If you’re going to O’ahu, you oughta go to Hanauma bay ant to the North Shore (especially the beautiful Haleiwa).

If you’re going to Big Island, go to Volcano National Park.

Some of these places are kinda touristy, but they’re must-sees anyway.

Depends on which island…

On Oahu I’d say either catch a sunset at the Ala Moana Beach Park:
http://flickr.com/photos/notm/18318273/

OR

Take a kayak out to the Mokuluas very early in the morning:
http://flickr.com/photos/notm/46189000/
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Na_Mokulua

First of all, I would rephrase the question to “WHEN I come to Hawaii…”

And the answer would depend on which island you plan to visit first.

I have personally only visited two: Maui and Oahu.

If you’d like a laid back, quiet, relaxing vacation, Maui is the place. If you go there, the Road to Hana is spectacular, with unusual beaches, and hidden waterfalls and pools. It is lovely!

If you like to stay on the go all the time, then go to Oahu. It is big, dirty, brash, crowded… and I love it. I particularly enjoy snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. And, of course, you must go to the USS Arizona museum. It is quite moving and well worth the time. On the northern part of the island, a must place to visit is the Polynesian Village—expensive, but you get every penny’s worth.

I hope this was a little helpful to you, Todd.

Best,
Lori

You must eat at least one plate lunch.

If you go to Maui, definitely check out Mount Haleakala and maybe snorkling off of the two small islands of Molokini and Lanai. Try surfing! I learned there.

you should definately do a luau at the polynesian cultural center. it is pretty much a whole day of activity. but it is awesome and the food at the luau is to die for. give me some poy rolls anyday! Enjoy! ps. it is on oahu.

If you’re into stuff off the beaten track in Oahu, rent a car and drive around the island. Make sure to hit up the shrimp farms in the north! Fresh shrimp and prawns that are awseome!

Like everyone else says…it should be WHEN you go to Hawai’i, and again it depends on which island you visit. I have been to Maui twice and Oahu once, Both are amazing.

If you plan to spend more than a week there, go to both!

My second trip there, we went to Oahu for the first week. Germane’s Luau, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, etc. Oahu is really active, and like they say..”mini manhattan”.

Then for the second week, we spent it on Maui. RELAXATION PARADISE! :) Mount Haleakala is a MUST!! :) Road to Hana is really interesting, but be warned: LONG DAY! but the sights and experience is much worth it! Snorkeling at Lanai and Molokini is amazing!!! Basically laying aroud for a week is just perfect on Maui.

As for restaurants, Cheeseburger in Paradise was really fun. Eating at a luau is always great. And it has been my experience that going to the small ‘family owned’ restaurants is the best. But the fancy places are awesome as well.

There is tons to do, so you should DEFINATELY plan to have fun fun fun! :)

Both times in Hawaii I was on Maui. I agree with the others when they say that it is when you go to Hawaii, and that Hana and Haleakala are both incredible. I would also recommend the Ioa Valley, and Molokini is a pretty nice fun day trip…touristy, but fun.
One of the best things you can do for your self, is explore the island. There are a million little things that make Maui so nice, and Maui has a million little secrets.
Places to eat. Mana Foods in Paia is an health food grocery store, and they have a hot and cold bar, for take out orders. The food there is sooooo good. Also in Paia, is the Paia Fishmarket makes divine fish burgers, it is really quite impressive. Yum….

If you go to Big Island, get a car and drive the Cross Island Road which goes from Hilo westwards between the two big volcanoes to the Mamalahoa Hwy. In the middle of the island a small road goes up to the Mauna Kea astronomic observatory. There’s a visitor center with a little exhibit and some telescopes which can be used by visitors in the late evening. Staff is explaining and showing the interesting spots at the sky.

So be sure to be there in the late afternoon/evening. In a clear night (or over the clouds) the night sky is absolutely amazing.