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 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 primary islands, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Massive Island, Lanai, and Molokai, affords a totally totally 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 present you an trustworthy breakdown that can assist you select the proper one in 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 proper 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 in search of upscale resorts, a legendary highway journey on the Street 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 Massive Island (Hawaii) is for you if you’re in search of journey. It’s the one place to see lively volcanoes and affords an unbelievable 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 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 Word on Accountable Journey in Hawaii
Earlier than you pack your baggage, it’s essential to know that visiting Hawaii has modified a bit lately, and we predict 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 unbelievable pure environments you’re coming to see.
For you, this simply means just a little 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’ll need to e book your time slot prematurely.
It’s a easy step that helps protect these stunning 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 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’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 dwelling of Honolulu, it additionally has the widest number of eating places and nightlife. Whereas Hawaii will be an costly vacation spot, Oahu usually 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 unbelievable variety of mountain climbing trails for all talent 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 strong reminder of a pivotal second in historical past, and we predict it’s one of the crucial essential websites to see in the complete state.
- Hike Diamond Head: This is among the most iconic hikes in Hawaii for a cause. The path takes you to the rim of a volcanic crater, delivering unbelievable panoramic views of Waikiki and the turquoise coast. Simply keep in mind to e book 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 earth. 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 at the very least as soon as. It’s an excellent place for a first-time surf lesson, to see the historic Duke Kahanamoku statue, and to only soak within the scene.
The place We Advocate Staying
- For Luxurious: Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani This resort appears like a peaceful 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 alternative that delivers on service and elegance.
- For a Social Scene: Polynesian Hostel Seashore Membership If you’re on a funds or travelling solo, this can be a strong alternative. It’s not fancy, however the location is implausible, just some minutes’ stroll from the seaside. It’s a great place to satisfy different travellers.
Maui: The Valley Isle
Who This Island Is For
Maui is for you for those who’re in search of 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 implausible for households, with loads of actions to maintain each youngsters and adults entertained.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Maui
- Drive the Street to Hana: This is among the greatest 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. Plan for a full day and change drivers typically. 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 look at the dawn from 10,023 ft is an unforgettable expertise. You might be actually above the clouds. Reservations are required properly prematurely, however it’s completely well 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 most effective 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 Advocate Staying
- For Luxurious: 4 Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea If you’re trying to splurge, this is among 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 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 a classy resort proper within the coronary heart of this cool little surf city, making it an excellent base for exploring the Street to Hana.
- We have now 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 among 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 huge canyon is a spectacle of crimson and inexperienced canyon partitions. You’ll be able to drive as much as a number of lookouts for implausible 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, however it’s the one option to really 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’ll be able to’t see some other means.
The place We Advocate 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 below 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 unbelievable 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 resorts on Kauai, try 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 desires to see nature at its most uncooked and highly effective. It’s twice the scale of all the opposite islands mixed, and yow will discover 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 seaside and extra about mountain 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 might have the prospect to see lively, flowing lava, making it a really distinctive vacation spot. We’ll always remember standing on the Kilauea caldera at night time, watching the crimson glow of the lava lake pulse towards the darkish sky.
- Snorkel with Manta Rays at Night time: This sounds just a little 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 ft, glide and somersault proper under 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 liked seeing the huge honu (Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles) that usually relaxation on the nice and cozy black sand at Punalu’u.
The place We Advocate 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 liked the Volcano Inn; it’s a comfortable 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 resort is located on Hapuna Seashore, which is among the most stunning white-sand seashores in all of Hawaii. It’s an excellent place to loosen up after a number of days of volcanic journey.
Lanai: The Pineapple Isle
Who This Island Is For
Lanai is for the traveller who really 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 purpose is to unplug at a five-star resort, play a world-class spherical of golf, and really feel like you might have a complete 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 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 exquisite panorama of crimson 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 had been handled to an enormous pod of spinner dolphins placing on a present simply offshore. It’s additionally an excellent place to identify honu (turtles).
- Hike the Koloiki Ridge Path: For an excellent view and not using a grueling climb, this path is a implausible alternative. 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 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 distinct Lanai, this charming and historic resort within the coronary heart of Lanai Metropolis is your greatest guess. It’s rather 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 aren’t any site 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 among the most transferring and profound locations in Hawaii. Positioned on a distant peninsula, this was as soon as a spot of compelled 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 stunning. You need to e book a tour with a licensed information to go to, which we extremely suggest.
- Stroll Papohaku Seashore: That is one in all Hawaii’s longest white-sand seashores, and you’ll doubtless have all of it to your self. We walked for almost an hour and noticed solely a handful of different individuals. At three miles lengthy, it appears like your personal non-public paradise. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to see Oahu within the distance.
- Hike By Halawa Valley: We took a guided hike into this lush, sacred valley, which is among 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 Advocate 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 an excellent, comfy base for exploring.
- For Self-Catering: Fortress Molokai Shores Since there are restricted eating choices on the island, having a kitchen is usually a large plus. These oceanfront condo-style residences are good for households or anybody who desires the pliability to cook dinner their very own meals.
- For our breakdown of the place we suggest staying, try our lodging information.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions on Visiting Hawaii
Whereas each island affords one thing particular, the “greatest” one really will depend on 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 alternative. It’s simple to fly into and affords an enormous number of actions. Should you’re extra of an adventurer, the Massive Island is one other implausible choice because it provides you a style of every little thing: volcanoes, stunning 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 (Massive 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 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’d like extra motion, nightlife, restaurant decisions, and historic websites. Select Maui for those who’re in search of a extra laid-back, upscale, and romantic vibe with world-class resorts and unbelievable 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 if you’d like the facilities of a serious metropolis, well-known surf tradition, and a greater variety 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 isn’t 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 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.
