The question should not be if you go to Hawaiʻi, but rather when. With vast biodiversity, rich cultural heritage, magnificent natural features, and consistent temperatures, Hawaiʻi offers something for visitors at any time of year. I regularly visit family in Hawaiʻi and have visited every major island more than once. Here’s my advice to help you choose the best Hawaiian island for your next visit—and the one after that, too.
Hawaiian Islands overview
There are six Hawaiian Islands open to visitors: Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi (also known as The Big Island). There’s plenty to do on each of the islands. They are quite different, one from the next, but travelers generally do best limiting a first visit to one or two islands.
Inter-island travel is easy, but like any air travel, cost fluctuates from reasonable to exorbitant depending on the time of year. Flights between islands should be planned and booked ahead of time, as last-minute flights can be prohibitively expensive.
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Each Hawaiian island has its own unique charm and attractions and of course, all are worth visiting. So, how do you decide? Here’s a rundown on the appeal and character of each Hawaiian island. I’ll go deeper into each island (and show you pics) below, but here’s a high-level rundown:
- Kauaʻi is known as the Garden Island, and visitors will find plenty of experiences and adventures in nature here—think hiking, boating, and beach-ing. Lush greenery meets the beach in many spots, and visitors can find challenging hikes or simply drive to sweeping vistas.
- Oʻahu, the “Heart of Hawaiʻi” and what visitors sometimes refer to as the “main” island, is home to Honolulu and the famous North Shore surf spots. With multiple historic and cultural sights including the Bishop Museum, Punchbowl Cemetery, Pearl Harbor, and the Polynesian Cultural Center, those who don’t want to do the beach-all-day thing will have more than enough experiences to choose from (though of course, beautiful beaches circle the island).
- Maui’s reputation for beauty and activities is well-earned. From the other-worldly landscape of Haleakala to the winding Road to Hana, natural wonder abounds on Maui. Other popular attractions include the Maui Ocean Center aquarium and Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
- Molokaʻi feels most like what people think of as “Old Hawaiʻi.” Only 38 miles long and 10 miles wide, the island’s sea cliffs, coral reefs, and Papohaku Beach (one of Hawaiʻi’s largest white-sand beaches) make for the perfect outdoor adventure setting for visitors year round.
- Lānaʻi offers both luxurious resort accommodations and rugged terrain. With only a few lodging options, Lānaʻi both welcomes visitors and challenges them to take on the adventure of its mountainous back roads.
- Hawaiʻi, also known as The Big Island, offers a vast diversity of experiences, from black sand beaches and white sand beaches to exceptional snorkeling. You’ll also find the otherworldly landscapes of Volcanoes National Park, stargazing opportunities at 9,000 feet, and bustling farmers’ markets with a seemingly infinite supply of tropical fruits. Made up of five distinct volcanoes, Hawaiʻi is one of the most ecologically diverse places on Earth. Note that the west side (Kona and north) of the island tends to be dryer than the rainier east (Hilo) side.
Getting around on the islands
No island has significant public transportation (though Oʻahu’s system is the most elaborate, and around Honolulu, buses are readily available), so no matter where you’re headed for your Hawaiʻi vacation, you will either need to rent a car or book taxis, tours, and/or shuttles.
Most tour companies will do pick-ups at larger hotels and resorts, and there are both independent and hotel-run airport shuttles in some locations. Uber/Lyft operate on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, and The Big Island, but be aware that they are readily available only in places that are densely populated/touristed. In recent years, rental cars have sometimes been in short supply, so if you’re thinking about renting a car in Hawaiʻi, this is one of those times you’ll want to book well in advance.
Popular destinations in Hawaiʻi
Kauaʻi
Hanakapi’ai Falls
The Kalalau Trail is the only one visitors can use along the Nāpali Coast of Kauaʻi. Though you don’t need a permit to undertake this challenging—but amazing—trip, you do need a reservation. Parking is limited, and you will be grateful that the trail isn’t full of throngs of people.
Prepare for an intense hike; even the “easy” four-mile round trip will take you up to two hours. The eight-mile round-trip hike is an all-day experience. Come prepared with the right shoes and plenty of water, and be ready to turn back if the water crossings seem too intense along the way. You will be rewarded with magnificent views and lush forest on this hike, but just know that it isn’t a stroll.
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Waimea Canyon
Though dramatic in its landscape, Waimea Canyon is actually accessible in a variety of ways. Four drive-up lookouts pepper the road at mile markers 10, 13.5, 18, and 19.
Visitors can also hike in from a variety of trails in Koke’e and Waimea Canyon State Park. Cliff Canyon and Black Pipe Trail works well for families because of its relative ease, great views, and culminating swim near Waipo’o Falls. Visitors can also experience the Canyon via bike tour; it’s best to do this through an outfitter. Lastly, the most impressive views of Waimea Canyon are via helicopter tour. Both breathtaking and expensive, it’s up to you if this is the best option for your Hawaiʻi family vacation.
Oʻahu
Diamond Head Crater
Perched high above and slightly beyond Honolulu, this iconic feature of Oʻahu can’t be missed from any Waikiki vantage point. Hiking Diamond Head is an awesome experience. After a dramatic staircase climb, the perspective from the top is unforgettable. You’ll get a windswept selfie and a memory that you won’t forget. Despite the dramatic vista, this is actually only a 1.6 mile round-trip hike and is considered moderate; that said, the terrain is dark gravel and dry, so come prepared with sunscreen and plenty of water.
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Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center combines the history, culture, food, arts, and music of island influences in one place. Though at first glance it may seem a bit too touristy and like Hawaiʻi-as-Disney, the Polynesian Cultural Center is the real deal. Through hands-on activities, food, and entertainment, visitors learn about the origins of the people who came to make up the Hawaiian islands. Different packages give visitors a variety of access options, but young and old alike will be captivated by the learning and beauty at this awesome spot.
Maui
Haleakalā
Haleakalā National Park includes the southern flank of the dormant volcano and extends to its 10,000+ foot summit. Known for its other-worldly terrain, particularly at the summit, Haleakalā is worth the visit, especially if you plan ahead. Many are drawn to the incredible sunrise views, and while it is extraordinary and a rare lifetime experience, it is also crowded and now requires reservations if you’re arriving between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m.
Equally awesome is a sunset visit, and while reservations are not needed, parking areas close once they are full. A bonus to a sunset visit is the amazing stargazing opportunity that this isolated, high-elevation setting provides.
Permits are required for overnight camping, but day hikers certainly can get a great experience on any number of the 30 miles of summit trails. Any visitor to Haleakalā at any time of day should come prepared—it’s quite hot by midday and quite chilly before and after sunrise, and always high altitude, so pack layers and lots of water.
Mākena State Park
Made up of two beaches—Big Beach and Little Beach—Mākena State Park reflects the idyllic setting Hawaiʻi is known for. With white sand and a beautiful shore break, Mākena State Park should not be missed by visitors to Maui. Note that it’s best to swim only at lifeguard-stationed beaches, so while a stroll or a sit down at Little Beach is encouraged, swim only at Big Beach when lifeguards are present and say it’s safe to do so.
Molokaʻi
Kalaupapa
This low-lying peninsula was once a quarantine site for those suffering from Hansen’s disease (leprosy), but today, the historical park is designed as a meeting place for those impacted by the disease and the visitors (ages 16+) who want to learn about them. Kalaupapa is both a historical landmark and a refuge for those who are now cured of the disease but were once isolated to this spot.
Visitors must secure a permit prior to entering Kalaupapa National Historical Park through a guided tour. Though certainly worth the trip, it’s essential to research and plan ahead prior to visiting Kalaupapa.
Pāpōhaku Beach and Maunaloa Town
One of Hawaiʻi’s longest beaches, Pāpōhaku Beach is three miles long and over 100 yards wide and is very lightly trafficked year-round. With views of Oʻahu, one can sit for hours at this magnificent beach; that said, from October to May, visitors should be mindful of dangerous conditions and should heed all signs.
During calmer surf months, there are still no lifeguards and visitors swim at their own risk. Up the hill from Pāpōhaku is Maunaloa, the former pineapple plantation community. A stroll through the quiet and beautiful neighborhood necessitates a stop at the Big Wind Kite Factory; large open swaths of grass and the expansive beach at Pāpōhaku will give your family ample opportunity to test out Big Wind’s awesome designs.
Lānaʻi
Hulopoʻe Beach
Enjoy a white sand beach, a great snorkeling opportunity, and hiking access at this Lānaʻi beach. Once you’ve had your fill of relaxing, swimming, and experiencing the abundance of the reef thanks to the Mānele-Hulopo‘e Marine Life Conservation District, you can, from here (shoes on), stroll to Puu Pehe and experience the tide pooling at the end of the trail while catching a glimpse of Cathedral Rock and Shark’s Bay. From the other end of Hulopoʻe Beach lies Fisherman’s Trail, a hike dotted with signage that teaches you about local history and culture.
Hawaiʻi
City of Refuge
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, also known as the City of Refuge, should not be missed. With both NPS app-guided tours and on-site talks, Hōnaunau is one of the best places to learn about and see Hawaiian history.
A self-guided tour along the half-mile trail will take you back in time and teach you about the kapu laws that led ancient Hawaiians to this safe haven. Divided into Royal Grounds, Place of Refuge, and Village, visitors learn about the lifestyles of both the people of Hawai’i and the royalty and its corresponding intrigue. In addition to being a treasured historic site, this beautiful spit of land gives visitors a unique perspective on the bay it faces (where there is outstanding snorkeling) and the lush hillside that abuts it.
Volcanoes National Park
Arguably one of the most impressive national parks in the country, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers visitors unparalleled access to earth formation in progress. While it may or may not have active lava flowing or bubbling at the time of your visit, this national park should not be missed.
Those looking to get a bird’s eye view can experience the park by and large from a guided drive with an NPS audio tour or a much beloved “Shaka Guide” audio tour. Visitors willing to stroll a bit will enjoy the the dimly lit Nāhuku (formerly Thurston) Lava Tube and the flat, paved, yet impressive Devastation Trail. More adventurous walkers will love the Kīlauea Iki trail—an unparalleled opportunity to hike alongside then across a lava lake surrounded by native forest.
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Depending on eruption status (check with the national park before you go), visitors might be treated to a view of Halema‘uma‘u bubbling (it’s about a one-mile walk from a parking area to the viewing area) or even lava flows downslope. In addition to checking on eruptions, anyone looking to go to Volcanoes should also check the weather (it’s oftentimes socked in with clouds or rain) and bring plenty of water, very sturdy shoes (no flip flops/slippahs), and a strong flashlight for night viewing. Though it takes some preparation and forethought to make this visit, you will not be disappointed.
Know Before You Go
Time Zone
Hawaiʻi does not abide by Daylight Savings, so the time will be either two or three hours behind Pacific Time, depending on the time of year.
Getting There
The Hawaiian Islands are the most isolated land mass in the world, so getting there will take you a hot minute. But, with direct flights from the West Coast (about five hours) and even from cities such as Boston, New York, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Austin, flying to Hawaiʻi is relatively straightforward. You’ll find the most flights to Honolulu (Oʻahu), Kahului (Maui), and Kona (Hawaiʻi/The Big Island). Airlines that fly to Hawaiʻi from the U.S. mainland include:
How to be a good tourist in Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi’s identity as an idyllic tourist spot is a tricky one for locals; yes, tourism means jobs, cash flow, and business opportunities for local entrepreneurs, but it also means congestion, higher prices, and, most importantly, a seeming sense of disregard for the the a’ina (land) and Hawaiian tradition and culture.
That said, as a tourist to any island in Hawaiʻi, you can demonstrate your humanity (and common sense) by showing respect and deference to local ways. Be sure to treat the land as if it is one giant national park, abiding by the principle of LNT (leave no trace = anything you bring in should end up in its proper receptacle) and local guidelines. This means giving marine life wide berth (minimum six feet with turtles), applying reef-safe sunscreen (it’s the law) long before you go in the water (so it has time to soak in and not just rinse straight into the water), and appreciating lava rock and plant life but leaving them in their place.
Also, ask questions about local practices, read about local activism, visit historic sites and museums, and even seek out service opportunities. Imagine Hawaiʻi as another country—the cultural norms, language, arts, and landscape are unique to this rich and beautiful land and people.
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