Are you looking for the best island to Visit in Hawaii? Then you’ve come to the right place. Here we have provided a list of the Hawaii Islands you can visit during your vacation.
Hawaii, one of the fifty states of the United States of America, is, undoubtedly, a true definition of paradise on Earth. It is a collection of several scattered yet united volcanic islands, islets, and atolls. This majestic archipelago of the Pacific Ocean is America’s pride and attracts over 9.2 million tourists each year. A quarter of the island’s economy is derived from it. This overwhelming amount of tourists is because the place is such an epitome of beauty.
List of the Best Island to Visit in Hawaii
There are so many places to visit that people cannot capture some of the best things Hawaii offers. But this article will help you target just the right places. Here are some of the best islands to visit in Hawaii:
1. The Island Of Hawaii
The island of Hawaii is the biggest in the state of Hawaii. It is also called the Big Island. This landmass, with an area of 4028 sq miles, constitutes 63% of the total Hawaiian area but inhabits only 13% of the total population. However, with this majestic form, the island also offers majestic things to visitors.
Things to Do
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park- The island is famous for its volcanoes, and this park consists of the world’s two most active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. A small walk through Thurston Lava Tube or Nahuku, a 500-year-old lava tube, is also a major attraction of the park.
- A sight of Waterfall – The island’s east coast comprises six of the most amazing waterfalls in the state. These are: ʻAkaka falls, Rainbow falls, Peʻepeʻe Falls, Umauma falls, Kulaniapia Falls, and Hiʻilawe falls.
- A visit to the coffee farm – Famous for its top-quality coffee, Greenfield farms offers free tours with guides to inform people of the story behind the delicious coffee of the place.
- A tour of seahorse farms– The big island is the proud owner of the world’s only seahorse, an endangered species farm.
- Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park – Pu’uhonua, meaning a sacred place of refuge, is a park full of temples and coastal sites. It is known for the refuge it provided to people who broke the ancient law and escaped here to avoid death penalties up till the 19th century.
- Snorkeling – Any lover of water loves snorkeling, and this big Hawaii island, provides you with the lifetime experience of going snorkeling with manta rays, harmless to humans, at night and enjoying life.
2. Maui
If you are a beach person and love water, then Maui might be the best island in Hawaii for you. Also known as “The valley isle,” this second largest island in Hawaii is home to some of the world’s best beaches. It has even been voted “the best island in the U.S.A.” for more than 20 years now.
Things to Do
- Snorkeling – With the best water comes to the best sports. Thus Maui is known for its snorkeling adventures.
- Road to Hana – Road to Hana is a curvaceous 52-mile road filled with picturesque scenes, some of the best fruits, smoothies, koa-wood momentos, and much more. The whole journey can even take a whole day if done properly.
- Haleakalā National Park – With an elevation of 10000 feet, Haleakala national park, is the most visited tourist place as it gives a whole view of the island in the best possible manner.
- Kula Botanical Garden – Founded in 1977, Kula Botanical Garden has more than 2000 different kinds of plants native and foreign to Maui. This garden is located in the valley of Haleakala, filled with a lovely aroma.
- Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice – A trip to Maui wouldn’t be complete without tasting the signature shave ice made with shave ice, cane sugar, and syrup made from locally grown fruits.
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3. Molokai
Lying southwest of Oahu, Molokai is the fifth largest as well as the fifth most populated island in Hawaii. A 260 square mile island, Molokai is the ideal island for outdoor adventure enthusiasts and offers a wide variety of options to thrill your heart. Yet, it is also deeply rooted to its culture, history, and lifestyle.
Things to Do
- Papokaku Beach Park – Strolling on the world’s largest white sand beach during the sunset is the most peaceful thing one can ask for, and Papoakaku gives you just that. The beach is also good for swimming but only when the weather is right and the surf is on the lower side.
- Halawa Valley– Located on the island’s east coast, Halawa valley is the perfect place for a good morning hike with numerous sites like waterfalls, canopies, etc, for nature lovers. Guided hiking is the only way one can explore the valley.
- Kalaupapa National Historical Park – Once used to quarantine patients suffering from leprosy, Kalaupapa is now the site of ancient homes, cemeteries, and churches.
4. Lanai
Lanai is Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island, located nine miles from Maui. Lanai presents the best of both worlds: the world of luxury and comfort as well as the world of adventure and ruggedness. It is thus suitable for people with all needs, who can be at the same place yet enjoy different things.
Things to Do
- Hulopoe Bay- The most popular place for snorkeling and swimming of all of the southern coast of Lanai is Hulopow bay; however, only in summers as, during the winter season, the current is high, and it is dangerous to be in the water.
- Puupehe – Puupehe is located 80 feet high and thus provides the most picturesque sunset as well as the sunrise view. It is a rocky island only about a mile away from Hulopope beach and is also called a ‘Sweetheart’s rock’ by the locals.
- Keahiakawelo- It is also called the “Garden of the Gods. It is a barren land full of dust and rocks but what made it popular is its drasting similarity to Mars surroundings. Moreover, the rocks develop beautiful shades of blue and orange during sunset.
5. Oahu
Oahu, or ‘The Gathering Place,’ is the third largest island in Hawaii. Being the home of the Hawaiian capital of Honolulu, the island caters to a population of over 1 million. Oahu is also the home of some of the biggest stars and personalities in the world, including the former U.S.A. President Barack Obama.
Things to Do
- Pearl Harbour- If you are history savvy, the Pearl Harbour National Memorial is the perfect place for you. To relive the past, a visit to Pearl Harbour Aviation Museum and the USS Bowfin Submarine museum is a must. It will also take you back to the time which made Pearl Harbour famous in the first place, the attack of Japanese troops commemorating the U.S.A.’s entry into WWII.
- Polynesian Cultural Centre – To dig dip into the culture of Hawaii, visit this cultural center. Immerse into the traditional dance of ‘Luau,’ weave skirts of coconut leaves, and ride a canoe to acquaint yourself with the native culture.
- North Shore– Shark’s cove on the North shore provides clear water perfect for snorkeling and surfing.
- Dole Plantation – You can’t do Hawaii justice until you have its world-famous pineapple. Dole plantation will give you the perfect opportunity to trace the production of pineapples from its sowing to reaping stages.
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6. Kauai
One of the oldest islands of Hawaii, Kauai, is fourth in terms of its size compared to other islands. Time has significantly contributed to the most beautiful place, with numerous waterfalls, beaches, valleys, rivers, and rainforests.
Things to Do
- Napali Coast- Napali coast can be viewed only through a boat, helicopter, or a hike. It is set on the northern coast and is home to some beautiful waterfalls like 400-foot-high Manawaiopuna Falls (featured in the movie Jurassic Park) and Olokele Canyon, also called ‘the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
- Poipu Beach Park- This beach park is famous mostly because of the occasional visit of the endangered species of the Hawaiian monk seal, a rare sight. Nukumoi Point offers two swimming conditions for visitors, one with calm currents and low depths for children and another with violent currents for adults.
- Waimea Canyon and the Kōkeʻe State Park – The Waimeya’s Canyon is the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific. With a depth of 3600 feet, it provides scenery that you find in your devices’ wallpapers. The state park is composed of dense rainforest adjacent to the canyon and yet miles apart when compared from the point of appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many islands are there in Hawaii?
Hawaii is an archipelago of eight major islands: Maui, The island of Hawaii, Molokai, Lanai, Oahu, Kauai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe. However, out of these eight islands, only six are accessible to tourists for recreation and other purposes.
Niihau, also called “the Forbidden Island,” is owned by the Robinson family and thus is accessible to the Robinson family, relatives, U.S. Navy and Government along with 250 natives and is forbidden to tourists.
Similarly, Kahoolawe is also off-limits to the public, and the only way is through volunteer work opportunities.
Q2. Which is the best island to visit in Hawaii?
Every island in Hawaii has its specialty and attraction. Thus depending upon what you would like to do, for example, snorkeling, deep sea diving, hiking, sightseeing, etc., The best Hawaiian island to visit is different for different people.
Despite that, Oahu, abde to the capital city of Honolulu, is the most popular destination amongst the tourists and thus considered to be the best island in Hawaii to visit. So whether you want to relax, fine dine, have drinks, hike, or do any other adventure, you name it, and Oahu provides it.
Q3. What is the best time to visit Hawaii?
Ideally, there is no bad time to visit Hawaii. However, since the islands are spread over a vast area, each island has its variations in climate and temperature.
March to September is considered the best time to visit the place since the temperature is warm and sunny and there is the least amount of rain. Thus you can enjoy the water and beaches completely. Although the period between September to March receives the highest rainfall since there is less number of people and wetter but cooler surroundings, some people also prefer to go during this time of the year.
Q4. What are the travel restrictions to visiting Hawaii?
No COVID-related travel restrictions exist for domestic (American) travelers in Hawaii. Therefore, they can visit the islands without quarantine or COVID-19 documentation compulsions.
However, international visitors must show their vaccination certificates and negative COVID test results.
Informative!