We went on a very similar route this time last year. If you're feeling at all disorientated and homesick at all, don't be, it'll be the best six months of your life! Vancouver will be miserable. Get to Whistler YHA via Greyhound (if you can get a place - must book beforehand). It's a beautiful YHA on the edge of a lake with a cosy log fire. Laugh at all the Aussies who've never seen snow before! Tofino YHA on Vancouver Island was more like a hotel, but beware of the gruelling bus journey on winding roads. Worth having a visit to Victoria on Vancouver Island as it's more British than Britain. In Vancouver we stayed at the YHA Downtown too but even if you don't, you have to see if Erik is doing his tours- he's a legend and you'll get to see Vancouver in a different light.

We went to Hawaii from Vancouver - if you can get a cheap flight, get to Kauai, the most beautiful place on our whole trip (Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones were filmed there). The very best tips we were given:
The Great Eagle boat for cruising the Whitsundays leaving Airlie Beach. Loads of dodgy stories from other travellers going on the hundreds of other boats - you'll be guaranteed a good time on the Great Eagle.
Mama's Place on Pulau Besar, the Perhentian Islands, NE Malaysia. How Thailand was 20 years ago, before all us backpackers ruined it!
Hostels change very quickly in Australia - so beware of descriptions in the Lonely Planet etc, go with other travellers' suggestions.