Hawaii has been a top tropical getaway for travelers around the world for decades. Hawaii, which became an American state in 1959, is composed of 137 islets and minor islands and 8 major islands, 6 of which are tourist destinations. Each island has their own distinctive attractions and adventures. In this video, we’ll explain the differences between the islands and what each one has to offer for every type of traveler.
Keep in mind that like many places in the world, Hawaii has experienced change due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, Hawaii was experiencing overtourism for many years, which had an effect on their people and their land. While the shutdowns were hard on the Hawaiian economy, the locals got to have their home to themselves for the first time in their lives and it has led to reconsiderations of what tourism should look like. They’re ready to welcome back visitors but encourage travelers to be mindful of the land and to treat the islands with respect. This means following covid guidelines, abiding no-trespassing signs, using reef-safe sunscreen, and being respectful to wildlife. If you decide to plan a post-pandemic vacation to Hawaii, consider taking part in the state’s new Malama Hawaii Initiative which includes activities like replanting native species, cleaning up beaches, and other volunteer work. Hawaii is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world and we should all do our part in preserving the land and showing respect for indigenous Hawaiian culture.
Hawaii, the “Big Island”
This island is best for : Nature Lovers
The youngest but largest of all of the Hawaiian Islands, the state takes its name from this isle. Here, you’ll find the state’s only active volcano, Kilauea. This is definitely the best place for coffee lovers considering the Big Island is the only place in the US where coffee is grown. The island has seven different coffee-growing regions, each with distinctive characteristics. On this one island, visitors can travel through 10 different climate zones, including tropical rainforests, deserts, an arctic polar tundra and everything in between. You’ll see snowy mountaintops and black sand beaches. This is definitely the island for those who seek the wonders of nature. Here you’ll find one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world.
You can also go whale watching for humpbacks, snorkel with giant manta rays, or spend the day at a salt farm. Other attractions include Maunakea, the highest point in Hawaii, nearly a mile higher than Mt. Everest when measured from the ocean floor, and the NASA-funded Imiloa Astronomy Center.
And if you want to get an idea for what Hawaii was like before European contact, the National Historic Park of Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau is a great place to get a peek into ancient traditions. Just be mindful of its status as a sacred site.
Kauai, the “Garden Isle”
This island is best for : Plant enthusiasts
In Kauai, you’ll find lush rainforests, mountains, cliffs, rivers, waterfalls, quaint small towns, and beautiful beaches. This is the perfect island for travelers who want to balance serene adventure with luxurious relaxation. While the flights are a little bit more expensive, you’ll have an array of resort options.
Also known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is home to the wettest spot on the planet at Mount Waialeale, which averages 451 inches of rainfall a year. But all this rain makes an abundance of unique plants and flowers possible. For this reason, the botanical gardens here are phenomenal.
Waimea Canyon, also known as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” is 10 miles long and 3,600 feet deep. There are plenty of waterfalls to see at Waimea Canyon, but another popular cascade is Wailua Falls, famous for being featured in the opening credits of the 1970s hit show Fantasy Island. At Polihale State Park, you’ll find Hawaii’s longest stretch of beach. Other attractions include Hanalei Bay, Poipu Beach, and Kokee State Park. In the town of Poipu and the south shore, you’ll find sunshine, water sports, restaurants and shops.
Oahu, the “Gathering Place”
This island is best for : Families
The state’s capital and largest city, Honolulu, is located on Oahu. This island is the most bustling and populous of all the islands. It’s also home to some of Hawaii’s most famous surfing towns including Waikiki Beach and the most visited historical site in Hawaii, Pearl Harbor. Nicknamed “the gathering place,” the island displays the diversity of Hawaii, with many cultures melding into the city.
There’s a big foodie scene on Oahu, so if you’re interested in Hawaiian-inspired fine dining, you’ll find it here. There are plenty of resort spots to choose from including Waikiki, Ko Olina, and Turtle Bay. This is the most family-friendly of all the islands and is home to a Disney resort that is great for kids.
You can also learn the history of Hawaiian royalty at Iolani palace or enjoy local farmers’ goods at the Kaka’ako Farmers’ Market.
If you like diverse cuisine and long for a taste of urban life in paradise, then this is the island for you. You’ll find modern life with a hint of ancient traditions here. This island is for people seeking vacations that have world-class shopping and dining but without losing the laid-back beach culture. If you like big city vibes, surfing, or ukuleles, book your trip to Oahu.
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Maui, “The Valley Isle”
This island is best for : Honeymooners, couples without children, and those seeking luxury resorts.
Maui is famous for its beaches with black, red, and white sand. This island is another good blend of relaxing beach culture and adventurous outdoor activities. You’ll have an array of options here: you can spend the day sunbathing by the blue waters, getting luxurious treatments at the spa, or you can watch the sunrise on top of a dormant volcano and spend the day mountain biking. Other attractions include the road to Hana, a twisting cliff-side road with spectacular views. For this reason, renting a car on this island might be a good idea. Flights to Maui from the mainland are also relatively more affordable than some of the other islands.
Other attractions include hiring a hula instructor, strolling through fields of lavender at the Ali’i Kula Lavender farm, shopping the galleries of Paia, taking a chocolate and cacao tour at Maui Ku’ia Estate, or visiting the Sunset Market in Wailea Village to shop for local goods.
In Maui, you can also snorkel an extinct volcanic caldera at the Molokini atoll or snorkel with sea turtles at Olowalu.
This island is also home to Hawaii’s only Relais & Chateaux resort, Hotel Wailea, a five-star adults-only oasis. Or another great option is the Maui Eco Retreat, a refuge for responsible travelers on land blessed by a Hawaiian priest.
Molokai, “The Friendly Isle”
This island is best for : Those Who Seek Authenticity
Molokai is the least populated of the major islands and the least modern. But it does have some of the highest sea cliffs in the state and the longest continuous fringe reef. If you’re a traveler who loves to truly feel like you’re off the map when you travel, this is the island for you.
There’s an authenticity to this island due to the high percentage of Native Hawaiian descendants living there. This is great for travelers who like off-the-map adventure, pure nature, bird-watching, macadamia nuts, and swimming and snorkeling.
Other attractions include Kalaupapa National Historical Park, hiking the Halawa Valley to Moaula Waterfalls, and kayaking near Molokai’s barrier reef.
Lanai, “The Pineapple Isle”
This island is best for : Those seeking relaxation
Lanai is the smallest of all of the major islands. It’s home to two renowned resorts and golf courses. This is a great place to stay if you want to experience small island-living, but you might want to also plan some day trips to the bigger islands to experience the full range of Hawaii.
Prior to the colonization of the island, Lanai was full of native vegetation. Unfortunately, when Europeans began to settle and brought grazing animals like goats and sheep with them, much of the land was stripped. After the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, Sanford Dole became president of the Republic of Hawaii until it was annexed by the United States and claimed as a U.S. territory. In 1922, Dole’s cousin, James Drummond Dole, bought the island of Lanai to expand his pineapple farming empire, which is why Lanai is nicknamed “The Pineapple Island,” though little of the fruit grows there today.
Today, 97% of the island is owned by tech billionaire Larry Ellison, including the two Four Seasons Resorts and their accompanying golf courses. Though Ellison’s purchase was a controversial one, he has made sustainability a priority by founding Pulama Lanai which aims to protect native and endangered species, improve water and recycling systems, and shift the island to 100 percent renewable energy.
Only 30 miles of the island’s roads are paved, but there are 400 miles of trails for hiking or horseback riding. The beaches are pretty empty, so if you want to feel like you have an island to yourself, this might be the destination for you.
If you want to give back on this island, the Lanai Cat Sanctuary is a great option. They specialize in sterilizing and relocating the island’s street cat population in an attempt to protect Lanai’s ground-dwelling birds.
While it may be hard to choose between the islands, the hardest part will be leaving once you get there. You can’t go wrong with any of the Hawaiian islands. Each offers a unique experience in tropical paradise. And don’t forget, island hopping is definitely an option if you want to see it all.
Which Hawaiian Island do you think sounds the most appealing? Let us know in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this video, make sure you give it a like and subscribe to our channel if you haven’t already.