We’ll always remember our first time planning a visit to Hawaii. Watching that cluster of all of the Hawaiian islands in the course of the Pacific, it’s straightforward to really feel a bit misplaced. Must you go to the one with the energetic volcanoes, the one with the legendary surf breaks, or the one recognized for its deep inexperienced valleys?
The reality is, every of Hawaii’s six major islands, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Massive Island, Lanai, and Molokai, presents a totally completely different expertise. Choosing the right one is step one to planning a visit you’ll speak about for years.
After exploring the islands ourselves, we’ve realized what makes every one particular. This information is designed to chop by the fluff and reply the large query: “What is the best Hawaiian island to visit?”. We’re right here to present you an trustworthy breakdown that can assist you select the right one in your type of journey.
Which Is The Finest Island To Go to In Hawaii For You? A Fast Information
Each island has its personal persona. Earlier than we dive deep, here’s a fast breakdown to level you in the correct route.
Oahu is for you if you would like a mixture of metropolis life, world-famous seashores, and necessary U.S. historical past. It’s house to Honolulu, Waikiki, and Pearl Harbor.
Maui is for you for those who’re searching for upscale resorts, a legendary highway journey on the Highway to Hana, and among the greatest whale watching on the planet.
Kauai is for you for those who crave uncooked pure magnificence. Assume dramatic cliffs, highly effective waterfalls, and among the most difficult and rewarding hikes within the state.
The Massive Island (Hawaii) is for you for those who’re looking for journey. It’s the one place to see energetic volcanoes and presents an unbelievable variety of landscapes, from black sand seashores to lush rainforests.
Lanai is for you if you would like a quiet, luxurious escape. With simply a few high-end resorts, it’s the place to get away from all of it in fashion.
Molokai is for you if you would like an genuine, off-the-grid expertise. It’s the least developed island and presents an actual glimpse into native Hawaiian life and tradition.
A Word on Accountable Journey in Hawaii
Earlier than you pack your baggage, it’s necessary to know that visiting Hawaii has modified a bit lately, and we expect it’s for the higher. There’s an enormous give attention to regenerative tourism, which is all about giving again to the native communities and serving to to guard the unbelievable pure environments you’re coming to see.
For you, this simply means somewhat extra planning is required. Most of the hottest points of interest now require reservations to handle customer numbers. For instance, if you wish to see the views from Diamond Head on Oahu or watch the dawn at Haleakala Nationwide Park on Maui, you’ll need to guide your time slot upfront.
It’s a easy step that helps protect these lovely places for future generations. We all the time advocate checking the official park or attraction web sites earlier than you go to see what’s required so that you don’t miss out.
Evaluating the Important Hawaiian Islands
Now we’ll get into the main points of every of the Hawaiian Islands. We’ve damaged down what we like about every one, who we expect it’s for, and a few our favorite locations to remain.
Oahu: The Gathering Place
Who This Island Is For
Oahu is for you if you would like a mixture of bustling metropolis vitality, well-known seashores, and simply accessible historic websites. It’s probably the most developed island and the hub of contemporary Hawaii. As the house of Honolulu, it additionally has the widest number of eating places and nightlife. Whereas Hawaii will be an costly vacation spot, Oahu typically presents the broadest vary of lodging, together with extra budget-friendly choices in comparison with different islands.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Oahu
Past town, Oahu boasts an unbelievable variety of mountain climbing trails for all talent ranges, from straightforward coastal walks to strenuous mountain ridges.
Pay Respects at Pearl Harbor: A go to to the Pearl Harbor Nationwide Memorial is a transferring and important expertise. It’s a robust reminder of a pivotal second in historical past, and we expect it’s one of the crucial necessary websites to see in the whole state.
Hike Diamond Head: This is without doubt one of the most iconic hikes in Hawaii for a purpose. The path takes you to the rim of a volcanic crater, delivering unbelievable panoramic views of Waikiki and the turquoise coast. Simply bear in mind to guide your spot upfront.
Discover the North Shore: Escape the vitality of Honolulu and drive as much as the legendary North Shore. Within the winter, you’ll be able to watch skilled surfers sort out among the largest waves on this planet. In the summertime, the water is calmer, and the vibe is pure, laid-back surf city.
Expertise Waikiki Seashore: Sure, it’s busy, however Waikiki is a spectacle it’s a must to see at the very least as soon as. It’s an ideal place for a first-time surf lesson, to see the historic Duke Kahanamoku statue, and to only soak within the scene.
The place We Advocate Staying
For Luxurious: Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani This lodge seems like a peaceful oasis simply steps from the motion of Waikiki. We favored the clear, trendy design and the infinity pool is a superb place to calm down. It’s a high-end selection that delivers on service and elegance.
For a Social Scene: Polynesian Hostel Seashore Membership If you’re on a price range or travelling solo, this can be a stable selection. It’s not fancy, however the location is improbable, only a few minutes’ stroll from the seashore. It’s place to fulfill different travellers.
Maui: The Valley Isle
Who This Island Is For
Maui is for you for those who’re searching for a mixture of luxurious, epic highway journeys, and unbelievable wildlife encounters. It has been voted the ‘best island’ by readers of Condé Nast Traveler for over 20 years, and it has a well-deserved popularity for world-class resorts and romantic getaways. Whereas it has a well-deserved popularity for love and world-class resorts, Maui can be improbable for households, with loads of actions to maintain each youngsters and adults entertained.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Maui
Drive the Highway to Hana: This is without doubt one of the greatest highway journeys on this planet, full cease. The freeway twists alongside the island’s north coast, taking you previous numerous waterfalls, by dense bamboo forests, and round hairpin turns with breathtaking ocean views. Plan for a full day and change drivers typically. Our full information to The Highway To Hana is right here to assist.
Watch the Dawn at Haleakala: Driving to the summit of the dormant Haleakala volcano to look at the dawn from 10,023 ft is an unforgettable expertise. You might be actually above the clouds. Reservations are required nicely upfront, however it’s completely well worth the early begin.
Go Whale Watching: From December to Might, greater than 10,000 humpback whales migrate to Maui’s heat waters. Taking a ship tour to see them is a should. We discovered the most effective time to go is between January and March when sightings are virtually assured. Seeing an enormous humpback breach the water is one thing you’ll always remember.
The place We Advocate Staying
For Luxurious: 4 Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea If you’re trying to splurge, this is without doubt one of the greatest resorts on the island. Situated within the upscale Wailea space, the service is top-notch, and the beachfront location with its three swimming swimming pools is tough to beat.
For a Laid-Again Vibe: Paia Inn For one thing extra boutique and fewer of a mega-resort, we loved the city of Paia on the north shore. Paia Inn is a classy lodge proper within the coronary heart of this cool little surf city, making it an ideal base for exploring the Highway to Hana.
Now we have a full lodging information for the island of Maui that can assist you plan your journey.
Kauai: The Backyard Isle
Who This Island Is For
Kauai is for the adventurers and nature lovers. This island is all about uncooked, dramatic magnificence, and it’s noticeably much less developed than Oahu or Maui. In case your concept of an ideal day includes a difficult hike, discovering a secluded seashore, or simply marvelling at unbelievable surroundings, Kauai is for you.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Kauai
Hike the Kalalau Path: This is without doubt one of the most well-known and troublesome hikes in the US, tracing the cliffs of the legendary Na Pali Coast. You want a allow and loads of expertise, because the 11-mile path is demanding. However for individuals who are ready, the views are among the greatest we’ve ever seen.
Discover Waimea Canyon: Generally known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this huge canyon is a spectacle of crimson and inexperienced canyon partitions. You’ll be able to drive as much as a number of lookouts for improbable views or, for those who’re up for it, take one of many mountain climbing trails down into the canyon itself.
Take a Helicopter Tour: A lot of Kauai’s inside is inaccessible by highway or path. A helicopter tour is an enormous splurge, nevertheless it’s the one strategy to really respect the dimensions of the island. You’ll fly over the Na Pali Coast, deep into the crater of Mount Waialeale, and previous numerous waterfalls you’ll be able to’t see every other approach.
The place We Advocate Staying
For Luxurious on the South Shore: Koloa Touchdown Resort at Po’ipu Situated on the sunnier south facet of the island, this resort is a superb upscale base. The swimming pools listed here are improbable, and it’s well-positioned for exploring Waimea Canyon and the seashores of Po’ipu.
For a North Shore Base: Hanalei Bay Resort If you wish to be nearer to the luxurious landscapes of the north, this resort presents unbelievable views of Hanalei Bay and the mountains. It feels a bit extra old-school Hawaii and is the right start line for adventures alongside the Na Pali Coast.
In order for you extra in-depth details about lodges on Kauai, try our lodging information for the island.
Massive Island of Hawaii: The Journey Isle
Who This Island Is For
Of all of the islands, The Massive Island is for the true adventurer who desires to see nature at its most uncooked and highly effective. It’s twice the dimensions of all the opposite islands mixed, and you’ll find 10 of the world’s 14 local weather zones right here. In order for you a visit that’s much less about mendacity on a seashore and extra about mountain climbing, exploring, and being amazed, that is your island.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on the Massive Island
Discover Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park: That is the primary purpose to go to the Massive Island. It’s the one Hawaiian island the place you will have the prospect to see energetic, flowing lava, making it a very distinctive vacation spot. We’ll always remember standing on the Kilauea caldera at night time, watching the crimson glow of the lava lake pulse in opposition to the darkish sky.
Snorkel with Manta Rays at Evening: This sounds somewhat intimidating, however belief us, it’s one of the crucial magical wildlife encounters we’ve ever had. You maintain onto a lighted raft whereas these light giants, with wingspans as much as 15 ft, glide and somersault proper beneath you.
Discover the Colored Sand Seashores: The Massive Island is known for its distinctive seashores. The jet-black sand at Punalu’u, created by volcanic exercise, is unbelievable to see. It’s also house to Papak?lea, one of many few uncommon inexperienced sand seashores on this planet. We beloved seeing the huge honu (Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles) that always relaxation on the nice and cozy black sand at Punalu’u.
The place We Advocate Staying
For Volcano Entry (East Facet): Volcano Inn To profit from the nationwide park, we advocate staying close by for an evening or two. We beloved the Volcano Inn; it’s a comfy spot tucked into the rainforest, simply minutes from the park entrance. This makes it tremendous straightforward to drive again to the caldera after darkish to see the lava glow.
For Seashores and Resorts (West Facet): The Westin Hapuna Seashore Resort The sunny Kona-Kohala coast is the island’s resort hub. This lodge is located on Hapuna Seashore, which is without doubt one of the most lovely white-sand seashores in all of Hawaii. It’s an ideal place to calm down after a couple of days of volcanic journey.
Lanai: The Pineapple Isle
Who This Island Is For
Lanai is for the traveller who really desires to get away from all of it and doesn’t thoughts paying for the privilege. The island is sort of fully privately owned and has a quiet, unique really feel. In case your objective is to unplug at a five-star resort, play a world-class spherical of golf, and really feel like you will have a complete island to your self, Lanai is the spot.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Lanai
Lease a 4×4 and Discover: This was our favorite factor to do on the island. As soon as you allow the manicured resorts, Lanai is rugged and wild. We rented a Jeep and spent a day driving the unpaved roads to locations like Keahiakawelo (Backyard of the Gods), a weird and delightful panorama of crimson rock formations. It actually felt like an journey on one other planet.
Chill out at Hulopoe Bay: This protected marine reserve is the island’s greatest spot for swimming and snorkeling. The seashore is an ideal crescent of white sand. We spent a complete afternoon right here and had been handled to an enormous pod of spinner dolphins placing on a present simply offshore. It’s additionally an ideal place to identify honu (turtles).
Hike the Koloiki Ridge Path: For an ideal view with no grueling climb, this path is a improbable selection. It begins close to the 4 Seasons and leads you thru forests of ironwood and pine bushes, ending with a rewarding viewpoint over the neighbouring islands of Maui and Molokai.
The place We Advocate Staying
For Final Luxurious: 4 Seasons Resort Lanai That is the explanation most individuals come to Lanai. Perched on a cliff above Hulopoe Bay, it’s the definition of a five-star escape. The service, the swimming pools, and the views are all flawless. If you’re searching for a real luxurious splurge, that is it.
For Historic Allure: Lodge Lanai For a style of a unique Lanai, this charming and historic lodge within the coronary heart of Lanai Metropolis is your greatest guess. It’s far more low-key and inexpensive than the resort, providing a quiet, boutique expertise that feels linked to the island’s plantation historical past.
Molokai: The Pleasant Isle
Who This Island Is For
Molokai is for the traveller, not the vacationer. It’s best recognized for its quiet, genuine trip expertise, receiving only a fraction of the guests that the opposite islands do. If you’re trying to disconnect and expertise a slower, extra intentional lifestyle away from any resort scene, that is your home. There are not any visitors lights right here, no big-name lodges, and no crowds.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Molokai
Go to Kalaupapa Nationwide Historic Park: This is without doubt one of the most transferring and profound locations in Hawaii. Situated on a distant peninsula, this was as soon as a spot of pressured isolation for individuals affected by Hansen’s illness (leprosy). A go to here’s a highly effective historical past lesson, and the panorama is hauntingly lovely. You will need to guide a tour with an authorized information to go to, which we extremely advocate.
Stroll Papohaku Seashore: That is considered one of Hawaii’s longest white-sand seashores, and you’ll probably have all of it to your self. We walked for practically an hour and noticed solely a handful of different individuals. At three miles lengthy, it seems like your individual personal paradise. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to see Oahu within the distance.
Hike By way of Halawa Valley: We took a guided hike into this lush, sacred valley, which is without doubt one of the earliest recognized settlements in Hawaii. Our native information shared tales of his ancestors as we walked to the beautiful Mo’oula Falls. It was a deeply significant expertise that gave us a a lot higher appreciation for the island’s historical past and connection to the land.
The place We Advocate Staying
The Important Choice: Lodge Molokai That is the island’s best-known place to remain. It’s not a luxurious resort, however an enthralling, rustic lodge with Polynesian-style bungalows. It has an actual old-school Hawaii vibe and serves as an ideal, snug base for exploring.
For Self-Catering: Fortress Molokai Shores Since there are restricted eating choices on the island, having a kitchen generally is a big plus. These oceanfront condo-style residences are excellent for households or anybody who desires the pliability to cook dinner their very own meals.
For our breakdown of the place we advocate staying, try our lodging information.
Steadily Requested Questions on Visiting Hawaii
So, what’s the greatest Hawaiian island to go to general?
Whereas each island presents one thing particular, the “best” one really is dependent upon your journey fashion. The aim of our information is that can assist you match your private preferences—be it journey, rest, or metropolis life—with the island that delivers that have greatest.
What’s the greatest Hawaiian island to go to for the primary time?
For many first-time guests, Oahu is a superb selection. It’s straightforward to fly into and presents an enormous number of actions. In the event you’re extra of an adventurer, the Massive Island is one other improbable choice because it provides you a style of all the things: volcanoes, lovely seashores, and plush rainforests.
How do I select an island to go to in Hawaii?
Begin by figuring out your high precedence. Are you searching for epic hikes (Kauai), nightlife and historical past (Oahu), luxurious resorts (Maui), or volcanic journey (Massive Island)? Use our “Quick Guide” on the high of this text to match your journey fashion to an island’s persona.
Which Hawaiian island is probably the most lovely?
Most individuals would give the title to Kauai. Its nickname is “the Garden Isle” for a purpose. The dramatic, green-velvet cliffs of the Na Pali Coast and the sheer scale of Waimea Canyon are really unforgettable.
Which is healthier, Oahu or Maui?
Select Oahu if you would like extra motion, nightlife, restaurant decisions, and historic websites. Select Maui for those who’re searching for a extra laid-back, upscale, and romantic vibe with world-class resorts and unbelievable nature experiences.
Which is healthier, Kauai or Oahu?
This selection comes all the way down to nature versus metropolis. Select Kauai if you wish to be immersed in uncooked, pure landscapes and spend your days mountain climbing and exploring. Select Oahu if you would like the facilities of a serious metropolis, well-known surf tradition, and a greater variety of eating and leisure.
So, Which Island Will You Select?
Choosing the proper Hawaiian island is the primary and most necessary step in planning your journey. There actually is not any single “best” one, solely the island that’s greatest for you. Whether or not you’re searching for town buzz of Oahu, the romance of Maui, the uncooked great thing about Kauai, or the volcanic journey of the Massive Island, Hawaii has an island that can really feel prefer it was made for you.
We hope this information has helped you discover your excellent match.
