Hawaii Travel Guide: Which Island is Best For Me To Visit?

Ready to unravel your tropical dreams in Hawaii? Before you do, make sure you know where to go and which of the Hawaii islands you wanna visit. Are you in for a raving vacay with pumping nightlife or a more laid-back island getaway? Whether you’re seeing the Aloha State for its soft, sandy beaches or thrilling adventures, it’s handy to know which Hawaii island to explore.

Hawaii has six islands for you to discover (eight in total, but two are closed to the public). You can never go wrong no matter which Hawaii island you choose. There’s no shortage of fun here! Hawaii’s islands have their own personality, flavour, and heaps of activities. But, if you’re keen on doing specific things in Hawaii, we got you covered. 

No need to think too hard about which Hawaii island to visit—here’s everything you need to know about the Aloha State’s six vibrant islands:

Wanderlusting over a natural adventure? Check out Kauai, Hawaii’s Garden Island. It’s home to plenty of activities for nature lovers who wanna explore the tropics. If you live and breathe nature hikes, Kauai is the perfect Hawaiian paradise for you. Reward yourself with sweeping views of the island when you hike on the Sleeping Giant Trail or with coastal views on the Kalalau Trail. You can visit the Insta-worthy Tunnel of Trees or cruise through the dirt roads of Waimea Canyon. 

Party your Hawaiian nights away at Oahu, the island to go to if you’re visiting for the first time. Fondly known as the “Heart of Hawaii” and “The Gathering Place,” Oahu offers a wide range of experiences from the bustling city to sleepy surf towns. It is also home to the state capital of Honolulu, where an exciting food scene awaits foodie travellers. By day, the lively beach ambience attracts both surfers and non-surfers. When the night comes, you can experience a luau and feast on traditional food such as Kalua Pork (pork butt roast) and poi (taro). 

Get the most authentic island experience when you visit the island of Molokai. This island is home to many native Hawaiians, from whom you could listen to tales of the Aloha State's past. Mix your island adventures with stories of the past when you go on guided tours along Kalaupapa National Park or Papohaku Beach, one of Hawaii's largest white sand beaches. If you're looking for the best sunset views, the scenery at Kapalua Bay and the awe-inspiring cliffs of Molokai are equally breathtaking. You can also explore the Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove, which King Kamehameha V planted in the 1860s.

Going to Hawaii with your bae? Whether you're out to celebrate an anniversary or going on your honeymoon, Lanai is the island to head to. Love is truly in the air on the smallest Hawaii island, which provides a perfect balance of luxury amidst the rugged terrain. Lanai is a private island where the luxe Four Seasons Resort Lanai sits. Outside the hotel, you can visit the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, explore the island via a 4WD, spot dolphins at Hulopoe Beach, and enjoy a scenic hike on the Sweetheart Rock as you listen to the legend behind it.

Get ready to splurge and live like a VIP when you visit Maui. Fittingly nicknamed the "Beverly Hills Island," Maui has tons of luxury resorts within its borders, particularly along the South Shore, where you’ll find the opulent Four Seasons and Waldorf Astoria. When you're not lounging around your suite, spend your day on a surf lesson on Kihei Beach or Kaanapali Beach. Thrillseekers can head over to Kula for some paragliding action. At the same time, those who wanna embark on a nice nature trail should visit the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm. 

It's a no-brainer that Hawaii is blessed with natural marvels. If you're yearning to reconnect with nature, the Island of Hawaii, aka Big Island, is the perfect option for you. It's bigger than the other Hawaii islands combined, so there's no surprise that it holds heaps of fun activities to experience. Ever heard of a black beach? The Big Island is home to Punaluu Beach, a black sand coast! Other nature escapes you can go while on the Big Island are the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, and the five-acre farm of Kona Natural Soap in the town of Holualoa.