Are you finding a vacation getaway where you can enjoy adventurous activities, quality time with nature, and fancy resorts? Then thereโs no shortage of it in Hawaii. Natural beauty is restored on this planet, where you can find amazing beaches, garden isle, snow-capped mountains, and much more.
Hawaii is a state in the Western United States and the only state with an archipelago in the tropics. The Hawaiian island is not a single island but a group of eight main islands. The Hawaiian island chain is often called the Big Island or the Hawaii Island; to avoid confusion, all the Hawaiian islands are diverse and unique in their way.
The Hawaiian islands were initially formed by volcanic activity through an undersea magma source called the Hawaii Hotspot. It represents the northernmost extension of the vast Polynesian Triangle, and its culture remains a vestige in this modern era.
So Here We Have Curated Some of The Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit:
1. Hawaii Island
1.1. Big Island
Also called the Big Island, it is one of the largest and youngest Islands of all, and it is one of the worldโs most ecologically diverse places and the best island to visit. It caters to the only active volcano called Kilauea, which bestows itself on the massive Mauna Loa of the land and is home to Hawaii volcanoes national park, established in 1961 and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
This south shore area offers hiking trails to the famous black sand beach. The black sand beaches are also called Punaluu beaches. The Hawaiian island offers diverse landscapes created from molten lava, amazing rainforests, and snow-capped mountains, and this island has everything to offer.
Mauna Kea holds the title for its height, surpassing Mount Everest by 4,500 when measured from the ocean bed. It is one of the sacred mountains on the Hawaiian island.
If you are interested in astronomy, you can visit the NASA-funded Imiloa Astronomy center or if you are inclined toward the oceanic world, you can catch up on a nighttime snorkeling trip to see giant manta rays in their most authentic element; you can also visit humpback whales at aerial breaching displays.
Then you can also peek into ancient traditions at Puสปuhonua O Honaunau or Kaloko-Honokลhau National Historical Park, where you can use carved petroglyphs and toboggan-like sleds to ride downhill among the greens and dirt. one of the new tourist attractions is the seven-acre Kona Sea Salt featuring sustainable seafood grown at Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology Park.
On the west coast of the big island is a place called Kona, the most populated city filled with historic villages, shops, beautiful beaches, filled with nightlife; and can easily land in the city through the Kona international airport.
It also has a famous Kona coffee plantation to explore, and the Kona coast is one of the best places to experience Hawaiiโs marine life. Hilo and Puna are the hotspots of tropical rainforests on the Hawaiian Island, with flowing falls and blooming gardens. This east side is home to museums, art galleries, and Hiloโs Farmer Market.
The Waimea canyon is best known for its cowboy culture offering various activities. Waimea Canyon is filled with green landscapes, ranches, and scenic drivers and also houses unique boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. The town of Puna has Hawaiiโs oldest theatre, the Akebono, which is still open for residents with a full bar, dance floor, and performance stage.
1.1.1. Where to Stay?
Hawaiian islands also inhabit luxury hotels like Fairmont Orchid, Four Seasons of Hualalai, where you may spot a celebrity, and Volcano Rainforest Retreat.
2. Kauai
2.1. The Garden Isle
Covered in the lushness of mountains and calmness of the surroundings, this island, famously called The Garden Isle, is also the fourth largest island. It is home to the planetโs wettest spot Mount Waialeale, receiving an average rainfall of 451 inches per year. Filled with tropical beauty, waterfalls, long stretches of beach, and beautiful ancient villages, this quiet and big island is a perfect getaway for relaxing beach days and first-time visitors.
The southern part of this big island is filled with sandy beaches and snorkeling sites. Kauai is an homage to an old town Koloa where you can find museums giving information about the sugar cane mills, the oldest means of agriculture on the land. On the west side of this island are small, local towns providing sight to its authentic culture.
You can visit Polihale, whose direct translation is House of dead and has the largest stretch of beach, and dwell in the musings of Hanapepe, the most prominent town housing original restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques, and the very popular Banana Patch Studio. Waimea is another town you must visit, and look for JoJoโs for some tropically flavored ice-based dessert Hawaiian shave ice.
The Grand Canyon of the Pacific is also a place to visit, with waterfalls and swift streams running through the beautiful wilderness of the place stitched with archeological sites. This Grand Canyon is located on the western side of Kuai. Do not miss to visit Haena State Park, which includes Kee and Tunnels beaches. You can also enjoy kayaking through the Wailua River, snorkeling on Poipu Beach, and hiking through Kokee State Park.
North Shore of Kauai also has a serene and quiet place with rainforest beaded beaches, friendly streams running across roads, one-lane bridges, top-notch snorkeling sites, and amazing hiking trails along with the Na Pali coast offering the best relaxation spot for a vacation. Another tourist attractions are the surfing spots in Hanalei.
The only airport in Kauai that experiences most nonstop flights is in the town of Lihue. A center for much of the islandโs activities, this area is flooded with shopping centers, dining, world-class restaurants, and the islandโs nightlife. An old town named Kappa is famous for Koa wood crafts and Hawaiian jewelry.
2.1.1. Where to Stay?
Kauai stores resorts along the north shore and Lihue town, mainly Westin Princeville Ocean Resort and Kauai Beach Resort. This place also hosts Waimea Plantation Cottages.
3. Oahu
3.1. The Gathering Place
Better known as the Gathering Place to visit harbors, the capital city of the Hawaiian island Honolulu thus, this island is considered one of the main Hawaiian Islands and is the most populated island. The capital city is a hot spot for activities.
Honolulu is a renaissance of art, culture, and cuisine, and you can also spot the most luxurious resorts on Waikiki beach. Honolulu is also a place of bursting activities because itโs home to Honolulu International Airport.
One of the major tourist attractions is the extensive Bishop Museum at Pearl Harbor. You can pay your respects to a few world war ii veterans who remain there. This museum at Pearl Harbor is now called the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Pearl Harbor campus has reopened after a 20 million dollar renovation and has added other activities to its list. Oahu is historically more significant than other islands.
We can see diverse sides of this big island, which can keep busy first-time visitors for the entire vacation. The east side is filled with pristine beaches with a stunning view of the Mokulua Islands, white sand, cool water, and many fun activities.
You can also explore the crystal clear waters by renting a kayak off the coast of Lanikai beach or go shopping and explore authentic restaurants in Kailua. Surfing, swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking are all the fun activities you can do on the east side.
Oahuโs north shore is a world-renowned surf break, Bonsai Pipeline. Although the surfing is incredible to watch, the winter is quite unsafe for visitors due to harsh oceanic conditions. But no worries, there is another great spot for Waimea Bay to watch surfers, sunsets, and Turtle Bay. The west side is a great spot for resorts and shopping centers.
Ko Olina, a resort community, has equipped golf courses, private beaches, fine dining, and ocean-front cocktail bars for leisure. A nearby town called Kapolei also offers pretty town pleasures. Further towards the west coast are beaches like Nanakuli, Waianae, and Makaha Beach, offering dramatic mountains and serene beach views.
Waikiki is also a hotspot for visitors on the south side of this big island. This place offers a Big Island vibe with cool blue waters, palm trees, and many beautiful beaches. There are also high-class shopping malls here like Ala Moana, Pearl City, and Waikiki Strip, and there is also.
Waikiki beach is located must on this island to visit where you can find snorkeling lessons, great dining, and nightlife to enjoy. In addition, Oahu also has dulcet aquatic options such as Hanauma Bay snorkeling heaven, with a great spot to see sea turtles and fish galore.
You can also visit the Iolani Palace and pick guided or self-led tours to explore. There are also local delicacies found mostly in the Saturday Market, with the KCC Farmers Market specializing in prepared food and travel-friendly food like local honey; another very famous one is Honoluluโs Kakaโako Farmers Market, which produces food locally like KoKo Kai, coconut yogurt.
Oahu is very famous for surfing, and respecting marine life is very critically and spiritually important for locals; thus, the Bishop Museum offers surf exhibits and devoted exhibits to celestial navigation and outrigger canoeing on this big island. Another fun activity to do is go on a Jurassic Park tour in Kualoa Ranch.
3.1.1. Where to Stay?
Some resorts and hotels on this island to visit are The Modern Honolulu, The Royal Hawaiian, Luxury Collection Resort, and Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa.
4. Maui
4.1. The Valley Isle
If you are nature lovers looking for relaxation and an adventurous vacation, itโs a must island to visit, famously called Valley Isle. Itโs an ideal location for first-time visitors as itโs a populated island filled with diversity. Maui is filled with biking, black sand beaches, red sand beaches, coral reefs, whale watching, park visits, and food and culture.
This big island offers many guided tours and has an abundance of beautiful scenery. Anchored to a dormant Haleakala volcano and gorgeous beach, Maui is one of the best Hawaiian islands to visit.
This Valley Isle has many popular destinations along the west side and south side of this island and is the second-largest island. Kaanapali and Lahaina are two very famous towns, filled with hotels and resorts, offering natural beauty.
Lahaina is also a Polynesian cultural center and rich in history with busy restaurants and a high-spirited nightlife. This is the best island to visit by renting a bike and exploring its natural beauty. You can also visit Waiaโanapanapa State Park, home to famous black sand beaches.
The south shore of Maui has towns like Kihei and Wailea, offering a more relaxed experience, and it also has its very famous Wailea beach. Oneloa Beach, also called Big Beach, has a wide sand stretch, perfect for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling also an ideal spot for restrooms at cheap making it a great family beach location so you can spend all day on this gorgeous beach.
You can also indulge in Maui Ocean Center Aquarium, Hula shows at Lahaina Cannery Mall, divine cuisines, authentic luaus, and can pay a visit to the giant Banyan tree, offering a park-like setting for children; the ideal time to visit here is in the mornings and mid-afternoons.
Towns like Haiku, Kula, and Upcountry are alongside the north shore offering a peaceful retreat among its botanical gardens and farms. These towns are ideal for sightseeing with some interesting places like the enchanting floral gardens of Kula, misty hillsides with mountains, pineapple canneries of Haiku, Holy Ghost Catholic Church, and the high elevated areas provide an amazing view and scenery. Maui also is home to shop galleries of Paia and a famous road drive along the Road to Hana tracing the black lava coastline.
If you are a foodie, you must try to wake up early and queue up at Donut Dynamite, the best donuts on the island, or book a 90-minute chocolate and cacao tour at Kuโia Estate. Sunset Market at Wailea Village for local shopping, Pau Maui vodka, tacos and shave ice, and cookies from Maui Cookie Lab are also some fun options.
Maui also has a very famous point, Molokini atoll, just off the coast, for fun water sports, but you can also explore the cleaning station for green sea turtles along the west coast on the beach town of Olowalu. You can also get certified by the Surfrider Foundation for learning ocean activities. Whale-watching tours also depart from Lahaina Harbor, offering a scenic experience.
4.1.1. Where to Stay?
You can also find many stay options like Maui Eco Retreat, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort, Spa, The Plantation, Hotel Wailea, and Camp Olowalu.
5. Lanaโi
5.1. The Pineapple Island
For traveThis is the ideal place fors seeking a small crowd island, this isat sanctuary, snorkeling, plantation architecture, and golf courses. Westerners colonized earlier Lanaโi before the colonization. The land was filled with vegetation and purple flowers, but when goats and sheep were introduced, this landโs heritage was stripped away, leaving it bare.
Then came the Pineapple era when the United States acknowledged the Republic of Hawaii in 1894 under the guidance of president Sanford Dole, a pineapple entrepreneur and long-time Hawaiian resident.
In 1900 Hawaii was seized and made into a territory, and in 1922, James Dole, cousin of Stanford Dole, bought the island of Lanaโi to expand their pineapple business.
Later in 2012, Larry Ellison, a tech billionaire, bought 97% of the island, including the two Four Seasons Resorts. Ellison promised to protect the native and endangered species and improve the island conditions, but the island remains the same.
Only 30 miles of the island roads are paved, leaving nearly 400 miles of ridge trails; many trails lead to empty beaches and a lovely view from this island. One spot to stop is Lanaโi Cultural and Heritage Center, run by Kepa Maly, born on the island.
This island is also home to three golf courses, one at each Four seasons resort, and the third one is a free course. In Lanai city, there are no traffic lights, no shopping malls, and proper transportation; the sites of the hotels and resorts are only visited via dirt, rugged roads.
5.1.1. Where to Stay?
There are lavish and amazing hotels, like the Four Seasons Resort Lanaโi, Sensei Lanaโi, Four Seasons Resort, and Hotel Lanaโi.
Among other islands is an island named Molokai stores in itself is the Kalaupapa national historical park.
Itโs difficult to miss the fun on Hawaii Island from the national park, beautiful beaches, amazing coastlines, and all the beautiful main islands of the Hawaiian chain offer a perfect spot for the dream vacation.
So, what do you think? Excited about visiting these islands in Hawaii?
Last Updated on by Steffy Michael
