The Best Hawaiian Island to Visit: Don’t Get It Wrong
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If you were to ask a bunch of travelers about the best Hawaiian island to visit, you’d likely get completely different answers from each person. Each one has its own geographical features, attractions, histories, and cultures, making the Hawaiian islands a melting pot of diversity.
We simply can’t tell you point-blank which one is the best, but we can tell you the best Hawaiian island to visit for YOUR unique vacation . There are a lot of factors to consider, and some islands are better suited for some things than others. We’ve helped thousands of people plan vacations to Hawaii and after living on both Maui and Oahu, we now travel back to the islands a minimum of four times each year. So we’ve had a lot of experience helping people find the right island for their trip.
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Overview of the Hawaiian Islands
There are 137 islands in Hawaii, although only eight (seven of which are inhabited) are recognized as major islands. But when it comes to tourism, there are four islands that are at the top of everyone’s mind. For this reason, this article will focus on the following islands: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
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Oahu in a Nutshell:
As the most populated and visited island in Hawaii, Oahu is the heart of Hawaii’s tourism industry. With the perfect mix of history, culture, and beautiful landscapes, this island truly has something for every type of traveler.
Most of the action happens in Honolulu – the capital of Oahu as well as the state of Hawaii. It’s here where you’ll find the bustling neighborhood of Waikiki. Backed by Diamond Head and the golden sands of the iconic Waikiki Beach, this cosmopolitan area is filled with high-end hotels, delicious dining options, and lively entertainment venues.
But there’s much more to Oahu than Waikiki. Head to the north of the island, and you’ll reach the North Shore, which is world-famous for its impressive surf and laid-back atmosphere.
You can also head to the west to the resort community of Ko Olina, which is much quieter and less crowded compared to Waikiki. This area is known for its swimmable lagoons, luxury resorts (like Disney’s Aulani), and pristine golf courses.
Oahu is a great place to sample the best of what the Hawaiian islands have to offer. But it does have a big city feel to it, which may not suit those looking for a more traditional Hawaiian vacation.
Check out our Oahu Travel Guide for a deep dive on the island.
Maui in a Nutshell:
When most people think of Hawaii, they probably envision something that looks a bit like Maui. Although it’s the second-most visited island in the state, it still manages to retain a laid-back tropical vibe that creates the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway. The Valley Isle is made up of two volcanoes: Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains, with a valley in between connecting the two.
The beaches on Maui are superb, with soft golden sands, clear blue waters, and gently swaying palm trees. For this reason, it’s a great destination for swimmers and snorkelers. Not only can you explore the underwater world directly from shore, but you’ll also be just a short boat ride away from Molokini Crater, which is considered to be one of the best snorkeling destinations in Hawaii.
And if you’re visiting from December to March, you’ll get to see humpback whales! Every year, more than 10,000 of these creatures make their way south from Alaska, and Maui has the most whale sightings during the whale watching season.
While Lahaina suffered a devastating fire in August 2023, the rest of Maui and the west side are open to visitors. Lahaina is and will be closed for the foreseeable future.
Check out our Maui Travel Guide for more info!
Big Island in a Nutshell:
The Island of Hawaii (which is commonly referred to as the Big Island) is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Hawaii’s youngest and largest island is a wildly diverse paradise of beaches, jungles, deserts, and, most notably, volcanos. That’s right – the Big Island is home to five different volcanos, two of which are still active!
There are so many fun outdoor activities to do here. You can hang out on the different beaches on the coast (there are white, green, and black sand beaches!), check out the hiking trails in Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park, or visit one of the many Kona coffee farms.
But if you prefer to be out on the water, then the Big Island is also a great spot to go snorkeling or diving. In fact, it’s one of the only places in the world where you can go night snorkeling or diving with giant manta rays!
Just keep in mind that this island is massive, it’s bigger than Oahu, Kauai, and Maui combined! If you don’t have lots of vacation time, we recommend choosing one part of the island to explore. The leeward side is drier and better for beaches, while the windward side is the place to stay to see volcanos and waterfalls.
Yep, we have a Big Island Travel Guide too!
Kauai in a Nutshell:
With lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, and cascading waterfalls, Kaui is the epitome of a tropical getaway. But having such a verdant green landscape (it’s called the Garden Isle, after all) comes at a price. It also happens to be the rainest island in Hawaii and is even home to the wettest spot in the entire country.
Compared to the other islands on this list, Kauai is the least visited, with over 70% of the land being inaccessible by foot. That makes it the best island to take a helicopter tour. The sparsely populated terrain is great for escaping the crowds and exploring Mother Nature, whether it’s the Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), or one of the many state parks.
In addition to the jaw-dropping natural beauty, the island has a wealth of fun activities for active visitors. You can go tubing in the mountains, kayaking down a river, or waterfall chasing across the hidden valleys and forests.
You guessed it! Here’s our Kauai Travel Guide.
The Best Hawaiian Island to Visit
Now that you have a better idea of what each island has to offer, we can start answering the burning question, “Which is the best Hawaiian island to visit?”
Best Hawaiian Island to Visit for the Town and Country
If you want to see Hawaii but still have access to the comforts of civilization, Oahu is the best island to visit.
Having a major city in the middle of the Pacific Ocean has its own benefits. The capital city of Honolulu has modern high-rises and international businesses, just like you would find on the mainland. You can even find your favorite familiar shops and restaurants in Waikiki.
However, it’s easy to escape the hustle and bustle of city life if you’re looking for something a little more low-key. There are many quaint towns and villages scattered around the island, offering a more authentic insight into Hawaiian life and culture. One of our favorite spots is the North Shore, a laid-back community just 40 minutes from Waikiki. There are beautiful beaches, great surfing, and a charming town (Haleiwa) dotted with local eateries, art galleries, and boutique shops.
During the winter months, you can find big wave surfers up on the north shore for big wave surfing competitions, like the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. But if you’re visiting the north shore during those months, you’ll want to stay out of the water. Instead, head down south the Hanauma Bay if you’re hoping to snorkel and see some sea life. It’s one of the five best snorkeling spots on Oahu.
If you are planning to visit Oahu, then you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to sights and attractions. Here are a few must-dos to make the most of your time on Oahu:
- Visit the historic site of Pearl Harbor
- Attend a traditional Hawaiian luau (a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center is very popular)
- Spend an action-packed day at Kualoa Ranch
- Hike to the top of Diamond Head Crater (perfect for sunrise!)
- Go snorkeling or join a snorkeling tour
- Go surfing on the North Shore
- Enjoy a delicious meal at a food truck
Best Hawaiian Island to Visit for Nature Seekers
Every island in Hawaii is beautiful in its own way, but Kauai takes the cake when it comes to sheer natural beauty! Yes, it’s partially thanks to the rain, which makes the entire landscape extremely lush and green. But it’s also because the island remains relatively untouched by tourism. The majority of Kauai is inaccessible (unless you have a boat or a helicopter), allowing the unspoiled landscape to flourish.
For this reason, it’s the best island to visit if you’re a nature lover. Most people stay along the southern coast near Poipu, which is great for beaches and waterfalls. But if you make your way to the western and northern coasts of the island, you’ll find some of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Kauai.
When it comes to planning your outdoor Kauai itinerary, there are a few things that you should add to your list. These include:
- Taking a scenic boat tour along the Napali Coast
- Hike the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail
- Going kayaking in the Waimea River
- Mountain tubing down a former irrigation system
- Drive through Koloa’s awe-inspiring tree tunnel
- Go snorkeling with tropical fish at Lawai
Best Hawaiian Island to Visit for Unique Experiences
Whether it’s your first time or 100th time in Hawaii, planning a unique experience is a wonderful way to make your vacation extra memorable. And if you’re hoping to do some activities that you can’t do anywhere else in Hawaii (or even in the entire world!), then you’ll want to make sure you visit the Big Island.
As its name implies, the Big Island is big. It’s larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined, and because of the new volcanic eruptions, it’s only getting bigger! On top of that, it also has 4 out of the 5 major climate zones in the world and 8 out of 13 sub-zones.
The leeward side of the island (home to Kona and the Kohala Coast) is sunny, with great beaches and stunning lava fields. The windward side receives more rain, so its where you’ll find dense vegetation, lush rainforests, and sparkling waterfalls. And in the middle is one of the most alluring features of the Big Island – the volcanos!
And because of that diversity, there are some amazing activities that are unique to this island alone. For example, you can go:
- Hiking an active volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Stargazing on the Kohala Coast or on Mauna Kea
- Night snorkeling or diving with Manta Rays
- Coffee tasting at a famous Kona coffee farm (plus there a ton of other great farm tours!)
- Looking for humpbacks on a whale watching tour
- Checking out all of the amazing waterfalls in and around Hilo
Best Hawaiian Island to Visit for All Around Fun
Each island has its own personality, but we chose Maui as being the best destination for all around fun! It has a little bit of everything – adventure sports, pristine beaches, good hiking, fun jungle experiences, and even a volcano you can hike up to at Haleakala National Park. Plus, it’s the best island in the archipelago for whale watching, with more sightings than any of the other islands in Hawaii.
Another reason why Maui is a good choice for vacation is the weather. Even in the winter, you can expect sunny skies and warm temperatures (as well as minimal rain), which is important for all your fun outdoor adventures. Even the water is a good temperature for swimming!
While Maui isn’t as crowded or commercialized as Oahu, it still has a well-established tourism sector. With plenty of cultural sights, organized tours, and exciting water activities, it’s our top choice for those seeking a fun island getaway!
So, whether you’re traveling for a family vacation, a honeymoon, or just to escape the cold back home, you can bank on having a memorable time in Maui. When you’re here, make sure to tick off a few of these fun activities:
- Swim with fish and marine life on a snorkeling tour
- Take an agricultural farm tour (there are farms for chocolate, coffee, coconut, pineapple, bees, goats, and more!)
- Drive the incredibly scenic Road to Hana
- Enjoy a memorable sunrise in Haleakala National Park.
- Head out horseback riding in beautiful upcountry
- View the green sea turtles at Ho’okipa Beach Park
No matter what island you choose, you will want our FREE cheat sheets. We’ll shortcut your vacation planning by giving you the need to know information for each island, on one page.
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Hawaiian Island Cheat Sheets
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We’ll share 4 can’t-miss activities on each island, a map with the main sights in town, & famous local grindz (eats)!
Best Hawaiian Island to Visit for First Timers
If you’ve never been to Hawaii before, it can be confusing to know which island to visit first. There are so many pros and cons to each! And while you should choose a destination based on your own interests and budget, we strongly believe that Maui is the best island for first timers.
Maui has the best of all the Hawaiian islands combined. If you love nature, then you’ll enjoy the sweeping valleys and golden beaches. Or, if you’re into adventure sports, then you can plan a non-stop itinerary of snorkeling, hiking, boating, and more!
But if you prefer to spend your vacation relaxing and lapping up the sun, there’s a great variety of accommodation options. You can find luxury beach resorts, budget-friendly hotels, cozy vacation rental properties, and even sites for camping (or glamping, if you’re more into that!).
Some people might tell you that Oahu is the better choice. Don’t get us wrong – we love Oahu too! But it’s a densely populated island with a big city and lots of tourists. This is fine if you’re interested in an urban-style vacation, but it doesn’t quite give off that laid-back island vibe (unless you go to the North Shore) that many people seek when they go to Hawaii.
Best Hawaiian Island to Visit for Families
Going on vacation with little ones can be a tedious endeavor. But thankfully, Hawaii is a very family-friendly destination! We honestly think that you and your kids can have a great time on any of the islands, but if we had to pick just one, it would be Oahu.
One of the main reasons why we chose Oahu is the abundance of family-oriented resorts, including Disney’s Aulani and the Hilton Hawaiian Village. We have also found that accommodations on Oahu are considerably cheaper than on other islands, so you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy a vacation here.
Another reason why Oahu is good for families is the calm water. While the beaches on other islands can have strong currents, the ones on Oahu are relatively relaxed. This is ideal for families or inexperienced swimmers, as you can let your kids play in the tranquil waters without much worry.
In addition to those family beach days, Oahu also has tons of exciting activities and attractions to keep your kids entertained. Between the zoo and aquarium, the plethora of museums, and the kid-friendly classes and tours, its practically impossible for them to get bored.
If you’re staying in Waikiki, you can simply hop over to Waikiki Beach. The waves here are very small, making them perfect for your beach day. We also recommend the Ko Olina lagoons on the leeward side of the island. These man-made lagoons are protected and very shallow, which is ideal for the kiddos!
Honestly, we’ve taken our kids to all of the Hawaiian islands many times, and they’ve loved them all. So, take them to the one you think you’ll enjoy the most as a family!
Related reads:
The 10 Best Maui Resorts That’ll Make Your Kids Happy: A Maui Mom’s Review
The 8 Best Beaches for Kids on Maui (from a Maui family)
68 Things to Do in Maui with Kids (By Age): Your Family Will Love Them
Best Hawaiian Island to Visit in the Winter
There’s a reason why winter is one of the busiest times in Hawaii! With warm temperatures and sunny skies, many people come to the islands to escape the harsh weather of winter on the mainland. But the truth is – the climate varies drastically depending on which island you choose or even which part of the island you plan to visit.
If you’re planning to visit Hawaii in the winter, then we suggest Maui. While the temperatures aren’t as hot as they are on the Big Island (Kailua-Kona is in the low 80s while Kihei is in the mid-70s), it is far less rainy.
And compared to other islands which get dangerous winter swells, Maui’s waters remain relatively calm, especially in Ka’anapali and Wailea. Of course, it’s not immune to rough currents, so always pay attention to the surf forecast before heading out into the ocean.
Another huge perk of visiting Maui in the winter is the whale watching! As we’ve said, the island is the best place for seeing humpbacks, as it tends to have the most sightings.
The only downside is that things can be quite expensive. A lot of people want to go to Maui over the holidays, so expect to pay a pretty penny for accommodations, rental cars, and even some excursions. If money is a concern, then Oahu is a good second choice, as it’s more affordable and still pretty dry rain-wise.
Read even more about visiting Hawaii in the winter.
Best Hawaiian Island to Visit for a Budget Friendly Vacation
We just gave away the answer above, but Oahu is the most affordable island to visit in Hawaii. But before we dive into costs, it’s important to note that it’s not a cheap destination – it just tends to be cheaper than the others. Hawaii, in general, is an expensive place to visit, especially when you take into account airfare, accommodations, rental car, food, and activities.
But with that in mind, you can find some good deals on Oahu. The average cost of airfare, hotel, and rental car for two people is $2,625 per week.
The biggest expense is likely to be your accommodations, but thankfully, the nightly rates on Oahu are cheaper than on any other island. Booking a vacation rental can also save you some money ($1,422 for a week vs. $1,836 a week). Based on previous data we found, the cheapest place to fly into is the Big Island, although it’s just a few dollars cheaper than Oahu.
Of course, the exact cost of your trip depends on many other factors, like where you’re flying from and the time of year you’re visiting. If you’re going during the summer or holiday season, you can expect to pay a lot more than if you were to visit during the shoulder seasons. For example, April, May, September, October, and November have the most affordable rates for hotel rooms and vacation rentals. Meanwhile, airfare is the cheapest in January and April.
Related reads:
How to Honeymoon in Hawaii on a Budget
How to Get A Cheap Ticket to Hawaii: 5 Insider’s Tips
Here’s How We Book our Hawaii Travel (and beyond)
Best Hawaiian Island to Visit for Whale Watching
Seeing humpback whales for the first time is a once-in-a-lifetime experience (although we’ve seen them countless times and can say it’s amazing each time!). They flock to the Hawaiian islands by the thousands to mate, give birth, and raise their young.
While you can see them practically on every island, Maui, historically, has the highest population. This is mainly because of the warm, shallow current from the Au’au Channel, which flows between West Maui and the island of Lanai. To give you an idea of the numbers, there were over 600 whales spotted off the coast of Maui on a single day in February 2023!
If you’re in Maui from December to April, you can book a whale watching cruise to take you close to their hangout spots. Depending on the season, some tours may start earlier or go later if there are whales present.
It’s also possible to see them from shore, mostly between Kapalua and Wailea. However, a tour is a great way to learn more about these majestic creatures, as there’s usually a marine naturalist on board to help answer questions. Boats are also equipped with hydrophones, which means you can listen to the whale’s underwater song!
After Maui, Oahu is the second-best place for whale watching, followed by Kauai. It is possible to see whales on the Big Island, but the pods don’t frequent the waters here as much.
Related reads:
The Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching on Maui: Best Tours and Tips
This is the Best Time for Whale Watching in Hawaii (+ key tips)
The 7 Best Whale Watching Tours on Maui: get our exclusive discounts
An Itinerary for Every Island
No matter where you choose to go, or even if you choose to island hop and head to multiple islands, grab an itinerary before you go! Our Wayfinder Itineraries don’t just tell you what to do and where to go for the day, we also cover where to stay, the absolute best restaurants, beaches, and tours, all the way down to where to find free parking!
My husband and I purchased your itineraries for our recent trip to Kauai and Oahu. We found them super helpful, and your recommendations were spot-on. We had a wonderful time, and we didn’t regret a minute of how we spent our time there thanks to your guidance. I really appreciate the effort you put into these and if we ever manage to get back to Hawaii (we loved eating/drinking our way through Honolulu and I hear Maui is absolutely beautiful….), I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase additional itineraries.
Claudine
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