Editor’s Note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
No matter where you go in the 50th US state, Hawaiian Islands offers a variety of terrains, accommodations, activities and experiences.
Related: Best ways to get to Hawaii using points and miles
Hawaii is an incredibly unique place to visit and each island has its own special vibe. How do you choose between so many different versions of heaven? Here’s a guide to finding the right Hawaiian island to visit on your next vacation.
ohh
Good for:
- First-time visitors to Hawaii.
- solo traveler.
- Large groups.
- budget travelers.
ohh Hawaii is Hawaii’s busiest and most urban island. It is home to the state’s largest city and mall, Honolulu, known for its epic rush hour that sometimes compares to the rush hour in Los Angeles. Within city limits, Waikiki . Beach It’s a place to see and be seen — shop, dine and enjoy the amenities of giant high-rise resorts.
Related: Best time to visit Hawaii this year
But Oahu’s offerings are more diverse than just Honolulu. Ko Olina’s burgeoning resort area hasn’t been built much, but still has a number of high-end accommodations, including Disney’s Aulani Resort and Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. On the way to Ko Olina from Honolulu is Pearl Harborone of the most visited historic sites anywhere on the archipelago.
Oahu’s North Shore offers a completely laid-back vibe with a small-town surfing, truck-loving, beach-drinking scene. Hikers will find plenty of trails throughout Oahu, from Diamond Head Peak to less-visited spots like Makiki Valley and Waimea Valley. Some popular spots require a reservation.
Oahu’s gateway to tourists, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) It has the most air services of any location in the archipelago, making it the cheapest destination for visitors from the mainland. It also offers the most nonstop flights.
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Related: The best way to redeem points and miles on Hawaiian Airlines
Maui
Good for:
- Visitors with children.
- Multi-generational travel
- Anyone who is looking for resort based condominium properties.
The second most visited island in the state and also the second largest island in the state, Maui is home to Road to Hanoi, Haleakala . National Park and the best whale watching anywhere in Hawaii during the winter months.
For many travelers, a vacation in Maui is the best of both worlds. The island offers some of the same infrastructure, amenities and activities as Oahu without the traffic and urban development. It is possible to have an active stay here and visit the plethora of attractions, or you can enjoy a bit of island rest and relaxation at a resort.
Maui is a great choice for families with school-age children because of the variety of activities. It works well for multigenerational groups because it has experiences grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy, such as the Maui Ocean Center or sunrise in Haleakala National Park.
The island of Maui also has many great hotels and resorts at various prices. Most are concentrated in two main areas: on the Lahaina/Ka’anapali/Kapalua corridor in the northwest of the island and in Kihei/Wailea further south.
Related: 29 hotels in Maui, Hawaii you can book with points
With its size, Maui offers an impressive variety of hotels for visitors to book hotels with points. Most major chains are represented, and many hotels offer condo-style accommodations suitable for families or larger groups. The Hyatt Regency Maui . Resort and Spa; The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas; The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Ka’anapali; the Grand Wailea, Waldorf Astoria Resort; and Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort both scored well with TPG contributors and readers.
Hawaii (Big Island)
Good for:
- Romantic getaway for couples.
- Luxury travelers.
- Adventure seekers.
The island of Hawaii, known as big island, is the largest and newest island in the series. Because it’s so big, it takes almost a week to explore everything, but it offers a variety of travel experiences from day to day.
The majority of Big Island visitors are concentrated on the western side of the island near the city of Kailua-Kona and the Kohala Coast, where major resorts are located. Luxury seekers can enjoy luxury properties like Four Seasons Resort Hualalai; the Mauna Lani, an Auberge resort; and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Signature Collection.
Families on a moderate budget can also find a variety of hotel offerings. In particular, Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa and Hilton Waikoloa Village cater to guests with children. The pool complex is a big draw.
Related: Top Hotels on Big Island, Hawaii, for your next vacation
While it’s entirely possible to spend a week on the Big Island relaxing on a resort’s beach, the island can also be an adventurer’s paradise. In the northern part of the island, visitors can swing rope, go on all-terrain vehicle tours, jump off waterfalls, scuba dive or snorkel with giant manta rays, or just drop down historic sugarcane irrigation canals.
In the southern part of the island, you can visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, although some areas remain closed as a safety precaution. The town of Hilo on the east side of the island has its own local vibe, which can be a great getaway for travelers looking for an authentic Hawaiian experience.
Kauai
Good for:
- Romantic couple getaway and babymoons.
- Adventure addicts.
- Relaxation seeker.
In my opinion, Kauai’s lush greenery makes it the most beautiful of all Hawaiian islands. It is home to waterfalls, hiking trails, and a host of eco-adventures. Most visitors come to Kauai to escape the hustle and bustle of Oahu and Maui and have a more relaxed holiday experience.
Unfortunately, Kauai’s natural beauty also makes it a less reliable resort destination. The island’s green color comes from the considerable amount of rain it receives, which makes your stay in paradise possibly a wet one. For that reason, it’s probably best to plan a longer trip in case the weather isn’t favorable all the time.
Hotel services on Kauai are plentiful. For families, the overall winner is Grand Hyatt Kauai . Resort & Spa in Poipu, known for having one of the best waterslides and pools anywhere on the island. The big club lounge also quite special, easy access to breakfast, drinks, snacks, etc
Poipu in the south is home to quite a few other major resorts, including Sheraton Kauai Resort. Princeville in the north has many others, such as The Westin Princeville Beach Resort Villa.
Related: True aloha spirit at Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
Smaller Island: Lanai and Molokai
Good for:
- Hawaiian travelers return looking for new experiences.
Although the vast majority of visitors to Hawaii visit Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai, there are two smaller islands that visitors can also visit. Getting to both of these places takes a little extra effort, as neither is available by air from the mainland.
Lanai, the island owned by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, can be reached by boat from Maui. On the island, there are 2 Four Seasons resorts (1 resort for adults only) so they are also luxurious and expensive.
Related: Get Lost: Tips for Sightseeing and Exploring Lanai, Hawaii
By contrast, Molokai has no branded accommodations, making it a haven for locals and tourists looking for an authentic Hawaiian travel experience. Molokai has commuter air service from two airports of HNL and Maui: Kahului Airport (OGG) and Kapalua Airport (JHM).
Related: Shortcut: Tips for Sightseeing and Exploring Molokai, Hawaii
I wouldn’t recommend visiting either of these locations until they’ve visited some of Hawaii’s larger islands first. You’ll likely get more out of them (and know which one is right for you) when you have more context to appreciate them.
