There are six main Hawaiian Islands to explore as a traveler, but how are you supposed to choose which one is right for you? One of the greatest things about Hawaiʻi is that there truly is an island for everyone.
Whether you’re a thrill seeker looking for adventure, a nature lover ready to hit the trails, or someone who simply wants to relax on a beautiful beach, there is something for every type of traveler.
The six main islands are Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island), Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi, and each one offers a completely different experience.
Having traveled to all six of the main Hawaiian Islands and even lived in Hawaiʻi, I have experienced what makes each of these islands special firsthand. One of my favorite parts about being a Hawaiʻi Destination Expert is helping travelers narrow down which island, or combination of islands, is the perfect fit for their trip.
Oahu
This is the most popular island, as it has the most direct flights and is one of the most tourist-friendly when it comes to getting around and booking tours. Oʻahu is, of course, home to the famous Waikīkī Beach, the North Shore with its big wave surfing, Dole Plantation and its delicious pineapples, and Pearl Harbor.
This island is great for general family travel and travelers of all ages. If you want to be central to all the action, including shopping, dining, surf lessons, Hula Dog ( the best hotdog you will ever eat) luaus, and more, Waikīkī is the place for you.
If you are looking for more of a relaxing beach atmosphere, I recommend the west side of the island in Ko Olina. This is where Disney’s Aulani Resort is located. There is still plenty to do in the area, but you won’t have the same city atmosphere as Waikīkī.
For something more secluded and indulgent, I recommend Turtle Bay on the North Shore. This is a luxury resort area with beautiful beaches and a much more secluded atmosphere.
Some of the best things to do on Oʻahu include taking an island loop tour, hiking to waterfalls, visiting Pearl Harbor, and hiking to the top of Diamond Head. One experience I recently did was a deep-water swim with dolphins, which was absolutely magical. Thrill seekers can also experience shark cage tours off the North Shore.
Overall, Oʻahu is a great choice for travelers who want a little bit of everything. You can experience beautiful beaches and Hawaiian culture while still having endless options for dining, shopping, nightlife, history, and adventure. It is especially great for first-time visitors to Hawaiʻi, families, or anyone who likes having plenty to see and do throughout their trip.
Maui
The next most popular island is Maui. The way I describe this island is beautiful beaches and some of the best hiking in Hawaiʻi. This is an awesome island for honeymoons, resorts, and couples, but it still offers great family getaway vibes as well.
After living on Maui for several months, I can’t express enough how awesome this island is. While it is known as the “resort” island, there is so much more to it. My favorite part of Maui is Haleakalā National Park, which has arguably one of the best sunrises anywhere in the world and some of the best hikes I have ever done.
The food scene on Maui is also exceptional. I have flown specifically to Maui just to get some of my favorite bites on the island, including Coconut’s Fish Cafe fish tacos and the lilikoi key lime pie from Sugar Beach Bake Shop.
One of the best times to visit Maui is during humpback whale season. It is one of the most incredible experiences to see whales breaching and swimming right off the coast. Maui is the number one island I recommend for seeing whale action during this season.
Another incredible experience is the Road to Hana. The journey offers breathtaking waterfalls, beautiful black and red sand beaches, and amazing hikes along the way.
Overall, Maui is a great choice for travelers looking for the perfect mix of beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, incredible food, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, watching the sunrise from the top of Haleakalā, chasing waterfalls along the Road to Hana, or watching humpback whales breach off the coast, Maui really has something special to offer. I especially recommend this island for honeymooners and couples, but families and adventure lovers will find plenty to love here too.
Kauai
Kauaʻi might be my favorite place on Earth. Known as the Garden Island, it has some of the most breathtaking views and scenery I have ever seen. This island is for true nature and adventure lovers. If you love long scenic hikes, this island is for you. If you love stunning views, beautiful beaches, and great food, you need to check it out.
I always say that the most beautiful place I have ever seen with my own eyes is the Nā Pali Coast. Photos simply don’t do it justice. Seeing the beauty of the cliffs and coastline in person is almost unimaginable, and there are so many different ways to experience it.
If you’re looking for an adventure, a helicopter tour is one of the best ways to see the untouched areas and get a bird’s-eye view of the island. You can fly over Jurassic Falls and along the incredible Nā Pali Coast. Want something more relaxing? Take a catamaran tour. There are plenty of options, from sunset dinner cruises to snorkeling tours for those looking for a little more adventure. For the true thrill seekers, a Zodiac boat tour is one of the most exciting ways to see the coast. I did this on my last trip, and it was such an awesome experience speeding along the coastline and even going inside some of the sea caves.
Another one of my favorite spots is Poʻipū Beach. I love heading here for lunch and stopping at Puka Dog for one of their delicious Hawaiian-style hot dogs. After eating, I head over to the beach, where you can often observe sea turtles resting and sunning themselves on the sand. Just remember to admire them from a respectful distance!
Waimea Canyon State Park is another must-see. There are plenty of overlooks and trails where you can take in incredible views of the canyon, valleys, and surrounding landscape. I recommend heading there early in the morning to enjoy the views before clouds and fog potentially roll in.
Overall, Kauaʻi is the perfect island for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to experience some of the most breathtaking scenery Hawaiʻi has to offer. It has a much more laid-back and untouched feel than some of the other islands, making it perfect for those who want to spend their days hiking, exploring beaches, chasing waterfalls, and taking in incredible views. If you are looking for nightlife and big-city energy, this probably isn’t the island for you, but if you want natural beauty and unforgettable outdoor experiences, Kauaʻi is hard to beat.
The Big Island
The Big Island is another favorite of mine, although I have yet to see the volcano erupting, even after traveling to the island four times! It seems to stop erupting every time I land. Just my luck!
The Big Island is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, so there is a lot of driving involved if you really want to explore everything it has to offer, which I think is absolutely worth it. If you’re looking for an island that feels more spread out and isn’t super crowded, this is a great option.
If you love black sand beaches, this is definitely an island to visit, as there are several incredible ones to explore. For my clients, I also love sending them to one of my favorite secluded beaches that often has very few people around.
If you want to explore volcanoes, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a must. You can hike through lava tubes, walk across incredible volcanic landscapes, and, if you’re lucky and the timing is right, possibly witness an active eruption.
There are also beautiful waterfalls to explore throughout the island. And, of course, I can’t talk about the Big Island without mentioning food! My favorite malasada truck is on this island, Manuela Malasada Co., and I make a point to stop whenever I visit.
Another unique place to see is Papakōlea Green Sand Beach, one of only a handful of green sand beaches in the world. Reaching the beach requires a hike across an exposed and rugged landscape, so come prepared with plenty of water, sun protection, and proper shoes. OR you can pay a local to drive you in the back of their pick up both ways or one way. ( totally worth it!!) Once you arrive, the scenery and unique green-colored sand make it such a cool place to experience.
Overall, the Big Island is perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and travelers who enjoy getting off the beaten path. It is a great choice if you don’t mind driving and want to spend your days exploring volcanoes, waterfalls, unique beaches, and completely different landscapes. The island feels much more spread out and less crowded than Oʻahu or Maui, so I especially recommend it for travelers who want more space, incredible scenery, and plenty of opportunities to explore.
Lanai
Lānaʻi is one of the least visited of the main Hawaiian Islands, which is part of what makes it so special. About 98% of the island is owned by billionaire and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. The island is also known for its pineapple history, as it was once home to the world’s largest pineapple plantation, earning it the nickname the “Pineapple Island.”
This island is for true seclusion. If you want to escape the crowds and experience a quieter side of Hawaiʻi, Lānaʻi is a great option. There are beautiful secluded beaches, rugged landscapes, and incredible luxury resorts that make it especially great for a romantic getaway or honeymoon. Lānaʻi has a completely different feel from the busier islands and is perfect for travelers who really want to disconnect.
One of the coolest things about Lānaʻi is how undeveloped much of the island feels. There are no stoplights and only about 30 miles of paved roads, with hundreds of miles of trails and roads that can be explored by 4-wheel drive. You can explore remote beaches, visit the unique red-rock landscape of Keahiakawelo, or spend some time wandering around Lānaʻi City and its local shops and restaurants.
Lānaʻi is also great to pair with Maui. There is ferry service between Maui and Lānaʻi, making it possible to combine the two islands or even visit Lānaʻi as a day trip.
One of the most unique attractions on the island, and obviously one of my favorites, is the Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary. Hundreds of rescued cats call the sanctuary home, and visitors can spend time hanging out with, petting, and giving attention to the cats. The sanctuary is a nonprofit that also works to protect Hawaiʻi’s native and endangered birds. And if you happen to fall in love with one while you’re there, the cats are available for adoption!
Overall, Lānaʻi is perfect for honeymooners, couples, luxury travelers, and anyone looking for peace, privacy, and a slower pace. It doesn’t have the endless attractions, restaurants, and nightlife of Oʻahu or Maui, but that’s exactly the point. Lānaʻi is where I would send someone who wants to disconnect, enjoy beautiful beaches, experience luxury, and see a much quieter side of Hawaiʻi.
Molokaʻi
Molokaʻi is one of the least visited Hawaiian Islands and is a great choice for travelers who want to experience a quieter, more untouched side of Hawaiʻi. This island is not about big resorts, nightlife, or endless tourist attractions. Instead, Molokaʻi is about natural beauty, Hawaiian culture, and slowing down to enjoy the island.
One of the most incredible features of Molokaʻi is its massive sea cliffs, which are the tallest sea cliffs in Hawaiʻi and among the tallest in the world. One of the best ways to truly appreciate their size and beauty is from the air. A helicopter tour gives you an incredible view of the towering cliffs, deep valleys, waterfalls, and remote coastline that can be difficult or impossible to see from the ground.
Another fun and unique experience on Molokaʻi is sending a coconut postcard home! At the Hoʻolehua Post Office, you can participate in the famous Post-a-Nut program. Pick out a coconut, decorate and address it, and then mail the actual coconut to a friend or family member. No box required! It makes for one of the most unique souvenirs you can send home from Hawaiʻi.
Molokaʻi is also an island where you can enjoy beautiful beaches, scenic drives, hiking, and a much slower pace of life. There are far fewer tourist developments here than on islands like Oʻahu or Maui, which is exactly what makes Molokaʻi so unique.
Overall, Molokaʻi is best for adventurous travelers, nature lovers, and those looking to experience a quieter and less touristy side of Hawaiʻi. I would recommend this island to someone who doesn’t need luxury resorts or a packed itinerary and instead wants beautiful scenery, local culture, and a chance to truly slow down. It is one of the most unique Hawaiian Islands and offers an experience completely different from the more frequently visited islands.
So, Which Hawaiian Island Is Right for You?
With six incredible islands to choose from, there truly is a Hawaiian Island for every type of traveler. Whether you’re dreaming of relaxing on the beach, hiking through breathtaking landscapes, exploring volcanoes and waterfalls, experiencing Hawaiian culture, or escaping to a secluded luxury resort, Hawaiʻi has something for you.
Still not sure which island is the perfect fit? That’s where I come in! As a Hawaiʻi Destination Expert who has personally traveled to all six of the main islands, I can help you narrow down the perfect island, or combination of islands, based on your travel style, budget, and what you want to experience.
Ready to start planning your Hawaiian getaway? Contact me today and let’s start creating your perfect trip to paradise!
