Questioning the place to go in Hawaii? Our consultants weigh in on which island is the best choice for you.
6 min
Writer: Jemima Forbes
Image paradise, and the islands of Hawaii come tantalizingly shut. The archipelago on the Pacific Ocean is certainly one of our favourite seaside locations, and it’s straightforward to see why. With lush greenery, gorgeous seashores, cascading waterfalls and its inherent Aloha spirit, this lovely state has rather a lot going for it.
Earlier than you begin plotting your island escape, you’ll must resolve the place to go in Hawaii. With a number of islands to select from – every with its personal set of unmissable allures – we perceive that selecting when and the place to go in Hawaii will be overwhelming. Fortunately, our consultants are right here that will help you uncover Hawaii’s fantastic range, whereas providing you with tips on the most effective islands to go to, based mostly in your thought of the right getaway.
1The Huge Island
Nice for: intrepid hikes, espresso tastings and heritage websites
Huge Island is among the many largest and youngest of Hawaii’s islands. Shaped over 400,000 years in the past, it’s notably recognizable for its rugged terrain dotted with hovering volcanoes. This consists of the mighty Kilauea – the world’s most lively volcano.
Journey-seekers can take pleasure in excursions on the Huge Island’s epic volcanic landscapes. Enterprise into meandering lava tubes or discover caves carved out over millennia by steaming magma. For an exercise that brings rather less warmth, think about a sea kayak tour across the island’s emerald-hued coast or swim alongside manta rays and inexperienced sea turtles.
Need to sprinkle your itinerary with some thrilling actions? Stargazers will love climbing to the highest of Mauna Kea for crystal-clear vistas of the evening sky, whereas historical past lovers can spend hours admiring the traditional rock carvings within the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological District.
Sustainable Tour IdeasEmbark on a tour of one of many island’s working espresso farms. In addition to sampling Hawaii’s world-renowned Kona espresso, you’ll be capable to take pleasure in a sustainable purchasing expertise by shopping for instantly from an unbiased grower. For a contact of journey, hike by means of the Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park and take in nature at its rawest.
2Maui
Nice for: snorkeling, seashores and culinary delights
Touring to Hawaii for a particular anniversary or your honeymoon? Head to Maui for an unforgettable romantic getaway. The second-largest island within the archipelago is famed for its magical multi-colored sand seashores and undulating valleys.
For those who’re questioning the place to go in Hawaii for snorkeling and diving journeys, Maui is tough to beat. Molokini is the go-to place for actually spectacular underwater adventures. The partially submerged caldera sits a number of miles off Maui’s southwest coast and is house to the area’s solely island marine sanctuary. Visiting between December and April? Hold your eyes peeled for humpback whales as you go on a ship journey into the ocean. Spherical off your journey to Maui by driving as much as Haleakala Summit to catch an excellent dawn above the ocean and clouds.
In addition to absorbing Maui’s pure magnificence on the water or throughout a mini street journey throughout the island, you would additionally discover a few of its buzzing cities and cities. Lahaina, a former whaling city, was briefly the capital of Hawaii and is straight out of an image postcard with its oceanfront location and conventional wood buildings. Artwork galleries and eateries abound right here, so feast your senses as you take in this historic city.
Recent seafood is at all times on the menu in Maui. Plan your journey across the Hawaii Meals & Wine Competition that takes place in October throughout Maui, Oahu and the Huge Island. Take pleasure in delectable native delicacies and luxuriate in masterclasses from world-renowned cooks.
Sustainable Tour Concepts
Maui is dotted with a number of tropical plantations, natural farms, wineries and extra. You can set-off on self-guided visits to a few of these verdant landscapes nestled within the upcountry area of Kula, which is famed for its fertile volcanic soil and efficient agricultural practices.

3Oahu
Nice for: sea adventures and tradition
Hawaii’s most-populated island can also be its most historic. Oahu is the place you’ll discover Honolulu, the state’s capital, and it’s a terrific place to start out for those who’re a first-time customer to Hawaii.
Wander round Pearl Harbor and hop aboard the USS Missouri to study extra concerning the island’s position in WWII. Close by Waikiki Seashore is legendary for its big waves and also you would possibly simply spot a number of professional surfers driving the waves. The crescent-shaped bay is fringed by motels, eating places and purchasing malls, making it a hub for vacationers who take pleasure in an electrifying environment.
Desire one thing a bit extra laidback? Tucked away on Oahu’s northeast coast is pristine Kailua Seashore, an oasis with white sand and turquoise waters. Go to for a leisurely day journey or go on a catamaran crusing tour to snorkel alongside its resident sea turtles. Our staff may also assist give your Oahu itinerary a extra adventurous spin, if you want, with a hike alongside the Manoa Falls Path or bike rides alongside the sides of extinct volcanoes.
Oahu moreover packs a punch with its cultural choices. Admire the USA’s solely royal residence at Iolani Palace or stroll by means of decades-old pineapple plantations reminiscent of Dole Plantation, certainly one of Oahu’s key sights.
Sustainable Tour Concepts
Acquire insights into Polynesian tradition on the Polynesian Cultural Heart, a residing museum in Laie, Oahu. The museum brings the spirit of Polynesia to the fore with its simulated tropical villages, the place you possibly can watch charming exhibits and displays.

4Kauai
Nice for: nature lovers, movie buffs
Often known as Backyard Isle, Kauai is resplendent with lush greenery, making it a terrific choose for out of doors fans and people trying to go off the grid.
Greater than three-quarters of the island is inaccessible by automobile, making it a wonderful vacation spot to really get away from all of it. One space that’s delightfully devoid of roads is the Na Pali Coast. The 17-mile shoreline stretches alongside Kauai’s north, and it’s blessed with pristine seashores and craggy sea caves which will be explored through kayak, raft or catamaran.
Uncover the Grand Canyon of the Pacific with a hike by means of the dramatic Waimea Canyon or stroll alongside winding rivers as much as tinkling waterfalls in Koke’e State Park. For an journey you’ll always remember, attempt zip-lining above an historic rainforest or hopping into an inflatable tube to traverse mountain tunnels carved a century in the past.
For those who benefit from the motion pictures, you’re in for a deal with. Kauai has served because the backdrop to a number of iconic Hollywood movies reminiscent of Jurassic Park, Blue Hawaii, Raiders Of The Misplaced Ark, The Descendents, Pirates Of The Caribbean and so many extra. It’s doable to take a tour of those areas and relive your favourite scenes!
Sustainable Tour Concepts
We may also help arrange kayaking adventures to Kauai’s Hidden Falls and biking excursions throughout the island, in case you are searching for an lively, but sustainable, trip. Need to decelerate for some time? Get pleasure from a quiet tempo of life in locations reminiscent of Lihue and take the chance to expertise a few of the island’s fantastic rituals together with a luau, a standard Hawaiian feast.
Feeling impressed to e book your dream trip to Hawaii? Allow us to allow you to plan a personalised itinerary in your chosen island that’s in sync together with your distinctive wishlist. Attain out to us and our consultants will curate your most memorable Hawaii trip but.

go on a seaside trip

Hawaii: Volcanoes, Seashore and Historical past
10 Days:
$ 2,590 / individual
Discover Hawaii’s three prime highlights: Oahu, house to Pearl Harbor, Huge Island with its multi-colored seashores, mountains and lava deserts, and Maui, a browsing and snorkeling paradise with picture-perfect seashores. Do you want to add extra locations or experiences to your journey?

Aloha: Island Hopping in Hawaii
17 Days:
$ 4,590 / individual
The solar, sand, and surf name out on this enchanting journey throughout the islands of Hawaii. Begin your journey at Oahu that presents an alluring mixture of blues and greens.

Highway Journey: California Sunshine and Hawaiian Goals
19 Days:
$ 8,690 / individual
California’s sunshine-drenched landscapes and Hawaii’s lush and pristine islands are a match made in heaven! Expertise the magic of San Francisco from land, water, and air.
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