We’ll always remember our first time planning a visit to Hawaii. Gazing that cluster of 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 lively volcanoes, the one with the legendary surf breaks, or the one well-known for love and waterfalls?
The reality is, every of Hawaii’s important islands presents a very totally different world. Choosing the right one is the important thing to planning a visit you’ll discuss for years.
After exploring all of them, we’ve discovered the distinctive persona of every island. This isn’t simply one other checklist; it is a sensible information that will help you select the right island for your type of journey. We’ll break down the vibe, the must-do experiences, and who every island is finest for, so you’ll be able to plan your journey with confidence.
Which Is The Greatest Island To Go to In Hawaii For You? A Fast Information
Earlier than we dive deep, here’s a fast breakdown of all of the Hawaiian islands’ personalities to level you in the best course.
- Oahu is for you if you need a mixture of metropolis life, world-famous seashores, unbelievable meals, and necessary U.S. historical past.
- Maui is for you if you’re on the lookout for upscale resorts, a legendary highway journey on the Street to Hana, and a number of the finest whale watching on the planet.
- Kauai is for you if you crave uncooked pure magnificence, with dramatic cliffs, highly effective waterfalls, and a number of the most rewarding hikes within the state.
- The Massive Island is for you if you’re in search of variety and journey, from lively volcanoes and black sand seashores to lush rainforests and epic stargazing.
- Lanai & Molokai are for you if you need an genuine, off-the-grid expertise to actually get away from the crowds
Oahu: The Coronary heart of Hawaii
Fast Abstract
- The Vibe: Energetic and bustling. A vibrant mixture of metropolis life, world-famous seashores, and luxurious mountains.
- Greatest for: First-time guests, households, foodies, and anybody who loves having infinite exercise choices.
- Don’t Miss: Pearl Harbor, the surf scene on the North Shore, and the enduring Waikiki Seaside.
The Expertise
Oahu is for you in order for you a mixture of metropolis vitality, 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 has the widest number of eating places and nightlife. Whereas Hawaii might be an costly vacation spot, Oahu usually presents the broadest vary of lodging, together with extra budget-friendly choices in comparison with different islands.
Dave & Deb’s Take
We weren’t certain what to anticipate from Oahu, considering it’d simply be the massive metropolis and crowded seashores. However we had been improper. We spent a humbling morning at Pearl Harbor, which is an expertise that stays with you, after which drove as much as the North Shore. Watching the legendary surfers at Waimea Bay, grabbing lunch from a shrimp shack… that’s the place we discovered the actual soul of the island. It’s a spot of unbelievable contrasts.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Oahu
Past town, Oahu boasts an unbelievable 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 transferring and important expertise. It’s a robust reminder of a pivotal second in historical past, and we expect it’s one of the crucial necessary websites to see in the complete state.
- Hike Diamond Head: This is among the most iconic hikes in Hawaii for a purpose. The path takes you to the rim of a volcanic crater, delivering unbelievable panoramic views of Waikiki and the turquoise coast. Simply bear in mind to e book 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’ll be able to watch skilled surfers sort out a number of the greatest 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 you need to 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 to Keep on Oahu
- For Luxurious: Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani This resort looks like a relaxed oasis simply steps from the motion of Waikiki. We appreciated the clear, trendy design and the infinity pool is a superb place to loosen up. It’s a high-end selection that delivers on service and magnificence.
- For a Social Scene: Polynesian Hostel Seaside Membership In case you are on a funds or travelling solo, it is a stable selection. It’s not fancy, however the location is implausible, only a few minutes’ stroll from the seaside. It’s a great place to fulfill different travellers.
Maui: The Valley Isle
Fast Abstract
- The Vibe: Relaxed luxurious meets uncooked journey. An ideal mix of world-class resorts and untamed pure magnificence.
- Greatest for: {Couples}, honeymooners, households, and whale watching lovers.
- Don’t Miss: The Street to Hana, watching the dawn from Haleakal?, and snorkeling with sea turtles.
The Expertise
Maui is for you if you happen to’re on the lookout for 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 status for world-class resorts and romantic getaways. Whereas it’s good for love, Maui can be implausible for households, with loads of actions to maintain each youngsters and adults entertained.
Dave & Deb’s Take
Maui was the primary Hawaiian island we ever visited collectively, and it set an extremely excessive bar. We did the Street to Hana, after all, however the second that basically stands out is from a whale watching tour. We had been floating in a small catamaran when a large humpback whale breached proper off the bow. The sheer energy and beauty of it’s one thing that pictures can’t seize. It’s that blend of serene magnificence and uncooked nature that makes Maui so particular.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Maui
- Drive the Street to Hana: This is among the finest highway 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.
- Watch the Dawn at Haleakal?: Driving to the summit of the dormant Haleakala volcano to look at the dawn from 10,023 toes is an unforgettable expertise. You might be actually above the clouds. Reservations are required nicely upfront, however it’s completely definitely worth the early begin.
- Go Whale Watching: From December to Might, 1000’s of 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.
The place to Keep on Maui
- For Luxurious: 4 Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea In case you are seeking to splurge, this is among the finest resorts on the island. Situated within the upscale Wailea space, the service is top-notch, and the beachfront location 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 an important base for exploring the Street to Hana.
- We now have a full lodging information for the island of Maui that will help you plan your journey.
Kauai: The Backyard Isle
Fast Abstract
- The Vibe: Wild, untamed, and breathtakingly stunning. That is the place nature is the principle attraction.
- Greatest for: Adventurers, severe hikers, panorama photographers, and anybody seeking to be humbled by nature.
- Don’t Miss: The N?pali Coast (by boat or air), the huge Waimea Canyon, and the legendary Kalalau Path.
The Expertise
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 seaside, or simply marvelling at unbelievable surroundings, Kauai is for you.
Dave & Deb’s Take
We thought we’d seen dramatic landscapes earlier than, however nothing prepares you for Kauai. We splurged on a doors-off helicopter tour, and it was price each penny. Flying into the plush, inexperienced cathedral of the N?pali Coast, with its razor-sharp cliffs and numerous waterfalls, is a core journey reminiscence for us. It looks like a land forgotten by time. Should you’re on the lookout for true, jaw-dropping journey, that is the island.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Kauai
- Hike the Kalalau Path: This is among the most well-known and tough hikes in america, tracing the cliffs of the legendary N?pali Coast. You want a allow and loads of expertise, however for many who are ready, the views are a number of the finest we’ve ever seen.
- Discover Waimea Canyon: Often called 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 implausible views or 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, but it surely’s the one approach to really recognize the size of the island and see the waterfalls of Mount Waialeale.
The place to Keep on Kauai
- 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 below are implausible, and it’s well-positioned for exploring Waimea Canyon.
- For a North Shore Base: Hanalei Bay Resort If you wish to be nearer to the plush landscapes of the north, this resort presents unbelievable 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 N?pali Coast.
- If you’d like extra in-depth details about inns on Kauai, try our lodging information for the island.
Massive Island of Hawaii: The Journey Isle
Fast Abstract
- The Vibe: Numerous, dramatic, and continually altering. A land of fireplace and ice, with lively volcanoes, lush rainforests, and stark lava fields.
- Greatest for: Street trippers, journey seekers, and anybody who needs to see nature in its most uncooked, artistic state.
- Don’t Miss: Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, night time snorkeling with manta rays, and the distinctive inexperienced and black sand seashores.
The Expertise
Of all of the islands, The Massive Island is for the true adventurer who needs to see nature at its strongest. It’s twice the scale of all the opposite islands mixed, and you’ll 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 exploring and being amazed, that is your island.
Dave & Deb’s Take
The Massive Island is simply that—huge. You’ll be able to drive from a sunny seaside by means of a lush rainforest and right into a cool, misty volcanic panorama multi function afternoon. However essentially the most surreal expertise for us was the night time snorkel with manta rays. Floating at nighttime water whereas these large, swish creatures glide inches beneath you is pure magic. It felt like one thing from one other world. This island is all about these unforgettable, one-of-a-kind adventures..
Our Favorite Issues to Do on the Massive Island
- Discover Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park: That is the primary purpose to go to the Massive Island. It’s the one place in Hawaii the place you have got the prospect to see lively, flowing lava. We’ll always remember standing on the Kilauea caldera at night time, watching the pink glow of the lava lake pulse towards the darkish sky.
- Snorkel with Manta Rays at Evening: This sounds a little bit intimidating, however belief us, it’s one of the crucial 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 Massive Island is known for its distinctive seashores. The jet-black sand at Punalu’u, created by volcanic exercise, is unbelievable to see. It is usually dwelling to Papak?lea, one of many few uncommon inexperienced sand seashores on the earth. We beloved seeing the huge honu (Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles) that usually relaxation on the nice and cozy black sand at Punalu’u.
The place to Keep on the Massive Island
- For Volcano Entry (East Aspect): Volcano Inn To benefit from the nationwide park, we advocate 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 Seaside Resort The sunny Kona-Kohala coast is the island’s resort hub. This resort is located on Hapuna Seaside, which is among the most stunning white-sand seashores in all of Hawaii. It’s an important place to loosen up after a number of days of volcanic journey
Lanai & Molokai: The Undiscovered Isles
Fast Abstract
- The Vibe: Quiet, genuine, and rugged. That is the place you go to expertise Hawaii because it as soon as was, away from the hustle.
- Greatest for: Getting off the grid, digital detoxes, and experiencing a slower, extra native lifestyle.
- Don’t Miss: Exploring the rugged panorama of Lanai with a 4×4; studying the profound historical past of the Kalaupapa Peninsula on Molokai.
The Expertise
These islands are for the traveller, not the vacationer. Molokai is finest identified for its genuine trip expertise, receiving only a fraction of the guests that the opposite islands do. In case you are seeking to disconnect and expertise a extra intentional lifestyle away from any resort scene, that is your home.
Equally, Lanai is for the traveller who really needs to get away from all of it. The island has a quiet, unique really feel. In case your purpose is to unplug, discover rugged landscapes, and really feel like you have got a complete island to your self, Lanai is the spot.
Dave & Deb’s Take
Visiting Lanai and Molokai looks like stepping again in time. We rented a Jeep on Lanai and spent the day driving rugged dust roads to empty seashores with out seeing one other soul. It’s a unique type of Hawaii expertise, one which’s much less about resorts and extra about quiet exploration and connecting with the land. These islands aren’t for everybody, however if you happen to really wish to unplug and see a extra genuine facet of Hawaii, they’re unforgettable.
Our Favorite Issues to Do
- On Lanai:
- Lease a 4×4 and Discover: It is a should. Drive the unpaved roads to locations like Keahiakawelo (Backyard of the Gods), a weird and exquisite panorama of pink rock formations.
- Loosen up at Hulopoe Bay: This protected marine reserve is the island’s finest spot for swimming and snorkeling, and we noticed an enormous pod of spinner dolphins simply offshore.
- On Molokai:
- Go to Kalaupapa Nationwide Historic Park: A go to here’s a highly effective historical past lesson in regards to the former leprosy settlement. The panorama is hauntingly stunning, and you will need to e book a tour with an authorized information.
- Stroll Papohaku Seaside: At three miles lengthy, that is one among Hawaii’s longest white-sand seashores, and you’ll probably have all of it to your self.
The place to Keep
- On Lanai: 4 Seasons Resort Lanai Perched on a cliff above Hulopoe Bay, it’s the definition of a five-star escape. For a extra charming and inexpensive choice, try the Resort Lanai in Lanai Metropolis.
- On Molokai: Resort Molokai That is the island’s best-known place to remain. It’s a captivating, rustic resort with Polynesian-style bungalows which have an actual old-school Hawaii vibe.
- For our breakdown of the place we advocate staying, try our lodging information.
Sensible Suggestions for Visiting Hawaii
Somewhat planning goes a good distance in Hawaii. Listed here are a number of key issues to remember.
A Observe on Accountable Journey
Visiting Hawaii has modified in recent times, 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 unbelievable pure environments you’re coming to see.
For you, this simply means a little bit extra planning is required. Lots 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 upfront. It’s a easy step that helps protect these stunning places.
Get Between the Hawaiian Islands
Apart from a passenger ferry that runs between Maui and Lanai, the one approach to get from one island to a different is to fly. Hawaiian Airways is the principle service and presents a busy schedule of quick, frequent flights between all the principle islands. We advocate reserving these inter-island flights nicely upfront, particularly throughout peak season, as they will refill.
Do I Must Lease a Automotive?
For each island besides Oahu, the reply is a particular sure. To correctly discover Maui, Kauai, the Massive Island, Lanai, and Molokai, a rental automobile is important. On Oahu, you will get by with out one if you happen to plan to remain solely within the Honolulu and Waikiki space, however you will want a automobile to discover the gorgeous North Shore and the remainder of the island.
Steadily Requested Questions on Visiting Hawaii
Whereas each island presents one thing particular, the “finest” one really depends upon your journey fashion. The aim of our information is that will help you match your private preferences—be it journey, rest, or metropolis life—with the island that delivers that have finest.
For many first-time guests, Oahu is a superb selection. It’s simple to fly into and presents an enormous number of actions. Should you’re extra of an adventurer, the Massive Island is one other implausible choice because it offers you a style of all the pieces: volcanoes, stunning seashores, and luxurious rainforests.
Begin by figuring out your prime precedence. Are you on the lookout for epic hikes (Kauai), nightlife and historical past (Oahu), luxurious resorts (Maui), or volcanic journey (Massive Island)? Use our “Fast Information” on the prime 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 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 selections, and historic websites. Select Maui if you happen to’re on the lookout for a extra laid-back, upscale, and romantic vibe with world-class resorts and unbelievable 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 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 “finest” one, solely the island that’s finest 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 Massive 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.
