Published by: John C. Derrick
Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Which is the Best Hawaii Island to Visit?
An overview of each island
Unlike many destinations, Hawaii is not really one destination - but six unique, eclectic, and diverse island destinations that all happen to be within the same state. But with so many incredible islands to choose from, how do you decide which one to visit first?
Over the last 25 years, we've been lucky enough to explore nearly every corner of this beautiful state, and we're here to spill the beans on the best Hawaii island to visit. Whether it's your first trip or your fifth, no matter whether you're a beach bum, an adventure junkie, or a culture vulture, there's an island that's perfect for you. So grab your sunscreen, and let's dive in!
The six main islands, four of which we cover in detail on this site, are, from west to east, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii.
If you want to quickly determine which island is best for you, take our Best Hawaii Island for You Quiz.
TL;DR - The Best Island for first-time visitors...
Oahu has the best mix for most visitors
In our opinion, Oahu is often the best choice for most first-time Hawaii travelers. It offers a perfect blend of stunning natural beauty and vibrant urban experiences.
Visitors can explore the iconic Waikiki Beach, hike to the top of Diamond Head for breathtaking views, and immerse themselves in Hawaiian/U.S. history by visiting historic sites like Pearl Harbor. With a wide range of accommodations, dining options, and activities, Oahu provides a well-rounded introduction to the Hawaiian Islands.
You'll be in good company if you visit Oahu; check out the chart below to see how popular Oahu is compared to the outer islands. Oahu is, by far, the most popular choice for Hawaii visitors.
That said, there's still much more to consider, like which type of Hawaii traveler you are, before making a final choice.
Let's dive into our comprehensive guide to find the island that resonates with your dream Hawaiian adventure!
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Hawaii Visitation by Island (2023)
Quiz: Selecting the best Hawaiian Island for you
As noted, selecting the right island is no easy task for many visitors. It can be a confusing and even frustrating job, and that's probably the last thing anyone wants when planning a trip to Hawaii. That’s why we’ve created this handy quiz- to help determine which Hawaiian island is best for you.
Quiz Instructions
Simply read and answer the questions below- each of your answers will earn a set number of points which will be tallied at the end. Make sure to answer all of the questions to ensure an accurate score.
Note that while there are six major islands you can visit in Hawaii, we've only detailed four of them here; as the overwhelming majority of visitors (around 98%) will never visit Molokai or Lanai. And we assure you that, at this point, you'll be much better off visiting one of the major four.
Please answer ALL Questions with a "Yes", "No", or "Somewhat" response. If you skip a question, it will be scored as 'No.'
Hawaii Islands Introduction
Your perfect Hawaiian experience largely depends on what you seek. Whether it’s adventure, dining, relaxation, culture, or luxury, each island offers a distinct flavor for visitors to experience. Most of us have a favorite island, and below, we'll briefly introduce you to each island.
Oahu - The Gathering Place
Oahu is the most visited of all the Hawaiian islands, at nearly 4.7 million visitors annually.
Oahu is primarily defined by the state capital of Honolulu, as well as Pearl Harbor and the famous beach known as Waikiki. These areas attract tourists by the thousands daily.
Oahu boasts a fantastic climate, inexpensive accommodations, a large variety of shopping options, and world-renowned beaches - it's fair to say the island entices visitors from around the world. Some say this may be the one fault of the island, as many are discouraged by the large crowds of Oahu and thus dismiss the island, instead opting to visit one of the other less-visited islands in the chain.
But Oahu is much more than Honolulu or Waikiki - it may well be the most beautiful of all the major islands. You simply have to know where to go to experience the beauty that is Oahu. This island offers a perfect blend of city life and natural beauty. You can shop, dine, and enjoy nightlife in Honolulu, then take a short drive to stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and scenic hiking trails.
More on Oahu in-depth...
Maui - The Valley Isle
Maui is the second most visited island with around 2.7 - 2.9 million visitors annually. Tourism greatly affects the nature of Maui and it boasts a very wide assortment of resorts, hotels, condos, and private rentals available across the island.
Maui is another great choice for first-timers. Known as the "Valley Isle," Maui has stunning beaches, world-class resorts, and a laid-back vibe. Some of the top attractions include the Road to Hana, a scenic drive with waterfalls and black sand beaches, and Haleakala National Park, where you can watch the sunrise above the clouds.
Often called, the "playground of the wealthy," Maui definitely caters to those looking for more expensive accommodations, sans the crowds of Oahu. But don't fret if top-notch accommodations aren't in your plans - Maui caters to all types, including the budget conscious. The island has a reputation for being a playground for all tourists, not just the super-rich.
More on Maui in-depth...
Hawaii - The Big Island
The Big Island of Hawaii is the third most popular choice by visitors, with over 1.6 million travelers annually. The vast majority of the Big Island's visitors stay in the Kailua-Kona area with its fantastic weather, abundant shopping, and the vast array of dining options. It also hosts a wide assortment of accommodations, from high-end resorts to condominiums.
The Big Island, officially named Hawaii Island, is the largest in the chain and offers incredible diversity. Here, you can visit active volcanoes, hike through lush rainforests, and stargaze atop snow-capped mountains. Highlights include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can see lava flows and steam vents, and the observatories on Mauna Kea, one of the best places in the world for astronomy.
More on Big Island of Hawaii in-depth...
Kauai - The Garden Island
Kauai is the fourth most-visited island, at 1.3 million visitors annually. The island is easily identified by its amazing scenery and relaxed 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 sparsely-visited and secluded beaches all around the island; you'll surely find one that's just right for you.
Kauai, nicknamed the "Garden Isle," is a nature lover's paradise. With its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Kauai offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle. Must-see spots include Waimea Canyon, often called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," and the rugged Na Pali Coast, which you can explore by boat, helicopter, or on foot.
More on Kauai in-depth...
Key Takeaway:
Choosing the best Hawaiian island for your first visit? Think about what you love. City vibes and famous beaches? Oahu's your spot. Crave stunning drives and sunrises above clouds? Maui calls. If active volcanoes and stargazing are up your alley, Big Island awaits. Love lush landscapes and quiet escapes? Kauai is perfect.
'Best Hawaii Island for...' FAQ
By Interests, Traveler Types, & more...
We recommend Oahu if any of these sound like you:
- Family Vacation
- Culture Vultures
- Budget Accommodations
- Foodies
- Shopping
- History Buffs
- Nightlife Seekers
- Solo Trip
We recommend Maui if any of these sound like you:
- Romantic Couples Getaway
- Wellness Seekers
- Active & Sporty Travelers
- Luxury Travelers
We recommend Kauai if any of these sound like you:
- Relaxation Seekers
- Ecotourist Enthusiasts
- Photography Enthusiast
- Hiking Enthusiasts
- Beach Lovers
We recommend the Big Island of Hawaii if any of these sound like you:
- Adventure Seekers
- Farmers Market Enthusiasts
- Nature Lovers
- National & State Park Enthusiasts
Hawaii Visitors by Island (2023 vs 2022)
Conclusion
So, which Hawaiian island should you pack your bags for? The answer is, it depends on what kind of vacation you're dreaming of. Oahu is perfect for those who want a bit of everything, from city life to stunning beaches. Maui is a nature lover's paradise, with its lush rainforests and jaw-dropping coastlines. The Big Island is an adventure seeker's dream, with active volcanoes and rugged landscapes to explore. And Kauai? Well, it's the ultimate escape, with its laid-back vibe and secluded beaches.
Hawaii is calling, and it's time to answer! Whether you're drawn to the bustling beaches of Oahu or the serene landscapes of Kauai, an incredible journey awaits. The islands have a unique charm that will captivate your soul and leave you with a lifetime of cherished moments. Don't hesitate – make those travel plans, pack your sunscreen, and prepare to fall in love with the beauty of the Pacific. Trust your instincts; you'll be glad you did!
