Are you thinking of traveling to Hawaii and still debating which is the best Hawaii Island to visit and which one to avoid? I know how that feels! I was in the same shoes overwhelmed by the number of beautiful places of interest in Hawaii. So, after a lot of research and a wonderful time in Hawaii, I’m here to make the process of choosing the best island in Hawaii to visit easy for you!
Although there are over 130 islands in Hawaii, many of these islands are not inhabited. Some of these Hawaii islands are so small that they are only visible above the water’s surface during low tide. That leaves you with the choice of six major Hawaii islands for a vacation – Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawaii!
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Best Hawaii Island to Visit for the First Time
Hawaii is a destination that has something for everyone. While the islands do offer plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation with their sandy beaches, palm trees, and tropical drinks, there is much more to explore. With its world-class surfing and snorkeling spots, tropical beaches, and fiery volcanoes, Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply looking for a place to relax, you’ll find it in Hawaii.
So, to determine which is the best island in Hawaii island to visit for you and your family, it’s important to consider your budget, your interests, and your travel styles.
Editor’s Pick for First Time Visitors to Hawaii: Oahu
While all of the islands offer something unique, there is one island that stands out as being particularly well-suited for those who are new to the Hawaiian Islands – Oahu. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, this island won’t disappoint with its diverse offerings of fine dining, historical sites, luxury resorts, museums, nightlife entertainment, shopping options, and famous surfing spots.
Let’s go into more detail about some of the reasons why I find Oahu to be the best Hawaii island to visit for the first time!
⭐Oahu – Best Island to Visit in Hawaii on a Budget
Oahu is the cheapest of all Hawaii islands to visit thanks to the abundance of offerings and competitive pricing. If you are like me and want to see and do as much as you can in Hawaii without breaking the bank, the Go Oahu Pass offers great discounts. From snorkeling with sea turtles, visiting popular Hollywood movie sites and historical museums, to attending one of the best luaus in Oahu – it cost us less than $200 per person!
If we were to do similar activities in other Hawaii islands, it would have cost us at least $500 per person! As of now, Oahu is the only island in Hawaii that offers the Go City Pass and allows visitors to enjoy such great discounts on things to do!
💰The Go Oahu Pass allowed us to visit so many attractions and do popular activities for less than $200/person!
⭐Oahu – Best Hawaii Island to Tick Things Off the Bucket List
For starters, Oahu is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world, from the world-famous Waikiki Beach to the secluded Lanikai Beach. You can also find great hiking trails, like the popular Diamond Head Trail, or take a scenic drive along the Pali Coast. And no trip to Oahu would be complete without spending some time in Honolulu, where you can enjoy delicious Hawaiian cuisine, visit historic sites like Pearl Harbor, or shop for souvenirs.
If you’re the type of traveler that likes to tick things off the bucket list, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Here are some of the best highlights you won’t want to miss in Oahu!
Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is an incredible 4,000-acre nature retreat on the East side of Oahu. Many movies and TV shows including Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Pearl Harbor, Triple Frontiers, and Kong: Skull Island were filmed there. Since Kualoa Ranch is privately owned and managed, you will have to book a tour in order to visit, but all visitors agree that it’s well worth it!
🎥Check Prices and Availability for Kualoa Ranch Tours here!
Polynesian Cultural Center
No visit to Oahu North Shore would be complete without the Polynesian Cultural Center. This family-centered cultural theme park with 6 cultural villages offers one of the best luaus in Oahu. The luau ticket consists of three parts: Islands of Polynesia (12:45 pm to 5:00 pm), Luau at Hale Aloha (5:00 pm to 6:30 pm), and the grand evening show “Ha: Breath of Life” (7:00 pm to 9:00 pm).
🍍Book Polynesian Cultural Center at least 10 days in advance for a 10% discount
Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace is located in Honolulu’s capital district. It is the formal royal palace that was home to Hawaiian Kingdom’s two final monarchs, King Kalakaua, and his successor, Queen Liliuokalani. Go Oahu Pass includes the self-guided tour admission ticket ($27).
Pearl Harbor
For history lovers, Pearl Harbor is definitely one of the best places to visit in Hawaii. While admission to the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites is free, it costs $80 to visit the three museums: Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pacific Aviation Museum, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. Luckily, admission to these museums is included in the Go Oahu Pass.
Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor* ($35): This is the official site where Japan surrendered to the United State. Standing on the surrender deck, you will find pictures of the ceremony that marks the end of World War II. Battleship Missouri also retains all of the physical characteristics of her service, so it is very fascinating to walk through the decks and imagine what it was like for the crew members. The self-guided tour takes a couple of hours and I wouldn’t hesitate to say that is one of the best historic tours in Hawaii.
Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor* ($25): There is a lot to learn about the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. In fact, the hangars where the museum stands were bombed during the Pearl Harbor attack. For an extra fee of $10, you can try the combat flight simulator. You can do as many combinations of loops and rolls as you like within 5 minutes. We tried to do a few barrel rolls and got a bit dizzy afterward (but it was worth it!)
Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum* ($20): The highlight of the museum is the USS Bowfin, which is one of the only 15 surviving U.S combat submarines from World War II. Launched one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor, USS Bowfin sank 44 enemy warships and earned the name as Pearl Harbor Avenger. It takes about 45 minutes to tour the submarine.
I highly recommend touring all three museums, but if you only have limited time, the Battleship Missouri and the USS Bowfin submarine are must-see! It will feel as if you walk back in time and see the life of crew members on board!
Note: The USS Arizona Memorial was closed while we were there because the dock was broken. However, it is one of the top destinations to visit in Oahu and I definitely recommend you check for openings during your trip to Oahu!
Leahi/Diamond Head
Leahi is a volcanic cone with a nearly circular shape. It got the name Diamond Head because British sailors in the 1800s used to mistake the calcite crystals in lava rocks for diamonds. It offers stunning panoramic views of the ocean and Oahu’s south shore.
Dole Plantation
Dole Plantation is a really fun place to visit in Honolulu. They have amazing pineapple ice cream, a train ride through the plantation, and the world’s largest maze. It attracts a lot of tourists so you would want to arrive as early as they open at 9:00 am to avoid long lines.
Laniakea Beach/Turtle Beach
Laniakea Beach is better known as the “Turtle Beach”. It is one of the best places in Oahu North Shore to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. The best time of the day to go spot sea turtles is around noon. You can book a snorkeling excursion with a Hawaii tour company or rent snorkeling equipment and do it on your own.
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is a nature preserve that was formed within a volcanic crater and has been a popular snorkeling spot in Oahu. Before the pandemic, Hanauma Bay welcomes approximately one million visitors per year. Thanks to a lack of human presence caused by social distancing and decreased demand for traveling to Hawaii islands during the pandemic, the reefs here sprang back to life and became more lively than before.
In an effort to protect the pristine marine life and ecosystem at Hanauma Bay, city officials have announced in April 2021 the new online reservation system to limit the number of visitors to 1000 guests per day.
Currently, there is no shuttle or tour bus allowed at Hanauma Bay, so you will have to drive your private vehicle, rental car, rental moped, Uber, or Lyft. From Waikiki, you can take H1 Freeway until it becomes Kalanianaole Highway then continue for approximately 10 miles. If you rent a moped from Waikiki, you can take HI-72 to get to Hanauma Bay.
There are only 300 stalls in the parking area and the lot does fill up early. Consider renting a moped in Waikiki or booking a shuttle to get to Hanauma Bay so you don’t have to worry about parking.
🚗Book Hanauma Bay Transportation with Snorkel Gear included
Queen Emma Summer Palace
Queen Emma Summer Palace was built in Boston in 1848, then shipped to Hawaii via Cape Horn to serve as the summer home for Queen Emma, King Kamehameha IV, and their son, Prince Albert Edward. It is a simple seven-room home that looks modest compared to Iolani Palace but has its unique charm of Victorian furniture, royal art pieces, and valuable artifacts.
Wet ‘n’ Wild
Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii is the only water-themed amusement park on the Hawaiian Islands. There is a wide variety of rides and attractions in this 29-acre park, ranging from extreme thrill slides to a relaxing lazy river. Whether you want to go for a slide, ride a wave, or relax in the lazy river, you’ll have plenty to choose from. The day pass to Wet ‘n’ Wild with Da Flowrider ($67) is also included in the Go Oahu Pass.
Chief’s Luau is conveniently at the Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii theme park. It starts at 5:30 pm with pre-luau activities related to Polynesian cultures such as hula dance lessons, Polynesian tattoos, spear throwing, fire making, and coconuts-headband weaving.
After that, you can watch the Imu ceremony where the Kailua pig is unearthed from the underground oven. Chief’s Luau then goes on with an all-you-can-eat buffet and Chief Sielu Luau Show featuring hula and fire knife dances.
Halona Blowhole
Get your camera ready on video mode at this famous landmark. When a big wave hits, water pressure builds up within the lava tube and erupts through the narrow opening creating a special Hawaiian Geyser that looks like the blowhole of a giant whale!
China Walls and Spitting Cave
China Walls and Spitting Cave are stretches of lava-rock ledges and cliffs above the ocean. We were unfortunately knocked off by the waves and almost fell down the cliffs. It was a pretty traumatic experience for us, but the views were truly amazing and I still want to recommend you to stop there for about 20 minutes to take pictures. Just please be careful and try not to stand on the wet rocks close to the edge of the cliff.
⭐Oahu – Island with Best Infrastructure in Hawaii
Oahu is the most populous island in Hawaii, with over 70% of the state’s population residing on the island. Oahu is also home to the state capital of Honolulu and the biggest airport in Hawaii. It receives direct flights from all over the world and in the United States.
As a result, Oahu is a bustling island with a big city feel and well-developed infrastructure. offering residents and visitors alike plenty to see and do.
From luxurious resorts to family-friendly attractions, Oahu has something for everyone. Fine dining, shopping, museums, and nightlife entertainment are all available on the island, making it the perfect place to visit on any occasion.
⭐Oahu – Best Hawaii Island to Visit Without a Car
With the car rental supply shortage and rising gas prices, renting a car in Hawaii doesn’t sound very appealing to many visitors. As the most populated island in Hawaii, there are not only a well-managed public bus system on Oahu but also Uber, Lyft, and 30 other shuttles, taxi, and rideshare services.
In addition, you can also explore many places in Oahu with a moped rental, scooter, or scoot coupe. It’s no wonder why Oahu is a popular destination for travelers who want to get around without a car and explore as much of the island as possible.
Relevant Post: Oahu Itineraries Without a Car!
🛵Check Prices for Moped, Scooter and Scoot Coupe Rentals in Oahu
Best Island to Visit in Hawaii for Outdoor Activities: Kauai
Kauai is Hawaii’s fourth-largest island and is often called the “Garden Isle”, or Hawaii’s greenest island. Geologically speaking, Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaii Islands, filled with lush jungles, hidden waterfalls, and golden-sand-beaches. For those who are looking to relax and rejuvenate, Kauai is the perfect destination. If your idea of an ideal trip to Hawaii is filled with waterfalls, hiking, kayaking, and inactive volcanoes, you will enjoy Kauai.
- Best known for: botanical gardens, fewer crowds, undeveloped regions
- Best places to visit in Kauai, Hawaii: Waimea Canyon (also called The Grand Canyon of The Pacific or The Eighth Wonder of The World by residents), Hanakapiai Beach (Secret Beach) with turquoise water, Mount Waialeale (often referred to as the world’s wettest spot)
- Kauai is the best Hawaii island to visit for: Vacationers looking for a quiet tropical getaway with a slower pace, natural beauty, breathtaking views, as well as outdoor activities and adventures. Kauai is one of Hawaii’s best destinations and the perfect place for honeymooners and couples.
⛰️Activities Available Only in Kauai, Hawaii: Mountain Tubing & Aeria Tour
Hawaii Island to Visit for the Best Beaches: Maui
Picking the best beach in Hawaii is a difficult task as all of the islands boast incredible coastlines, but when it comes to the best colored sandy beaches, Maui deserves its winning title.
- Other Names: Mau’i, The Valley Isle
- Best known for: volcanoes, black sandy beaches with coral reefs, and underwater lava tubes
- Best places to visit in Maui, Hawaii: Molokini, Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach, Honokalani Black Sand Beach
- Maui is the best Hawaii island to visit for: Travelers who want to learn how to surf, couples who want a romantic getaway, and those who would love to see red and black sand beaches.
- Only in Maui: Molokini, Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach, snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming with dolphins
If unwinding and having the beach a stone’s throw away sound like the perfect dream vacation to you, then Maui is the perfect island to consider. These are some of the best beaches in Maui that you won’t want to miss!
Best Beaches in Maui
Molokini
Molokini is a small, crescent-shaped island in the Marine Life and Bird Conservation District. Located three miles off the Southwest Coast of Maui, Molokini covers 18 acres of reef-filled blue water, offering snorkeling and diving amongst corals and more than 250 species of tropical fish.
Honokalani Black Sand Beach
Maui’s most famous black sand beach, called Honokalani, is located in Waianapanapa State Park, about two miles south of the city of Hana. Advance reservations are now required for all vehicles and walk-in entry visiting Waiʻānapanapa State Park. Due to its popularity, you should plan ahead and try to reserve 14 days in advance.
Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach
Featuring red and black lava cinders, Kaihalulu red sand beach in Hana is the perfect place for selfies. You should come early to find parking and take time to carefully pass through the narrow steep trail leading to the beach.
⛵Don’t miss out on the romantic sunset sail in Maui!
Maui also offers a spectacular stargazing experience for couples. Atop the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, which was named the best hotel in the world for stargazing by CNN Travel, couples can enjoy the Romance Tour of the Stars and learn to interpret the night skies while enjoying champagne and chocolates.
Travelers who love adventures will enjoy the Hana rainforest helicopter tour with landing, Molokini and Turtle Town snorkel tour, or sea scooter snorkeling tour.
Hawaii Island to Visit for an Active Volcano: Big Island
Despite being the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii Island is also the largest in the Hawaiian archipelago, boasting more miles and climate zones than any other island in the state.
- Best known for: active volcano, green and black sand beaches, night manta ray experience
- Best places to visit in Big Island of Hawaii: Kilauea Volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Punaluu black sand beach, Papakōlea green sand beach
- Big Island of Hawaii is the best island to visit for: Travelers who love hiking, black sand beaches, and want to view an active volcano.
- Only on Big Island of Hawaii: self-drive to Kilauea lava flow, night manta ray snorkeling experience
🐟Activity only Available on Big Island: Night Manta Ray Snorkeling Experience
For adventurers, a night snorkel or dive tour to witness the magnificent manta rays gliding through the water as they feed on plankton at night is not to be missed! For families, Imiloa Astronomy Center is a great place to visit. It has several interactive exhibits that reveal Hawaiian history and culture in conjunction with the stars above the islands of Hawaii.
Best Attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Located 30 miles southwest of Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to Kilauea Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth and one of the best places to visit in Hawaii. On September 29, 2021, there was a fissure eruption within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kaluapele (the Kīlauea summit caldera). Visitors arriving during the day were able to watch the eruption plume from Uēkahuna Overlook.
Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
On the coast of Honaunau Bay in south Kona, Puuhonua o Honaunau offers a unique glimpse into Hawaiian culture. This 180-acre national historic park was once the site of royal grounds and a haven for ancient Hawaiian lawbreakers.
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
The olivine in Big Island lava creates green sand and causes the beach to turn green. The beach of Papaklea is one of the best unique places in Hawaii. In fact, it is one of only four green-sand beaches in the world.
Punaluu Black Sand Beach
Because of constant volcanic activity, there are beaches with green sands and black sands on Hawaii Island. Located on the southeastern Kau coast, Punaluu Black Sand Beach is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii.
Islands in Hawaii to Avoid for First Time Visitors
Both Molokai and Lanai are beautiful islands that are smaller and quieter than the other four Hawaii islands. Although they are ideal for travelers who are looking to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, they are not the best Hawaii islands to visit for first-timers. Molokai and Lanai are quite underdeveloped with barely any traffic lights, and the lack of public transportation may make it difficult to get around.
Molokai — The Friendly Isle
Hawaii’s fifth-largest island, Molokai is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world, the longest continuous barrier reef, and one of the best national parks in the US – Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
Molokai is often called “the most Hawaiian island.” And it’s easy to see why – there are no high-rise hotels or flashy tourist attractions here. Instead, Molokai is a place where you can slow down, relax, and experience the true spirit of aloha.
- Best known for: rural and quiet vibe, no traffic lights in Kaunakakai, well-preserved Hawaiian cultural settings
- Best places to visit in Molokai, Hawaii : Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Kaunakakai (harbor town with no stop lights)
- Molokai is the best Hawaii island to visit for: Travelers who enjoy getting off the beaten path.
🐴Unique Activity only on Molokai, Hawaii: Mule riding to Kalaupapa National Historic Park
Lanai — The Pineapple Island
Lanai is the smallest of the six major islands in Hawaii and one of Hawaii’s best-kept secrets. The island is best known for its seclusion and the island is so small that there is no traffic light.
- Best places to visit in Lanai, Hawaii: Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach) – a white sandy beach that has seen numerous ships crash into its shallow and rocky channel, Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods), Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock)
- Lanai is the best Hawaii island to visit for: Travelers who crave a small uncrowded island with golf courses, plantation architecture, and snorkeling
Best Hawaii Island to Visit FAQs
Which Island in Hawaii has the best food?
Whether you’re looking for cheap eats or fancy dinners, you will find them all in Oahu. When it comes to restaurants, there are plenty of beachfront eateries where you can enjoy an amazing meal while taking in gorgeous ocean views. To get a taste of all the popular Hawaiian traditional food such as kalua pig, poi, lomi salmon, ahi poke, huli chicken, and haupia, make sure to join a Hawaiian luau in Oahu.
Which Hawaii Island has the best hikes?
Filled with lush jungles, hidden waterfalls, and golden-sand-beaches, Kauai is nicknamed Hawaii’s greenest island and makes an impression on hikers the way that hardly any other islands can! Kauai’s hiking trails are nothing short of spectacular, offering something for everyone from easy walks along the shore to highly intense trails that get your heart pumping.
One of Kauai’s most notable trails is Waimea Canyon on Kauai’s West Shore, which has been dubbed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. While it’s not as big or as ancient as its Arizona cousin, you won’t find anywhere else like this geological wonder. Waimea Canyon is best viewed from its lookout, which overlooks deep valley gorges.
Which Island in Hawaii is best for shopping?
If you’re looking for an island that has it all when it comes to shopping, look no further than Oahu. It doesn’t matter what your budget is or what type of items you’re looking for – you’ll be able to find everything you need on this vibrant island. For those who love designer labels and high-end fashion, there are plenty of luxury boutiques to explore. Or, if you’re after more affordable options, you’ll find no shortage of great stores selling Hawaiian souvenirs or local products, and of course, markets where you can haggle for a bargain! Whatever your shopping needs are, Oahu is sure to have something for you.
Which is the most expensive Hawaiian island?
A lot of people have the misconception that Oahu is the most expensive Hawaiian island because it is the most populous, but it is actually the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit because the highly competitive market actually drives the prices down. On the other hand, Maui is the most expensive Hawaii island to visit since it mostly caters to guests looking for relaxation and privacy at the best beaches in Hawaii. There are many luxury hotels in Maui that cost $600-$1000 per night.
The Wrap-Up: Which Island in Hawaii to Visit & to Avoid
So, there you have it, an overview of the six major islands in Hawaii. As you can see, each of the islands has its own unique offerings, so it’s really up to you to decide which one is right for you.
If you’re looking for an action-packed and affordable vacation, Oahu is the place to be. The Big Island is ideal for those who want to get close to an active volcano and experience some of Hawaii’s natural wonders. If you’re looking for a more relaxed pace of life, Maui offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and simply taking in the stunning views. On the other hand, Kauai is best for hiking and outdoor adventures.
Last but not least, Molokai and Lanai are beautiful small islands that are quiet and perfect for travelers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities. However, they may not be the best choices of Hawaii islands to visit for first-timers because of their underdeveloped infrastructure and lack of public transportation.
Hawaii Travel Resources
- How to Tour Hawaii & Do More Things for Less Money $$$
- List of the best things to do in Oahu and how to maximize the value of Go Oahu Pass
- How to Find the Best Hawaiian Luau in Oahu, Hawaii
- Reviews of the best Hawaiian Luaus in Oahu and tips to get the best experiences
- Hawaii Without a Car — Should You Rent a Moped?
- Itineraries and tips to cope with the rental car shortage in Hawaii
- Best Places to Visit in 6 Major Hawaii Islands
- Hawaii Travel Guide to help you pick the best Hawaii islands for your visit
- Best Beaches in Oahu, Hawaii for Snorkeling & Swimming with Sea Turtles
- List of the best beaches in Oahu and visiting tips for you to spot green sea turtles!
- Kualoa Ranch Tours: Which One is Worth Visiting?
- A complete guide and review of Kualoa Ranch tours and activities
- Polynesian Cultural Center Luau Review, Ticket Discount & Visiting Tips [2022]
- A complete guide and review of the Polynesian Cultural Center
- 125+ Best Hawaii Quotes for Instagram Captions!
- Get inspired with the best quotes to capture your Hawaiian experience on social media!
