What is the Best Island to Visit in Hawaii? How to Decide (2025)

Which island should you visit? If you’re planning a trip, the best island to visit in Hawaii depends upon what you’re looking for.

I’ve been to each of the major Hawaiian islands multiple times…which is probably why I got this comment from a reader on this post: “Just wanted to say this article is absolutely amazing and informational.”

and this one: “This was awesome! I spent 40 minutes reading unclear suggestions on other sites, before i scan your article and got all the details I needed in 5! Thank you! This was super helpful, concise, and spoke to all the questions I had.”

In fact, this might be my most popular article on my whole blog (seven years blogging now here in 2025) based on reader feedback so you’re in the right place!

What’s the best island to visit in Hawaii?

Here’s the quick answer. Go to:
• Oahu if it’s your first trip to Hawaii, for nightlife, to see Pearl Harbor or for a little of everything.
• Maui for a honeymoon, swank resorts or a bucket list drive.
• Kauai for rural beauty, secret beaches, and fewer crowds.
• Big Island to visit Volcanos National Park (and maybe see lava flowing).
• Lanai or Molokai if you’ve already been to the other islands and mostly want to relax on a beach.

There are so many places to see! The good news is: You really can’t go wrong. About a six-hour flight from the west coast of the U.S., the Hawaiian archipelago actually includes 137 volcanic islands!

The four main islands most tourists visit, however, are Maui, Oahu, Big Island (also known as Hawaii), and Kauai. (And yes, Maui is still a great pick even after the 2023 wildfires. While they’re still rebuilding in Old Lahaina, it won’t impact your trip. The rest of the island—including popular restaurants—is open for business.

Every island is stunning…with gorgeous beaches, excellent snorkeling, and sunset boat tours. It’s a tough choice!

I have detailed itineraries and lists of thingsto do/where to stay on each of the islands which are all linked below but before we get into the weeds, I don’t want you to miss this:

Chris’ Top 3 Hawaii Tips:

1. If you have less than 7 days, choose just one island. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting precious vacation time moving and flying. More time? Inter-island Hawaii flights are cheap-ish.

2. Make advance reservations! In 2021, the state of Hawaii enacted a reservation system for many FREE popular tourist sites to protect fragile ecosystems. These are bucket list experiences you won’t want to miss so plan ahead or book a guided day tour to skip the reservation hassle.

You’ll find links for free reservations + suggested tours in my Hawaii itinerary posts by island.

3. Learn a little about Hawaiian culture, history, and values before you go. Did you know there was an illegal coup ousting the Hawaiian monarchy which is how Hawaii became a U.S. state? Many natives are (rightfully) still bitter about it.

Likewise, respect for nature and community is at the core of Hawaiian culture. Locals are exhausted by tourists that don’t behave responsibly. Please don’t be that person!

See my post: 37 Hawaii Travel Tips for First Timers + Tips by Island here for more.

Map of Hawaii Islands

How to use this map: This map is an image. Click the map to open an interactive version of the map. From there, if you click “open in my maps”, you can add this to your Google maps. Just click the tiny transparent star to the right of the map description to save it in “your places.” Go to “your places” next and there it is!

Maui is the Best Island for Resorts + an Epic Drive

Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands. And it’s definitely one of the best spots in Hawaii. It’s also the best island in Hawaii to honeymoon if you’re looking for upscale amenities and unique things to do.

Known as the “Valley Isle'”, the island is actually two volcanoes with a bridge of land—or valley— between them. However, as sea levels have risen, Maui looks like one big island today.

What about the massive wildfire in Lahaina in 2023? The island is still recovering, as of this Jan 2025 update but you are absolutely welcome to visit the island and the wildfires shouldn’t impact your vacation.

As noted above, Old Lahaina is still closed to visitors but everything else is open for business.

Maui feels more upscale (in some parts) than other Hawaiian islands.

You’ll find the best Maui resorts and hotels in south Maui in Wailea and also in West Maui near Ka’anapali and Kapalua (home to fabulous golf courses, too).

Beachgoers love the Maui food truck scene here, too. Food and drinks are expensive in Hawaii since everything has to be flown in so one way to up your budget for sunset cocktails is to save on meals by hitting the food trucks!

Read more on Hawaii travel:

• the very best things to do in Hawaii

• the perfect Hawaii packing list

In between the two is family-friendly Kihei…also home to great beaches. And honestly, beaches up and down the coast here are all great choices.

In South Maui, you’ll often spot Hawaiian green sea turtles lounging at Makena Beach State Park.

As you head towards West Maui, the coastline begins to look wilder and more dramatic as huge waves crash on volcanic rocks.

There are plenty of lovely protected snorkeling coves to be discovered here, too though.

Wondering what to do in Maui?

Any Maui itinerary should include at least a day trip to drive the world-famous Road to Hana. It’s 64 miles of absolutely gorgeous winding highway down the east side of the island. It’s definitely one of the highlights of Hawaii!

The Road to Hana is all about the journey…not the destination. If you’d like to leave the driving to somebody else so you can fully take in these views, you can book a guided Road to Hana day tour here.

You’ll cross 59 bridges, pass black sand beaches, bamboo forests, and sooo many waterfalls. Get an early start because you’ll be stopping constantly!

Note: The island of Lanai can be visited as a (very long) day trip from Maui as a ferry links them in a 50-minute ride.

Where to stay in Maui

With just a few days on Maui, base in Kihei or one of the gorgeous resorts in Wailea or Kapalua. (Skip Lahaina for now as it continues its recovery from the wildfire.)

With 7 days or more, spend part of your time on the Road to Hana for waterfalls and stunning beaches after the day trippers head home.

The Hana Maui Resort and this Hawaiian Dream Temple make great choices.

While most visitors drive the Road to Hana in one long day trip, this doesn’t leave any time for exploring the area near Hana itself.

If you’re more of a “road less traveled” type of Maui tourist, consider booking a few nights near Hana instead. You’ll have it all to yourself after the day trippers head back!

Another popular thing to do here is to catch a sunrise in Haleakala National Park but you’ll need a ticket ahead of time to gain entrance due to the popularity of this experience. Or book a guided tour. (Because it’s more fun to doze when someone else does the driving at 3 or 4 am.)

It can be crowded at sunrise so consider heading up mid-morning to explore the park instead.

Truth be told, it’s often seriously foggy at this elevation anyway—I’ve missed out on sunrise here on two different occasions—so consider skipping the early drive and just heading up mid-morning instead.

You’ll drive across the island and wind your way through the more rural upcountry area and then up switchback after switchback to arrive at Haleakala National Park.

Once you’re here, consider heading out on a hike.

While most visitors to Haleakala take in the sunrise and head back down the mountain, there are 33,000 acres of wilderness to explore here.

Save one day on your Maui itinerary for a snorkeling tour to Molokini Crater. You can check price and availability on a Molokini day trip here.

This crescent-shaped volcanic crater just off the coast of Maui is like swimming in an aquarium.

There are plenty of guides who can take you out for a half-day tour. Most tours leave from Maalaea Harbor, just north of Kihei.

I recommend choosing a small boat for a more intimate experience and a morning departure since waves pick up with the wind frequently in the afternoons, making snorkeling conditions less ideal.

In winter, Maui is a premier whale watching destination. Between December and March, more than 10,000 humpback whales head here to the Auau Channel near Lahaina on the west coast from Alaska.

Be sure to book a whale watching tour with an eco-friendly guide that includes a naturalist for the best experience.

You can check price and availability on my recommended tour here.

Whale watching tours depart from Lahaina Harbor, making Lahaina the perfect half-day place to relax after your whale watching tour.

While more touristed, there are plenty of cute boutiques and lovely little restaurants here.

So in summary, Maui is a great choice if you’re looking for top tier resorts, want to drive the Road to Hana, see Mount Haleakala, snorkel Molokini Crater, or go whale watching.

Kauai is the Best Island for Secret Beaches + Fewer Crowds

Kauai is the best place to go in Hawaii if you’re a nature lover…those who aren’t looking for top tier resorts, restaurants, or night life. Still, there are plenty of excellent activities on Kauai.

Come to Kauai if you love the idea of driving rural two-lane roads to hike down muddy slopes to sugary sand beaches. Sometimes yours may be the only footsteps.

Known as “The Garden Isle”, scenes from the movie The Descendant were filmed here. You can get a feeling for some of its more scenic spots by giving it a watch.

The biggest attraction on Kauai is the island’s Na Pali coastline on the north shore. Seeing it from the air on a helicopter ride is a bucket list experience.

It’s tops on any Kauai itinerary.

On Kauai, the North Shore is wild and scenic. It’s also very rainy here in winter!

With a week on Kauai in summer, divide your time between the north shore and south shore near Poipu which is more developed.

You’ll find a few resorts and lots of vacation rentals there, along with great snorkeling in shallow, easy-to-access beaches.

On the North Shore, you’ll want to take in the jagged, emerald Na Pali mountain range any way you can. A snorkeling or sunset boat cruise is a must here. Check price and availability on a snorkeling cruise here.

Where to stay in Kauai

With a week, divid your stay between two bases: (1) between Princeville or Hanalei on the north shore and (2) Poipu on the south shore.

On the north shore, try the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas for all the amenities.

In Poipu, stay in your own private oceanfront penthouse for spectacular sunset views.

Visiting in winter? Stay south shore at Poipu to avoid the rainy north shore.

Be sure to hike at least a little of the famous Kalalau Trail.

The trailhead is at the northernmost tip of the island in the parking lot for Tunnels Beach, making it the perfect spot for a post-hike dip and snorkel.

The Kalalau Trail is 11 miles that seem to mostly climb up a muddy, rocky trail.

Hardcore adventurers secure a permit months ahead of time and then make this a full-day hike, camping at a remote beach, and heading back the next day.

Be sure to have a permit though as rangers monitor the camp area and will send you on your way!

But even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, you can enjoy some truly once-in-a-lifetime views of the Na Pali Coast by just hiking the first half mile.

Bring hiking poles. It’s steep. Hiking even a little bit of this trail is my #1 recommendation on Kauai.

Queen’s Bath is another beautiful spot on the North Shore to a scenic natural pool on a lava shelf. However, the trail is now closed due to hazardous surf and too many drownings. Heed the signs! Head to nearby Hanalei Bay for kayaking instead.

Paddling the Wailua River and hiking to swim in a waterfall is also a popular day trip in Kauai.

After you’ve moved your base to Poipu on the south shore, spend a day driving clockwise—from say numeral 6 to 12 on a clock face—to Waimea Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

As the crow flies, Waimea Canyon is quite close to the Kalalau Trail.

Unfortunately, you can only drive here by heading clockwise around the entire island which is two hours from the North Shore!

So this makes the perfect day trip from Poipu instead.

Again, even if you’re not a hiker, you can step out of your car and look out over the cliffs at the Kalepa Ridge trailhead for another unbelievable panoramic ocean view.

(It’s farther than you think though from Waimea Canyon so be sure to Google map it before you head out. I cut it too close before our flight home on my last visit and was so sad I had to skip it. It’s one of my favorite spots!)

If you’ve got an afternoon flight stateside, a morning stop at Wailua Falls and Opaeka’a Falls also makes a great last morning as they’re not far from the airport.

Big Island is the Best Island for Visiting a Volcano + Waterfalls

The island of Hawaii is also known by locals as Big Island because—you guessed it—it’s the biggest of the Hawaiian islands…and also the most southeastern.

It’s the best place to travel in Hawaii if you’d like to sample a little of everything—a few resorts, plenty of lovely beaches, and excellent snorkeling. Plus, possibly see lava flowing from a volcano!

You’ll find all of the beaches on the western side of the island, fanning out from Kona which is the hub here for tourists.

The other major area is Hilo, on the eastern side of the island. By comparison, Hilo feels untouristed.

It’s rainy—and lush—on this side of the island. And in between Kona and Hilo in the middle of the island is the breathtaking Volcanos National Park.

The best Big Island itinerary samples all of these things.

If you’re mostly here for beach time, you’ll want to weight most of your itinerary on the west side, staying near Kona.

The coast here is rocky and volcanic but with plenty of soft sugary beaches nestled in and around the rocks.

Head north from Kailua-Kona and explore Maua Kea Beach and Hapuna Beach.

Where to Stay on Big Island

With just a few days, stay in Kona for lots of beach time. With a week or more, you can reduce drive time by basing part of the time in Kona, at least one night near Volcanos National Park, and a few days near Hilo.

My recommended stays are:

• A vacation rental near Kona. (These are my favorite picks.)

• Near Volcanos, stay at the Volcano Village Lodge. It’s surrounded by rain forest, koi ponds and garden waterfalls.

• Near Hilo, stay in an oceanfront condo where the terrace dangles over the scenic coast. Watch morning sunrises from your own bed!

Be sure to reserve a boat tour to explore the sea caves on the dramatic volcanic Kona coast with a stop in Kealakekua Bay for snorkeling. (A tour is the only way you can snorkel here.)

Place of Refuge—Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park— is a beautiful historic place to visit, once home to Hawaiians who broke a kapu (ancient laws) before the 19th century.

Today, you can snorkel the beautiful bay here while exploring the beautiful preserved settlement.

The number one experience you don’t want to miss on Big Island (aside from Volcanoes National Park) is the opportunity to do a night swim with manta rays.

The rays have been visiting the shore of the Sheraton Kona Resort ever since the 1970s when the hotel decided to illuminate the waves to create a bit of ambiance for guests. This attracted plankton which attracted manta rays.

And today, you can float on a noodle in the water with these gentle giants or do a group dive if you’re SCUBA certified. You can check price on the night swim with manta ray tour here.

An overnight at Volcanoes National Park makes an ideal stop if you spend part of your time near Kona and part near Hilo.

And if you’re very lucky, you might have the opportunity to see actual lava flowing. The lava flows on and off in different places around the coast.

An eruption that began in September 2021 at the bottom of Halema’uma’u Crater finally ended in December 2022. It made for a spectacular night sky as the sky glowed orange from the molten lava lake below.

We rented some bicycles with headlamps at night to watch it flow into the ocean which was incredible!

Then the Kilauea Volcano erupted in a new spot at the beginning of January 2023 but that ended 61 days later in March.

As of this (Jan 2025) update, the Kilauea eruption that began in late December 2023 had paused but could resume at any time! As you can see, eruptions occur frequently. You can check the latest info here.

Even if the lava’s not flowing, don’t miss the opportunity to spend at least one day hiking the moonscape of a volcano and touring a lava tube.

Steam rises from steam vents all around the park which is amazing.

Many tourists never make it to the east side of the island. And it’s true that there are not a lot of beaches here.

However, the waterfalls are incredible! Akaka Falls plunges 422 feet!

I recommend also spending a day driving the Hamakua Coast north from Hilo. This is the gateway to the wild Waip’o Valley, an especially scenic area.

Stop en route at the Hawaii Tropical Botanic Garden. It’s one of the most beautiful gardens I’ve ever seen.

Oahu is the Best Island for Nightlife + Seeing Pearl Harbor

Oahu, the third largest of the islands, is known as “The Gathering Place.”

That’s because it’s where the majority of Hawaiians live and it also sees the highest number of tourists.

Oahu is where travelers around the world think of when they think of Hawaii.

Most likely, they’ve seen an iconic photograph or postcard with the epic view of Honolulu and its spectacular coastline shot from the top of Diamond Head.

(Just one of the many excellent hikes on Oahu! But you’ll need a reservation for Diamond Head.)

Famous Waikiki Beach is here, just across the street from Honolulu skyscrapers, bucket list hotels and stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Jimmy Choo. (Pretty touristy though and also lots of homeless in this area.)

Honolulu is an easy destination for a girl’s weekend for shopping, dining, and beach time without a car.

You’ll find plenty of swank bars to taste-test Mai Tais here, too, from the Mai Tai Bar at Royal Hawaiian Hotel to Wang Chung’s Karaoke Bar.

Climb the Aloha Tower for a bird’s eye view of the Carribean blue shoreline here. Have a meal in Chinatown.

Pearl Harbor is also nearby on Oahu’s South Shore.

Pearl Harbor is one of the top things to see on Oahu.

It’s a memorable experience touring the USS Arizona Memorial here and paying your respects to the more than 2,400 Americans who lost their lives on December 7, 1941.

There’s so much history here that the best way is to see Pearl Harbor with a guide on a tour, especially if you’re someone who wants to appreciate the full experience.

For example, the Battleship Missouri Memorial is on Ford Island…and that’s an eight-minute drive from the USS Arizona. A tour organizes your whole visit.

However, you can also visit on your own and just make reservations directly at Pearl Harbor. Be sure to get the audio guide! (Personal rec: Spring for the tour. We did the self-guided audio guide and were disappointed in the quality and brevity.)

Other top experiences you won’t want to miss on Oahu’s south shore are hiking Diamond Head State Monument and snorkeling Hanauma Bay.

Both of these popular experiences require advance reservations and require careful planning.

Where to stay on Oahu

With just a few days, stay in Honolulu (central but more crowded) or Ko Olina (a peaceful resort area 30 minutes from Honolulu) on the south shore.

With more time, add days on the wild and funky north shore.

We loved our stay at the Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club. The four lagoons are epic here!

North Shore Oahu is mostly ramshackle vacation rentals. However, this little place—Surfs Up!—is 2 steps from Sunset Beach and the Banzai Pipeline. It’s a steal for its location!

For north shore luxury, you can’t beat Instagrammable Turtle Bay Resort. Check price and availability here.

Again, if you don’t have a car or would prefer to just skip the ticket hassle, book a day tour to Hanauma Bay.

(Hanauma Bay requires you to secure the ticket 48 hours before you visit and tickets go fast.)

My favorite part of Oahu is the North Shore as it’s wild and untouristed…much like Kauai. You can see it as a day trip on a guided tour if you don’t have a car.

Otherwise, I recommend you spend part of your time on the south shore and then move your base to the north shore.

The windward coast is an extraordinary scenic drive with some of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It’s windy though!

You can make it an excellent self-guided day trip as you head north with a few strategic stops.

The Byodo-In Temple is a replica of a famous temple in Uji, Japan, and is stunning, nestled up against the green, green Ko’olau mountains.

The Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is also a short but must-see drive with easy hikes through extraordinary botanical gardens themed from around the world.

Once you’re on the north shore, you’ll find plenty of excellent snorkeling and beaches to keep you entertained.

Be aware though that in winter this is Big Wave country. The Bonzai Pipeline is here! In fact, we saw the women’s finals in a famous big wave surf contest here one winter. Epic!

There’s only one major resort up here, however, and the restaurant scene is also nothing like it is on south shore.

The North Shore food trucks keep everyone fed instead. It’s all about the shrimp trucks up here!

Spend a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center where you can tour three villages, enjoy a buffet dinner, and a flower lei greeting.

Or head to Kualoa Ranch, a 4,000 private nature reserve and popular filming location on Oahu.

The best island to visit in Hawaii depends on you.

As noted above, every Hawaiian island is truly a delight! There are no “bad” Hawaiian islands so try not to stress too much while you make a decision.

Hopefully, after reading about the highlights on every island, you’re finding that one of them is calling you.

And remember, there’s always a next trip for another island!

Hawaii FAQ

1. Which is the prettiest Hawaiian island to visit?

Every island has its own unique beauty. The Road to Hana on Maui is spectacular. Volcanos National Park on Big Island is otherworldly.

The clear Caribbean blue water all over Oahu is stunning. But I vote for the wild pristine beauty and lush green coast of north shore Kauai.

2. Which island is best for visiting Hawaii for the first time?

Oahu is the most popular island for first-timers as it’s home to famous sights like Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, and Waikiki Beach.

I’d recommend Maui equally, however, with its golden beaches and upscale resorts.

Maui is probably what you’re dreaming of when you think about Hawaii. Unless you’re looking for pristine nature only. Then go to Kauai.

3. Which Hawaii island has the best beaches?

Oahu’s beaches are easiest to access with lots of protected reefs and shoreline. Visit Maui for its abundant beaches with fewer people. Go to Kauai if you don’t mind a muddy steep hike to a secret beach. Skip Big Island if you’re mainly looking for beaches.

4. Which island to visit in Hawaii is best for couples?

Maui is best for a honeymoon in a resort with amenities. Oahu is a great alternative with the best restaurant and bar scene.

5. Which is the best island for hiking in Hawaii?

Hiking in Oahu offers the largest number of trails and diverse experiences.

The Kalalau trail on the Na Pali Coast of Kauai is known as one of the most beautiful and difficult hikes in the United States and is a destination for adventurers. (Hiking permit required to do the whole thing camping overnight but not for a day trip.)

6. Which island in Hawaii has the best restaurants?

Oahu. Stay in Honolulu for easy access to great bars and restaurants. Maui is a runner-up.

7. Which is the best Hawaii island for activities?

Oahu is the most famous Hawaii island when it comes to sightseeing. You can tour Pearl Harbor, hike Diamond Head, and snorkel Hanauma Bay.

The good news is that there are many great day tours available on every Hawaiian island for boat tours, snorkeling, kayaking, zip lining, and scenic drives.

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