So you know that you want to come to Hawaii for the ultimate tropical getaway. But which island do you visit? Is it better to just stay on one or should you try to hop to each? Are they all the same?
If you’re going to invest in a Hawaii vacation, it helps to know the kind of experience you’re looking for. What do you want to do on your trip to Hawaii? If relaxation is number one on your “to do” list, then it may be optimal to pick one island and stay there. There’s no point in exhausting yourself trying to see each island, only to return home needing a vacation from your vacation (see my post about doing nothing at Hanalei Bay). If you can’t pick just one island, perhaps choose your top two.
Here’s a brief overview of each main island and its characteristics (no, they’re not all the same) in order to help you choose the ideal spot to spend your Hawaii vacation.
Kauai
Long known as the “Garden Island” but newly dubbed “The Island of Discovery”, this is the northernmost island and the oldest. Its age offers some of the largest choices of sandy beaches. For those seeking outdoor adventures, there are many hikes (guided and not guided) and beach explorations possible here. Some of its main outdoor attractions are the Na Pali Coast, Kokee and the vast beaches of Polihale on the West side and Hanalei Bay on the North shore. There is hardly any nightlife to speak of on this quiet island, so plan to enjoy simple sunsets and intimate evenings at home. View Kauai vacation rentals.
Oahu
The most metropolitan of all the islands, Oahu is the hub of an international airport and the vibrant city of Honolulu. A true mecca of multi-cultural art and music, Oahu offers many different experiences on various shores. The infamous Waikiki is an historic beach front that is as popular as ever with locals and tourists alike. Plenty of hotels, restaurants, surf lessons and shops. The North shore of Oahu is home to the world’s biggest surf competitions and enthusiasts gather here every winter to watch top surfers navigate these swells. View Oahu vacation rentals.
Maui
This island is naturally shaped into two sections, known as West and South Maui. It offers some of the world’s top rated beaches, with plenty of resorts, shopping and restaurants. A bit faster paced then Kauai, but without the big city of Oahu, Maui can be the perfect compromise between the two. One of the key attractions of Maui is Haleakala Crater, which stands 10,000 feet above sea level as a testament to the volcano that once spewed forth the lava that created this incredible island. The breathtaking Hana coastline is another highlight that can be seen via a narrow winding road along lush, remote cliffsides. View Maui vacation rentals.
The Big Island
Still in formation, this island is home to an active volcano that continues to pour forth the magma that makes up Hawaii. This “big island” is home to a vast variety of micro climates. One of its mountains, the dormant volcano of Mauna Kea, which summits at over 13,000 feet above sea level, is often covered in snow in the winter. If you want to see all of the diversity of the Big Island, make sure you give yourself plenty of days to traverse its massive expanse. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one point of interest worth exploring. Some areas of the park may be closed during your stay, as the volcano continues to overflow and safety is a factor. View Big Island vacation rentals.
Each of these main Hawaiian islands provide the aloha and tropical beauty you can expect from Hawaii. No matter which island you choose you are certain to have an unforgettable time. As you plan your trip, keep in mind that you can always return (in fact you’ll promise this to yourself as you leave). Wherever you find yourself, remember to slow down in the island-style pace of life, smell the flowers and enjoy the beauty of this magic place.
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