Weโll 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, itโs 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 Hawaiiโs six foremost islands, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Large Island, Lanai, and Molokai, provides a very totally different expertise. Choosing the right one is step one to planning a visit youโll discuss for years.
After exploring the islands ourselves, weโve realized what makes each particular. This information is designed to chop by the fluff and reply the massive query: โWhat’s the greatest Hawaiian island to go to?โ. Weโre right here to offer you an trustworthy breakdown that can assist you select the proper one in your sort 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 precise route.
Oahu is for you if you’d like a mixture of metropolis life, world-famous seashores, and vital U.S. historical past. Itโs residence to Honolulu, Waikiki, and Pearl Harbor.
Maui is for you for those whoโre in search of upscale resorts, a legendary highway journey on the Highway to Hana, and among the greatest whale watching on the planet.
Kauai is for you for those who 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 for those whoโre searching for journey. Itโs 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’d like a quiet, luxurious escape. With simply a few high-end resorts, itโs the place to get away from all of it in model.
Molokai is for you if you’d like an genuine, off-the-grid expertise. Itโs 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, itโs vital to know that visiting Hawaii has modified a bit in recent times, and we expect itโs for the higher. Thereโs a giant deal with regenerative tourism, which is all about giving again to the native communities and serving to to guard the unimaginable pure environments youโre coming to see.
For you, this simply means somewhat 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 ebook your time slot upfront.
Itโs a easy step that helps protect these lovely areas for future generations. We at all times suggest checking the official park or attraction web sites earlier than you go to see whatโs required so that you donโt miss out.
Evaluating the Essential Hawaiian Islands
Now weโll get into the small print of every of the Hawaiian Islands. Weโve damaged down what we like about each, who we expect itโs 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 vitality, well-known seashores, and simply accessible historic websites. Itโs probably 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 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 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. Itโs a strong reminder of a pivotal second in historical past, and we expect itโs probably the most vital websites to see in your entire 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 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 possibly can watch skilled surfers sort out among the greatest waves on this planet. In the summertime, the water is calmer, and the vibe is pure, laid-back surf city.
Expertise Waikiki Seashore: Sure, itโs busy, however Waikiki is a spectacle you must see not less than as soon as. Itโs an important 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 resort 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 chill out. Itโs a high-end alternative that delivers on service and magnificence.
For a Social Scene: Polynesian Hostel Seashore Membership If you’re on a price range or travelling solo, it is a stable alternative. Itโs not fancy, however the location is incredible, just some minutesโ stroll from the seaside. Itโs a very good place to fulfill different travellers.
Maui: The Valley Isle
Who This Island Is For
Maui is for you for those whoโre in search of a mixture of luxurious, epic highway journeys, and unbelievable wildlife encounters. It has been voted the โgreatest islandโ by readers of Condรฉ Nast Traveler for over 20 years, and it has a well-deserved repute for world-class resorts and romantic getaways. Whereas it has a well-deserved repute 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 among the greatest highway journeys on this planet, full cease. The freeway twists alongside the islandโs north coast, taking you previous numerous waterfalls, by 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 look at the dawn from 10,023 ft is an unforgettable expertise. You’re actually above the clouds. Reservations are required effectively 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 Mauiโs 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 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 seeking 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 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 an important 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 itโs 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 many who are ready, the views are among the greatest weโve ever seen.
Discover Waimea Canyon: Often known as the โGrand Canyon of the Pacific,โ this large canyon is a spectacle of purple and inexperienced canyon partitions. You possibly can drive as much as a number of lookouts for incredible views or, for those whoโre up for it, take one of many climbing trails down into the canyon itself.
Take a Helicopter Tour: A lot of Kauaiโs inside is inaccessible by highway or path. A helicopter tour is a giant splurge, however itโs the one method to really respect the size of the island. Youโll fly over the Na Pali Coast, deep into the crater of Mount Waialeale, and previous numerous waterfalls you possibly canโt see another means.
The place We Suggest Staying
For Luxurious on the South Shore: Koloa Touchdown Resort at Poโipu Positioned on the sunnier south facet of the island, this resort is a good upscale base. The swimming pools listed here are incredible, and itโs well-positioned for exploring Waimea Canyon and the seashores of Poโipu.
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 would like extra in-depth details about accommodations 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. Itโs twice the scale of all the opposite islands mixed, and you could find 10 of the worldโs 14 local weather zones right here. If you would like a visit thatโs much less about mendacity on a seaside and extra about 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 purpose to go to the Large Island. Itโs the one Hawaiian island the place you will have the possibility to see energetic, flowing lava, making it a very distinctive vacation spot. Weโll 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, itโs probably the most magical wildlife encounters weโve 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 Large Island is legendary for its distinctive seashores. The jet-black sand at Punaluโu, created by volcanic exercise, is unimaginable to see. It is usually residence to Papak?lea, one of many few uncommon inexperienced sand seashores on this planet. We beloved seeing the huge honu (Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles) that usually relaxation on the nice and cozy black sand at Punaluโu.
The place We Suggest Staying
For Volcano Entry (East Facet): Volcano Inn To profit from the nationwide park, we suggest staying close by for an evening or two. We beloved the Volcano Inn; itโs 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 Facet): The Westin Hapuna Seashore Resort The sunny Kona-Kohala coast is the islandโs resort hub. This resort is located on Hapuna Seashore, which is among the most lovely white-sand seashores in all of Hawaii. Itโs an important place to chill out after a couple of 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 doesnโt 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 will have a whole island to your self, Lanai is the spot.
Our Favorite Issues to Do on Lanai
Lease a 4ร4 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.
Calm down at Hulopoe Bay: This protected marine reserve is the islandโs greatest spot for swimming and snorkeling. The seaside is an ideal crescent of white sand. We spent an entire afternoon right here and had been handled to an enormous pod of spinner dolphins placing on a present simply offshore. Itโs additionally an important place to identify honu (turtles).
Hike the Koloiki Ridge Path: For an important view with out 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 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 explanation most individuals come to Lanai. Perched on a cliff above Hulopoe Bay, itโs 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 Attraction: Lodge Lanai For a style of a distinct Lanai, this charming and historic resort within the coronary heart of Lanai Metropolis is your greatest wager. Itโs way more low-key and inexpensive than the resort, providing a quiet, boutique expertise that feels related to the islandโs 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 seeking 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 accommodations, 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 Hansenโs 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 suggest.
Stroll Papohaku Seashore: That is one in all Hawaiiโs 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 appears like your personal personal paradise. On a transparent day, you possibly can see Oahu within the distance.
Hike By Halawa Valley: We took a guided hike into this lush, sacred valley, which is among the earliest recognized settlements in Hawaii. Our native information shared tales of his ancestors as we walked to the gorgeous Moโoula Falls. It was a deeply significant expertise that gave us a a lot larger appreciation for the islandโs historical past and connection to the land.
The place We Suggest Staying
The Essential Possibility: Lodge Molokai That is the islandโs best-known place to remain. Itโs 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 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 large plus. These oceanfront condo-style residences are good for households or anybody who needs the flexibleness to cook dinner their very own meals.
For our breakdown of the place we suggest staying, take a look at our lodging information.
Incessantly Requested Questions on Visiting Hawaii
Whereas each island provides one thing particular, the โgreatestโ one really is dependent upon your journey model. The aim of our information is that can assist you match your private preferencesโbe it journey, rest, or metropolis lifeโwith the island that delivers that have greatest.
For many first-time guests, Oahu is a good alternative. Itโs straightforward to fly into and provides an enormous number of actions. Should youโre extra of an adventurer, the Large Island is one other incredible possibility because it provides you a style of all the pieces: volcanoes, lovely seashores, and plush rainforests.
Begin by figuring out your prime precedence. Are you in search of epic hikes (Kauai), nightlife and historical past (Oahu), luxurious resorts (Maui), or volcanic journey (Large Island)? Use our โFast Informationโ on the prime of this text to match your journey model to an islandโs persona.
Most individuals would give the title to Kauai. Its nickname is โthe Backyard Isleโ 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 if you’d like extra motion, nightlife, restaurant decisions, and historic websites. Select Maui for those whoโre in search of a extra laid-back, upscale, and romantic vibe with world-class resorts and unimaginable 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 climbing and exploring. Select Oahu if you’d like the facilities of a significant 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 vital step in planning your journey. There actually is not any single โgreatestโ one, solely the island thatโs greatest for you. Whether or not youโre in search of town buzz of Oahu, the romance of Maui, the uncooked great 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 good match.