Which Hawaiian Island Is Perfect For You?

By Esme Benjamin

With its mind-melting landscapes and distinctive culture, Hawaii offers an inimitable travel experience to visitors.  “Aside from the beautiful beaches with the super blue water and the really pristine natural landscapes, I think what makes the islands so special are the people,” explains Marissa Villegas, who works for Hawiian Airlines. “I don’t think that you’ll get that anywhere else in the world really. There is a really authentic and genuine hospitality here.” 

“Hawaiian Airlines encourages people to ‘travel pono,’ which translates as righteously and responsibly,” says Villegas. “It means you‘re coming with an understanding of the way sunscreen impacts our coral reefs. You’re engaging with the people here. In terms of Covid, you’re wearing your mask when it's appropriate. That’s what we mean when we say ‘travel pono’ – to travel responsibly, with the community and the land around you in mind.”

While there are 137 islands recognized by the state of Hawaii, we’re going to focus on the largest and most popular of them: the Island of Hawaii (AKA the Big Island), Maui, Oahu and Kauai. Whether you’re planning on island hopping or staying put to explore just one more extensively, our ultimate guide to Hawaii will help you figure out which island fits your travel style. 

Three Essential Oahu Experiences:

The Valley Isle is a popular honeymoon destination for a reason. From beautiful beaches to world-class dining and from luxurious spa hotels to outdoor adventures, Maui has it all in spades. 

Three Essential Maui Experiences:

Dine on Hawaiian Regional Cuisine 

In 1991, 12 renowned Hawaiian chefs teamed up to champion a move towards farm-to-table food. Known as Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, it prioritized local ingredients and cooking styles,  revolutionizing the way people ate on the islands. Nowhere is this more evident than on Maui, where, Villegas notes, community farms are thriving and chefs pay close attention to quality seafood and meat, and seasonal veggies. 

Go Whale Watching 

From November to May, visitors to Maui have a good chance of spotting humpback whales. Join PacWhale Eco-Adventures for a whale-watching boat tour led by certified Marine Naturalists, and learn all about these majestic mammals as you observe them surfacing and diving. 

Catch Sunrise at Haleakalā National Park 

A visit to Maui wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the top of Haleakalā National Park – the world’s largest dormant volcano. As the first rays of the day burst over the horizon, epic views of rugged, Mars-like terrain blaze with shades of crimson and marigold. It’s a popular activity, so don’t forget to make a reservation a week in advance. 

The Island of Hawaii is the largest of the Hawaiian islands (hence its nickname: the Big Island), and boasts a huge variety of terrains and climates. Bounce between volcanoes, jungles and beaches, sampling the outdoor adventures each landscape has to offer. Villegas calls the Island of Hawaii a “catch-all of everything,” noting that it’s particularly appealing to families. 

Three Essential Island of Hawaii Experiences:

Hike the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Encompassing the active volcanoes of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, this national park gives visitors the opportunity to pass through a lava tube (a cave formed by an ancient river of lava), traverse the otherworldly crater of Kīlauea Iki volcano and immerse in thick, fern-filled jungle. There’s no better way to understand the history and formation of this island and appreciate its beauty at the same time. 

Swim with Manta Rays

Most evenings, a little after sunset, tours take visitors out on the ocean to locate groups of manta rays feeding. Divers light the scene from below while guests snorkel on the water’s surface, observing the graceful rays from a distance. It’s one of the island’s most popular activities, and an experience you’ll never forget. 

Get a Bird’s Eye View with a Doors-Off Helicopter Tour 

From the island’s largest town, Hilo, Paradise Helicopters will take you soaring over some of the region’s most remarkable landscapes. Secret waterfalls ensconced in rainforest, black-sand beaches lapped by deep blue ocean and the restless rim of Kilauea volcano are all breathtaking from this vantage point – especially with no doors between you and the scenery.

Read our guide to the Island of Hawaii

The oldest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, Kauai is beloved for its untouched natural beauty. “It has that prehistoric look with these incredible carved out mountains,” says Villegas, who recommends the island for authentic Hawaiian adventures. Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is the place to come when you want to get away from wifi and traffic and immerse yourself in the wilderness. 

Three Essential Kauai Experiences:

Visit a Traditional Ranch 

Hawaii has a rich cowboy, or paniolo, history which began when voyagers from Polynesia and Europe brought livestock to the islands. Get the full cowboy experience with a Hawaiian twist at Princeville Ranch, which offers incredibly scenic horseback riding adventures through rainforests and waterfalls.  

Bike Ke Ala Hele Makalae

Stretching eight miles along the Royal Coconut Coast, Ke Ala Hele Makalae is the perfect paved trail for an effortless stroll or cycle ride. Wind your way along the shoreline and stop for a dip in the ocean and a picnic lunch, keeping your eyes peeled for whales and seals. 

Hike Waimea Canyon

There’s no shortage of gorgeous hikes on Kauai, but Waimea Canyon should be at the top of your list. Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this state park is threaded with hiking trails and dotted with scenic lookout points that are begging to be Instagrammed.

Insider Tip: If you have a spare afternoon, Villegas recommends volunteering with a non-profit organization. “It made me love Hawaii so much more,” she explains. “Through philanthropic opportunities – whether it’s a beach clean-up or planting taro, which is a very meaningful food source in Hawaii –  visitors can really understand the islands on a deeper level.”