Which Island To Travel To In Hawaii?

Hawaii is made up of six major islands, thus choosing where to go may be a daunting task. From the famous Oahu island for its beautiful beaches to the Hawaii Island for its volcanoes, each island is different in mood, geography, and things to do. Below is a brief description of the six main islands to assist one in determining which island(s) to tour on his or her Hawaiian holiday.

Oahu

Hawaii’s Oahu is the most favorite island for first-time travelers to the Hawaiian Islands. Oahu is famous for the state capital, Honolulu, and has both nature and urban areas as well as famous beautiful beaches. Waikiki beach is a well-known place that occupies many miles of white sand and is bordered by hotels and food establishments. Head to Sandy Beach on the east side to catch the sunset or enjoy the bright blue waters of Hanauma Bay for snorkeling. Explore the Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial to understand its importance during the Second World War. The best surfing is found in the North Shore towns of Haleiwa and Sunset Beach in the winter. Oahu truly is a ‘jack of all trades’ when it comes to offering a plethora of different landscapes, things to do, places to eat, and things to see and do culturally.

Maui

Maui is also referred to as “The Valley Isle” due to its large central valley; stunning coastlines; and a range of activities and attractions on both land and water. Take a scenic drive on the road to Hana and explore some waterfalls, bamboo forest, and black sand beaches such as Waiʻānapanapa State Park. Explore the snorkeling destination, Molokini Crater widely recognized one of the seven best snorkeling sites in the globe. Sunrise can be viewed on top of Mount Haleakala, or you can take a helicopter ride over the large crater. Maui also boast of its beautiful and wide beaches such as the Kaanapali beach, Kapalua beach, Wailea beach, and Makena beach for swimming, surfing, watching whales and splendid sunset views. Maui is more about farm-to-table restaurants, chic boutiques, and elegant resorts, making it perfect for a laid-back yet active Hawaiian getaway.

Kauai

To get a perfect taste of the tropics go to Kauai, which is also referred to as the Garden Island because of the dense rain forests and beautiful landscape. Explore the dramatic cliffs and steep-walled valleys of Waimea Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”; enjoy many hiking trails in Koke’e State Park. Explore Wailua River or Napali Coast, to catch glimpse of waterfall cascading and green mountain by riding on boats. Kauai has over 50 miles of beautiful beaches such as Hanalei Bay and Poipu Beach Park ideal for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. For the most exciting experience, try ATV tour around the island, zipline across the rainforest, and observing sea turtles at the Lydgate Beach Park. Kauai has lots of B&Bs and eco-resorts tucked away in the dramatic landscapes of the island for quiet and seclusion.

Hawaii Island

Tourists who seek to have a taste of the geologically active environment prefer the island of Hawaii famously referred to as the Big Island. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is established around Maunakea and Kilauea, two of the world’s most active volcanos. Observe lava flowing into the ocean from Halema’uma’u crater or trek over solidified lava from centuries ago. Black sand beaches such as Punaluʻu are formed from the break down of volcanic rocks along the shoreline. The valleys, waterfalls, coffee farms, and other native Hawaiian traditions make Hawaii Island seem more secluded than the other islands. Recommended places to visit are the Hilo town, an elegant resort area of Kohala Coast, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden near Hilo, and excellent snorkeling off Kealakekua Bay. Given the fact that there is so much to do and see, you may wish to devote your entire Hawaii vacation to Hawaii Island.

Molokai

For those who are seeking seclusion, Molokai is the most low-key island in Hawaii with 57% of the island’s land being occupied by parks and wild life. Molokai is a relatively undeveloped island that provides visitors with a taste of old Hawaii with its slow-paced, rural setting and beautiful scenery of the sea, forests and local people. Devote your days to beach hopping with a visit to the three miles of white sand of Papohaku Beach and Kalaupapa National Historical Park, former residence of a quarantined leper colony. Trek and picnic in Palaau State Park that is a subtropical rainforest located high on the cliffs of Kalaupapa Peninsula. For more information on Molokai history and culture, visit former sugar plantation town of Kaunakakai. Choose from comfortable B&B’s, beach cottages or even rustic camping grounds for an adventure of a lifetime in Molokai.

Lanai

Lanai once was the largest pineapple plantation in the world and became a home to luxurious resorts, steep terrains, and timeless tropical relaxation. More options for excellent accommodation are the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, a beautiful hotel located on the cliff or Hotel Lanai city which is cheaper. Visit red rock corridors and tidepools along the Coast of Shipwreck Beach. 4-wheel drive or hike into Lanai’s high country over pine, eucalyptus and abandoned orchards. Stop at the Hauola Gulch for a picnic lunch before heading up to Lanaihale for the scenic viewing. Maui or Molokai island is suitable for an adventurous day trip by passenger ferry. New to crowds but not to charm, tiny Lanai gives the impression of your own island playground in the tropics.

No matter which of the Hawaii islands you are going to visit, expect a vacation filled with stunning nature, the unique culture, gorgeous sandy beaches, welcoming people, and unforgettable memories. Every island has it unique flavor and experience that locals and traveler can part take in and explore whether it is popular sight or not. Trust your preferences and your travel personality to determine the destination, the activities, the accommodation, and the gastronomy. Hawaii has six amazing islands out there and in one trip, there is still more to discover about this beautiful place!

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