We’ll always remember our first time planning a visit to Hawaii. Gazing that cluster of all of the Hawaiian islands in the course 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 recognized for its deep inexperienced valleys?
The reality is, every of Hawaii’s six most important islands, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Large Island, Lanai, and Molokai, affords a totally completely different expertise. Choosing the right one is step one to planning a visit you’ll discuss for years.
After exploring the islands ourselves, we’ve discovered 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 sort of journey.
Which Is The Greatest 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 fitting 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 in search of 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. Assume 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 looking for journey. It’s the one place to see energetic volcanoes and affords an unimaginable range of landscapes, from black sand seashores to lush rainforests.
- Lanai is for you if you need 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 affords an actual glimpse into native Hawaiian life and tradition.
A Observe on Accountable Journey in Hawaii
Earlier than you pack your luggage, it’s essential to know that visiting Hawaii has modified a bit lately, 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 a bit of 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 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 Foremost 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’d like 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 house of Honolulu, it additionally has the widest number of eating places and nightlife. Whereas Hawaii may 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 the town, Oahu boasts an unimaginable variety of mountain climbing trails for all talent 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 strong reminder of a pivotal second in historical past, and we expect it’s one of the vital essential websites to see in your entire state.
- Hike Diamond Head: This is likely 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 upfront.
- 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 sort out among the largest waves on the earth. In the summertime, the water is calmer, and the vibe is pure, laid-back surf city.
- Expertise Waikiki Seaside: Sure, it’s busy, however Waikiki is a spectacle it’s important to see at the least 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 Advocate Staying
- For Luxurious: Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani This resort appears like a relaxed oasis simply steps from the motion of Waikiki. We preferred the clear, fashionable design and the infinity pool is a superb place to loosen up. It’s a high-end selection that delivers on service and elegance.
- For a Social Scene: Polynesian Hostel Seaside Membership If you’re on a finances or travelling solo, this can be a strong selection. It’s not fancy, however the location is implausible, only a few minutes’ stroll from the seaside. It’s a very good place to satisfy different travellers.
Maui: The Valley Isle
Who This Island Is For
Maui is for you in case 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 fame for world-class resorts and romantic getaways. Whereas it has a well-deserved fame for love and world-class resorts, Maui can 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 likely one of the greatest street journeys on the earth, 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 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 ft is an unforgettable expertise. You might be actually above the clouds. Reservations are required effectively upfront, 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 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 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 an elegant resort proper within the coronary heart of this cool little surf city, making it a terrific base for exploring the Highway to Hana.
- Now we have 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 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 likely one of the most well-known and tough 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: Generally known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this large canyon is a spectacle of pink and inexperienced canyon partitions. You may drive as much as a number of lookouts for implausible views or, in case you’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, however it’s the one solution to actually recognize 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 some other approach.
The place We Advocate 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 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 luxurious 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 right 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.
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 needs to see nature at its most uncooked and highly effective. It’s twice the dimensions 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 seaside and extra about mountain 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 may have the possibility to see energetic, 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 Night time: This sounds a bit of 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 mild giants, with wingspans as much as 15 ft, 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. It’s also dwelling to Papak?lea, one of many few uncommon inexperienced sand seashores on the earth. We liked seeing the huge honu (Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles) that always relaxation on the nice and cozy black sand at Punalu’u.
The place We Advocate Staying
- For Volcano Entry (East Aspect): Volcano Inn To profit from the nationwide park, we suggest staying close by for an evening or two. We liked the Volcano Inn; it’s a comfy 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 Seaside Resort The sunny Kona-Kohala coast is the island’s resort hub. This resort is located on Hapuna Seaside, which is likely one of the most lovely white-sand seashores in all of Hawaii. It’s a terrific place to loosen up after a couple of days of volcanic journey.
Lanai: The Pineapple Isle
Who This Island Is For
Lanai is for the traveller who actually 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 aim is to unplug at a five-star resort, play a world-class spherical of golf, and really feel like you may have a complete 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.
- Loosen up 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 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 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 implausible 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 unique Lanai, this charming and historic resort within the coronary heart of Lanai Metropolis is your greatest guess. It’s way 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 recognized 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 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 likely one of the most transferring 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. You have to e book a tour with a licensed information to go to, which we extremely suggest.
- Stroll Papohaku Seaside: That is certainly one of Hawaii’s longest white-sand seashores, and you’ll possible 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 appears like your individual personal paradise. On a transparent day, you may see Oahu within the distance.
- Hike By way of Halawa Valley: We took a guided hike into this lush, sacred valley, which is likely one of the earliest recognized 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 larger appreciation for the island’s historical past and connection to the land.
The place We Advocate Staying
- The Foremost 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 a terrific, snug base for exploring.
- For Self-Catering: Fortress Molokai Shores Since there are restricted eating choices on the island, having a kitchen generally is a large plus. These oceanfront condo-style residences are excellent for households or anybody who needs the flexibleness to prepare dinner their very own meals.
- For our breakdown of the place we suggest staying, take a look at our lodging information.
Steadily Requested Questions on Visiting Hawaii
Whereas each island affords 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, leisure, or metropolis life—with the island that delivers that have greatest.
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 choice because it provides you a style of all the things: volcanoes, lovely seashores, and luxurious rainforests.
Begin by figuring out your high 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 high of this text to match your journey fashion 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’d like extra motion, nightlife, restaurant decisions, and historic websites. Select Maui in case 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 mountain climbing and exploring. Select Oahu if you’d like the facilities of a serious 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 essential 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 Large Island, Hawaii has an island that may really feel prefer it was made for you.
We hope this information has helped you discover your excellent match.
