We’ll never forget our first time planning a trip to Hawaii. Staring at that cluster of all the Hawaiian islands in the middle of the Pacific, it’s easy to feel a bit lost. Should you go to the one with the active volcanoes, the one with the legendary surf breaks, or the one known for its deep green valleys?
The truth is, each of Hawaii’s six main islands, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, Lanai, and Molokai, offers a completely different experience. Picking the right one is the first step to planning a trip you’ll talk about for years.
After exploring the islands ourselves, we’ve learned what makes each one special. This guide is designed to cut through the fluff and answer the big question: “What is the best Hawaiian island to visit?”. We’re here to give you an honest breakdown to help you choose the perfect one for your kind of adventure.
Which Is The Best Island To Visit In Hawaii For You? A Quick Guide
Every island has its own personality. Before we dive deep, here is a quick breakdown to point you in the right direction.
- Oahu is for you if you want a mix of city life, world-famous beaches, and important U.S. history. It’s home to Honolulu, Waikiki, and Pearl Harbor.
- Maui is for you if you’re looking for upscale resorts, a legendary road trip on the Road to Hana, and some of the best whale watching on the planet.
- Kauai is for you if you crave raw natural beauty. Think dramatic cliffs, powerful waterfalls, and some of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the state.
- The Big Island (Hawaii) is for you if you’re seeking adventure. It’s the only place to see active volcanoes and offers an incredible diversity of landscapes, from black sand beaches to lush rainforests.
- Lanai is for you if you want a quiet, luxurious escape. With just a couple of high-end resorts, it’s the place to get away from it all in style.
- Molokai is for you if you want an authentic, off-the-grid experience. It’s the least developed island and offers a real glimpse into local Hawaiian life and culture.
A Note on Responsible Travel in Hawaii
Before you pack your bags, it’s important to know that visiting Hawaii has changed a bit in recent years, and we think it’s for the better. There’s a big focus on regenerative tourism, which is all about giving back to the local communities and helping to protect the incredible natural environments you’re coming to see.
For you, this just means a little more planning is needed. Many of the most popular attractions now require reservations to manage visitor numbers. For example, if you want to see the views from Diamond Head on Oahu or watch the sunrise at Haleakala National Park on Maui, you will need to book your time slot in advance.
It’s a simple step that helps preserve these beautiful locations for future generations. We always recommend checking the official park or attraction websites before you go to see what’s required so you don’t miss out.
Comparing the Main Hawaiian Islands
Now we’ll get into the details of each of the Hawaiian Islands. We’ve broken down what we like about each one, who we think it’s for, and a couple of our favourite places to stay.
Oahu: The Gathering Place
Who This Island Is For
Oahu is for you if you want a mix of bustling city energy, famous beaches, and easily accessible historical sites. It’s the most developed island and the hub of modern Hawaii. As the home of Honolulu, it also has the widest variety of restaurants and nightlife. While Hawaii can be an expensive destination, Oahu generally offers the broadest range of accommodations, including more budget-friendly options compared to other islands.
Our Favourite Things to Do on Oahu
Beyond the city, Oahu boasts an incredible number of hiking trails for all skill levels, from easy coastal walks to strenuous mountain ridges.
- Pay Respects at Pearl Harbor: A visit to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a moving and essential experience. It’s a powerful reminder of a pivotal moment in history, and we think it’s one of the most important sites to see in the entire state.
- Hike Diamond Head: This is one of the most iconic hikes in Hawaii for a reason. The trail takes you to the rim of a volcanic crater, delivering incredible panoramic views of Waikiki and the turquoise coast. Just remember to book your spot in advance.
- Explore the North Shore: Escape the energy of Honolulu and drive up to the legendary North Shore. In the winter, you can watch professional surfers tackle some of the biggest waves in the world. In the summer, the water is calmer, and the vibe is pure, laid-back surf town.
- Experience Waikiki Beach: Yes, it’s busy, but Waikiki is a spectacle you have to see at least once. It’s a great place for a first-time surf lesson, to see the historic Duke Kahanamoku statue, and to just soak in the scene.
Where We Recommend Staying
- For Luxury: Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani This hotel feels like a calm oasis just steps from the action of Waikiki. We liked the clean, modern design and the infinity pool is a great place to relax. It’s a high-end choice that delivers on service and style.
- For a Social Scene: Polynesian Hostel Beach Club If you are on a budget or travelling solo, this is a solid choice. It’s not fancy, but the location is fantastic, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. It’s a good place to meet other travellers.
Maui: The Valley Isle
Who This Island Is For
Maui is for you if you’re looking for a mix of luxury, epic road trips, and unbelievable wildlife encounters. It has been voted the ‘best island’ by readers of Condé Nast Traveler for over 20 years, and it has a well-deserved reputation for world-class resorts and romantic getaways. While it has a well-deserved reputation for romance and world-class resorts, Maui is also fantastic for families, with plenty of activities to keep both kids and adults entertained.
Our Favourite Things to Do on Maui
- Drive the Road to Hana: This is one of the best road trips in the world, full stop. The highway twists along the island’s north coast, taking you past countless waterfalls, through dense bamboo forests, and around hairpin turns with breathtaking ocean views. Plan for a full day and switch drivers often. Our full guide to The Road To Hana is here to help.
- Watch the Sunrise at Haleakala: Driving to the summit of the dormant Haleakala volcano to watch the sunrise from 10,023 feet is an unforgettable experience. You are literally above the clouds. Reservations are required well in advance, but it is absolutely worth the early start.
- Go Whale Watching: From December to May, more than 10,000 humpback whales migrate to Maui’s warm waters. Taking a boat tour to see them is a must. We found the best time to go is between January and March when sightings are practically guaranteed. Seeing a massive humpback breach the water is something you will never forget.
Where We Recommend Staying
- For Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea If you are looking to splurge, this is one of the best resorts on the island. Located in the upscale Wailea area, the service is top-notch, and the beachfront location with its three swimming pools is hard to beat.
- For a Laid-Back Vibe: Paia Inn For something more boutique and less of a mega-resort, we enjoyed the town of Paia on the north shore. Paia Inn is a chic hotel right in the heart of this cool little surf town, making it a great base for exploring the Road to Hana.
- We have a full accommodation guide for the island of Maui to help you plan your trip.
Kauai: The Garden Isle
Who This Island Is For
Kauai is for the adventurers and nature lovers. This island is all about raw, dramatic beauty, and it’s noticeably less developed than Oahu or Maui. If your idea of a perfect day involves a challenging hike, discovering a secluded beach, or just marvelling at unbelievable scenery, Kauai is for you.
Our Favourite Things to Do on Kauai
- Hike the Kalalau Trail: This is one of the most famous and difficult hikes in the United States, tracing the cliffs of the legendary Na Pali Coast. You need a permit and plenty of experience, as the 11-mile trail is demanding. But for those who are prepared, the views are some of the best we’ve ever seen.
- Explore Waimea Canyon: Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this massive canyon is a spectacle of red and green canyon walls. You can drive up to several lookouts for fantastic views or, if you’re up for it, take one of the hiking trails down into the canyon itself.
- Take a Helicopter Tour: So much of Kauai’s interior is inaccessible by road or trail. A helicopter tour is a big splurge, but it’s the only way to truly appreciate the scale of the island. You’ll fly over the Na Pali Coast, deep into the crater of Mount Waialeale, and past countless waterfalls you can’t see any other way.
Where We Recommend Staying
- For Luxury on the South Shore: Koloa Landing Resort at Po’ipu Located on the sunnier south side of the island, this resort is a great upscale base. The pools here are fantastic, and it’s well-positioned for exploring Waimea Canyon and the beaches of Po’ipu.
- For a North Shore Base: Hanalei Bay Resort If you want to be closer to the lush landscapes of the north, this resort offers incredible views of Hanalei Bay and the mountains. It feels a bit more old-school Hawaii and is the perfect starting point for adventures along the Na Pali Coast.
- If you want more in-depth information about hotels on Kauai, check out our accommodation guide for the island.
Big Island of Hawaii: The Adventure Isle
Who This Island Is For
Of all the islands, The Big Island is for the true adventurer who wants to see nature at its most raw and powerful. It’s twice the size of all the other islands combined, and you can find 10 of the world’s 14 climate zones here. If you want a trip that’s less about lying on a beach and more about hiking, exploring, and being amazed, this is your island.
Our Favourite Things to Do on the Big Island
- Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: This is the number one reason to visit the Big Island. It’s the only Hawaiian island where you have the chance to see active, flowing lava, making it a truly unique destination. We’ll never forget standing at the Kilauea caldera at night, watching the red glow of the lava lake pulse against the dark sky.
- Snorkel with Manta Rays at Night: This sounds a little intimidating, but trust us, it’s one of the most magical wildlife encounters we’ve ever had. You hold onto a lighted raft while these gentle giants, with wingspans up to 15 feet, glide and somersault right below you.
- Explore the Coloured Sand Beaches: The Big Island is famous for its unique beaches. The jet-black sand at Punalu’u, created by volcanic activity, is incredible to see. It is also home to Papak?lea, one of the few rare green sand beaches in the world. We loved seeing the massive honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) that often rest on the warm black sand at Punalu’u.
Where We Recommend Staying
- For Volcano Access (East Side): Volcano Inn To make the most of the national park, we recommend staying nearby for a night or two. We loved the Volcano Inn; it’s a cozy spot tucked into the rainforest, just minutes from the park entrance. This makes it super easy to drive back to the caldera after dark to see the lava glow.
- For Beaches and Resorts (West Side): The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort The sunny Kona-Kohala coast is the island’s resort hub. This hotel is situated on Hapuna Beach, which is one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in all of Hawaii. It’s a great place to relax after a few days of volcanic adventure.
Lanai: The Pineapple Isle
Who This Island Is For
Lanai is for the traveller who truly wants to get away from it all and doesn’t mind paying for the privilege. The island is almost entirely privately owned and has a quiet, exclusive feel. If your goal is to unplug at a five-star resort, play a world-class round of golf, and feel like you have an entire island to yourself, Lanai is the spot.
Our Favourite Things to Do on Lanai
- Rent a 4×4 and Explore: This was our favourite thing to do on the island. Once you leave the manicured resorts, Lanai is rugged and wild. We rented a Jeep and spent a day driving the unpaved roads to places like Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods), a bizarre and beautiful landscape of red rock formations. It really felt like an adventure on another planet.
- Relax at Hulopoe Bay: This protected marine reserve is the island’s best spot for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is a perfect crescent of white sand. We spent a whole afternoon here and were treated to a huge pod of spinner dolphins putting on a show just offshore. It’s also a great place to spot honu (turtles).
- Hike the Koloiki Ridge Trail: For a great view without a grueling climb, this trail is a fantastic choice. It starts near the Four Seasons and leads you through forests of ironwood and pine trees, ending with a rewarding viewpoint over the neighbouring islands of Maui and Molokai.
Where We Recommend Staying
- For Ultimate Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Lanai This is the reason most people come to Lanai. Perched on a cliff above Hulopoe Bay, it’s the definition of a five-star escape. The service, the pools, and the views are all flawless. If you are looking for a true luxury splurge, this is it.
- For Historic Charm: Hotel Lanai For a taste of a different Lanai, this charming and historic hotel in the heart of Lanai City is your best bet. It’s much more low-key and affordable than the resort, offering a quiet, boutique experience that feels connected to the island’s plantation history.
Molokai: The Friendly Isle
Who This Island Is For
Molokai is for the traveller, not the tourist. It is best known for its quiet, authentic vacation experience, receiving just a fraction of the visitors that the other islands do. If you are looking to disconnect and experience a slower, more intentional way of life away from any resort scene, this is your place. There are no traffic lights here, no big-name hotels, and no crowds.
Our Favourite Things to Do on Molokai
- Visit Kalaupapa National Historical Park: This is one of the most moving and profound places in Hawaii. Located on a remote peninsula, this was once a place of forced isolation for people suffering from Hansen’s disease (leprosy). A visit here is a powerful history lesson, and the landscape is hauntingly beautiful. You must book a tour with a certified guide to visit, which we highly recommend.
- Walk Papohaku Beach: This is one of Hawaii’s longest white-sand beaches, and you will likely have it all to yourself. We walked for nearly an hour and saw only a handful of other people. At three miles long, it feels like your own private paradise. On a clear day, you can see Oahu in the distance.
- Hike Through Halawa Valley: We took a guided hike into this lush, sacred valley, which is one of the earliest known settlements in Hawaii. Our local guide shared stories of his ancestors as we walked to the stunning Mo’oula Falls. It was a deeply meaningful experience that gave us a much greater appreciation for the island’s history and connection to the land.
Where We Recommend Staying
- The Main Option: Hotel Molokai This is the island’s best-known place to stay. It’s not a luxury resort, but a charming, rustic hotel with Polynesian-style bungalows. It has a real old-school Hawaii vibe and serves as a great, comfortable base for exploring.
- For Self-Catering: Castle Molokai Shores Since there are limited dining options on the island, having a kitchen can be a huge plus. These oceanfront condo-style apartments are perfect for families or anyone who wants the flexibility to cook their own meals.
- For our breakdown of where we recommend staying, check out our accommodation guide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Hawaii
While every island offers something special, the “best” one truly depends on your travel style. The purpose of our guide is to help you match your personal preferences—be it adventure, relaxation, or city life—with the island that delivers that experience best.
For most first-time visitors, Oahu is a great choice. It’s easy to fly into and offers a huge variety of activities. If you’re more of an adventurer, the Big Island is another fantastic option as it gives you a taste of everything: volcanoes, beautiful beaches, and lush rainforests.
Start by identifying your top priority. Are you looking for epic hikes (Kauai), nightlife and history (Oahu), luxury resorts (Maui), or volcanic adventure (Big Island)? Use our “Quick Guide” at the top of this article to match your travel style to an island’s personality.
Most people would give the title to Kauai. Its nickname is “the Garden Isle” for a reason. The dramatic, green-velvet cliffs of the Na Pali Coast and the sheer scale of Waimea Canyon are truly unforgettable.
Choose Oahu if you want more action, nightlife, restaurant choices, and historical sites. Choose Maui if you’re looking for a more laid-back, upscale, and romantic vibe with world-class resorts and incredible nature experiences.
This choice comes down to nature versus city. Choose Kauai if you want to be immersed in raw, natural landscapes and spend your days hiking and exploring. Choose Oahu if you want the amenities of a major city, famous surf culture, and a wider variety of dining and entertainment.
So, Which Island Will You Choose?
Choosing the right Hawaiian island is the first and most important step in planning your trip. There really is no single “best” one, only the island that’s best for you. Whether you’re looking for the city buzz of Oahu, the romance of Maui, the raw beauty of Kauai, or the volcanic adventure of the Big Island, Hawaii has an island that will feel like it was made for you.
We hope this guide has helped you find your perfect match.
