Best Hawaiian Island to Visit

Choosing the best Hawaiian island to visit is one of the most common questions I get when helping people plan their Hawaiian vacations.

As Oahu locals who have explored the entire island and traveled around the Hawaiian islands, we have a lot of insight into the different experiences each island offers.

I am always surprised by how many people think the answer is simple—choose the most popular island or pick one based on a friend’s recommendation. However, the truth is that there is no one “best” Hawaiian island to visit; it all depends on what you are looking for in your vacation.

But you, my friend, are in luck because I am your trusted guide to help you choose the perfect Hawaiian island for your dream vacation. I love Hawaii and am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experiences with others.

If you are in a hurry, here is the short answer:

• Oahu is best if you love history and city life mixed with nature and adventure. It has urban activities, beautiful beaches, and scenic hikes.
• Maui is ideal for those seeking luxury, stunning landscapes, and a mix of adventure and relaxation.
• Kauai is perfect for a peaceful, nature-centric experience with stunning cliffs and lush greenery.
• The Big Island is great for adventure seekers wanting diverse landscapes, from volcanoes to black sand beaches.

Best Island to Visit in Hawaii Quiz

Since this is the number one question we get from our readers and social media audience, we decided to create a quiz that can help you decide which island to visit in Hawaii based on your travel preferences. If you don’t want to read the entire article (we still think you should), here is another option.

Oahu

Oahu is the most populous island in Hawaii, home to the state’s capital of Honolulu. It is also called “The Gathering Place” because it attracts millions of visitors annually.

If you love city life but also want to experience nature and adventure, then Oahu is the perfect island for you. It offers a unique blend of urban activities, beautiful beaches, and scenic hikes.

Oahu is home to the famous Waikiki Beach, where you can enjoy a variety of water activities, such as beginner-friendly surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming.

The Windward side of Oahu has some of our favorite beaches in Hawaii, including Lanikai and Kailua Beaches. The North Shore is also a must-visit for surfing enthusiasts, as it is known for its massive waves during the winter season. Note: We do not recommend swimming or surfing on the North Shore in the winter unless you are a very experienced surfer!

Oahu is also home to Diamond Head State Monument, a popular park and hiking trail that offers stunning coastal views. But Oahu has many more trails to offer, such as Lanikai Pillbox Trail, Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, and Koko Crater Tramway, so don’t think that Diamond Head is the only trail you will enjoy. We might be slightly biased, but we believe Oahu has the second-best hiking in Hawaii after Kauai.

If you are a foodie, you will be glad to know that Oahu is known for its vibrant food scene with diverse options ranging from traditional Hawaiian dishes, food trucks, and international cuisine. You will never get bored with food options on this island.

If you want to learn more about Hawaii’s history and culture, Oahu has plenty of museums and historical sites, such as the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and Iolani Palace.

For my budget travelers, Oahu offers a variety of affordable accommodation options, from hostels (not that many, but still there) to vacation rentals and hotels. And with its efficient public transportation system, you can easily explore the island without breaking the bank like you would on other islands.

That said, Hawaii is an expensive destination overall, so when you hear us say “affordable,” it doesn’t mean dirt cheap! It’s just affordable on the scale of Hawaii prices.

Oahu also has a lively nightlife scene with bars, clubs, and live music performances. You won’t find this on any other island, so if you are looking for some fun after the sun goes down, Oahu is the place to be.

Why you shouldn’t go to Oahu

• If you don’t like big crowds and crowded beaches, Oahu may not be the best choice for you. The island is the most populated in Hawaii and attracts a large number of tourists every year.

Maui

Maui is another island that most people think of when they hear the word “Hawaii.” As embarrassing as it is, Maui was the only Hawaiian island I knew before I started traveling to Hawaii.

It is known for its world-class luxury resorts, stunning beaches, waterfalls, and lush landscapes. The Road to Hana is a popular attraction, with 64 miles of scenic drive along the coast leading to breathtaking waterfalls and hiking trails.

The Island is also home to the Haleakala National Park, which is home to the world’s largest dormant volcano and stunning hiking trails.

Because Maui is known for its luxury resorts and high-end dining options, it is a popular destination for honeymooners, couples, and those looking for a luxurious vacation. But don’t worry—there are still some budget-friendly options available on the island, but they won’t be anywhere near as cheap as Oahu or the Big Island.

If you want to see the most authentic luau in Hawaii, Maui is also the place to be. The Old Lahaina Luau is known for its traditional Hawaiian performances and delicious food. We have been to many luaus over the years, but the Old Lahaina Luau remains our favorite.

Maui also has the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii, such as the Molokini Crater and Honolua Bay. And if you are going to Hawaii during whale season, Maui is the perfect place to go whale watching.

Maui has something to offer for all travelers—you can make your vacation what you want. Whether it’s a luxurious getaway or an adventure-packed trip, you can find it on this beautiful island.

Why you shouldn’t go to Maui

• If you are tight on money, then by all means, go to Oahu or the Big Island and NOT Maui. Maui is the most expensive Hawaiian island.
• Maui is not the place to go if you want any nightlife. It’s more of a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere.

Kauai

Kauai is the most underrated Island in Hawaii, which makes it so special. Known as the “Garden Isle” for its lush greenery and dramatic landscapes, Kauai offers a more peaceful and secluded experience than the other islands.

If you’re looking for a quieter and more authentic Hawaiian experience, Kauai is the island for you. Its small towns and charming local culture make it the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

One of Kauai’s main attractions is the Napali Coast, which has stunning cliffs and views that can be seen by hiking, boating, or helicopter tours.

We recently went on a Napali Coast sunset dinner cruise, and my word, the views were absolutely stunning. It was by far the most magical thing we have ever done in Hawaii. There is just something about Kauai that makes you feel like you are connecting with nature on a deeper level. I always say that my heart is full after a trip to Kauai.

Apart from its stunning natural beauty, Kauai has some fantastic beaches, such as Poipu Beach, Hanalei Bay, and Ha’ena Beach Park.

For all you adventure seekers, Kauai has the best hikes in Hawaii, including the Kalalau Trail and trails within Waimea Canyon. If hiking is the main reason you are going to Hawaii, we recommend Kauai first, followed by Oahu.

Why you shouldn’t go to Kauai

• You want a lot of nightlife. Kauai is known for its peaceful and laid-back atmosphere, so this is not the place to go if you’re looking for a wild party scene.
• You hate the rain. Kauai is the wettest island in Hawaii, so if you’re bothered by rain, it might not be your best choice. With that being said, the rain in Hawaii typically doesn’t last all day, and it can often be a welcome refreshment from the heat.

The Big Island

Last but certainly not least, we have the Big Island of Hawaii. It may not be as popular as Oahu or Maui, but it definitely holds its own when it comes to natural beauty and fun activities.

The Big Island is home to some of Hawaii’s most unique and diverse landscapes, including black sand beaches, active volcanoes, lush rainforests, and snow-capped mountains. It’s the perfect destination for those who want to experience a little bit of everything.

One of the standout attractions on the Big Island is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea.

In terms of beaches, the Big Island offers the most diversity out of all the islands. From white sand beaches to rugged and remote black sand beaches, and even a green sand beach, there’s a beach for every preference on this island.

Note: While the Big Island has the most diverse beaches, we are not claiming that it has the best beaches. This island is the youngest and still forming, so you won’t find many of the typical postcard white sand beaches, but there are some that are absolutely stunning. Some of our favorites are Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Beach.

The Big Island also offers one of Hawaii’s best snorkeling and scuba diving experiences with manta rays. Yes, this is the only place in Hawaii where you can swim with these majestic creatures, and only a few places in the world offer this incredible experience.

But the Big Island is not just about nature. It also has a rich cultural heritage that can be explored through its many historical sites and festivals. You can visit the Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park to step back in time and learn about ancient Hawaiian culture or see the Merrie Monarch Festival, which celebrates the art of hula.

If you love stargazing, the Big Island is also home to the Mauna Kea Observatory, one of the best places in the world for astronomical observation.

Mauna Kea is also the tallest mountain in the world when measured from its base on the ocean floor. If you are lucky, you may even see snow on top of it in the winter.

Why you shouldn’t go to the Big Island

• You don’t like driving long distances: The Big Island is the largest island in the Hawaiian chain, so getting from one side of the island to the other takes time.
• You want bustling nightlife: The Big Island is not known for its vibrant nightlife. This is not the right destination if you’re looking for a party scene.
• You don’t care about the diversity of landscapes: If you’re not interested in exploring different environments, then this island may not appeal much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Hawaiian Island Is Best for First-Time Visitors?

Many people always say that Oahu or Maui is the best island for first-timers, but I always say that it still depends on your travel style.

• Oahu is best if you love city life mixed with nature and adventure. It has urban activities, beautiful beaches, and scenic hikes.
• Maui is ideal for those seeking luxury, stunning landscapes, and a mix of adventure and relaxation.
• Kauai is perfect for those looking for a peaceful, nature-centric experience with stunning cliffs and lush greenery.
• The Big Island is great for adventure seekers wanting diverse landscapes, from volcanoes to black sand beaches.

Each island has its unique charm, so consider what kind of experience you want from your Hawaiian vacation.

Is It Worth Visiting Multiple Islands on a Single Trip?

It depends on how many days you have and what you want to experience. If your trip is a week or less, it’s best to focus on one island because there is so much to see. I only advise my clients to island hop if they have at least ten days.

Are Vacation Rentals Like VRBO or Airbnb a Good Option Compared to Hotels?

This also depends on your travel preferences and needs. Vacation rentals can offer more space, privacy, and the convenience of amenities like kitchens, which are great for families or longer stays.

On the other hand, hotels typically offer services like daily housekeeping, on-site dining, and amenities such as pools and spas, which can make your stay more convenient and luxurious.

When choosing, always consider what matters most to you—the home-like comfort of a rental or the full-service experience of a hotel/resort.

We always select the type of accommodation based on the activities we want to do and the location we want to stay in.

For example, I book a hotel/resort if I want to spend most of the time there and indulge in its amenities, but I opt for a rental if I plan to be out exploring most of the day. Both options have benefits, so it’s important to weigh them carefully before deciding.

Final Thoughts

We hope this was helpful in planning your dream vacation to Hawaii! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below. Don’t forget to take our quiz on which Hawaiian island to visit to help narrow down your options!