Which Hawaii Island Should You Visit?

Maui is our top island suggestion for honeymooners, thanks in large part to its over 81 gorgeous beaches, endless romantic activities and views, and abundant opportunities for sexy adventures with your significant other. Whether you spend your day snorkeling with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, watching a romantic sunrise atop Haleakala, swimming in waterfalls along the Road to Hana, stargazing, indulging in luxurious spa packages, or sipping cocktails on a sunset cruise, Maui is sure to make your dream honeymoon a reality.

Those traveling with kids, parents or grandparents will be pleased to find that Maui is the perfect middle ground for travelers of all ages. The whole family will enjoy whale watching during winter months, touring Maui’s Top Activities and swimming at some of the best family-friendly beaches in the state including: Wailea Beach, Kapalua Bay and Charley Young Beach.

For more information, please read our list of the Best Honeymoon Activities, Best Activities for Kids, and Best Activities for Seniors.

Spend the day swimming in the gorgeous turquoise waters of Lanikai Beach on Oahu’s windward coast, learning how to surf at Waikiki Beach, or touring Kualoa Ranch before an evening of dancing, live music and entertainment in downtown Honolulu.

Also known as ‘The Gathering Place,’ Oahu is a true melting pot of culture, beauty, and big city life on a tropical island. With over 4.5 million annual visitors, it’s the most popular tourist destination in the state of Hawaii.

If your main purpose for coming to Hawaii is to get away from it all and relax while admiring some of mother nature’s most gorgeous work, Kauai is the place for you. Some of our favorite activities (and views) on Kauai include sailing along the Na Pali Coastline, watching sunset at Hanalei Pier, indulging in some of the island’s best locally-grown dishes, and witnessing the stunning colors of Waimea Canyon.

While Kauai has little in terms of nightlife, it has won over nature lovers time and time again. Spend a week enjoying the quiet wonders of small island living and return feeling like a whole new (and much more relaxed and rejuvenated) person. Kauai is good for the soul, plain and simple.

Land lovers (and everyone else, actually) will enjoy the chance to see active lava flows in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the green sand beach of Papakolea (one of only four in the world), hiking in Waipio Valley, and enjoying incredible stargazing clarity from Mauna Kea Volcano. Ocean enthusiasts should head to Kona to take part in a nighttime scuba dive with the manta rays.

The island also offers a rich look into Hawaiian legends, culture, and history. Those looking for uncrowded beauty will certainly find it here.

It’s here that you’ll find the longest white sand beach in Hawaii, the world’s highest sea cliffs, and a history that is full of both heartache and heritage. Spend a day exploring Kalaupapa National Park, lounging under the shade of a palm tree on a deserted beach, fishing for ulua, or talking story in the small town of Kaunakakai.

One thing’s for sure – if it’s peaceful living you’re after, you’ve found your dream island.

In 2012, billionaire Larry Ellison purchased 97% of the island (so also come here if you’re friends with Larry Ellison), and currently, there are only four choices for accommodations on the island – The Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay, The Four Seasons Resort at the Lodge at Koele, Hotel Lana’i, and the official campground at Hulopo’e Bay.

For visitors to the island, we recommend early morning snorkeling (with the possibility of Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins) at Hulopo’e Beach Park, a quick walk to Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock), renting a jeep to explore Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods), viewing ancient petroglyphs near Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach), and scuba diving at ‘Cathedrals’ on Lana’i.