We’ll always remember our first time planning a visit to Hawaii. Gazing that cluster of all of the Hawaiian islands in the midst of the Pacific, it’s straightforward to really feel a bit misplaced. Must you go to the one with the lively volcanoes, the one with the legendary surf breaks, or the one identified for its deep inexperienced valleys?
The reality is, every of Hawaii’s six foremost islands, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Huge Island, Lanai, and Molokai, presents a very completely different expertise. Selecting the correct one is step one to planning a visit you’ll speak about for years.
After exploring the islands ourselves, we’ve discovered what makes each particular. This information is designed to chop by way of the fluff and reply the large query: “What’s the greatest Hawaiian island to go to?”. We’re right here to offer you an sincere breakdown that will help you select the right one in your sort 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 precise path.
- Oahu is for you if you need a mixture of metropolis life, world-famous seashores, and vital U.S. historical past. It’s residence to Honolulu, Waikiki, and Pearl Harbor.
- Maui is for you if you’re in search of upscale resorts, a legendary street journey on the Street to Hana, and among the greatest whale watching on the planet.
- Kauai is for you if you crave uncooked pure magnificence. Suppose dramatic cliffs, highly effective waterfalls, and among the most difficult and rewarding hikes within the state.
- The Huge Island (Hawaii) is for you if you’re searching for journey. It’s the one place to see lively volcanoes and presents an unbelievable range of landscapes, from black sand seashores to lush rainforests.
- Lanai is for you if you desire 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 need 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 luggage, it’s vital to know that visiting Hawaii has modified a bit lately, and we predict it’s for the higher. There’s a giant 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 slightly 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 e-book your time slot upfront.
It’s a easy step that helps protect these stunning places for future generations. We all the time suggest 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 Major Hawaiian Islands
Now we’ll get into the main points of every of the Hawaiian Islands. We’ve damaged down what we like about each, who we predict 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’d 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 recent Hawaii. As the residence of Honolulu, it additionally has the widest number of eating places and nightlife. Whereas Hawaii will be an costly vacation spot, Oahu usually 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 the town, Oahu boasts an unbelievable variety of climbing trails for all ability 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 predict it’s probably the most vital websites to see in the complete state.
- Hike Diamond Head: This is among the most iconic hikes in Hawaii for a motive. The path takes you to the rim of a volcanic crater, delivering unbelievable panoramic views of Waikiki and the turquoise coast. Simply keep in mind to e-book 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 no less than as soon as. It’s an amazing place for a first-time surf lesson, to see the historic Duke Kahanamoku statue, and to simply soak within the scene.
The place We Advocate Staying
- For Luxurious: Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani This resort looks like a peaceful oasis simply steps from the motion of Waikiki. We appreciated the clear, fashionable design and the infinity pool is a good place to loosen up. 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 finances or travelling solo, this can be a stable selection. It’s not fancy, however the location is unbelievable, just some minutes’ stroll from the seaside. It’s a superb place to fulfill different travellers.
Maui: The Valley Isle
Who This Island Is For
Maui is for you in the event you’re in search of a mixture of luxurious, epic street journeys, and unbelievable wildlife encounters. It has been voted the ‘greatest island’ by readers of Condé Nast Traveler for over 20 years, and it has a well-deserved repute for world-class resorts and romantic getaways. Whereas it has a well-deserved repute for love and world-class resorts, Maui can also be unbelievable for households, with loads of actions to maintain each children and adults entertained.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Maui
- Drive the Street to Hana: This is among the greatest street journeys on this planet, full cease. The freeway twists alongside the island’s north coast, taking you previous numerous waterfalls, by way of dense bamboo forests, and round hairpin turns with breathtaking ocean views. Plan for a full day and swap drivers usually. Our full information to The Street To Hana is right here to assist.
- Watch the Dawn at Haleakala: Driving to the summit of the dormant Haleakala volcano to observe the dawn from 10,023 toes is an unforgettable expertise. You’re 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 very best 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 among the greatest resorts on the island. Positioned within the upscale Wailea space, the service is top-notch, and the beachfront location with its three swimming swimming pools is difficult 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 an elegant resort proper within the coronary heart of this cool little surf city, making it an amazing base for exploring the Street to Hana.
- We have now a full lodging information for the island of Maui that will help 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 entails a difficult hike, discovering a secluded seaside, or simply marvelling at unbelievable surroundings, Kauai is for you.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Kauai
- Hike the Kalalau Path: This is among 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: Referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this large canyon is a spectacle of purple and inexperienced canyon partitions. You’ll be able to drive as much as a number of lookouts for unbelievable views or, in the event you’re up for it, take one of many climbing trails down into the canyon itself.
- Take a Helicopter Tour: A lot of Kauai’s inside is inaccessible by street or path. A helicopter tour is a giant splurge, nevertheless it’s the one method to really recognize 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 means.
The place We Advocate Staying
- For Luxurious on the South Shore: Koloa Touchdown Resort at Po’ipu Positioned on the sunnier south facet of the island, this resort is a good upscale base. The swimming pools listed below are unbelievable, 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 place to begin for adventures alongside the Na Pali Coast.
- If you would like extra in-depth details about resorts on Kauai, try our lodging information for the island.
Huge Island of Hawaii: The Journey Isle
Who This Island Is For
Of all of the islands, The Huge Island is for the true adventurer who desires to see nature at its most uncooked and highly effective. It’s twice the scale of all the opposite islands mixed, and you could find 10 of the world’s 14 local weather zones right here. If you would like a visit that’s much less about mendacity on a seaside and extra about climbing, exploring, and being amazed, that is your island.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on the Huge Island
- Discover Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park: That is the primary motive to go to the Huge Island. It’s the one Hawaiian island the place you could have the possibility to see lively, flowing lava, making it a really distinctive vacation spot. We’ll always remember standing on the Kilauea caldera at evening, watching the purple glow of the lava lake pulse in opposition to the darkish sky.
- Snorkel with Manta Rays at Evening: This sounds slightly intimidating, however belief us, it’s probably the most magical wildlife encounters we’ve ever had. You maintain onto a lighted raft whereas these light giants, with wingspans as much as 15 toes, glide and somersault proper under you.
- Discover the Colored Sand Seashores: The Huge Island is legendary for its distinctive seashores. The jet-black sand at Punalu’u, created by volcanic exercise, is unbelievable to see. Additionally it is residence to Papak?lea, one of many few uncommon inexperienced sand seashores on this planet. We beloved seeing the large honu (Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles) that usually relaxation on the nice and cozy black sand at Punalu’u.
The place We Advocate Staying
- For Volcano Entry (East Facet): Volcano Inn To benefit from the nationwide park, we suggest staying close by for an evening or two. We beloved the Volcano Inn; it’s a comfortable 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 resort is located on Hapuna Seashore, which is among the most stunning white-sand seashores in all of Hawaii. It’s an amazing place to loosen up after a number 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 could have a whole 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 permit 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 exquisite panorama of purple rock formations. It actually felt like an journey on one other planet.
- Calm down at Hulopoe Bay: This protected marine reserve is the island’s greatest spot for swimming and snorkeling. The seaside is an ideal crescent of white sand. We spent an entire afternoon right here and had been handled to an enormous pod of spinner dolphins placing on a present simply offshore. It’s additionally an amazing place to identify honu (turtles).
- Hike the Koloiki Ridge Path: For an amazing view with out a grueling climb, this path is a unbelievable 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 in search of a real luxurious splurge, that is it.
- For Historic Appeal: Resort Lanai For a style of a distinct Lanai, this charming and historic resort within the coronary heart of Lanai Metropolis is your greatest guess. It’s far more low-key and reasonably priced 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 identified 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 aren’t any visitors lights right here, no big-name resorts, and no crowds.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Molokai
- Go to Kalaupapa Nationwide Historic Park: This is among the most transferring and profound locations in Hawaii. Positioned on a distant peninsula, this was as soon as a spot of compelled isolation for folks affected by Hansen’s illness (leprosy). A go to here’s a highly effective historical past lesson, and the panorama is hauntingly stunning. You could e-book a tour with a licensed information to go to, which we extremely suggest.
- Stroll Papohaku Seashore: That is one in every of Hawaii’s longest white-sand seashores, and you’ll seemingly have all of it to your self. We walked for practically an hour and noticed solely a handful of different folks. At three miles lengthy, it looks like your individual non-public 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 among the earliest identified settlements in Hawaii. Our native information shared tales of his ancestors as we walked to the gorgeous Mo’oula Falls. It was a deeply significant expertise that gave us a a lot larger appreciation for the island’s historical past and connection to the land.
The place We Advocate Staying
- The Major Possibility: Resort Molokai That is the island’s best-known place to remain. It’s not a luxurious resort, however an enthralling, rustic resort with Polynesian-style bungalows. It has an actual old-school Hawaii vibe and serves as an amazing, comfy base for exploring.
- For Self-Catering: Citadel Molokai Shores Since there are restricted eating choices on the island, having a kitchen is usually a large plus. These oceanfront condo-style flats are good for households or anybody who desires the flexibleness to cook dinner their very own meals.
- For our breakdown of the place we suggest staying, try our lodging information.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions on Visiting Hawaii
Whereas each island presents one thing particular, the “greatest” one really is determined by your journey fashion. The aim of our information is that will help you match your private preferences—be it journey, rest, or metropolis life—with the island that delivers that have greatest.
For many first-time guests, Oahu is a good selection. It’s straightforward to fly into and presents an enormous number of actions. For those who’re extra of an adventurer, the Huge Island is one other unbelievable choice because it offers you a style of every part: volcanoes, stunning seashores, and luxurious rainforests.
Begin by figuring out your prime precedence. Are you in search of epic hikes (Kauai), nightlife and historical past (Oahu), luxurious resorts (Maui), or volcanic journey (Huge Island)? Use our “Fast Information” on the prime of this text to match your journey fashion to an island’s persona.
Most individuals would give the title to Kauai. Its nickname is “the Backyard Isle” for a motive. The dramatic, green-velvet cliffs of the Na Pali Coast and the sheer scale of Waimea Canyon are really unforgettable.
Select Oahu if you’d like extra motion, nightlife, restaurant selections, and historic websites. Select Maui in the event you’re in search of a extra laid-back, upscale, and romantic vibe with world-class resorts and unbelievable nature experiences.
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 climbing and exploring. Select Oahu if you’d like the facilities of a significant metropolis, well-known surf tradition, and a greater diversity of eating and leisure.
So, Which Island Will You Select?
Choosing the proper Hawaiian island is the primary and most vital step in planning your journey. There actually is not any single “greatest” one, solely the island that’s greatest for you. Whether or not you’re in search of the town buzz of Oahu, the romance of Maui, the uncooked fantastic thing about Kauai, or the volcanic journey of the Huge Island, Hawaii has an island that may really feel prefer it was made for you.
We hope this information has helped you discover your good match.
