Which island in Hawaiian should I visit? is one of the most common questions I receive! I get it from clients, friends, and even strangers on social media! As someone who lives on Oahu, Hawaii since 2018, and an island hopper (I’ve been to the outer islands more times than I can remember, both for work and vacation).
I’m no definitive expert by any stretch, but I can definitely give my two cents as a resident and guest! Hawaii consists of more than 100 islands and islets but has 8 large islands, and you might know only 4. If you’re planning an overseas adventure, these are the four most visited islands you should consider: Oahu, Maui, Hawai’i Island (also known as the Big Island), and Kauai.
OAHU – THE GATHERING PLACE
So I asked myself which island in Hawaiian should I visit? Then came, Oahu. It is the most crowded and busiest island – by far. Home to almost a million residents, including me! Oahu is active and hectic, with the capital city of Honolulu, and the hectic visitor’s area (and district in the city of Honolulu), Waikiki.
Many travelers flying into Oahu choose budget-friendly carriers like Frontier Airlines, which offer convenient options for U.S. mainland visitors. It’s a great way to start your island-hopping adventure without overspending on airfare.
Waikiki Beach is globally renowned with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and stores along, edging perhaps one of the world’s most renowned beaches, with Diamond Head looming in the background. I’ve had countless travelers complain that they’re surprised when they arrive at the Honolulu airport, pick up their bags, and step out onto an 8 lane highway. Don’t anticipate a quaint little island straight away. Honolulu is not nearly as huge as NYC or LA, but it’s still an urban city.
That is not to say you won’t be able to experience relaxed island fashion here on Oahu. After you get outside of the city centers, there are tons of secret nooks and crannies and Oahu is also home to the North Shore – renowned for its winter surf spots, drawing surfers and fans from all over the globe. Dissent if you feel like it, but in my opinion, Oahu also has the best and most varied beaches of all the islands! And the greatest hiking! Waikiki isn’t to be missed, but if that’s all you experience, you’ve certainly missed the best of Oahu.
Oahu highlights:
- Airport code: HNL
- My fav restaurants: The Pig and the Lady, Hau Tree, Monkeypod Waikiki
- Best beaches: Lanikai, Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay, Waikiki (yeah, yeah, it’s touristy, but it’s worth seeing!)
- Don’t miss: hike Diamond Head (reservations necessary), snorkel Hanauma Bay (reservations necessary), drive the north shore, learn to surf, book a tour at Kualoa Ranch, sunset catamaran off the coast of Waikiki
MAUI – THE VALLEY ISLE
Maui is considerably less crowded than Oahu, but not quite as sleepy as the Big Island or Kauai. When I thought which Hawaiian island should I visit? I considered Maui. It has bougie restaurants and resorts – lots to keep you (and all the people you’re traveling with) occupied. I think Maui has the best (and, arguably, priciest) restaurants, and certainly more of a resort atmosphere, as opposed to hotels, which are more prevalent on Oahu (though there are a few there as well). Maui just feels like heaven.
You might relax at a resort for a good seven days in a row, but Maui still has a lot to offer. There are literally hundreds of waterfalls, and the Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park alone might keep you busy for days. There’s snorkeling and whale watching and you can even ride a ferry over to the island of Lanai! Not to mention all the beautiful beaches.
I adore Maui for the bougie resort feel combined with boundless nature!
Maui highlights:
- Airport code: OGG
- My favorite restaurants: Merriman’s, Mama’s Fish House (make a reservation as soon as you know you’re going to be on Maui), Maui Brewing (Kihei brewery taproom), The Birdcage
- Best beaches: Big Beach (and little sister beach Little Beach), Napili Bay, Ho’okipa
- Don’t miss: The Road to Hana, sunrises or sunsets on the summit of Haleakala (reservations must be made for sunrise), cliff jump and snorkel at black rock on Ka’anapali Beach, whale watching (winter only)
HAWAI’I – THE BIG ISLAND
Question popped up again which Hawaiian island should I visit? The Big Island is, well… big. Although I’ve been there dozens of times, it’s the island I feel like I know the least, as it seems like always that there is something new to see. It’s honestly too big to even see in a 7-10-day visit, so if you visit here, I suggest doing your homework and have a concept of what you want to do and see. And possibly planning long distances to get there.
Upon landing, you’ll notice right away that the Big Island is so different than the other islands. It doesn’t have the jagged green mountains you’ll find on the other islands, but rather two massive volcanic peaks – so massive in fact, it’s hard to comprehend the scale.
Mauna Kea, the highest point of all the islands at 13,000′ + is the tallest base-to-summit mountain in the entire world – taller than Everest by more than a mile! Beyond Mauna Kea you’ll see endless miles and miles of black lava fields, and what appears to be very little vegetation. But there’s really so much diversity and so much to see on this island.
Big Island highlights:
- Airport code: KOA (or ITO; Hilo, but most travelers will arrive in Kona, particularly if it’s your maiden voyage)
- My favorite restaurants: The Coffee Shack, Canoe House, Kona Brewing
- Best beaches: Kua Bay, Old Airport Beach, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Papakolea Green Sand Beach
- Don’t miss: Volcanoes National Park, manta ray night snorkeling, drive to the top of Mauna Kea
KAUAI – THE GARDEN ISLE
Asked myself, what Hawaiian island should I go to? Shall I admit, this is my favorite island?! I don’t know if I’m confident enough to say that, but I will say that I believe Kauai is the most beautiful of the islands. It’s the oldest (thus the additional millennia to establish vegetation), the wettest, and the topography here is sure to blow your mind! Kauai is also the most laid back, least developed, and possesses the most so-called, “island feel.” Single lane roads, everything shuts down by 8 or 9 pm, very relaxed. What you might sacrifice in restaurant quality and/or variety, Kauai will reward you with fewer people and untouched beaches. I adore Kauai for the lively, wild beauty and the unmatched Napali Coast! Which Hawaiian Island Is Right for You?
Kauai features:
- Airport code: LIH
- My fav restaurants: Postcards, Tahiti Nui, Beach House
- Best beaches: Shipwreck, Hanalei Bay, Tunnels, Poipu
- Don’t miss: Waimea Canyon, take a boat/catamaran/zodiac on a Napali coast tour, take a doors-off helicopter tour (I think this is beautiful on any island, but especially Kauai with the stunning Napali coast), Wailua Falls, hike to Queen’s Bath
Ready to Discover Your Perfect Hawaiian Escape? Start Planning Your Island Adventure Today!
To sum up each island:
- Oahu: busy, multicultural, largest variety of dining/bar options, Waikiki, north shore
- Maui: white sand beaches, romantic, whale watching, road to hana, upscale resorts and five star restaurants
- Big Island: volcanoes, lava fields, spacious, upscale resorts, isolated
- Kauai: old island atmosphere, green and lush, breathtaking scenery, Waimea Canyon, Napali coast
