Choosing the Hawaiian Island You Should Visit
What is the best Hawaiian island to visit? Because every island has its own charm, it can be tough to choose. This short guide to the Hawaiian islands will help you plan an extraordinary vacation. When planning your Hawaii vacation, you must consider which island to visit.
The good news is–there are no bad choices! We will help you choose the best island to visit in Hawaii–for YOU.
How Many Hawaiian Islands Are There?
Officially, the state counts 137 islands—but many are very tiny and privately owned. The main islands for visitors are Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai.
Oahu
Oahu has the largest population and is the best-known island. It is home to the city of Honolulu, which is the state capital and largest city. Waikiki Beach is the best-known tourist destination in Hawaii.
Because the North Shore of Oahu is known to have largest waves in the world each winter, it is a surfer’s paradise.
Also on Oahu is the Pearl Harbor and Arizona Memorial, Diamond Head, and Waikiki. The Polynesian Cultural Center is a must visit and it is a good place to experience that luau you have been looking forward to. You may be surprised at how bustling Hawaii’s largest city Honolulu is.
In short, visit Oahu to see Pearl Harbor, the famous Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, or surf. Also, Oahu may have the best beaches of any Hawaiian island.
Hawaii "The Big Island"
The largest Hawaiian island is home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, coffee and macadamia nut plantations, working ranches, and even green sand beaches which are very good for swimming. Honestly, for us, it is the best island to visit in Hawaii.
Kailua-Kona is the busiest part of the island on the drier side. Because it has less rainfall, most of the big resorts are here.
By the way, coffee lovers! Kona coffee is famous worldwide and there are coffee plantations you can visit.
The saddle road (quite passable) goes between the massive volcanoes and connects Kohala with Hilo, the largest town on the windward side with annual rainfall of more than 180 inches per year.
Star gazers will love a trip to Mauna Kea observatory. Because night visits can be surprisingly cold, they supply the parkas and hot chocolate! We enjoyed our visit enormously.
Volcanoes!
One of the reasons the Big Island is our favorite for a Hawaii vacation is the volcanoes. There are not many places on earth where you can look at an active volcano. On the Big Island, there are two. Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984. Kilauea is still erupting!
It is amazing to take a helicopter ride around the volcanoes if conditions permit.
In the Volcanoes Park, the famous Thurston Lava Tube has reopened to visitors in 2021.
By the way, it is worth a stop to see Lava Trees State Park.
Also, you can walk on a road covered by hardened lava. In the park, follow the 19 mile Chain of Craters Road where there is a side road partially covered by hardened lava.
Because there are many activities and tours available such as snorkeling, fishing, whale-watching, dinner cruises, ziplining, eco-tours, and birdwatching, we love the Big Island.
If you want to see an active volcano, or a world famous observatory, while still enjoying wonderful beaches and world-class resorts, the Big Island is the one for you.
Maui
Maui is an incredibly popular Hawaiian island to visit and for good reason. Because it is the second biggest island and is home to the 10,023 foot tall volcanic mountain crater of Haleakala, many consider it the best Hawaiian island in Hawaii to visit.
Because there is a for the narrow plain between Haleakala and the West Maui mountains, Maui is nicknamed “the Valley Isle.” There are many tours and expeditions you can choose.
On Maui’s west side are the resort areas of Lahaina, Kaanapali and Kapalua. The south side is home to Kihei, and Wailea. On the east side is the tiny village of Hana, which is reached by one of the most winding and beautiful roads in the world. The road to Hana can take 10-12 hours but it is a beautiful road with many waterfalls and delightful places to stop and enjoy.
Visit Maui if you want great beaches, beautiful resorts, and plenty of beautiful landscapes.
Kauai
Kauai is incredibly lush. Because of this, many people consider it the best island to visit in Hawaii. Natural wonders include, such the Wailua River, Waimea Canyon, and the Na Pali Coast. Mount Waialeale is known as one of the rainiest spots in the world.
So this is the place to take a helicopter ride! Waimea Canyon is gorgeous. Tours include locations all the famous shows filmed there like Jurassic Park, Gilligan’s Island, Blue Hawaii, South Pacific, and more.
Go to Kauai to see some of the most beautiful tropical landscape anywhere. Also you can see iconic film locations. Finally, if you hate crowds, Kauai tends to have fewer visitors than the other “main” islands.
Molokai
Molokai is just a ferry ride from Maui, so it is easy to add it to a Maui vacation.
The “Friendly Isle,” Molokai is one of the least developed islands in the chain. It is home to Kalaupapa, the leper colony on Molokai’s north shore that was the home of Father Damien.
Kalaupapa is now a national historic park.
Moloaki also has one of the longest white sand beaches in Hawaii, the three mile Papokau Beach.
Visit Molokai for a quiet island without big resort amenities. Molokai has history, mule rides, and some great beaches. But big resorts–that’s not Molokai.
Lanai
Lanai was once the largest pineapple plantation in the world and completely owned by the Dole Company. But now it is home to several exclusive resorts. It can be reached by ferry from Maui.
It is known for great snorkeling.
If your dream for your Hawaii vacation is quiet and luxury, this might be your best island for your Hawaiian vacation.
Visit Lanai if you want a quiet, luxurious visit with great snorkeling.
Other Interesting Islands
Niihau is a private island. Native Hawaiians own and live on this island. Because the island is closed to all non-native Hawaiians you can only go on day tours that to see Niihau island.
Kahoolawe is an uninhabited island used formally by the military as their base. Because of to the dangers of unexploded ordinance and the harsh environment, access is strictly prohibited and always controlled.
Want More Hawaii Vacation Information?
Because it can be tough deciding which is the best Hawaiian island to visit for a vacation, be sure to check out our tips for the perfect Hawaii vacation.
Which is best island to visit in Hawaii? That’s up to you!
