<p>I am heading to Maui in the beginning of December. Have never been there but have been twice to the Big Island that time of year. The first year we had a huge storm in which there were gale force winds and drenching downpours in a storm that went on to do serious damage on the mainland so not your average weather. We were at a conference for DH at the Hilton Waikoloa and there was one afternoon in which guests were restricted to their hotel rooms for several hours. The second time we went at the beginning of December for another conference a few years laterwe had absolutely perfect weather…</p>
<p>Whale watching is a popular past time of visitors and residents, as is snorkeling and other water activities. Maui is especially good for viewing in the winter thru April or so. Lots of humpbacks and calves. :)</p>
<p>We have been to Kauai in December and January staying in Lihue. It will rain and it will rain often. In our stay last January we drove over to Poipu most days to go to the beach since it was sunny on that side of the island. May in Maui was quite nice in Kaanapali. End of the whale watching season but we did see some. We did see whales in January in Kauai at the Sprouting Horn park.</p>
<p>It’s true that Poipu tends to be the dry side of Maui. The waves can get quite large, so pay attention to surf advisories, as they are available.</p>
<p>Kauai not Maui</p>
<p>We went once in January. A huge and unusual storm that affected the West Coast and the Pacific had stirred the water up quite a bit so it was rougher and not as clear as usual. We still had a good time. The best thing was that it was whale season. We went out on a boat and the humpback whales came very close to the boat! It was really an amazing experience.</p>
<p>You’re right–Princeville Kauai is lovely but VERY wet (think of Jurrasic Park) is reputed much sunnier.</p>
<p>Mostly, I’m on Oahu and don’t go to neighbor islands nearly as much as some of you.</p>
<p>Portions of Jurassic Park were filmed on Kauai. One visit we took a all day tour of film location sites on the island. That was fun and highly recommended.</p>
<p>We were in Hawaii at the beginning of December a few years ago. No rain, but cooler temps than we thought. We realized it’s not the Caribbean. That said, the weather was a “cool warm”, if that makes sense. Not tropical, but nice enough to go out in shorts and in to the water. Just make sure to bring a few layering pieces, especially for the evenings. Have fun!</p>
<p>PS: We were on a cruise that stopped at each island. Loved it!</p>
<p>Much of South Pacific was also filmed on Kauai. It’s a very lovely island.</p>
<p>HImom, when we were on Maui we were told by several people working there it’s the best island to visit. I wondered if every island is considered the best one by the people who live and work on it. :D</p>
<p>When you live in paradise, there are fabulous things to be found everywhere (as well as a few less stellar). Our state is truly an amazing place. For whales, Maui has best viewing. Each island has a lot to see and do.</p>
<p>And Oahu has the best traffic jams.</p>
<p>You’ll have a great time in January! You won’t be able to rent any wave runners or water ski due to whale season. They limit that stuff. But surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding… all the rest of that is good.</p>
<p>Try to stay as late into January as you can. The crowds tend to die off after the first week. Not that it’s a zoo or anything, but I like it off peak. ;-)</p>
<p>Make reservations at venues that interest you, like a luau, before you get there. The good ones will be sold out during high season. The Old Lahaina Luau is a good one, but they don’t have fire dancing. Just sayin’… if that’s what you’re looking for. Some people need it. :-/</p>
<p>Actually, there can be amazing traffic jams in other places, off Oahu too. It’s correct that off peak travel does tend to have better options and prices. :)</p>
<p>Sigh, OP here…S1 has a conflict with the January idea, so now I may try for Dec 13-20th…Does that change anything? The flight price is just slightly more, but I bet the condos will be more expensive!</p>
<p>I hope the whales are around in December!!!</p>
<p>There have been whales reported as early as September many years, so there should be whales in December. Better to get the conflicts for dates NOW than after you’ve paid money and need to pay change fees. Planning with lots of folks with different schedules is a challenge. Good luck! Actually, I think prices in that week in December may be lower than later in Dec & early Jan.</p>
<p>Sigh…I am trying to finalize and now DH MUST see an active volcano (lava required 
and I think the ones on Maui are dormant (true?). Suggestions? I hate to pay for all 4 of us to island-hop. It seems really expensive.</p>
<p>Maybe we’ll just do the Big Island for a week instead? Opinions? If so, where should I look for accommodations?</p>
<p>We loved the Big Island, too! I don’t think you can go wrong. </p>
<p>This is where we stayed:
[Big</a> Island Hawaii Resorts | Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel | Big Island Hotels & Vacations](<a href=“http://www.princeresortshawaii.com/hapuna-beach-prince-hotel/index.php]Big”>http://www.princeresortshawaii.com/hapuna-beach-prince-hotel/index.php)</p>
<p>Big Island is the only place with active, erupting volcanoes. The Kona side tends to be sunnier, warmer and less rainy. Hilo is closer to the volcano but tends to be very wet and rainy. I’ve stated at Keahou Beach Hotel, but that was very long ago. I think I also stayed at the King Kamehameha and Waikaloa. The latter is a resort in and of itself. The King Kam is in Kona.</p>
<p>Oh yeah, my sis and BIL say Hapuna Beach is their favorite resort, bar none.</p>