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INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL

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Smith’s Tropical Paradise

50 100 150

2017

2016

2016 – 2017

Weeks

Greatest

Demand

Greatest

Availability

Market

Average

hy Go?

For the chance to get away from it all —

far

away from it all. Hawaii was discovered more than 1,500

years ago by explorers who managed to navigate across the Pacific. Thanks to modern transportation, the islands

are more accessible today. Still — at nearly 2,400 miles (3,862 kilometers) from San Francisco and almost 3,900

miles (6,276 kilometers) from Tokyo — Hawaii remains one of the most isolated population centers in the world. It’s

a testament to the state’s appeal, then, that 8 million people make the trip every year. With sights ranging from an

erupting volcano to tropical beaches, those who do visit are certainly rewarded for their efforts.

Hawaiian Islands

14 – 26

Conditions through April remain a little cooler —

again, relatively — and wonderful for hiking. Set

out on the Big Island’s 175-mile-long (282 kilo-

meters) Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. It

connects myriad cultural sites, ranging from old

villages to ancient petroglyphs. On Maui, trek

about the otherworldly volcanic landscape of

Haleakala National Park’s summit area (watch for

the equally ethereal silversword plant). For an

urban stroll, plan a route through downtown

Honolulu, on Oahu, that meanders past the

Aloha

Tower

, Iolani Palace, and the King Kamehameha I

statue, and then head to Legend Seafood

Restaurant for a dim sum lunch or seafood dinner.

1 – 13

Even during the “cooler” months — and with daily

temperatures around 78°F (26°C) at sea level,

cooler is a relative term — Hawaii is a tropical

retreat. And not just for vacationers. Take a sea-

sonal whale-watching tour from any of the major

islands. Maui’s Lahaina Harbor is an especially

favorable point of embarkation, plus it’s adjacent

to Lahaina town, a quaint historic district with

plenty of shops, galleries, and restaurants to fill

an afternoon. For those who actually miss winter

weather, a journey to higher elevations can cool

things off dramatically. In fact,

Maunakea

, a

13,796-foot (4,205 meters) mountain on the Big

Island, is famous for its summit snowstorms.

27 – 39

One of the things that makes Hawaii great is the

consistently sunny weather. Daily temperatures

this time of year average 85°F (29°C). Bask in the

heat:

Waikiki

, on Oahu, offers a sandy shore

that’s close to loads of shopping; and Poipu

Beach, on Kauai, is a popular family-friendly

strand with shallow wading areas and potential

wildlife sightings, since it’s also well-liked by the

local monk seal population and green sea turtles.

Or, cool off in the ocean. Maui’s offshore Molokini

Crater is an ideal destination for both snorkelers

and scuba divers — and home to an assortment

of 250 fish species.

40 – 52

Learn to surf on the season’s gentle rollers, or

watch the pros test their mettle on some of the

gnarliest breaks Mother Nature has to offer. In

October, waters are generally calm and ideal for

folks new to hanging 10. By November, though,

massive waves start to arrive at Waimea Bay and

the Banzai Pipeline on Oahu’s North Shore. Over

on Kauai, guests can stay dry at the

Smith

Family Garden Luau

while experiencing a wide

array of celebratory Polynesian customs, including

the Hawaiian hula, a fire knife dance, and, of

course, roasted kalua pig.

HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK:

See the summit of Kilauea volcano on the Big Island.

NAPALI COAST:

There are no roads on this stretch of Kauai, so book a boat tour.

ULULANI’S HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE:

Choose your favorite flavor at this Maui spot.

ROY’S WAIKIKI:

Reserve a table at this Oahu institution, and enjoy the Hawaii kai crab cakes.