When planning a trip to Hawaii, many people wonder which Hawaiian island they should visit. Each island has its own distinct personality and caters to different types of travelers. Make no mistake, there’s no wrong choice! However, with a little insight you can choose the perfect island for your Hawaiian vacation.

Best Island for Couples

If romance is on your mind, Maui is the Hawaiian island to visit. Beloved by couples of all ages, Maui’s stunning scenic drives, uncrowded pristine beaches and luxurious resorts make getting in the mood easy. It’s no surprise that February is one of the busiest months, dates around Valentine’s Day sell out months in advance.

Visit This Hawaiian Island for the Best Beaches in Hawaii

We’ve got to hand it to Oahu. Although there are exquisite beaches on all the islands, Oahu is the one for us. In fact, several of Oahu’s beaches land on “top beaches in the world” lists, year after year. Oahu’s scenery changes depending on which side of the island you’re on, and each beach has its own unique personality.

Oahu’s sun-drenched South Shore is home to world famous Waikiki Beach. Perhaps one of the most renowned stretches of sand in the world, there’s no place like it. As you travel east, you pass Hanauma Bay and Makapu’u, two of the best beaches in Hawaii.

The lush windward side of the island is home to three of the most gorgeous beaches in the world:

Lanikai

Kailua

Waimanalo

Sunset Beach on the storied North Shore is home to some of the biggest surfing competitions in the world, and the hot and dry leeward side of the island features quiet beaches with aquamarine waters.

Best Hawaiian Island for Adventurers

Kauai is the winner for thrill seekers! Its wild, unspoiled beauty calls to the adventurer in all of us. Kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, diving, paddle boarding and biking are just a few of the adventure activities Kauai offers. Whether you’re paddling the Wailua River, hiking Waimea Canyon, exploring the caves near Bali Hai, snorkeling at Poipu or sailing below the majestic cliffs of Na Pali – there is something for all ages and abilities.

Best Hawaiian Island for History Buffs

Oahu takes the lead in this category, hands down. Millions of people visit Pearl Harbor each year, and in addition to the Arizona Memorial, you can also tour the U.S.S. Missouri, where the Japanese formally surrendered to the United States in September 1942. Pearl Harbor is also home to the Pacific Aviation Museum, a must-see for aviation enthusiasts. Downtown Honolulu is home to Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil, which you can tour for a small fee. Don’t forget about Punchbowl Cemetery or Bishop Museum.

Family-Friendly Island

Maui narrowly edges out the competition in this category, specifically West Maui. The calm, turquoise waters, miles of golden sandy beaches, resorts with family-friendly amenities and its laid-back pace caters to families who want enough to keep the kids busy, but plenty of down time as well.

Volcanoes? Visit this Hawaiian Island

Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park should be at the top of the list for anyone vising the Big Island. Two of the world’s most active volcanoes are here: Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Depending on volcanic conditions, in the evening sometimes the lava “glow” is visible from certain lookouts. You can also tour craters from previous eruptions, see steam vents and walk through a real lava tube! Park admission, hours and current conditions can be found here.

Best Hawaiian Island for the Glamourous Life

Oahu is known for its world-class shopping, exciting nightlife and a cosmopolitan food scene. After spending a day on the beach, indulge yourself with a little shopping – there’s everything from the souvenir stalls of Duke’s Lane to Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Honolulu has emerged as a top contender in the culinary scene, taking elements from Oahu’s cultural melting pot to craft some truly delicious and innovative cuisine. There’s no shortage of nightlife either. From the beach bars of Waikiki to the hip vibe of downtown Honolulu’s Chinatown and the eclectic Kakaako scene, you can party the night away. Party too hard? No worries! Rejuvenate at one of Waikiki’s five-star spas and you’ll be ready to go again the next evening.

The Best Hawaiian Island Depends on You!

At the end of the day, the best Hawaiian island to visit depends on your preferences. There is truly something for everyone on all the islands, but when asked, these are our choices. For over 40 years, we have specialized only in Hawaii, and our families are intimately connected to these islands. Our All-Inclusive Hawaii Vacation Packages were designed to help our guests have their dream Hawaiian vacation. It is our pleasure to assist you in choosing the right island for your needs. Contact us today and start planning your Hawaiian experience!