While I can't say it is the best Island in Hawaii, Honolulu is definitely worth visiting. Truth be told, I did not get a chance to explore any other islands, but after six days in Honolulu, I was considering looking for employment there. Here's what I can tell you about Honolulu.

When I was 29, an older co-worker whom I was close to mentioned her daughter was in Honolulu with her husband and kids. The husband was in the army and stationed there, and my co-worker wanted to go. She did not want to endure the long airplane ride alone, so I offered to go along. It had always been a dream, I was so excited. So we escaped a blustery February in Chicago, and flew to Honolulu (with one stop in Arizona).

To mention that Honolulu is beautiful is an understatement, everywhere we went was scenic, and tranquil. We stayed with my friends family on an army barracks, so we saved on hotel fees. My friends daughter drove us around the whole island (not all in one day of course), and we visited many beaches. I am sorry I can not remember the names of the beaches, or local restaurants we visited (it was a while back). I remember very vividly the sand, clean and warm even in February. And the water! Just amazingly clear, and blue. A word of caution, the tides can literally pull you out to sea. I can swim, but never considered myself a strong swimmer. I was walking into the surf, and the water was getting deeper, until it was chest high. This small harmless looking wave came toward me, lifted me off the sea floor, and pulled me further toward the open waters. I was scared!! I made my way back toward the sand so fast!

One of our nights there, we attended a lua at a place called Paradise Cove, I got my picture taken with a very handsome surfer dude who works there, and the food was great. They had a nice show with hula dancers, and the guys who spin sticks on fire. They cooked a pig in the ground (a traditional way of cooking pig over there). Most of the islands pork dishes are sweetened, I am not sure what they put in it, but the meat is sweet.

How and what you do depends on your budget. Do plenty of searching online for attractions that are cheap, or free (after you choose an island of course). I did not explore the nightlife, there is a very nice downtown Honolulu where we shopped at, so I am sure there are things to do after dark. On the other hand, if money is no object, there are boat tours, snorkeling outings, helicopter tours, it really all depends on what you like to do, and how much you can spend. Most books, and websites about Hawaii will tell you what the weather climate is like for each month of the year. So, I can't stress enough, do lots of research.

I also visited the Dole pineapple plantation, it was very interesting, not a headbanging blast, but interesting. Being a somewhat layed back type, I just enjoyed the mountain views, beaches, and sunsets. I hear Maui has more of a party type feel, and more electric nightlife. I do remember, even then, that grocery prices were high. So just accept the fact thet you are going to spend money, but it is sooo worth it. Hawaii, is just something you gotta see for yourself. I still dream of going back, to stay for good!