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. Must you 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 fundamental islands, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Massive Island, Lanai, and Molokai, gives a very 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 each particular. This information is designed to chop via the fluff and reply the massive query: “What’s the finest 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 form 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 proper course.
- Oahu is for you if you need a mixture of metropolis life, world-famous seashores, and vital U.S. historical past. It’s house 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 a number of the finest whale watching on the planet.
- Kauai is for you if you crave uncooked pure magnificence. Suppose dramatic cliffs, highly effective waterfalls, and a number of the most difficult and rewarding hikes within the state.
- The Massive Island (Hawaii) is for you if you’re searching for journey. It’s the one place to see energetic volcanoes and gives an unbelievable variety 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 model.
- Molokai is for you if you need an genuine, off-the-grid expertise. It’s the least developed island and gives an actual glimpse into native Hawaiian life and tradition.
A Observe on Accountable Journey in Hawaii
Earlier than you pack your baggage, it’s vital to know that visiting Hawaii has modified a bit 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 bit 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 will want to ebook your time slot upfront.
It’s a easy step that helps protect these lovely places for future generations. We at all times advocate 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 Most important Hawaiian Islands
Now we’ll get into the small print of every of the Hawaiian Islands. We’ve damaged down what we like about each, 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 recent Hawaii. As the house of Honolulu, it additionally has the widest number of eating places and nightlife. Whereas Hawaii will be an costly vacation spot, Oahu usually gives 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 unbelievable variety of mountaineering 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 transferring and important expertise. It’s a strong reminder of a pivotal second in historical past, and we expect it’s one of the crucial vital websites to see in the complete state.
- Hike Diamond Head: This is without doubt one of 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 ebook 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 a number of the largest waves on this planet. 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 not 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 We Suggest Staying
- For Luxurious: Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani This lodge looks like a peaceful oasis simply steps from the motion of Waikiki. We favored the clear, fashionable design and the infinity pool is a good place to loosen up. It’s a high-end alternative 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 alternative. It’s not fancy, however the location is incredible, only a few minutes’ stroll from the seaside. It’s place to satisfy different travellers.
Maui: The Valley Isle
Who This Island Is For
Maui is for you when you’re in search of a mixture of luxurious, epic street 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 has a well-deserved status for love and world-class resorts, Maui can also be incredible for households, with loads of actions to maintain each youngsters and adults entertained.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Maui
- Drive the Highway to Hana: This is without doubt one of the finest street journeys on this planet, full cease. The freeway twists alongside the island’s north coast, taking you previous numerous waterfalls, via dense bamboo forests, and round hairpin turns with breathtaking ocean views. Plan for a full day and change 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 toes is an unforgettable expertise. You’re actually above the clouds. Reservations are required properly upfront, 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 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 In case you are trying to splurge, this is without doubt one of the finest 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 lodge proper within the coronary heart of this cool little surf city, making it an important base for exploring the Highway to Hana.
- We now 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 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 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 many who are ready, the views are a number of the finest 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 possibly can drive as much as a number of lookouts for incredible views or, when you’re up for it, take one of many mountaineering 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 a giant splurge, but it surely’s the one solution to actually recognize 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 may’t see another approach.
The place We Suggest Staying
- For Luxurious on the South Shore: Koloa Touchdown Resort at Po’ipu Positioned on the sunnier south aspect of the island, this resort is a good upscale base. The swimming pools listed here are incredible, 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 gives unbelievable 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.
- In order for you extra in-depth details about resorts 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 desires 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. In order for you a visit that’s much less about mendacity on a seaside and extra about mountaineering, 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 may have the prospect 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 pink glow of the lava lake pulse towards the darkish sky.
- Snorkel with Manta Rays at Night time: This sounds a 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 legendary for its distinctive seashores. The jet-black sand at Punalu’u, created by volcanic exercise, is unbelievable to see. Additionally it is house to Papak?lea, one of many few uncommon inexperienced sand seashores on this planet. 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 Suggest Staying
- For Volcano Entry (East Facet): Volcano Inn To profit from the nationwide park, we advocate 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 straightforward to drive again to the caldera after darkish to see the lava glow.
- For Seashores and Resorts (West Facet): The Westin Hapuna Seaside Resort The sunny Kona-Kohala coast is the island’s resort hub. This lodge is located on Hapuna Seaside, which is without doubt one of the most lovely white-sand seashores in all of Hawaii. It’s an important 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 actually desires to get away from all of it and doesn’t thoughts paying for the privilege. The island is sort of solely 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 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 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 delightful panorama of pink 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 finest 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 an important place to identify honu (turtles).
- Hike the Koloiki Ridge Path: For an important view and not using a grueling climb, this path is a incredible 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 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. In case you are in search of a real luxurious splurge, that is it.
- For Historic Appeal: Resort Lanai For a style of a special Lanai, this charming and historic lodge within the coronary heart of Lanai Metropolis is your finest wager. 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. In case you are 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 without doubt one of the most transferring 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 need to ebook a tour with a licensed information to go to, which we extremely advocate.
- Stroll Papohaku Seaside: That is considered one of Hawaii’s longest white-sand seashores, and you’ll doubtless 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 looks like your individual personal paradise. On a transparent day, you may 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 higher appreciation for the island’s historical past and connection to the land.
The place We Suggest Staying
- The Most important Choice: Resort Molokai That is the island’s best-known place to remain. It’s not a luxurious resort, however an enthralling, rustic lodge with Polynesian-style bungalows. It has an actual old-school Hawaii vibe and serves as an important, snug base for exploring.
- For Self-Catering: Citadel Molokai Shores Since there are restricted eating choices on the island, having a kitchen generally is a big plus. These oceanfront condo-style flats are excellent for households or anybody who desires the pliability to prepare dinner their very own meals.
- For our breakdown of the place we advocate staying, take a look at our lodging information.
Incessantly Requested Questions on Visiting Hawaii
Whereas each island gives one thing particular, the “finest” one actually depends upon your journey model. 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 finest.
For many first-time guests, Oahu is a good alternative. It’s straightforward to fly into and gives an enormous number of actions. If you happen to’re extra of an adventurer, the Massive Island is one other incredible 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 (Massive 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 cause. The dramatic, green-velvet cliffs of the Na Pali Coast and the sheer scale of Waimea Canyon are actually unforgettable.
Select Oahu in order for you extra motion, nightlife, restaurant selections, and historic websites. Select Maui when you’re in search of a extra laid-back, upscale, and romantic vibe with world-class resorts and unbelievable nature experiences.
This alternative comes right down to nature versus metropolis. Select Kauai if you wish to be immersed in uncooked, pure landscapes and spend your days mountaineering 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 vital 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 in search of 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 excellent match.
