Which Hawaiian Island to Visit? Here’s the Answer

This year, Hawaii will be more beautiful than ever. With the state’s recent volcanic activity, new black sand beaches have been created. These are just a few of the reasons why you should consider visiting Hawaii this year.

Choosing the Best Island in Hawaii to Visit

There are eight major islands in Hawaii, each with its own unique personality and offering visitors a different experience. So, how do you choose the best island to visit on your Hawaiian vacation? It really depends on what you’re looking for and what kind of vacation you want to have.

Do you want to spend your days lounging on the beach, or are you looking for an action-packed adventure?

Do you want to explore ancient Hawaiian culture, or would you prefer to stay in a modern resort? Do you have your heart set on seeing a volcano, or would you rather hike through lush rainforests?

Here’s a quick rundown of the eight major islands in Hawaii and what each has to offer visitors:

Oahu

Oahu is the most populous island in Hawaii and is home to the state capital, Honolulu. Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world, and there’s plenty to see and do in Honolulu, from visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to exploring the Bishop Museum. Oahu is also a great base for exploring the other Hawaiian islands.

Maui

Maui is often called the “Valley Isle” because of the two volcanoes that form its central valley. Maui is home to some of Hawaii’s best beaches, including Kaanapali Beach and Kapalua Bay. Maui is also a popular destination for golfers, with several championship courses.

Hawaii (the Big Island)

As its name suggests, the Big Island is the largest island in Hawaii. The island is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can see lava flows, visit lava tubes, and even hike to the summit of Mauna Kea. The Big Island is also home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Kauai

Kauai is often called the “Garden Isle” because of its lush, green landscape. The island is home to Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Kauai’s Na Pali Coast is a must-see, and visitors can hike, camp, or take a helicopter tour of the spectacular coastline.

Lanai

Lanai is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii. Once owned by James Dole of the Dole pineapple company, the island is now home to two luxury resorts.

Grand Hyatt and the Four Seasons. Just off Lanai is the privately-owned Piho Beach, a secluded beach with black sand and clear water.
Molokai
Known for its stark, windswept landscape, Molokai is the least populous of the Hawaiian islands. The island was once a leper colony and is home to Kalaupapa National Historical Park, where the last two residents of the settlement are buried.

Big Island is the Best Island for Visiting a Volcano + Waterfalls

There are few places on earth as stunning and unique as Hawaii’s Big Island. The island is home to Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, as well as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The park offers visitors the opportunity to see firsthand the power of volcanoes and the forces of nature.

The island is also home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Hawaii.

Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls are two of the most popular. The Big Island is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of nature and learn about the fascinating geological history of Hawaii.

Oahu is the Best Island for Nightlife + Seeing Pearl Harbor

Oahu is the Best Island for Nightlife + Seeing Pearl Harbor for many reasons. The nightlife on Oahu is unrivaled with its plethora of bars, clubs, and restaurants that stay open late into the night.

There is always something to do on Oahu, whether it’s going out to a club to dance the night away or grabbing a few drinks at a bar with friends.

Pearl Harbor is also a must-see while on Oahu. The historic site is home to the USS Arizona Memorial, which pays tribute to the servicemen and women who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Visitors can also take a boat tour of the harbor to see where the attack took place.

Kauai is the Best Island for Secret Beaches + Fewer Crowds

Kauai is an island that is full of hidden gems. The beaches on Kauai are some of the most beautiful and secluded in all of Hawaii.

If you are looking for a place to escape the crowds and find your own little slice of paradise, Kauai is the perfect place for you.

One of the best things about Kauai is that it is relatively untouched by tourism.

This means that the beaches are not as crowded as they are on other Hawaiian islands. It also means that you can find some truly secret and secluded beaches if you know where to look.

If you are willing to explore a little bit, you can find some absolutely stunning beaches that are completely empty. Kauai has something for everyone, from world-famous surf spots to secluded coves.

No matter what your preference is, you can find the perfect beach on Kauai.

Kauai is also home to some of the best hiking trails in Hawaii.

The Kalalau Trail is one of the most popular trails on the island and takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery Kauai has to offer. There are also plenty of shorter hikes that are perfect for those who want to explore Kauai’s lush interior.

In addition to its incredible beaches and hikes, Kauai is also home to a number of great restaurants and bars. You can find everything from fine dining to casual beachside cafes.

Kauai has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a place to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.

If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all and find your own little slice of paradise, Kauai is a perfect choice. With its stunning beaches, secluded coves, and incredible hiking trails, Kauai has something for everyone.

Why Maui Isn’t the Best Island for Your First Time

Maui is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii, but it may not be the best choice for your first time in the islands. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Maui is very large and sprawling, and can be difficult to navigate if you’re not familiar with the island.

2. There are many different areas to see and things to do on Maui, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to go and what to do first.

3. The beaches on Maui can be crowded, especially during peak tourist season.

4. Maui can be expensive, especially if you’re staying in one of the resort areas.

5. Maui can be quite rainy, especially during the winter months.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed and laid-back first Hawaiian island experience, Kauai or the Big Island may be a better choice.

The best island to visit in Hawaii depends on you

There are so many islands in Hawaii, and each one has something different to offer visitors. The best island to visit in Hawaii depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation.

Do you want to spend your days lounging on the beach, sipping cocktails and working on your tan? If so, then Oahu is the place for you.

With its world-famous beaches, like Waikiki Beach, and its abundance of hotels and resorts, Oahu is the perfect place to relax and soak up the Hawaiian sun.

If you’re looking for a more active vacation, then Maui is the island for you.

With its hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning beaches, Maui is perfect for those who want to explore and stay active.

And, of course, no trip to Maui would be complete without a visit to Haleakala National Park, where you can watch the sunrise from the top of the 10,023-foot volcano.

For a truly unique Hawaiian experience, Kauai is the island for you. With its lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, and stunning beaches, Kauai is unlike any other place on earth.

And, of course, no visit to Kauai would be complete without a helicopter tour of the Napali Coast, where you’ll see some of the most breathtaking views in all of Hawaii.

So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled trip, the best island to visit in Hawaii depends on you.