Which island to visit in Hawaii
Most equate a trip to Hawaii almost like a foreign country even though it is in the United States. Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean Hawaii is just as close to Asia as it is to the continental USA. With the heavy influence of plantation workers from Japanese, Chinese, Filipino and Korean descent the mixture of culture and foods with native culture have shaped Hawaii into a place like no other. Along with the Asian presence, other cultural influences like Portuguese, Mexico and xxxx have also created a mixture of culture, foods and shared resources.
Along with warm and consistent weather, lush jungles and waterfalls, fresh trade winds and beautiful beaches and landscape, Hawaii is definitely that vision of Paradise.
The hard part is choosing which island to visit that suits your needs for vacation, adventure and recreation and the perfect ideal vacation.
So, should you visit Hawaii?
Definitely a resounding yes but the hardest part is deciding on which island makes sense.
We will try to give an overview to each island the pros and cons to each island below and you can choose which makes sense to your interests and budget.
Which island to visit in Hawaii
If you’re looking for warm temperatures, gorgeous jungles, waterfalls and lush landscapes, outdoor activities and recreation and of course gorgeous beaches and coastline, you’ll find that all the islands of Hawaii offer everything you may think is paradise. Of the eight major islands, there are four that are geared more towards visitors this includes: Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii (The Big Island)
Hawaii (The Big Island)
Hawaii island, known as The Big Island is the largest of the island chain and can easily encompass all the other islands combined. There’s a lot to do and see around the island and you should definitely get out and explore all the different locations with unique towns, beaches and coastlines, activities and tropical landscape.
Having a rental car and doing day trips is ideal or booking group tours to visit outside of the main city or towns is a fantastic way to visit the many lush landscapes, waterfalls, national park and natural environment to explore.
Pros:
- There is a lot of diversity in the landscape to explore, from the Kona town, coffee plantations on the west coast to the lush east side with Hilo and nearby Akaka Falls on the east coast to Volcano National Park in the south side of the island.
- This is one of the few places in the world where you can walk on lava flows and actually experience new land being created
- There’s a lot of adventure and recreation experiences from helicopter rides, hiking, visiting Volcanoes National Park to beach and coastline drives.
Cons:
- You have to do a lot of driving to see it all. You’ll need a rental car to travel around the island.
- Most people wind up staying on the drier west coast and can be limited to resort vacation style visits
- The volcano can be spectacular or not, depending on its activity. A visit to the national park is still worth visiting
Conclusion:
- Volcano National Park is a must see along with unique towns, coastal landscapes, lush waterfalls, jungle and mountain areas and dry lava environments and resorts.
Check out these various posts on visiting Hawaii island / Big island
Exploring the Puna District in East Hawaii
Green Sandy beach at South Point
Kauai
Dubbed the Garden Isle of Hawaii, Kauai is the oldest of the main islands and a natural wonderland that many equate to the idea of paradise. A smaller island that is easy to maneuver and drive around in DIY fashion, you can find the cliffs of the Napali coast, the sandy beaches of Poipu and the spend time outdoors exploring Waimea Canyon and stunning waterfalls like Wailua Falls.
Pros:
- This island is compact and easy to navigate with just a few main coastal roads from the north, eat and to the west
- You can find so many amazing natural landscapes, gorgeous waterfalls, canyon hikes and coastal walks that truly mesmerize
- There’s many opportunities for adventure and recreation from helicopter rides, hiking experiences, coastline cruising to kayaking or tubing down old sugar cane ditches.
Cons:
- Part of Kauai’s beauty comes at the expense of activities. There aren’t as many things to do here as on Maui or Oahu, so if you are recreational it great but not so much if you love urban experiences
- Kauai’s populated areas also tend to get more rain than other islands. It takes rain to create a garden isle and you will occasionally run into rainy weather all around the island.
Conclusion:
- If your idea of Hawaii is a laid-back paradise lounging by the beach or being more adventure and recreational oriented then this is the place for your next vacation.
Check out these posts to visiting more of Kauai
A visit to iconic Wailua Falls
Oahu
As the capital at Honolulu, Oahu hosts an average of 5 million visitors annually and offers everything to every demographic visiting Hawaii. Fitting all different budgets and interests to visiting Hawaii and the majority of domestic and international flights arriving at Honolulu International airport, you find something worthwhile to do here on Oahu.
Pros:
- You can do so much or as little as you want here. if your culturally inspired visit Pearl Harbor and the Bishop museum. Visit historic downtown or chinatown.
- If you’re more into nature, do an around island tour on your own tour and timeframe, its easy and fun to plan an adventure with your own interests in mind.
- Adventure and recreational options are plentiful with ocean activities, hiking, biking and inland recreation and so many outdoor activities to choose from
- This is the one island where you can experience a lot without needing a car. A stay in Waikiki offers many options, including reasonably priced accommodations and tours to other areas. Hike to the top of Diamond Head crater for sunrise, stroll the beach, shop, eat in a fine restaurant, take a sunset cruise or a moonlight beach experience without renting a car.
- But if you do rent a car, doing a circle island tour is an amazing experience.
- There are more national and international flights direct to Honolulu and generally lower prices than to the other islands.
Cons:
- Did I mention Oahu was the most popular island? Some people get to Honolulu and are dismayed to find a large city with serious traffic jams, crowded beaches, and long lines of people just to get into a touristy restaurant. This is not their tropical island paradise.
Conclusion:
- If your traveling party wants it all or simply can’t agree on what it wants, Oahu may be your answer. There is something for everyone, although you might have to deal with the distractions to enjoy the attractions. A candidate for a first-time visit.
Check out these other posts to visiting Oahu
Maui
After a visit to Oahu, Maui is next in line with over 2 million visitors that come to the island annually. Offering a diversity of activities, recreation and adventure, gorgeous resorts and beautiful beaches and tropical landscapes, Maui delivers all that and more.
If you’re looking for the perfect tropical vacation, then Maui does fit the bill of a Hawaiian island to experience.
Pros:
Adventure and recreation visitors will enjoy all the ocean related activities, hiking, biking, trekking to taking helicopter rides all around the island.
Visiting the National Park at Haleakala for sunrise or sunset is a stunning experience worth doing when you are on the island.
With over 30 miles of beaches, you have your choice of golden sand, white, black and even red sandy beaches to choose from.
Upscale destinations and resorts are dotted all over the southwest and southeastern part of the island from Wailea to Ka’anapali to Kapalua with world class resorts, amazing gold courses, signature restaurants and bars and amazing shopping venues.
Doing the iconic Road to Hana trip is a must do experience to enjoy the whole getting there experience and coming back.
Cons:
- If you must have a big city, there is none except for the main city at Kahalui which is more like a spread out city with typical amanities but not so entertainment and tourist focused.
- Maui in general tends to be more expensive with hotels, restaurants, entertinment and activities to rack up costs and take up big chunks of the vacation budget.
Conclusion:
- Maui County is the fastest growing county in the United States with so many people wanting that perfect lifestyle and cultural vibe that just works on the island. Visitors to the island always want to come back and enjoy all their favorite beaches, resorts and activities on the island.
Check out these other posts to visiting Maui
Things to do around Kahalui Maui
Best beaches to visit around Maui
Best snorkeling spots around Maui
Things to do in Paia and Haiku now
Which Hawaiian island for the first-time visitor?
We give you the options and pros and cons to visiting each island and what to expect. Each island has its own unique features, attractions and tourism.
If things are still unclear maybe the best option is a combination of islands to experience the best of each island visit.
So, depending on how you travel and what your personal needs and interests are will help to determine which island is ideal.
Conclusion on which Hawaiian Island to choose
Hope that this post on which island to consider has been helpful for you to decide which island to plan and spend your vacation.
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