Best Islands To Visit In Hawaii

For so long, Hawaii has been synonymous with vacation spots, and for good reason. When visualizing a vacation you think about beaches, waves, tourist attractions, and serenity. If you’re the activity type of person, you’ll go further to think about hiking, surfing, sports, and sightseeing. A trip to Hawaii offers these and more.

Hawaii is the only state in the United States that is fully tropical. Not only that, it has many cultural influences which means you kind of have a feel of being in both Asia and North America. It is a vacation heaven, and if you didn’t know about all these, let’s introduce you to a shoo-in dream destination you need to add to your checklist.

Why is Hawaii such a good place to visit? The answer is a single word “Islands.” The state of Hawaii is an archipelago that boasts some great islands. When planning your trip to Hawaii, you need to consider what each island has to offer. Here is all you need to know about the best islands to visit in Hawaii.

Overview of Hawaiian Islands

Your first question would probably be, “How many islands are there?” Well, Hawaii has 8 main islands, though only 6 are visitable. The islands, although in the same state, are geographically isolated from each other and have very limited connections between them, if you’re thinking about hitting more than one in a single vacation.

The first thing to know is that you can’t go wrong with a Hawaiian island but you could miss out on the one meant for your kind of vacation if you are not well informed. As tourists, we each have different perceptions of what a good vacation is. That’s why you need to be guided on which Hawaiian island will be the best for you.

The islands of Hawaii all have their individual tourist attractions and are dynamic in their own way. They each have their strengths in terms of what they offer and how they offer it. Understanding their uniqueness will help you make a decision.

The 6 main islands that this guide will cover include;

• Hawaii
• Kauai
• Lanai
• Maui
• Molokai
• Oahu

For reference sake, here are the 2 other main islands;

• Kahoʻolawe
• Niʻihau

Kaho’olawe is currently uninhabited as the U.S. government attempts to restore it after its military use in the mid-90s, a bombing target and training ground that has earned it the nickname Target Isle. Ni’ihau (or the Forbidden Island, if you please) has limited access as it is a privately owned island.

Exploring Hawaii’s Top Islands

With Hawaii’s islands being the top destinations to explore, here’s a breakdown of the 6 major islands of Hawaii. This guide puts you through what each location offers, side attractions you should look forward to, and most importantly who the island is best suited for.

Hawaii (Big Island)

If you are wondering, yes, this is the island that the state gets its name from. However, it is most times called the big island to remain distinguishable from the state itself. The island is so big that its size is more than all other islands in Hawaii combined.

Aside from its huge land mass, the Big Island boasts 2 active volcanoes which is an interesting spectacle. You encounter lava, rainforests, and lots of land to traverse. From this, you should already realize that the beaches on the Big Island are not exactly the priority on the island, but they have some interesting and unique beaches with green, white, and even black sands due to the volcanic presence.

Some nice attractions to visit on the Big Island include;

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Several colored beaches, such as Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
• Akaka Falls State Park
• Mauna Kea (Highest point in Hawaii)
• Kona coffee plantations

Who is Big Island best suited for?

Hawaii Island is one of the best places to visit in Hawaii as it is really big and offers so many destinations and options. However, we would advise against picking it as the first island you visit in Hawaii. This is because you could end up unsatisfied having not covered all that you can, and you also won’t enjoy much of the beach vibe.

The Big Island is very much suited for adventurers. If you want to go on a vacation but want to do something different, sweat it out, and take some unique pictures that would be hard for anyone else to take, then this is the Hawaiian island for you. You can take on activities such as exploring, walking on lava flows, and learning about Hawaiian history.

Kauai

Kauai is also known as the Garden Isle and it is a super scenic Hawaiian island. Mostly due to the fact that it sees a lot of rain. the island possesses so many green and beautiful landmarks. We’re talking greenlands, waterfalls, and nature’s best gifts.

Just like the Big Island, this is another island that isn’t known for its beaches. In fact, its appeal lies in the lush greenery rather than the sand. But who needs sand when you have such flora and green surrounding you?

Some nice attractions to visit on Kauai Island include;

• Waimea Canyon (Grand Canyon of the Pacific)
• Koke’e State Park
• Wailua Falls
• Po’ipu Beach
• Na Pali coast

Who is Kauai best suited for?

If it isn’t obvious already, Kauai is a hiker’s paradise. There is no better island to hike on in Hawaii (and arguably in the world) than Kauai. You get to hike and feast your eyes on the beautiful scenery that it has to offer. This is even better if you like hiking in pairs. The memory would last forever!

One thing to remember is that Kauai tends to see a lot of rain. This is obviously the source of its green aesthetics and isn’t a bad thing. However, if you are not a big fan of rain, then you can either try to avoid the island during the wet winter or just pick one of the other islands that still offer a hiking experience.

Lanai

Though privately owned, this Hawaiian island also known as the Pineapple Isle is open to visitors. It is the smallest island on this list but don’t let that fool you, there’s lots of space to enjoy. Lanai has so many nice attractions and jolly activities for you, your family, and your friends. A list could never do justice to the luxury it has to offer.

Lanai is a vacation paradise with a luxurious feel. With so many beaches and few people, you could get the feeling that you own your own island. Though most people tend to make it a day visit because it isn’t so budget-friendly, if you have the cash you can enjoy it to the fullest with all it has to offer.

Some nice attractions to visit in Lanai include;

• 2 quality five-star hotels; both are Four Seasons Resorts
• Island beaches, such as Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach), Polihua, and Hulopoʻe Beach Park
• Hiking trails, including Munro Trail and Koloiki Ridge Trail
• Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods)
• Lanai Adventure Park

Who is Lanai best suited for?

The Pineapple Isle is situated between Maui and Molokai. There are no direct flights to Lanai except from the airports on the other Hawaiian islands. It is one of the few Hawaiian islands that can be easily visited from other Hawaii islands, making it a great addition to your Hawaiian vacation. That’s a two-for-one special!

Lanai is probably the best Hawaii island to visit with friends and family in terms of luxury. If you love privacy and serenity and all you need is a vacation spot to relax or spend with those closest to you, this should be your choice. Lanai can also be a very romantic destination, perfect for couples looking to enjoy a peaceful retreat.

It is important to note that Lanai could be quite expensive as things like accommodation and transportation cost a lot. You can’t exactly do without transportation as many of the best attractions are only accessible via four-wheel-drive (4WD) cars.

Maui

Maui is sometimes called the Valley Island and it is a Hawaiian island that offers a bit of almost everything. You could stay on the different sides of the island and have totally different, yet fun, experiences. It is the second biggest Hawaiian island on the list after the suitably named Big Island and the space is utilized pretty well.

The variety that Maui offers makes it a good place to have a checklist for, it certainly is one of the best places to visit in Hawaii. From unique beaches to a dormant volcanic presence, beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, fun tours, and an interesting helicopter tour, you can never be devoid of activities and places.

Some nice attractions in Maui include:

• Scenic driving routes, such as the Hāna Highway and Haleakalā
• Sightseeing dormant volcanoes at Haleakala National Park
• Budget-friendly resorts
• Unique colored beaches featuring gold, red, white, and black sand
• Ocean activities, such as Snorkeling and Scuba-diving

Who is Maui best suited for?

To speak plainly, Maui is clearly suited for everyone. The variety of activities and sceneries is why it is among the most visited islands in Hawaii. There is something for everybody; families, friends, kids, and even those who come alone.

If you’re looking to have a vacation where you have many souvenirs and pictures to take back home and show that you had a good time, then this is the place for you. There are many scenic locations and activities you would want to have memories of. For a romantic getaway, it is the best island to visit in Hawaii.

However, remember that whatever feels good will be endearing to many. Some locations in Maui tend to be crowded and will not appreciated by people who prefer privacy and being in their shells.

Molokai

Molokai is another small-scale Hawaiian island that is appreciated for its serenity and privacy. This doesn’t mean there aren’t fun activities. It just means that you’ll come across fewer people or have to depend on yourself to create your happiness. This makes it a little ironic that its nickname is The Friendly Isle.

In the calm small space of Molokai are still opportunities to hike, explore, and most especially have a feel of the real Hawaii. Molokai offers a genuine experience of ‘real Hawaii,’ as it is one of the most culturally preserved Hawaiian islands. Many natives reside there and it feels like coming to visit a traditional village. Although it is not a tourist-focused island it still has beaches, hiking sites, and waterfalls for your personal enjoyment.

Some activities to do in Molokai include;

• Hiking the Pēpēʻōpae Bog
• Sightseeing the peaks, valleys, and local farms
• Enjoying the Papohaku Beach
• Fishing
• Meditating and enjoying the solitude

Who is Molokai best suited for?

Molokai will not win a popular vote for the best island to visit in Hawaii but it has its target audience. This quiet space is enjoyed by introverts and people who may still need to do some work or some thinking on their vacation. It is also a great place to reconnect with nature.

Molokai is definitely not a good Hawaiian island to pick for your first visit. However, you could combine its visit with one of the other nearby islands. If you enjoy solitude so much, you could pair Molokai with Lanai. If you want a bit of both worlds you can check out Molokai in between your vacation at Maui or Oahu.

Oahu

Of all the Hawaiian islands, Oahu is the most all-encompassing and a leading candidate for the best island to visit in Hawaii. Except for the things on each island that were tagged as unique, Oahu probably has it all.

This busy and buzzy island is the most visited and most popular of the Hawaiian islands, and not only because it houses Pearl Harbor. There are loads of places to visit, things to learn, activities to do, and even food to eat! Oahu is a place you can come visit severally and still enjoy.

The island of Oahu is not devoid of beaches and hangout spots. Surfing is extremely popular here, and you can even take lessons during your vacation. It’s best to come prepared and have a list of places you want to see and things you want to do as it can be overwhelming due to the island’s many attractions.

Some nice attractions in Oahu include;

• Pearl Harbor
• Waikiki beach
• Surfing competitions
• Hiking trails, such as Diamond Head crater
• Cultural and International food
• Shark diving tours

Who is Oahu best suited for?

You may have guessed it already, Oahu is for everybody! There’s something and somewhere for everyone. It is the most tourist-friendly Hawaiian island and it lives up to this expectation. Just make sure you have an idea of what you want to do so you don’t get thrown off by the many things.

As you can guess who Oahu is suited for, you may also have guessed who it isn’t. Oahu is very crowded and you can encounter traffic frequently. It’s more urban and offers less of the rural tropical feeling many islands provide. This means that if you prioritize privacy, peace, and quiet, this may not be your scene.

Criteria For Choosing The Best Island

You have all the islands laid down before you with what makes them great, as well as the people who would prefer them. However, choosing the best island to visit in Hawaii might require more than your personality. We have seen introverts who enjoyed their visits to crowded islands like Oahu and Maui, and we’ve also seen people who are very outgoing and consider the peace in Molokai and Lanai to have been just what they needed.

The best way to decide on the best Hawaiian island to visit is to focus more on the reason for the visit and the islands themselves. That means this piece you’re reading is essential. Here are quick guidelines on what criteria to consider and how they match the islands.

What Is The Reason For Your Visit?

You should consider why you are heading to Hawaii. Islands like Kauai give you that jungle feeling where you get to hike and traverse complex landscapes. On the flip side, if you just want to have a rest, then look towards the quietness in Molokai or the luxurious treatment that Lanai can give you.

For a whole new experience, where you want to have a feel that you traveled to a cultural zone, then Oahu is your pick. If you want to be occupied throughout your stay then the Big Island or Maui should be your pick

Solo Traveler or a Group?

The company you keep might just be the easy way to decide what Hawaiian island to visit. The best islands to visit in Hawaii alone are probably those where you get to meet new and interesting people. That could be either of Maui, the Big Island, or Oahu. 

If you have company, then all you might need is the scenery and activities in place and you’re good to go. Taking your family and friends to Lanai or Kauai can be befitting. It’s difficult to classify Molokai under this criteria because it may just be too quiet for you and your company.

How Much Time Do You Have?

The length of your stay could determine what Hawaiian island(s) to go to. For a short vacation not lasting more than a week, any island could work. If you have way more time, you could either visit Big Island or Oahu to help make good use of the time or plan to visit more than one island. A combination of Molokai with either Maui or Oahu also works.

What Is Your Budget?

The last criterion we will cover is looking into budget-friendly Hawaiian islands. The cheapest island to visit in Hawaii is Oahu, followed closely by the budget-friendly Big Island. If cost is not a problem and you want to splash the cash, then Lanai is the best island to visit in Hawaii if money isn’t an issue.

Best Island to Visit in Hawaii for First-Time Visitors

Say you’re not looking into a particular type of vacation to make your pick. You might just want to see what the Hawaii fuss is all about. As a first-timer, it is best to visit a Hawaiian island that keeps to the Hawaiian culture, has many tourist attractions, and loads of activities to do. To properly introduce you to this diverse tropical state, we believe the best island to visit in Hawaii for the first time is Maui.

The Maui pick is based on several factors considered without knowledge of who is going. However, depending on your preferences and other criteria, you may choose a different island using the guidelines detailed earlier.

Tips for Your Hawaiian Adventure

To make the most of a visit to Hawaii, here are some tips to make it worthwhile;

• Use the information in this article to choose an island that best suits your preferences
• Make a checklist of activities you intend to do to ensure you don’t miss out on any experiences
• Compile a list of places you want to visit
• Set a timeline for every adventure to manage your schedule effectively
• Get a rental car to have the freedom to explore the island at your own pace
• Respect the locals and their culture

Conclusion

You can’t go wrong with any of the Hawaiian islands, but the best island to visit in Hawaii differs depending on the person and the reason for the visit. Maui, Oahu, or Big Island are great places to go if you don’t have an agenda and just want to enjoy the state. Kauai is a great place for hiking and sightseeing, Lanai is a luxurious island that provides super comfort if you have the funds, and Molokai is a serene and quiet location to get away from everything.

We recommend Maui as the best island to visit in Hawaii after taking several factors into consideration. If you have ample time on your hands, you can also visit Molokai or Lanai alongside Maui to enjoy a 2-in-1 experience. In general, we recommend visiting each Hawaiian island at least once in your lifetime.

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