Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit

Thinking of taking a vacation to Hawaii soon? You made the right decision; there is something for everyone to enjoy in this tropical refuge that is bursting with breathtaking natural beauty.

However, picking a vacation spot in Hawaii might be challenging because the Hawaiian archipelago consists of eight major islands, each of which has something special to offer. You might be debating whether to visit one of the nearby, less-traveled islands or remain in Honolulu, the city known for its laid-back vibe.

Let's examine the four Hawaiian islands that are most visited by tourists: Oahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kauai, in order to assist you choose which is the ideal place to spend your vacation.

Oahu 

Oahu, sometimes referred to as the "Heart of Hawaii," is unquestionably the state's most well-liked vacation spot. The majority of visitors opt to stay in Honolulu, the state capital, and Oahu is home to the principal international airport for the archipelago, making it an ideal starting point for first-time travellers. Plus, there's never a dull moment spent on vacation in Oahu thanks to the wide range of lodging, sights, and activities available.

There is lots to see and do in Oahu, whether you're looking for an exciting adventure or a tranquil tropical escape. With 180 kilometres of shoreline, Oahu is home to some of the most well-known beaches in Hawaii, such as Waikiki Beach and the North Shore. If you've always wanted to learn how to surf, Oahu is the perfect destination. Take a walk to Diamond Head for breathtaking views of Honolulu, and stop by Pearl Harbour to consider the devastating impacts of war. Other must-do activities on Oahu include shopping at Ala Moana Centre, snorkelling at Hanauma Bay, experiencing Hawaiian culture at the Polynesian Cultural Centre, and getting your heart rate up at Kualoa Ranch.

Oahu has lodging alternatives to accommodate every type of tourist, with the majority of resorts located in the Waikiki neighbourhood, which is home to an abundance of places to eat, drink, and shop. See our Oahu vacation packages here.

Maui

The island of Maui offers five-star luxury combined with untamed natural beauty. Maui, also referred to as "The Valley Isle," is the second most popular Hawaiian island and is easily accessible from Honolulu in about 40 minutes by plane. Maui is well known for its black sand beaches, farm-to-table dining, and verdant rainforest scenery, so it makes sense that readers of Conde Nast Traveller have chosen it as the "Best Island in the United States" for more than 20 years!

Because Maui provides a wide range of sites and activities to suit every type of traveller, a vacation there will undoubtedly be jam-packed with adventure. Take pictures at Waianapanapa State Park, Hawaii's most scenic black-sand beach, or go snorkelling in Molokini Crater, an extinct volcanic caldera off the coast of Maui, where you may see colourful fish and other marine life. Driving the 83-kilometer Road to Hana, which goes through some of the island's most spectacular natural wonders, is the greatest way to experience Maui. Other well-liked pursuits in Maui are golfing at Wailea Golf Club, touring the revered Iao Valley State Park, seeing whales in the Auau Channel, and rising above Mount Haleakala to witness the dawn.

The majority of guests to Maui opt to stay in the Wailea or Kaanapali regions, which are brimming with upscale beachside resorts. See our Maui vacation packages here.

Big Island

Visit the Island of Hawaii to get a sense of Hawaii before it became a popular tourist destination. Hawaii, also referred to as the "Big Island," is the largest and youngest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. Just a 50-minute flight from Honolulu, the Big Island is among the world's most environmentally varied locations, so it's definitely worth including on any Hawaii itinerary.

The Big Island of Hawaii offers several activities for visitors and is home to some of the state's most breathtaking natural wonders and historical sites. Since Hawaii is the only island where you can see an active volcano up close, a trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is highly recommended. Hike across a lake of solidified lava here, explore lava tunnels and, if you're lucky, see Kilauea's lava flow! The Big Island is the only location in the US where coffee is cultivated for commercial purposes, so those who enjoy the beverage should definitely visit one of the many Kona coffee plantations. Other well-liked activities on the Hawaiian island include horseback riding in the Waipio Valley, stargazing atop Mauna Kea, snorkelling with manta rays, and seeing turtles at Punaluu Black Sand Beach. Big Island is referred to as "Hawaii's Island of Adventure" for a reason!

On the Big Island, visitors mostly go to Kona and Hilo, two major towns that provide distinct viewpoints of the island. See our Big Island vacation packages here.

Kauai

Make sure to include Kauai Island on your bucket list if you want to experience Hawaii's less travelled routes. The oldest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, Kauai, also referred to as the "Garden Isle," is reachable from Honolulu in about 40 minutes by plane. Just 10% of the area is cultivated in this area; the remainder is covered in craggy cliffs, verdant valleys, and cascading waterfalls. Plus, Kauai is the Hawaii vacation destination of dreams because to its laid-back vibe and vibrant local culture!

There are a plethora of activities in and around Kauai to suit any type of vacation. Remember that some of the most famous sights on Kauai can only be reached by air or sea. For example, you may take a scenic flight over the breathtaking Waimea Canyon, often known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," or you can take a cruise along the holy sea cliffs of the Napali Coast. Other must-do activities on Kauai include trekking to Wailua Falls, ziplining through the jungle on some of Hawaii's longest courses, kayaking on the Wailua River, and looking for Hawaiian monk seals at Poipu Beach Park.

Remember that Kauai is one of the rainiest places on earth, so if you want sunnier weather (as well as more dining and retail options), make sure you remain on the South Shore. See our Kauai vacation packages here.