Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit? (The Ultimate Guide)

If you’re reading this… you’re probably trying to plan your vacation, and wondering which Hawaiian island to visit.

Which one is right for you? Should you visit more than one?

It can be really difficult to choose, but I got you!

In this post, I’ll go over what each island has to offer.

That way, you can make a decision based on what you like and how much time you have.

Let’s choose which Hawaiian island to visit.

My posts may contain affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase through my link, I’ll receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping me continue to create free content for you!

Big Island

The Big Island (AKA Hawaii) is actually bigger than all the other islands combined!

Due to its size, this island is best to visit when you have at least seven to ten days to spend here.

There’s a lot of ground to cover, and a bunch of stuff to see!

The Big Island is the most diverse island, containing 8 of the world’s 13 climate zones.

That means you’ll find landscapes here from white sand beaches to snow-capped mountains.

Similar to the other islands, you can explore lush jungles, learn about the history and culture of Hawaii, and enjoy beautiful beaches.

One very unique draw of the Big Island is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

This national park is home to the only active lava flow in all of Hawaii!

It’s also a great place to trek through lava fields and see other cool volcanic formations.

On top of all that, you can dive with manta rays on the Big Island, as well as tour the famous coffee plantations in Kona.

Should You Visit The Big Island?

The Big Island is for the traveler who wants a diverse Hawaiian experience, and has at least seven to ten days to spend here.

Oahu

Oahu is the most metropolitan Hawaiian island, and home to the capital Honolulu.

Over 70% of Hawaii’s entire population actually lives on Oahu!

A hotspot for high-end shopping, dining, and nightlife- this vibrant city offers a mix of natural and cultural wonders, along with modern amenities.

Here, you can visit Pearl Harbor, as well as other impressive museums and historical sites.

Outside of Honolulu, check out the waves on the North Shore, visit the iconic Waikiki Beach, and enjoy some of Hawaii’s best snorkeling in Hanauma Bay.

Should You Visit Oahu?

This is the place to be if you love exploring cities and experiencing nightlife, but also want a taste of beach life. Plan on spending at least five days here.

Maui

Maui is a more chill island, holding a great blend of adventure and relaxing getaway.

From golden beaches and luxury resorts, to adventurous waterfall hikes and little beach towns- there’s something for everyone in Maui!

For that reason, I’d recommend most first-timers to Hawaii visit Maui, as it really gives that quintessential Hawaiian experience.

Here, make sure to snorkel in Molokini Crater, and catch a sunrise or sunset on Haleakala.

Also visit the quaint town of Lahaina, and if you’re there in the winter, definitely try whale watching.

Of course, the iconic Road To Hana winds through some of the most stunning views and spots on the island.

I’d recommend spending at least five to seven days here, so you have plenty of time to experience the highlights of the island without feeling rushed.

Five days is enough to just sample Maui’s top highlights, but according to Hawaiian Tourism Authority, people usually spend eight days here.

Read more: 20 Best Things To Do In Maui

Should You Visit Maui?

Maui is the perfect island for a mix of adventure and laid-back vibes. It’s also a great choice for couples, families, and first-time visitors to Hawaii.

Kauai

For a remote retreat, Kauai is your perfect destination!

In fact, 90% of the island can’t be reached by road.

That means activities like hiking and kayaking are the best ways to reach some of the best spots on Kauai.

The lushest and greenest of the main islands, exploring Kauai will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Jurassic Park.

(Btw, Jurassic Park and Jurassic World were actually filmed here!)

On Kauai, visit Waimea Canyon, dubbed by Mark Twain as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

For a once in a lifetime experience, take a doors-off helicopter tour over the iconic Na Pali Coast.

These dramatic, coastal cliffs are absolutely stunning!

Your tour will even fly over the iconic Jurassic Park waterfall.

Even though Kauai is a small island, there’s still quite a bit to see and do here.

I’d recommend at least five days on Kauai.

Should You Visit Kauai?

Nature lovers, or those looking to unplug will love the off-the-beaten-path feel of Kauai.

Visiting Multiple Hawaiian Islands

People planning Hawaiian vacations often consider island-hopping.

That’s because inter-island flights are fairly affordable, and you can have very different experiences by visiting more than one.

However, I only recommend island-hopping if you have at least 10 days total to spend in Hawaii.

Jumping around from island to island too quickly can make your trip feel rushed, and you’ll probably only scratch the surface of each beautiful island.

You’ll want to be able to fully appreciate each place!

Visiting Other Islands

There are additional islands in Hawaii, such as Molokai and Lanai, but these are harder to access, and more remote than the bigger islands.

I recommend visiting one of the four above- there’s plenty to do there!

How To Get Around The Hawaiian Islands

Whichever island you decide to visit, you’ll definitely want to have your own car.

Many of the best things to do on each island are really spread out, so having a rental car is a must.

I personally always book through RentalCars.com.

I LOVE that they compare prices across every company at once, which saves a ton of time hunting down the best deals.

Less time researching, and more time exploring right??

Shop The Hawaii Essentials

Posted By: Arabella · In: hawaii, travel, usa