How to Pick Your Hawaiian Island Destination

Heading to Hawaii? If not, you definitely should visit at least once in your lifetime.  Having six main islands, there’s no way to see all of the Hawaiian islands, even if you are there for two weeks.  

Most people pick one or two islands for their trip. If you are trying to decide which island to visit, this information should help point you in the right direction. My personal favorite islands are Maui and Kauai for their beautiful beaches, quieter atmosphere, and overall ‘paradise’ feel (although I have never been to Lanai or Molokai). However, whichever island you visit, each will have its own charm, culture, stunning landscape, and beautiful beaches.

Oahu – The ‘main’ island of Hawaii. It features Honolulu, the capital, as well as most of the population of Hawaii. It also seems to have the most tourists, especially from Japan. If it’s your first time to Hawaii, most tourists include Oahu for part of their trip.  Features:

• Waikiki Beach
• Pearl Harbor (USS Arizona Memorial, USS Oklahoma Memorial, and USS Utah Memorial) 
• the North Shore (popular for surfing)
• Dole pineapple plantation (learn how pineapples are grown, the plantation’s history, and eat pineapple flavored anything)
  
• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (popular for snorkeling)
• Matsumoto’s Shave Ice (many claim this as the best shaved ice on the islands)
• Polynesian Cultural Center (a ‘living’ museum showcasing culture and traditions of the islands of Polynesia)
• Diamond Head State Monument (a dormant volcano that was once a military lookout)
• Lots of shopping (especially high-end retailers) 

Hawaii –  This island is also usually called the ‘Big Island’ to avoid confusion. Hawaii is the largest island because it’s made of 5 different shield volcanoes, including two that are active. The island is made up of mostly coastal towns.  Features:

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Kilauea (an active volcano within the national park)
• Mauna Loa (the largest volcano in mass and volume on Earth)
• Mauna Kea (the tallest mountain in the world, measured from its base in the Pacific Ocean, summit reached by car)
• Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona)

Maui – Maui is known as the ‘Valley Isle.’ It’s quieter than Oahu, but still is filled with tourists.  Maui is a beautiful island with beaches, rainforests, and waterfalls. Features:

• Haleakala National Park (home to Maui’s highest peak, popular place to view sunrise)
• Hana and the Road to Hana (an isolated city and a 52 mile curvy highway through tropical rainforest to get there)
• Iao Valley State Park (a dense rainforest with historic significance)
• Kaanapali Beach
• Historic Lahaina (a historic whaling port turned shopping and dining neighborhood)
• Molokini (a partially sunken volcanic crater that contains a lush coral reef, popular for scuba diving and snorkeling)

Kauai – Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian islands. Poipu and Princeville are the primary resort towns, but small, historic towns dot the landscape as well. Tall coastal cliffs, green valleys, rainforests and gorgeous beaches abound.

• Napali Coast (beautiful coastline of cliffs, only accessible by water, air, or an 11 mile strenuous hike on the Kalalau Trail)
• Waimea Canyon (called the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’)
• Wailua Falls (waterfall made famous in the opening credits of tv show “Fantasy Island”)
  
• Kee Beach (at the end of the Kuhio Highway within Haena State Park, popular for snorkeling)
• Opaekaa Falls (very accessible waterfall in Wailua)
• Poipu Beach Park
• Kokee State Park (hikes lead to the scenic, Napali coastal peaks)
• Polihale State Park (isolated western beach meets Napali Coast)

Lanai – Lanai is part rugged and part lavish.  It contains extravagant resorts and golf courses, but little else.  It is the least populated island and has no stop lights. 98% of the island is owned by Oracle founder Larry Ellison. Features:

• Lanai City (dining, hotels, and shopping)
• Hulopoe Bay and beach 
• Shipwreck Beach (World War II ship stuck on Kaiolohia Bay’s coral reef)
  
• Keahiakawelo aka Garden of the Gods (an interesting rock garden landscape)
• Polihua Beach (Lanai’s longest white sand beach)
• Munro Trail (a 12.8 mile small dirt road accessible by foot, bike, or 4-wheel drive vehicle that offers stunning views and overlooks)

Molokai – This island is even more native to Hawaiian culture than is Lanai.  Molokai is a place for outdoor adventure in pristine beauty.  It’s said to be the birthplace of Hula. Features:

• Molokai’s North Shore Pali (the tallest sea cliffs in the world, measuring 3,600 to 3,900 feet)
• Kaunakakai (Molokai’s main town with dining, shopping, and lodging)
• Papohaku Beach (3 miles of white sand beach)
• Kalaupapa National Historical Park (accessible only by mule, hiking tour, or plane)
• Kapuaiwa Coconut Beach Park (historic coconut grove)

I hope this helps you decide which islands to visit!

Happy Travels!

Julie

– cover photo from sbhawaii.com