Which Hawaiian Island Should I Visit? A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Aloha and welcome to Hawaii, one of the most beautiful and diverse vacation destinations in the world. If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii but feel overwhelmed by the many islands and options, this guide is for you. Whether you’re a family looking for adventure, a honeymooner seeking romance, a solo traveler craving exploration, or a luxury seeker desiring pampering, there is a Hawaiian island that fits your travel style and budget. This guide will compare the top Hawaiian islands for different types of travelers, provide sample itineraries for a week-long trip to each island, interview locals for insider perspectives, explore underrated islands, and help you discover the best island for your personality and preferences.

Comparing Hawaiian Islands for Different Types of Travelers

Hawaii is composed of six main islands, each with its distinctive charms and attractions. The top Hawaiian islands for different types of travelers are:

Oahu: Best for Families
Maui: Best for Honeymooners
Kauai: Best for Solo Adventurers
Hawaii Island (the Big Island): Best for Nature Lovers
Lanai: Best for Luxury Seekers
Molokai: Best-Kept Secret

Oahu, home to Honolulu and Waikiki Beach, is the most visited Hawaiian island and the most family-friendly one. It offers plenty of activities and attractions for all ages, such as the iconic Pearl Harbor Memorial, the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Honolulu Zoo and Aquarium, and the North Shore’s famous surfing beaches.

Maui is the most popular Hawaiian island for honeymooners and couples. It boasts stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and romantic resorts. Couples can explore the Road to Hana, watch the sunrise at Haleakala Volcano, have a couples massage at a luxury spa, or simply relax on one of Maui’s many secluded beaches.

Kauai, known as the Garden Island, is the ideal destination for solo adventurers who crave adventure and nature. This island offers numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic vistas, as well as unique experiences like ziplining, helicopter tours, and catamaran rides. Kauai’s rich cultural heritage and small-town charm make it a friendly and welcoming island for solo travelers.

The Big Island of Hawaii is the perfect spot for nature lovers who want to see diverse landscapes, ranging from snow-capped mountains to white, black, and green sand beaches, to active volcanoes. Visitors can explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, stargaze atop Mauna Kea, or swim with manta rays.

Lanai is the least populated Hawaiian island, and as a result, it feels exclusive and luxurious. This island offers top-notch golf courses, world-class spas, and upscale resorts. Visitors can relax on Hulopoe Beach, horseback ride, or snorkel among spinner dolphins.

Molokai is often called the best-kept secret of Hawaii, as it’s the least developed and most authentic of the main Hawaiian islands. There are no traffic lights on Molokai, only donkeys, and a tranquil pace of life that makes visitors feel at home. Molokai offers numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and paddling, and plenty of opportunities to learn about Hawaiian traditions and culture.

Based on your travel style, budget, and interests, choosing the right Hawaiian island is essential. Here are some tips to help you decide:

If you’re traveling with kids, look for an island with plenty of family-friendly activities and beaches.
If you’re on your honeymoon, opt for an island with romantic settings, secluded beaches, and couples’ activities.
If you’re a solo traveler, seek out an island with plenty of adventure, nature, and cultural experiences.
If you’re a luxury seeker, choose an island with upscale resorts, fine dining, and exclusive experiences.
If you’re an off-the-beaten-path traveler, consider Molokai or one of the less developed islands for an immersive and authentic experience.

Creating Itineraries for a 7-Day Trip to Each Hawaiian Island

To help you make the most of your Hawaiian vacation, we’ve created 7-day sample itineraries for each island, outlining the must-see attractions, unique experiences, and hidden gems that should be included. Of course, you can always customize these itineraries to your preferences and schedule.

Oahu: 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, take a city tour of Honolulu, and enjoy dinner at Duke’s Waikiki.
Day 2: Go on a jungle river cruise and hike to the Manoa Falls, then drive to the North Shore and watch the surfers at Sunset Beach.
Day 3: Spend the day at Kualoa Ranch, where you can go horseback riding, ATV riding, or take a movie tour of the locations featured in Jurassic Park and Lost.
Day 4: Take a catamaran tour to snorkel at Hanauma Bay, then drive to the East Coast and visit the stunning Makapuu Point Lighthouse and Beach Park.
Day 5: Visit the Byodo-In Temple and the Valley of the Temples, then drive to Kaneohe Bay and take a sunset sail on a catamaran.
Day 6: Explore the Waikiki Aquarium, Honolulu Zoo, and the International Market Place, then watch the sunset and have dinner at Waikiki Beach.
Day 7: Take a hike to the Diamond Head Crater, then relax on the beach and enjoy your last day in paradise.

Maui: 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive the Road to Hana and stop at waterfalls, beaches, and overlooks along the way, then watch the sunset at Haleakala National Park.
Day 2: Go on a whale-watching tour, then visit the charming town of Lahaina and have dinner at Fleetwood’s on Front Street.
Day 3: Take a helicopter tour of Maui and see the island from above, then relax on the beach at Kaanapali or Kapalua Bay.
Day 4: Visit the Maui Ocean Center and the Iao Valley State Park, then have a sunset dinner cruise.
Day 5: Go on a snorkeling tour to Molokini Crater, then explore the Maui Tropical Plantation and have lunch at the Mill House Restaurant.
Day 6: Go on a zipline or hiking adventure, then have dinner and cocktails at Mama’s Fish House in Paia.
Day 7: Relax on the beach, have a spa day, or take a surf lesson before leaving Maui.

Kauai: 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Take a helicopter tour of Kauai and see the breathtaking Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon.
Day 2: Go on a catamaran cruise along the Napali Coast, then hike the Kalalau Trail.
Day 3: Visit the Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge, then surf or paddleboard at Hanalei Beach.
Day 4: Go on an ATV tour of Kipu Ranch, then have a sunset dinner at the Beach House in Poipu.
Day 5: Take a snorkeling tour of the South Shore, then hike to Hidden Falls and Secret Lava Pools.
Day 6: Visit the historic town of Hanapepe and the Waimea Canyon, then have dinner at Gaylord’s Restaurant.
Day 7: Relax on the beach, go shopping in Kapaa or Lihue, or attend a Hawaiian luau.

Hawaii Island: 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and see the Kilauea Volcano in action, then have dinner at the Volcano House Restaurant.
Day 2: Visit Akaka Falls State Park and the Waipio Valley, then have lunch in Hilo and shop at the farmer’s market.
Day 3: Take a scenic drive to the summit of Mauna Kea and stargaze at night, then stay at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort.
Day 4: Visit Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park and learn about Hawaiian culture and history, then snorkel at Kealakekua Bay.
Day 5: Take a manta ray night snorkel tour, then have an authentic Hawaiian dinner at the Merriman’s at Waimea restaurant.
Day 6: Go on a coffee plantation tour, then relax on a secluded beach on the Kohala Coast.
Day 7: Take a helicopter tour of Hawaii Island and see the different landscapes and waterfalls from above.

Lanai: 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Take a ferry to Lanai and go on a guided tour of the island, then have dinner at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai.
Day 2: Go on a golfing or horseback riding adventure, then relax on the secluded Hulopoe Beach.
Day 3: Take a snorkeling tour to Lanai’s shipwreck and dolphin habitats, then have a picnic lunch in the Garden of the Gods.
Day 4: Visit Lanai City and learn about the island’s history and heritage, then have dinner at the Lanai City Grille.
Day 5: Go on a hike in Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods), then have drinks and snacks at the Nobu Lanai Lounge.
Day 6: Take a sunset sail on a catamaran, then have dinner at the One Forty Restaurant.
Day 7: Spend the day at the world-renowned Manele Golf Course, then fly back to Honolulu.

Molokai: 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Take a ferry to Molokai and go on a guided tour of the island, then have dinner at the Hotel Molokai Restaurant.
Day 2: Go on a hike in the Halawa Valley, then visit the R.W. Meyer Sugar Mill and learn about Molokai’s history.
Day 3: Take a mule ride down to Kalaupapa National Historical Park, then learn about leprosy and Father Damien’s legacy.
Day 4: Visit the Palaau State Park and experience the cultural and spiritual significance of Molokai’s sacred sites.
Day 5: Take a fishing or paddling tour, then relax on the Papohaku Beach, one of Hawaii’s longest beaches.
Day 6: Learn about Molokai’s ancient Hawaiian traditions at the Molokai Museum and Cultural Center.
Day 7: Participate in a traditional Hawaiian hula dance or ukulele class, then fly back to Honolulu.

Keep in mind that the itineraries are just a suggestion, and you can adjust them to your liking. We recommend renting a car and exploring the islands on your own, as it will give you more flexibility and freedom than a guided tour. Also, be sure to respect the natural and cultural resources of Hawaii and follow the island’s customs and etiquette.

Local Perspectives on What Makes Each Island Special

Hawaii is known for its warm and friendly spirit, and one of the best ways to experience this is to connect with locals and learn from their insights and perspectives. We interviewed several locals from each Hawaiian island to find out what makes their island unique and special.