Continuing the trend of using the Off Topic forum for vacation advice...

Anyone have any tips on the best way to visit our island state?

I've never been, I've got no idea which island is the best to see, what the best time of year to go is... No clue. But I've just made a bargain with SWMBO that involved booking Hawaii sometime this year.

Criteria:

- Tourist trap type stuff is not something we necessarily have to avoid so much. We actually don't mind touristy stuff as long as it's not too overt.

- Sightseeing is big with us. Especially places where I can get a lot of pictures.

- Passive activities like relaxing on the beach are good with us. Some active stuff is fine, too, as long as it's not exertion. Bicycling tours=Out, Snokeling=In.

- Avoiding crowds is good if possible.

- Small boats=Bad.

- Airplanes=Good.

Anyone have any tips along those lines? Anyone got a suggestion as to the best time of year to go?