Which island to visit in hawaii

If you live and breathe hikes, Kauai is the island for you. This piece of Hawaiian paradise is home to a plethora of long hikes that take you through breathtaking terrain. Moving on to Oahu , there are numerous trails scattered across the island and the lush tropical scenery is a great chance to escape the city beach scene. You might even be able to claim bragging rights if you make it to the top of Diamond Head Crater! From easy walks along the shore to highly intense trails that get your heart pumping, this island offers something for everyone.

Visit Pearl Harbor for a dose of history, hike the Diamond Head Crater, or learn how to surf at one of the best surfing spots in Hawaii, the North Shore. The Big Island is great for water activities such as fishing and is the best place to go snorkeling, specifically along the Kona Coast.

If you live for the adrenaline rush, consider joining a group tour. Molokai is the perfect island for you if you want to take things slow and embrace the local Hawaiian culture.

Beach resorts are non-existent here and so are touristy attractions. The most popular thing to do here is to hike or ride a mule to Kalaupapa National Historical Park.

And if you really want to avoid the crowds and spend most of the day lost in your own thoughts, head to Lanai. On this quiet and sleepy island, off-roading adventures are very popular. Oahu has the most tourist activities, perfect for group tours and checking things off the bucket list. Kauai for hikes, waterfalls, and all the outdoor activities you can ever dream of.

Maui, Lanai, and Molokai aren't really known for the big attractions, these islands are for relaxation. When it comes to dining, Oahu has a lot of really great options if you want a bit of everything. From high-end restaurants to cheap eats, Oahu has a nice mix of them all. Kauai has a lot of hole-in-the-wall eateries, where many people prefer to just get takeout and eat at home. Oahu definitely takes the cake for this one! Overall, Oahu has a really wide variety of dining options.

On Kauai and the Big Island , when the sun goes down your best bet would be to go back to your hotel and call it a night. Oahu is the best island for nightlife. Honolulu, the capital of Oahu, has the best nightlife options in all of Hawaii.

Oahu is home to two-thirds of all the hotels that are found in the state of Hawaii. However, if you love 5-star resorts, being pampered and the whole nine yards, Maui would be the island for you. Homestays and condo rentals are a popular budget-friendly option here. Hands down, Oahu has the most choices when it comes to picking a hotel to stay in. No matter if you're looking for a budget-friendly hotel or a resort that's borderline 6-star , you'll find it here.

Maui offers so much more than just beaches. Front Street in Lahaina is a must-see with its beautiful waterfront views and shopping options ranging from big names to souvenir shops. Oahu has all the shopping you could ever want — whether you love high-end shopping or just want to buy some local Hawaiian souvenirs, this is the island for the overall best shopping experience. Being the economic and cultural heart of all the islands, Oahu is the most popular for tourists , drawing in over 6.

This Hawaiian island is known for its amazing selection of things to do — with endless mountain trails and monster waves breaking on sandy beaches, to luxury shops, tasteful clubs, and drool-worthy restaurants. If you love outdoor adventures, try hiking up to the edge of the iconic Diamond Head Crater , spend the day at the infamous Waikiki Beach , or head to the laid-back North Shore to surf some big waves.

Hanauma Bay is located on the east side of Oahu, Hawaii. There are picnic areas and a large concession stand where you can enjoy a variety of delicious food as well. The Big Island Island of Hawaii is the youngest and largest of all the Hawaiian islands and is known for its striking contrast in terrain.

Famous for some of the most beautiful hiking trails and endless lush valleys, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Hamakua Coast is a must-visit on this island.

Have you ever seen a gorgeous beach with green sand? Most likely not since there are only four in the entire world. This beach is a secluded and beautiful place to spend an afternoon listening to the ocean and watching the plan trees gently swaying. Peer into the " Grand Canyon of the Pacific " or kayak Hawaii's only navigable river. The Northern bubble: Surfing and an irresistibly laid-back vibe make up the lifestyle on this mostly rural island. The North Shore is home to many folks who came to check in and stayed to tune out.

You may also like: The 14 best beaches in Hawaii How to visit Hawaii on a budget. Lonely Planet's Best of Hawaii is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Explore downtown Honolulu, hang out in hip-again Waikiki, or hike the verdant Kalalau Trail; all with your trusted travel companion.

How to choose the best Hawaiian island for your trip. Lonely Planet. The best Hawaiian island for culture, adventure, natural wonders. The best of Hawaii for first-timers. Buy Best of Hawaii Lonely Planet Best of Hawaii 2nd Edition Lonely Planet's Best of Hawaii is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you.

Share this story:. Within the archipelago are islets and minor islands, along with the eight main islands, each with its own distinctive characteristics. How would you even begin to choose where to visit?

Below are the best Hawaiian islands for each type of traveler. For many locals the year-plus of shutdowns, while economically devastating, allowed them to have the islands all to themselves for the first time in decades, which has led to deeper conversations about what tourism should look like going forward.

Abide by the no-trespassing signs, use reef-safe sunscreen , and follow best practices when it comes to the ocean and wildlife like giving animals space and never touching coral reefs with hands, feet, or watercraft. Essentially, we should treat the islands as if we were entering the home of a dear friend. But Maunakea wins the world heavyweight title for height, outstripping Mount Everest by 4, feet when measured from the ocean floor.

Not in the mood for the high road? Or go low with a nighttime snorkeling trip to visit giant manta rays as they soar and loop, feeding on tiny zooplankton. Make sure to check out the incredible aerial breaching displays of the 11,odd humpback whales that winter offshore, too. For high-end resorts, look to the Kona area on the west side of the island; travelers who prefer more low-key lodging should look to the eastern Hilo side. The town of Poipu and the South Shore tend to be sunnier with more restaurants, shops, and water sports.

Just keep in mind that those wishing to visit Haena State Park, which includes Kee and Tunnels beaches, as well as the trailhead, need to make reservations in advance. Fancy a more accessible cascade?

Most travelers stay along the North Shore home to Princeville and Hanalei ; on the drier, sunnier South Shore, near the town of Poipu; or along the eastern coast, near the Lihue Airport. But when goats, sheep, and other grazing animals were introduced to the island in the s, the land was stripped, leaving it bare.

Then came Larry Ellison: In , the tech billionaire bought 97 percent of this island, including two Four Seasons resorts and their championship golf courses. The best way to give back is to visit—and donate to—the Lanai Cat Sanctuary.

Catch a lift to the top with your bike, then cruise down 21 switchbacks, passing through as many ecological zones as you would on a Canada-to-Mexico road trip.

Hungry for culture? Hire a hula instructor for a lesson nearly anywhere on Maui. Shop the galleries of Paia, then strap in for the world-famous Road to Hana, a drive tracing the rugged black-lava coastline.

Be sure to check out the new guidelines for driving the famous road.