We’ll always remember our first time planning a visit to Hawaii. Watching that cluster of all of the Hawaiian islands in the midst of the Pacific, it’s straightforward to really feel a bit misplaced. Do you have to 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 Large Island, Lanai, and Molokai, affords a totally 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 every one particular. This information is designed to chop via the fluff and reply the massive query: “What’s the finest Hawaiian island to go to?”. We’re right here to present you an trustworthy breakdown that will help you select the proper one in your form of journey.
Which Is The Finest Island To Go to In Hawaii For You? A Fast Information
Each island has its personal character. Earlier than we dive deep, here’s a fast breakdown to level you in the proper 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 highway journey on the Highway to Hana, and among the finest 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 Large Island (Hawaii) is for you if you’re in search of journey. It’s the one place to see lively volcanoes and affords 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 model.
- Molokai is for you if you need an genuine, off-the-grid expertise. It’s the least developed island and affords an actual glimpse into native Hawaiian life and tradition.
A Be aware on Accountable Journey in Hawaii
Earlier than you pack your luggage, it’s vital to know that visiting Hawaii has modified a bit in recent times, and we expect it’s for the higher. There’s a giant concentrate on 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 slightly extra planning is required. Most of the hottest sights 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 will want to e-book your time slot prematurely.
It’s a easy step that helps protect these lovely places for future generations. We at all times 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 Essential 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 recent 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 affords 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 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 expect it’s probably the most vital websites to see in the complete state.
- Hike Diamond Head: This is without doubt one of the most iconic hikes in Hawaii for a motive. The path takes you to the rim of a volcanic crater, delivering unimaginable panoramic views of Waikiki and the turquoise coast. Simply bear in mind to e-book your spot prematurely.
- Discover the North Shore: Escape the vitality of Honolulu and drive as much as the legendary North Shore. Within the winter, you possibly can watch skilled surfers sort out among the greatest 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 you must see no less than as soon as. It’s an important place for a first-time surf lesson, to see the historic Duke Kahanamoku statue, and to simply soak within the scene.
The place We Suggest Staying
- For Luxurious: Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani This resort seems like a peaceful 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 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 implausible, just some minutes’ stroll from the seashore. It’s a superb place to satisfy different travellers.
Maui: The Valley Isle
Who This Island Is For
Maui is for you when you’re in search of a mixture of luxurious, epic highway journeys, and unbelievable wildlife encounters. It has been voted the ‘finest island’ by readers of Condé Nast Traveler for over 20 years, and it has a well-deserved fame for world-class resorts and romantic getaways. Whereas it has a well-deserved fame for love and world-class resorts, Maui can also be implausible 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 without doubt one of the finest highway journeys on the planet, full cease. The freeway twists alongside the island’s north coast, taking you previous numerous waterfalls, via 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 Highway 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 effectively prematurely, however it’s completely definitely 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 perfect 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 Suggest Staying
- For Luxurious: 4 Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea If you’re trying to splurge, this is without doubt one of the finest 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 important base for exploring the Highway to Hana.
- We’ve 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 thought 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 without doubt one of the most well-known and tough 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 finest we’ve ever seen.
- Discover Waimea Canyon: Referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this large canyon is a spectacle of pink and inexperienced canyon partitions. You possibly can drive as much as a number of lookouts for implausible views or, when 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 highway or path. A helicopter tour is a giant splurge, however it’s the one method 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 possibly can’t see every other approach.
The place We Suggest 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 implausible, 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 affords unimaginable views of Hanalei Bay and the mountains. It feels a bit extra old-school Hawaii and is the proper start line for adventures alongside the Na Pali Coast.
- If you would like extra in-depth details about inns on Kauai, take a look at our lodging information for the island.
Large Island of Hawaii: The Journey Isle
Who This Island Is For
Of all of the islands, The Large 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. If you would like a visit that’s much less about mendacity on a seashore and extra about climbing, exploring, and being amazed, that is your island.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on the Large Island
- Discover Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park: That is the primary motive to go to the Large Island. It’s the one Hawaiian island the place you’ve got the possibility to see lively, flowing lava, making it a very distinctive vacation spot. We’ll always remember standing on the Kilauea caldera at evening, watching the pink 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 beneath you.
- Discover the Colored Sand Seashores: The Large Island is legendary for its distinctive seashores. The jet-black sand at Punalu’u, created by volcanic exercise, is unimaginable to see. Additionally it is residence to Papak?lea, one of many few uncommon inexperienced sand seashores on the planet. We liked seeing the large honu (Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles) that always relaxation on the nice and cozy black sand at Punalu’u.
The place We Suggest Staying
- For Volcano Entry (East Aspect): Volcano Inn To benefit from the nationwide park, we advocate staying close by for an evening or two. We liked 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 Aspect): 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 without doubt one of the most lovely white-sand seashores in all of Hawaii. It’s an important 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 totally privately owned and has a quiet, unique really feel. In case your aim is to unplug at a five-star resort, play a world-class spherical of golf, and really feel like you’ve got 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 pink 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 finest spot for swimming and snorkeling. The seashore is an ideal crescent of white sand. We spent a complete afternoon right here and have been handled to an enormous pod of spinner dolphins placing on a present simply offshore. It’s additionally an important place to identify honu (turtles).
- Hike the Koloiki Ridge Path: For an important view with no grueling climb, this path is a implausible selection. 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 Suggest Staying
- For Final Luxurious: 4 Seasons Resort Lanai That is the rationale 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 Attraction: Lodge Lanai For a style of a distinct Lanai, this charming and historic resort within the coronary heart of Lanai Metropolis is your finest guess. It’s way more low-key and reasonably priced 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 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 are not any site visitors lights right here, no big-name inns, 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. 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 lovely. It’s essential to e-book a tour with a licensed 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 folks. At three miles lengthy, it seems like your individual non-public paradise. On a transparent day, you possibly can see Oahu within the distance.
- Hike By Halawa Valley: We took a guided hike into this lush, sacred valley, which is without doubt one of 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 better appreciation for the island’s historical past and connection to the land.
The place We Suggest Staying
- The Essential Possibility: Lodge Molokai That is the island’s best-known place to remain. It’s not a luxurious resort, however a captivating, rustic resort with Polynesian-style bungalows. It has an actual old-school Hawaii vibe and serves as an important, comfy base for exploring.
- For Self-Catering: Fort Molokai Shores Since there are restricted eating choices on the island, having a kitchen is usually a big plus. These oceanfront condo-style flats 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, take a look at our lodging information.
Continuously Requested Questions on Visiting Hawaii
Whereas each island affords one thing particular, the “finest” one actually will depend on your journey model. The aim of our information is that will help you match your private preferences—be it journey, leisure, or metropolis life—with the island that delivers that have finest.
For many first-time guests, Oahu is a superb selection. It’s straightforward to fly into and affords an enormous number of actions. If you happen to’re extra of an adventurer, the Large Island is one other implausible possibility because it provides you a style of all the pieces: volcanoes, lovely seashores, and plush 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 (Large Island)? Use our “Fast Information” on the prime of this text to match your journey model to an island’s character.
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 actually unforgettable.
Select Oahu if you would like extra motion, nightlife, restaurant decisions, and historic websites. Select Maui when you’re in search of a extra laid-back, upscale, and romantic vibe with world-class resorts and unimaginable nature experiences.
This selection comes right 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 would 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?
Selecting the best Hawaiian island is the primary and most vital step in planning your journey. There actually isn’t any single “finest” one, solely the island that’s finest for you. Whether or not you’re in search of town buzz of Oahu, the romance of Maui, the uncooked great thing about Kauai, or the volcanic journey of the Large 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.
