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Published by:John C. Derrick Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
If you've decided on the island(s) your going to visit, then you're set to begin your planning. If you haven't decided, click through the islands below to get a overview of each island.
Once you decide on which island, or islands, you plan to visit we'd suggest you begin your research by starting on the homepage of each island. On the Island Homepage we've laid out the various pieces of information that should help you get started with that specific island. Initially, also getting a feel for the island, geographically, will also help you easier locate each attraction.
The next step is to consider your interests. One could spend years in Hawaii and never see everything, so carefully narrowing down your favorite attractions is worth the time and effort now, ahead of time. This website was constructed primarily to help people research and learn about the attractions they wanted to see prior to their own visit.
To help you locate attractions quickly, you'll quickly notice we've categorized each island's attractions into the following sections like: Sights, Beaches, Trails (Hikes), Activites, Accommodations, etc. We also have travel Articles and Facts for each island; you can peruse those if you're so inclined.
Highlights & Essential Visitor Planners for each Island
Introduction to Hawaii
So you're thinking about visiting Hawaii and here you are at our website. Now what? If you're still on the fence about Hawaii, then hopefully we'll convince you along the way it's one of the most amazing places you could ever visit. And if you've already decided Hawaii is your next vacation stop, then our site should help you better start to plan your trip. We believe there's a lot of useful and professional information here, so pull up a chair and lets get to the good stuff.
First and foremost, you probably will want to decide which island or islands your visiting. You've got several options here, so how do you go about choosing that perfect island for your own trip? Or should you even choose just one? You might want to take our quiz on Selecting the Best Hawaiian Island. Once you know which island (or islands) best suit you, then you can really begin to plan.
You can start now by briefly getting acquainted with each island below.
Kauai
Kauai is the fourth most visited island in the Hawaiian chain, at 1.2 to 1.3 million visitors annually. It is also the fourth largest landmass in the state that includes eight major islands and 124 islets.
The island is defined by its amazing scenery and laid back persona. The island, arguably we'll admit, also boasts more coastline filled with beaches than any other island in the chain. Kauai is full of uncrowded and secluded beaches all around the island; you're sure to find one that's just right for you. The island is also a hikers paradise, offering trails that crisscross the island offering dramatic scenery and landscapes you can only dream about. Personally, Kauai is our favorite island in Hawaii. Learn more about Kauai »
Oahu
Oahu may be number three in size among its fellow islands in the Hawaiian chain, but it is first in population and visitation. Nearly 900,000 people share Oahu's 600 square miles of mountains and beaches - that's three-quarters of the state's population. As noted, Oahu is also the most visited of all the Hawaiian islands, at approximately 4.5 to 4.7 million visitors annually - that's approximately half of all the visitors to the state each year.
Oahu is primarily defined by the state capital of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and the famous beach known as Waikiki. These areas absorb tourists by thousands daily. Oahu boasts a fantastic climate, inexpensive accommodations, a large variety of shopping options, and world renown beaches - it's fair to say the island lures in visitors from around the world. Learn more about Oahu »
Maui
Maui is the second most visited island in Hawaii with around 2.7 to 2.9 million visitors each year. Tourism greatly affects the character of Maui and it boasts a very wide assortment of resorts, hotels, condos, and private rentals available across the island. Maui is also the second largest landmass in the Hawaiian island chain that consists of eight major islands and 124 islets.
Maui is renowned worldwide for many things; its beauty, its atmosphere, its history, and its never ending supply of pristine beaches, waterfalls, landmarks, snorkeling in Maui, and gardens - just to name a few. There aren't a whole lot of places in the world you can go and experience all you can on the small island of Maui, Hawai'i. Learn more about Maui »
Big Island of Hawaii
The Big Island of Hawaii is the third most popular choice amongst visitors, with over 1.5 to 1.7 million travelers annually. Often called the 'Big Island' to help distinguish it from the 1,500 mile long archipelago with which it shares its name, Hawai'i, the Big Island has certainly earned its nickname. Sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean the landmass of the Big Island is approximately the same size as the state of Connecticut, about 4,050 sq. miles and still growing daily thanks to Kilauea Volcano on the eastern coast of the island.
Home to two of the world's greatest mountains, the world's most active volcano, 11 of the world's 13 climate zones, Hawai'i's greatest king, and the wettest city in the United States, the Big Island of Hawai'i is an island like no other. It is an island of such proportions that all of the other islands in the main Hawaiian chain could fit inside it twice. Learn more about Hawaii »
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Download our Hawaii Map Packet
Includes most major attractions, all major routes, airports, and a chart with estimated driving times for each respective island.
