Wherever you go in the 50th state of America, Hawaii It offers a variety of terrain, Accommodationactivities and experience.
Related: The best way to get to Hawaii using points and miles
Each Hawaiian Island has its own unique atmosphere. Hawaii’s six major islands are open to visitors, including Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Hawaii Islands. (The other two major Hawaiian islands are not open to visitors. Nihau is privately owned, and the US military has used Kahulawe for bombing campaigns in the decades following World War II, making it no-go to its citizens.)
How do you choose from so many different versions of Paradise? Here’s a guide to finding the best island to visit Hawaii for your next holiday.
Oahu
good:
- First time visitors to Hawaii
- Solo traveler
- Large group
- Budget travelers
Oahu It is Hawaii’s busiest and most urban island. It is home to Honolulu, the state’s largest city and commercial centre. Its airport, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), offers the most aviation services on every part of the island, making it the cheapest destination for travelers from the mainland. It also offers the most non-stop flights.
Related: The best way to redeem points and miles on Hawaiian Airlines
Within the restrictions of Honolulu City, Waikiki Beach It’s a place to see and see, with plenty of shopping, meals and amenities to enjoy at a high-rise resort.
However, Oahu offerings are more diverse than mere Honolulu. There are several luxury accommodations in Ko Olina’s growth resort area. Disney’s Aulani Resort and Ko Olina’s Four Seasons Resort Oahu. On the way from Honolulu to Corina Pearl Harborone of the historic places visited anywhere on the islands.
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Oahu’s North Shore offers a truly cold, yet another vibe in a small town surfer scene that loves beach hopping food. In 2024, Marriott reflected the iconic North Shore Resort – Turtle Bay Resort – To the Ritz-Carlton Resort, which can be booked from 88,000 Marriott Bonboy Points per night.
Hikers will find plenty of trails all over Oahu. Diamond Head Peak To less traveled spots like Makiki Valley and Waimea Valley. Some popular spots require advance reservations.
Maui
good:
- Traveler with children
- Multi-generational travel
- Looking for a resort-based condo property
The second most visited island in the state and the second largest Maui are home to famous people. The road to Hana, Haleakala National Park And the best whale watching anywhere in Hawaii during the winter.
For many travelers, a holiday to Maui is the best in both worlds. The island offers some of the same infrastructure, convenience and activities on Oahu without traffic or urban sprawl. You can visit many attractions here and take an active vacation or enjoy island rest and relaxation at the resort.
Many of Lahaina have remained in tourism following the devastating fire in 2023, but the rest of Maui is open for business and encourages tourists to return.
Related: Maui is still recovering from a catastrophic wildfire: Here’s why you should go and how to help
Maui is a great choice for families with school-age children due to many activities. It is suitable for multi-generational groups as it has experience that grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy. Maui Ocean Center Or sunrise at Haleakala National Park.
It is also located on Maui Many great hotels and resorts In a wide variety of price ranges. Most are gathered in two main areas. The Kanapali-Kapalua corridor is located on the northwest side of the island, and the Kihei Waia corridor further south.
Related: 29 hotels in Maui, Hawaii, can be booked with points
Due to its size, Maui offers an impressive variety of hotels for travelers to book with points. Most major chains have front posts, and many properties have condominium accommodations that work for families and large groups. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Wire Beach Resort by Marriott, Grand Waia, Waldorf Astoria Resort, and Andazmaui at Wailea Resort We won everything with TPG contributors and readers. You can check in to SET Jetters Four Seasons Resort Maui in Waileaportrayed the “The White Lotus” resort in the first season of the hit HBO show.
Hawaii (Big Island)
good:
- Romantic couple vacation
- Luxury traveller
- Those seeking adventure
Often called a large island, Hawaii is the largest and newest island in the chain. It’s so big that it takes almost a week to see everything. However, it offers a variety of travel experiences every day.
Related: Delta Airlines announces a new Hawaii route from Salt Lake City Hub to fly next winter
The majority of visitors to the big island are stuck on the west side of the island near the Kohara coast, where Kailua Kona city and the large resort are located. Luxury seekers can enjoy such high-end properties Four Seasons Resort Hualalai; Kona Village, Rosewood Resort;Mauna Rani, Oberji Resort. and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Sign Collection.
Families on a moderate budget can also find ample hotel offerings. Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa And the village of Hilton Waikoloa is particularly friendly to travelers, with children. The pool complex is a big attraction.
Related: Top Hotels in Big Island in Hawaii for your next holiday
While it is perfectly possible to spend a week on a large island relaxing on a resort beach, the island can also become a paradise for adventure travelers. On the northern part of the island, travelers take ziplines, all-terrain vehicles tours, jump into waterfalls, scuba diving or snorkeling with giant mantas, or cover historic sugar cane irrigation canals.
Related: American Airlines will add a long haul Hawaii route again
You can visit the southern part of the island Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – But before you go, check which areas are closed due to active eruptions. On the east side of the island, the town of Hiro has its own local vibe that makes it a great escape for travelers looking for an authentic Hawaiian experience.
Kauai
good:
- Romantic Vacation and Baby Moon
- Adventure Junkie
- Those seeking relaxation
In my opinion, the lush greenery of Kauai is the most beautiful of all the islands in Hawaii. There are waterfalls, hiking trails and a variety of ecoadventures. Most travelers are looking for Kauai to avoid the fuss of Oahu and Maui and to avoid the more layered holiday experience.
Unfortunately, the natural beauty of Kauai also reduces its reliability as a holiday destination. The island’s greenery comes from considerable rainfall, which can make your paradise holiday moist. So it’s probably best to plan a long trip just in case the weather doesn’t always cooperate.
There are ample hotel options available in Kauai. For families, the winner of the handdown is Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Poipu is known for having one of the best overwater slides and pools anywhere on the island. Grand Club Lounge It’s very special, with easy access to breakfast, drinks, snacks and more.
For a pop to the south, Sheraton Kauai Resort. In the Prince Building in the north, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay and The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villa.
Related: True Aloha Spirit at Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
Small Island: Lanai and Molokai
good:
- Returning Hawaii visitors looking for new experiences
The majority of tourists to Hawaii visit Oahu, Maui, Big Island and Kauai, but there are two small islands that tourists can visit as well. Neither of them have aviation services from the mainland, so reaching both requires a bit of extra effort.
Lanai, an island owned by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, can be reached by ferry rides from Maui, which takes over an hour. You can also take a 50-minute flight from HNL to a 35-minute flight from Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG) to the local Carrier Mokrele Airlines Lanai Airport (LNY). Lanai has two luxurious and expensive four seasons resorts on the island. Adults only Sensai Lenai and Four Seasons Resort Lanai.
In contrast, Molokai has no name brand accommodation and is a shelter for locals and travelers looking for a genuine Hawaii travel experience. Mokulele Airlines also offers Molokai Airport (MKK) with HNL (45 minutes) and OGG (35 minutes).
We do not recommend that travelers head to any of these locations until they first visit some of the larger Hawaiian islands. If you have more context for you to appreciate them, you get more from them (and you’ll know which one is right for you).
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