Maui is known for its world-famous beaches featuring red, black, and white sand, its serene sunrises and sunsets that can be seen from the Haleakala National Park AKA - the "house of the sun" , driving its Road to Hana, and a large dormant volcano located on the eastern side of the island. Maui is the perfect honeymoon destination and is a great choice for travelers wanting a mix of relaxation and also some nightlife action.
The Garden Isle, is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is also the northern most island and gets a lot of rain, which makes it so incredibly colorful and vibrant. You will find flowers and plants that you cannot find anywhere else. The island is filled with valleys, cliffs, and mountains unlike those on any of the other islands, as well as, lush rainforests, towering waterfalls, and rivers. Kauai is full of high-end resorts located on beautiful beaches. Kauai is perfect couples who love outdoor activities like snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking.
The Island of Hawaii is the largest and the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands. It gets its nickname "The Big Island" because is nearly twice the size of all the other islands combined! The Big Island is the only island with a live volcano, the Kilauea Volcano, which is responsible for carving the unique landscape that you will find on this island. You can actually find 10 of the world's 14 sub-climate zones here, from snow-capped mountain of Mauna Kea, the lush forests of Waipio Valley filled with jaw-dropping waterfalls, to miles of barren molten rock desert. You can easily explore the entire island in a rental car in just one day and it is so worth it! The Big Island is a fantastic family vacation and perfect for an adventurous getaway.
There are six major islands to visit in Hawaii: the Island of Hawaii (aka the Big Island), Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai. Each has its own unique personality, activities, and adventures! Read about each island below to see which one if best for you! It is also very easy to island hop and spend a few days on multiple islands in one trip! We would love to help you plan your Hawaiian escape!
Both Lanai and Molokai are extremely private and secluded. Lanai has two resort options and both are very high-end. Other than relaxing and soaking in the sun, there are hiking opportunities and an incredible golf course for your entertainment. We recommend Lanai for the avid Hawaii travelers looking for the ultimate luxury experience.
Molokai is on the opposite end of the spectrum, equally as stunning, however, there are no resorts or large hotels here. Be sure to pack your hiking boots because it has some of the most epic hiking sites in the world.
Things to do on the Big Island
Oahu, the "Heart of Hawaii" has a bit of everything. You can hike through lush rainforests and up Diamond Head Mountain, surf in turquoise waters, or relax on the soft sand beaches. Oahu is the busiest of the islands and features famous sports like Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, and the North Shore. We recommend this island for families and when you are looking for value, city, nightlife, history , and activities.