Which Hawaiian Island Should I Visit?

So you have decided to take a vacation in Hawaii! Now you are faced with this question: which island should I visit? Should I visit multiple? Which one can I see the volcano? Worry not, this guide will clarify all the questions you potentially had about visiting the beautiful Hawaiian islands.

How many islands are there?

Technically speaking, 137 (yes you read that right). However, most of these islands are more so uninhabited giant rocks. The main islands that people think about when they say Hawaii are: Hawai’i (Big Island), Maui, O’ahu, Kaua’i, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Ni’ihau, and Kaho’olawe. Out of these eight islands, Ni’ihau and Kaho’olawe are closed to visitors. That makes the remaining six islands your possible choice. Let’s talk about each of them.

Hawai’i: The Big Island

Image of Kilauea with active lava

The island is called Hawai’i. In fact, before the islands became a part of the United States, the king named the entire chain “Hawai’i” because he was from the Hawai’i island. Locals typically refer Hawai’i island as “Island of Hawai’i” or more commonly, “Big Island” to avoid confusion. If there is ever news on volcano eruption, this would be the island responsible for it. The Big Island is the only Hawaiian island that have active volcanos, meaning the island is still expanding in size till this day. It is also the most Southern point of the United States, and they are known for their aromatic Kona coffee farms. The Big Island is a great island to visit for both first timers and returnees, as it offers a lot of activities and natural landscapes. The minimum suggested time to spend on the Big Island is 3 days to get the most out of it.

Black sand beach on Big Island

Pros:

• If you are lucky, you may see erupting volcano

• The tallest mountain in the world from base to peak is on this island

• Kona coffee farms

• There are tons of activities to do

• Black sand beaches

Cons:

• You will be driving A LOT

• The volcanic fog could affect people with respiratory conditions

• Not many night life

O’ahu: The Gathering Place

Image of Diamond Head and Waikiki

O’ahu is the most populated island, with famous locations such as Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Lanikai Beach. This would be the go-to island for anyone brand new to the islands. O’ahu have the most amount of activities, food options, and night life. Oahu is a great option for families, couples, and solo travelers as there are just endless things to do. The minimum recommended time to spend on Oahu is 4 days to get the most out of it.

Image of Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens

Pros:

• Most food, activity, and hotel options out of all the islands

• Iconic Hawaii views and foods

• Historical museums and sites

• Biggest airport with direct flights to various cities in the world

Cons:

• Everywhere is very crowded

• Traffic can be annoying

Maui: The Valley Isle

View from Haleakala

Maui is the second most populated island, and it is home to the majestic Haleakala mountain. The Haleakala, unlike the Maunakea on the Big Island, the Haleakala is accessible to any vehicles, and you will literally be above the clouds. In addition, Maui has many activities, winery, and animal farms, making it friendly for all age groups to enjoy. The minimum recommended time to spend on Maui is 3 days.

Aerial view of Road to Hana

Pros:

• Big airport with many flights

• The unmatched view of Haleakala

• Black sand beaches

• Many food, hotel, and activity options

Cons:

• Lot’s of driving to get to places

• Popular area may be crowded during peak seasons

Kaua’i: The Garden Isle

Image of Na Pali Coast

Kauai is home to the famous jaw-dropping Na Pali coast and the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is an island full of natural scenery in a relaxed atmosphere. Although it is one of the major islands, it is typically not too crowded and you will have a lot of personal space to unwind. Kauai is great for couples or individuals who seek to relax in a slow pace. The minimum recommended time to spend on Kauai is 2 days.

Waimea Canyon State Park

Pros:

• Beautiful scenery

• Not very crowded

Cons:

• Not as much activities to do

• Limited food and night life options

Moloka’i: The Friendly Isle

Image of the entire island of Molokai

Molokai is second to the smallest islands introduced in this list. Step into the island and you will feel like you have traveled backwards in time, as Molokai preserved many of its rural and untouched landscape. The population on the island is approximately 7300 people, making it a truly authentic Hawaiian experience. As this island offers limited activities and hotels, this island is recommended for returnees who have experienced other islands already. Molokai is great paired with other islands, or even a day trip from another island. The minimum recommended time for Molokai is 1 day.

Image of Papohaku Beach by Travel Rocks our World

Pros:

• Slow paced relaxed atmospher

• Local, untouched rural beauty

Cons:

• No major airports, will need to transfer from another island

• Not many activities for children

• Not many hotel options

Lana’i: The Pineapple Isle

Image from Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Finally on this list is the smallest island you can visit: Lanai. Lanai is 140.5 square miles, and have a population of approximately 3300 people. This island offers luxurious hotels and great golf courses, making it an escape destination for many. As it is a very small island with limited activities, this island is not recommended for children or first time visitors. Lanai is great paired with other major islands, or as a day trip from another island. The minimum recommended time for Lanai is 1 day.

Jack Nicklaus Golf Course by Four Seasons Lanai

Pros:

• Luxurious resorts

• Tranquil golf courses

• Accessible from Maui via ferry

Cons:

• Small island with limited food, hotel, and activity options

• No major airports, will need to transfer from another island

I read through this whole list but I still don’t know where to go!

Too many choices overwhelm you? The default island everyone to go on their first trip is Oahu. If you are planning a week long trip, you might be able to do Oahu and Maui, knocking out two of the major islands on one trip. If you are planning a two week long trip, you can do three of the islands listed on this island. Still confused? Check out some of the food and travel guides on this blog to see which island speaks to you the most!