We’ll always remember our first time planning a visit to Hawaii. Looking at that cluster of all of the Hawaiian islands in the course of the Pacific, it’s simple 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 foremost islands, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Huge Island, Lanai, and Molokai, gives a very totally different expertise. Selecting the correct one is step one to planning a visit you’ll discuss for years.
After exploring the islands ourselves, we’ve discovered what makes each particular. This information is designed to chop by the fluff and reply the large query: “What’s the greatest Hawaiian island to go to?”. We’re right here to present you an trustworthy breakdown that can assist you select the proper one on your form of journey.
Which Is The Greatest 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 essential U.S. historical past. It’s dwelling to Honolulu, Waikiki, and Pearl Harbor.
- Maui is for you if you’re on the lookout for upscale resorts, a legendary street journey on the Highway 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 energetic volcanoes and gives an unimaginable 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 gives an actual glimpse into native Hawaiian life and tradition.
A Word on Accountable Journey in Hawaii
Earlier than you pack your luggage, it’s essential to know that visiting Hawaii has modified a bit in recent times, 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 unimaginable pure environments you’re coming to see.
For you, this simply means just a little 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 prematurely.
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 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 need a mixture of bustling metropolis power, well-known seashores, and simply accessible historic websites. It’s essentially the most developed island and the hub of contemporary Hawaii. As the dwelling of Honolulu, it additionally has the widest number of eating places and nightlife. Whereas Hawaii may be an costly vacation spot, Oahu typically gives 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 unimaginable variety of mountain climbing trails for all talent ranges, from simple 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 strong reminder of a pivotal second in historical past, and we expect it’s one of the vital essential websites to see in all the state.
- Hike Diamond Head: This is among the most iconic hikes in Hawaii for a cause. The path takes you to the rim of a volcanic crater, delivering unimaginable panoramic views of Waikiki and the turquoise coast. Simply keep in mind to e-book your spot prematurely.
- Discover the North Shore: Escape the power of Honolulu and drive as much as the legendary North Shore. Within the winter, you may watch skilled surfers deal with among the largest waves on the 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 least as soon as. It’s an awesome 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 relaxed oasis simply steps from the motion of Waikiki. We appreciated the clear, fashionable design and the infinity pool is a superb place to calm down. It’s a high-end alternative that delivers on service and magnificence.
- For a Social Scene: Polynesian Hostel Seashore Membership If you’re on a price range or travelling solo, it is a stable alternative. It’s not fancy, however the location is incredible, 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 on the lookout for 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 popularity for world-class resorts and romantic getaways. Whereas it has a well-deserved popularity for love and world-class resorts, Maui can also be incredible for households, with loads of actions to maintain each children and adults entertained.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Maui
- Drive the Highway to Hana: This is among the greatest street journeys on the 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 usually. 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 toes is an unforgettable expertise. You’re actually above the clouds. Reservations are required effectively prematurely, however it’s completely well worth the early begin.
- Go Whale Watching: From December to Could, 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 a large 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 seeking 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 lodge proper within the coronary heart of this cool little surf city, making it an awesome base for exploring the Highway to Hana.
- We have now 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 entails 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 among the most well-known and troublesome hikes in america, 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: Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this large canyon is a spectacle of purple and inexperienced canyon partitions. You possibly can drive as much as a number of lookouts for incredible 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 street or path. A helicopter tour is an enormous splurge, but it surely’s the one option to actually 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 may’t see another 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 superb upscale base. The swimming pools listed here are incredible, 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 plush landscapes of the north, this resort gives unimaginable views of Hanalei Bay and the mountains. It feels a bit extra old-school Hawaii and is the proper place to begin for adventures alongside the Na Pali Coast.
- If you need extra in-depth details about motels on Kauai, take a look at 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 yow will discover 10 of the world’s 14 local weather zones right here. If you need 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 Huge Island
- Discover Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park: That is the primary cause to go to the Huge Island. It’s the one Hawaiian island the place you will have the prospect to see energetic, 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 towards the darkish sky.
- Snorkel with Manta Rays at Night time: This sounds just a little intimidating, however belief us, it’s one of the vital 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 beneath you.
- Discover the Colored Sand Seashores: The Huge Island is known for its distinctive seashores. The jet-black sand at Punalu’u, created by volcanic exercise, is unimaginable to see. Additionally it is dwelling to Papak?lea, one of many few uncommon inexperienced sand seashores on the 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 Aspect): 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 comfy spot tucked into the rainforest, simply minutes from the park entrance. This makes it tremendous simple to drive again to the caldera after darkish to see the lava glow.
- For Seashores and Resorts (West Aspect): 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 among the most stunning white-sand seashores in all of Hawaii. It’s an awesome 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 actually desires to get away from all of it and doesn’t thoughts paying for the privilege. The island is sort of solely privately owned and has a quiet, unique really feel. In case your purpose 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 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 delightful panorama of purple 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 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 awesome place to identify honu (turtles).
- Hike the Koloiki Ridge Path: For an awesome view with no grueling climb, this path is a incredible alternative. It begins close to the 4 Seasons and leads you thru forests of ironwood and pine timber, 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 on the lookout for a real luxurious splurge, that is it.
- For Historic Attraction: Resort Lanai For a style of a distinct 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 related 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 seeking to disconnect and expertise a slower, extra intentional lifestyle away from any resort scene, that is your house. There aren’t any site visitors lights right here, no big-name motels, 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 pressured 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 have to e-book a tour with a licensed information to go to, which we extremely suggest.
- Stroll Papohaku Seashore: That is one among Hawaii’s longest white-sand seashores, and you’ll probably have all of it to your self. We walked for almost an hour and noticed solely a handful of different folks. At three miles lengthy, it seems like your individual non-public paradise. On a transparent day, you may see Oahu within the distance.
- Hike By Halawa Valley: We took a guided hike into this lush, sacred valley, which is among the earliest recognized 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 higher appreciation for the island’s historical past and connection to the land.
The place We Advocate Staying
- The Major Choice: Resort 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 awesome, 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, take a look at our lodging information.
Incessantly Requested Questions on Visiting Hawaii
Whereas each island gives one thing particular, the “greatest” one actually is determined by 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.
For many first-time guests, Oahu is a superb alternative. It’s simple to fly into and gives an enormous number of actions. For those who’re extra of an adventurer, the Huge Island is one other incredible choice because it offers you a style of all the things: volcanoes, stunning seashores, and plush rainforests.
Begin by figuring out your high precedence. Are you on the lookout for epic hikes (Kauai), nightlife and historical past (Oahu), luxurious resorts (Maui), or volcanic journey (Huge Island)? Use our “Fast Information” on the high 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 cause. The dramatic, green-velvet cliffs of the Na Pali Coast and the sheer scale of Waimea Canyon are actually unforgettable.
Select Oahu if you need extra motion, nightlife, restaurant selections, and historic websites. Select Maui for those who’re on the lookout for a extra laid-back, upscale, and romantic vibe with world-class resorts and unimaginable nature experiences.
This alternative 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 need the facilities of a serious metropolis, well-known surf tradition, and a greater variety of eating and leisure.
So, Which Island Will You Select?
Selecting the best Hawaiian island is the primary and most essential step in planning your journey. There actually isn’t any single “greatest” one, solely the island that’s greatest for you. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for town buzz of Oahu, the romance of Maui, the uncooked great 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.
