Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit? Everything You Need to Know About the Hawaiian Islands From Maui to Oʻahu
WRITTEN BY 5 REASONS TO VISIT® EDITORIAL STAFF
PUBLISHED MAY 2023 • 5 min read
Follow 5 Reasons to Visit® on Google News for the latest travel articles, guides & tips
Which Hawaiian Island should you visit? The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago of eight major volcanic islands, several atolls, and numerous smaller islets in the North Pacific Ocean, extending some 1,500 miles from the island of Hawaii in the south to northernmost Kure Atoll.
A favorite getaway for people worldwide, Hawaii has become famous for its miles of beaches, erupting volcanoes, lush rainforests, exquisite food, and exotic flora and fauna—natural wonders worthy of anyone looking to disconnect from their daily grind.
Island of Hawaii (Big Island)
The Island of Hawaii is the youngest and largest island, nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Island combined, hence the nickname, “Big Island.” Coconut palms fringe the upper edge of the sands, while Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles bask on the beach—although tempting, do not touch these protected turtles.
Here you can travel through all but fire of the world’s different climate zones, ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra, a result of the shielding effect and elevations of the massive volcanoes Maunakea and Maunaloa. With its many geological features at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea, the island of Hawaii is an unrivaled expression of the power of nature. Here you’ll find white sand beaches as well as black sands due to the constant volcanic activity—Ka‘u Punalu’u Black Sands Beach’s jet black shores are an unforgettable sight.
Maui
Maui, known also as “The Valley Isle,” is the second largest Hawaiian island. The island beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred ʻĪao Valley, farm-to-table cuisine, magnificent sunrise and sunsets from Haleakalā—meaning "house of the sun.” towering over the island of Maui and visible from just about any point, Haleakalā Crater is a force of nature in every sense. At 10,023 feet above sea level, this dormant volcano is the stage for a breathtaking range of landscapes.
With 120 miles of coastline, Maui is known for its world famous shores, black and white sand beaches, renowned surfing and windsurfing spots, once-in-a-lifetime views of migrating humpback whales, and boasts over 30 miles of beautiful beaches to swim, snorkel and or sunbathe. Glide alongside Kaanapali’s remote coastal landscape, via zip line, for expansive views of Maui’s untouched lands and the Pacific Ocean.
Oahu
The third largest Hawaiian island, Oʻahu, is home to the majority of Hawaii’s diverse population, a fusion of East and West cultures rooted in their values and traditions. You'll find plenty of different options for exploring Oʻahu's different regions, the island's many activities and its eclectic restaurant scene.
From bustling city life in Honolulu to laidback surf towns, Oʻahu is known as the "Heart of Hawaii”— from its world-famous Waikīkī, a vibrant neighborhood known for its popular surf beach, to the North Shore's legendary surf spots. Hike to the top of the iconic volcanic crater Lēʻahi (Lēʻahi Head) for breathtaking panoramic views of Waikīkī or explore the picturesque countryside on horseback at Kuaola Ranch.
Kauai
Kauaʻi is Hawaii's fourth largest island and is sometimes called the "Garden Island," which is an entirely accurate description, known for its heavenly beaches, charming and historic towns, incomparable land and seascapes, and tranquil atmosphere. Kaua‘i, the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain is draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs aged by time and the elements. Centuries of growth have formed tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading waterfalls.
Kayak the Wailua River, snorkeling on Poʻipū Besch, hike the trails of Kōkeʻe State Park or zip lines over Kauaʻi’s lush valleys. Reserve a night during your trip to feast on Kālua pig and taro at an authentic Hawaiian lūʻau or dine at Red Salt by acclaimed Executive Chef and Kauai native Noelani Planas. No trip is complete to Hawaiian without shaved ice, a distinctly Hawaiian dessert, found at stands around the island, while Kaua‘i-based Lappert’s Hawai‘i ice cream shop is among the islands favorite way to stay cool!
Molokai
Hawaii’s fifth largest island, Molokaʻi, is best known for its quiet lifestyle and an extensive menu of outdoor activities, from snorkeling to cultural experiences. MolokaʻI is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world and the longest continuous fringing reef.
For those longing to get away from it all, Molokaʻi’s miles of sandy beaches offer amazing unspoiled beauty and seclusion, as Molokaʻi remains true to its island roots. With a high percentage of its population being of Native Hawaiian ancestry, their love of the land has preserved their rural lifestyle.
Lanai
The smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, Lāna‘i, was founded in the early 1900s as a plantation town at the center of the island’s booming pineapple industry. During this era, Lānaʻi was responsible for 75 percent of the world’s pineapple production, and the city celebrates the fruit with its annual Pineapple Festival.
Only nine miles from Maui yet a world away—step into old Hawaii by visiting the charming, historic upcountry town of Lāna‘i—with few paved roads, no crowds, and plenty of space to unplug, the island’s slower pace of life with soothe your soul and be just what the doctor prescribed!
Note: This information was accurate when this article was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
