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 energetic 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 important islands, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Huge Island, Lanai, and Molokai, provides 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 realized what makes every one particular. This information is designed to chop by means of the fluff and reply the massive query: “What’s the greatest Hawaiian island to go to?”. We’re right here to provide you an trustworthy breakdown that can assist you select the right one on your type 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 correct route.
Oahu is for you in order for you a mixture of metropolis life, world-famous seashores, and necessary U.S. historical past. It’s dwelling to Honolulu, Waikiki, and Pearl Harbor.
Maui is for you for those who’re searching for upscale resorts, a legendary highway journey on the Street to Hana, and among the greatest whale watching on the planet.
Kauai is for you for those who 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 for those who’re looking for journey. It’s the one place to see energetic volcanoes and provides an unimaginable range of landscapes, from black sand seashores to lush rainforests.
Lanai is for you in order for you 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 in order for you an genuine, off-the-grid expertise. It’s the least developed island and provides 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 necessary to know that visiting Hawaii has modified a bit lately, and we expect 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 unimaginable pure environments you’re coming to see.
For you, this simply means a little bit extra planning is required. Lots 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 will have to ebook your time slot prematurely.
It’s a easy step that helps protect these lovely areas 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 Essential Hawaiian Islands
Now we’ll get into the small print 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 in order for you a mixture of bustling metropolis power, 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 may be an costly vacation spot, Oahu usually provides 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 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 shifting and important expertise. It’s a robust reminder of a pivotal second in historical past, and we expect it’s one of the necessary websites to see in all the 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 unimaginable panoramic views of Waikiki and the turquoise coast. Simply bear in mind to ebook 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’ll be able to watch skilled surfers sort out 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 you need to see a minimum of as soon as. It’s a terrific 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 appears like a relaxed oasis simply steps from the motion of Waikiki. We favored the clear, fashionable design and the infinity pool is a good place to chill out. It’s a high-end alternative that delivers on service and elegance.
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 improbable, only a few minutes’ stroll from the seaside. It’s a superb place to satisfy 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 ‘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 be improbable 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 without doubt one of the greatest highway journeys on the planet, full cease. The freeway twists alongside the island’s north coast, taking you previous numerous waterfalls, by means 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 ft is an unforgettable expertise. You might be actually above the clouds. Reservations are required nicely prematurely, however it’s completely definitely 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 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 seeking to splurge, this is without doubt one of 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 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 resort proper within the coronary heart of this cool little surf city, making it a terrific base for exploring the Street to Hana.
We’ve 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 thought of an ideal day includes 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 without doubt one of the most well-known and tough hikes in the USA, 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 known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this large canyon is a spectacle of pink 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 a giant splurge, but it surely’s the one technique to really admire the size 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 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 good 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 provides unimaginable 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.
If you’d like extra in-depth details about resorts 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 needs to see nature at its most uncooked and highly effective. It’s twice the dimensions of all the opposite islands mixed, and you could find 10 of the world’s 14 local weather zones right here. If you’d like a visit that’s much less about mendacity on a seaside 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 purpose to go to the Huge Island. It’s the one Hawaiian island the place you might 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 pink glow of the lava lake pulse in opposition to the darkish sky.
Snorkel with Manta Rays at Evening: This sounds a little bit intimidating, however belief us, it’s one of the magical wildlife encounters we’ve ever had. You maintain onto a lighted raft whereas these mild giants, with wingspans as much as 15 ft, glide and somersault proper beneath 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 unimaginable to see. Additionally it is dwelling to Papak?lea, one of many few uncommon inexperienced sand seashores on the planet. We cherished seeing the large honu (Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles) that usually relaxation on the nice and cozy black sand at Punalu’u.
The place We Suggest Staying
For Volcano Entry (East Aspect): Volcano Inn To take advantage of the nationwide park, we suggest staying close by for an evening or two. We cherished 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 a terrific place to chill out after a number of days of volcanic journey.
Lanai: The Pineapple Isle
Who This Island Is For
Lanai is for the traveller who really needs to get away from all of it and doesn’t thoughts paying for the privilege. The island is nearly completely 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 might have a whole island to your self, Lanai is the spot.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Lanai
Hire 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 pink 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 have been handled to an enormous pod of spinner dolphins placing on a present simply offshore. It’s additionally a terrific place to identify honu (turtles).
Hike the Koloiki Ridge Path: For a terrific view and not using a grueling climb, this path is a improbable alternative. 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 Suggest 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: 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 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 identified 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 home. There are not 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 without doubt one of the most shifting and profound locations in Hawaii. Positioned 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 should ebook a tour with an authorized 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 individuals. At three miles lengthy, it appears like your individual personal paradise. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to see Oahu within the distance.
Hike By means of 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 larger appreciation for the island’s historical past and connection to the land.
The place We Suggest Staying
The Essential Choice: 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 a terrific, comfy base for exploring.
For Self-Catering: Fort Molokai Shores Since there are restricted eating choices on the island, having a kitchen generally is a enormous plus. These oceanfront condo-style residences are good for households or anybody who needs 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.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions on Visiting Hawaii
Whereas each island provides one thing particular, the “greatest” one really relies on your journey model. 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 good alternative. It’s straightforward to fly into and provides an enormous number of actions. If you happen to’re extra of an adventurer, the Huge Island is one other improbable choice because it offers you a style of the whole lot: volcanoes, lovely seashores, and luxurious rainforests.
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 (Huge Island)? Use our “Fast Information” on the high 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 purpose. The dramatic, green-velvet cliffs of the Na Pali Coast and the sheer scale of Waimea Canyon are really unforgettable.
Select Oahu in order for you 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 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 in order for you the facilities of a serious 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 necessary 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 searching for 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.