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 simple 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 primary islands, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Massive Island, Lanai, and Molokai, provides a very totally 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 discovered what makes every one 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 trustworthy breakdown that can assist you select the proper one to your form 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 appropriate course.
- 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 searching for upscale resorts, a legendary highway journey on the Highway to Hana, and a few of the greatest whale watching on the planet.
- Kauai is for you if you crave uncooked pure magnificence. Suppose dramatic cliffs, highly effective waterfalls, and a few of the most difficult and rewarding hikes within the state.
- The Massive Island (Hawaii) is for you if you’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 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 type.
- Molokai is for you if you need 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 essential to know that visiting Hawaii has modified a bit in recent times, and we predict 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 somewhat 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 ebook your time slot upfront.
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 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 every one, 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 need 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 dwelling of Honolulu, it additionally has the widest number of eating places and nightlife. Whereas Hawaii will 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 climbing trails for all ability 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 shifting and important expertise. It’s a strong reminder of a pivotal second in historical past, and we predict it’s one of the essential websites to see in all the state.
- Hike Diamond Head: This is likely one of 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 ebook 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 may watch skilled surfers sort out a few of 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 need 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 Suggest Staying
- For Luxurious: Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani This lodge appears like a peaceful oasis simply steps from the motion of Waikiki. We preferred 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 magnificence.
- For a Social Scene: Polynesian Hostel Seashore Membership If you’re on a finances or travelling solo, it is a strong selection. It’s not fancy, however the location is unbelievable, 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 in the event you’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 status for world-class resorts and romantic getaways. Whereas it has a well-deserved status for love and world-class resorts, Maui can be unbelievable 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 likely 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 way of dense bamboo forests, and round hairpin turns with breathtaking ocean views. Plan for a full day and swap 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 effectively 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 perfect 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 Suggest Staying
- For Luxurious: 4 Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea If you’re trying to splurge, this is likely 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 awesome base for exploring the Highway 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 seashore, or simply marvelling at unbelievable surroundings, Kauai is for you.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Kauai
- Hike the Kalalau Path: This is likely 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 a few of 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 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 highway or path. A helicopter tour is an enormous splurge, but it surely’s the one solution 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 may’t see every other manner.
The place We Suggest 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 good upscale base. The swimming pools listed here 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 plush 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 proper place to begin for adventures alongside the Na Pali Coast.
- If you’d like extra in-depth details about motels on Kauai, take a look at 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 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 seashore and extra about 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 cause to go to the Massive Island. It’s the one Hawaiian island the place you’ve the possibility to see energetic, flowing lava, making it a really distinctive vacation spot. We’ll always remember standing on the Kilauea caldera at night time, watching the purple glow of the lava lake pulse towards the darkish sky.
- Snorkel with Manta Rays at Evening: This sounds somewhat intimidating, however belief us, it’s one of the 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 legendary for its distinctive seashores. The jet-black sand at Punalu’u, created by volcanic exercise, is unimaginable to see. It’s also 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 benefit from the nationwide park, we suggest staying close by for an evening or two. We cherished 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 likely one of the most lovely white-sand seashores in all of Hawaii. It’s an awesome place to loosen up after just a few 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 sort of completely 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’ve 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 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.
- 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 have 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 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 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 searching for a real luxurious splurge, that is it.
- For Historic Allure: Resort Lanai For a style of a special 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 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 motels, and no crowds.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Molokai
- Go to Kalaupapa Nationwide Historic Park: This is likely one of the most shifting and profound locations in Hawaii. Situated 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 lovely. It’s essential to ebook a tour with a licensed information to go to, which we extremely suggest.
- Stroll Papohaku Seashore: That is certainly 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 appears like your personal personal paradise. On a transparent day, you may see Oahu within the distance.
- Hike Via Halawa Valley: We took a guided hike into this lush, sacred valley, which is likely one of the earliest identified 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 better appreciation for the island’s historical past and connection to the land.
The place We Suggest Staying
- The Major Choice: Resort Molokai That is the island’s best-known place to remain. It’s not a luxurious resort, however a captivating, rustic lodge with Polynesian-style bungalows. It has an actual old-school Hawaii vibe and serves as an awesome, snug base for exploring.
- For Self-Catering: Citadel Molokai Shores Since there are restricted eating choices on the island, having a kitchen could be a large plus. These oceanfront condo-style flats are excellent for households or anybody who needs the pliability to prepare dinner their very own meals.
- For our breakdown of the place we suggest staying, take a look at our lodging information.
Regularly Requested Questions on Visiting Hawaii
Whereas each island provides one thing particular, the “greatest” one really depends upon your journey type. 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 selection. It’s simple to fly into and provides an enormous number of actions. Should you’re extra of an adventurer, the Massive Island is one other unbelievable possibility 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 (Massive Island)? Use our “Fast Information” on the high of this text to match your journey type 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 really unforgettable.
Select Oahu if you need extra motion, nightlife, restaurant decisions, and historic websites. Select Maui in the event you’re searching for a extra laid-back, upscale, and romantic vibe with world-class resorts and unimaginable 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 need the facilities of a significant 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 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 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.