as much as 30 degrees F. cooler than the resort areas on the coast. Similarly the summit of Kilauea, which is at an elevation of 4,078 feet, can be 14 degrees cooler than the sea level temperature.

You should also be aware that because these peaks rise through the earth's atmosphere, there is less protection at these elevations from the sun's powerful burning rays. This burning effect can be easily masked by the cool temperatures on the mountain, so be sure to use your sun block liberally, and bring your hat and sunglasses.

Making It Legal
How to get a marriage license in Hawaii

Obtaining a marriage license in the Aloha State is relatively easy, even for non-residents.

Rules & Regulations
• There are no residence or citizenship requirements.

• The legal age to marry is 18 years. However, with the written consent of both parents, legal guardians or family court, either party may be married at 16 or 17. To be married at age 15 requires the written consent of both parents or legal guardian and the written approval of a judge of the family court. The parents or guardian do not have to reside in the state. Consent forms may be obtained from a marriage license agent.

• A certified copy of a birth certificate must be presented for anyone 18 and under. For anyone 19 and over, proof of age may be requested in the form of a valid state or military I.D. or driver's license.

Love Me Two Times
Planning a vow renewal ceremony in Hawaii? Break out the champagne, because saying "I do" part two is a piece of cake. Since a renewal ceremony is not legally binding, there's no required paperwork, no fee to pay (except to your officiant) and no list of requirements to meet. Just let your officiant know you're planning a vow renewal, and you can work out the details of the ceremony together.
Hana hou! (encore!)

• Proof of divorce or death of a former spouse is not required, but applicants should be prepared to provide the date and location of the divorce or death on the marriage license application.

• Cousins may marry, but a blood relationship between the prospective bride and bridegroom cannot be closer than first cousins. For example, uncle/niece, half-brother/sister may not marry.

• Blood tests are not required.

• The fee for a marriage license is $50, payable in cash at the time you file your application. You will be issued a license on the spot if you meet all the requirements. If you don't use the license within 30 days of its issuance, it becomes null and void. The license must be used in the state of Hawai'i.