Hawaii is a paradise on earth filled with stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality, and endless opportunities for adventure.
For travellers, this archipelago in the Pacific Ocean offers unique and diverse experiences, with each island having its own distinct personality, landscape, and cultural identity.
With so many options to choose from, deciding on which island to visit can be tricky. So, in this article, we will guide you through the best places to go to in Hawaii, providing you with more information to enable you to decide which one(s) to pick for your next vacation.
For those wanting a romantic getaway, a family-friendly adventure, or an outdoor adventure, there is an island in Hawaii that will suit your needs. So pack your bags, grab your passport and get ready to explore the magic of The Aloha State!
Oahu
Oahu, also known as ‘The Gathering Place’, is the third largest Hawaiian island and one of the most popular destinations for travellers from all over the world.
Home to the state capital of Honolulu, this vibrant and cosmopolitan island offers a perfect mix of urban and outdoor adventures. From world-renowned beaches to historical landmarks, Oahu is a cultural and natural playground that has something for everyone.
Waikiki
Waikiki is a world-famous travel destination on the south shore of Honolulu, Oahu, receiving millions of tourists every year.
This iconic neighbourhood is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, making it a top choice for sun, sand, and surf enthusiasts. Visitors can stroll along the lively boardwalk, soak up the sun on the golden sand, or hit the waves for some unforgettable surfing lessons.
Waikiki is also a shopper’s paradise, with a wide range of boutiques, souvenir shops, and luxury stores, as well as an array of dining options that cater to every taste and budget.
For those seeking a cultural experience, Waikiki is home to several historic landmarks, including the famous Diamond Head State Monument, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and the Iolani Palace.
Honolulu
Honolulu is the vibrant capital of Hawaii and is another top travel destination for visitors from all over the world. This cosmopolitan city is situated on the southeastern coast of Oahu and offers a perfect mix of urban and outdoor experiences.
Honolulu is home to some of the state’s most iconic landmarks, such as Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the famous Iolani Palace, making it an ideal destination for history buffs. The city is
also a cultural hub, with numerous museums, galleries, and theatres that showcase Hawaii’s unique arts and heritage.
Additionally, Honolulu is renowned for its world-class dining scene, featuring a diverse range of gastronomy, from traditional Hawaiian dishes to international fusion cuisine. It also has excellent nightlife too.
Furthermore, for nature lovers, it offers a variety of outdoor adventures, including hiking trails, beach parks, and water sports activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and kayaking to enjoy.
North Shore
The North Shore of Oahu is a legendary travel destination that attracts surfers and beach enthusiasts in their droves.
Known for its world-class waves, this seven-mile stretch of coastline offers some of the best surfing conditions in the world, with the winter months being the prime time to catch the massive swells that draw surfers from all over.
The North Shore is also home to several beautiful beaches, including Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and Banzai Pipeline, which offer not only excellent surfing but also opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing.
Away from the water, the North Shore provides the chance to immerse yourself in a more laid-back and rural lifestyle. Boasting charming local towns and communities, delicious farm-to-table cuisine, and a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, horseback riding, and zip-lining.
Ko Olina
Ko Olina is a luxurious resort community located on the western coast of Oahu, that offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.
It is home to several world-class hotels and vacation rentals, pristine beaches, and lush landscapes that create an idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Overall, Ko Olina is famous for its crystal-clear lagoons that offer calm and safe swimming, perfect for families with children or those looking for a peaceful and serene beach day.
The resort community also features an array of fine-dining restaurants, high-end shopping, and luxurious spas that cater to the most discerning travellers.
Additionally, Ko Olina is an excellent base for exploring the island’s west coast. With nearby attractions such as the historic town of Kapolei, the popular Paradise Cove Luau, and the scenic Makua Cave waiting to be discovered.
Maui
Maui, also known as ‘The Valley Isle’, is a breathtaking travel destination that boasts stunning beaches, verdant landscapes, and vibrant culture. This beautiful island is the second-largest in the Hawaiian archipelago and is famous for its world-renowned surf breaks, scenic drives, and diverse
wildlife.
Maui is a popular destination for adventure seekers, with an array of outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkelling, and zip-lining that allow visitors to explore the island’s natural wonders up close.
The island is also home to charming towns and villages, where visitors can experience the unique Hawaiian culture and hospitality.
Lahaina
Lahaina is a historic town located on the west coast of Maui that offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural and maritime history.
This charming destination was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and was a thriving whaling port in the 19th century, attracting sailors and merchants from around the world.
Today, Lahaina is a popular travel destination that features a unique blend of historical landmarks, contemporary art galleries, and boutique shops. Visitors can explore the town’s historic sites, such as the famous Banyan Tree and the Lahaina Courthouse, or take a stroll along Front Street, which is lined with colourful storefronts, restaurants, and art galleries.
Lahaina is also home to several popular beaches, including Kaanapali Beach and Napili Bay, which offer excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities.
Upcountry
Upcountry Maui is a beautiful and unique travel destination that offers visitors a break from the island’s coastal resorts and beaches.
Located in the heart of Maui, Upcountry is a lush and green region that spans across the island’s southern slopes, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the neighbouring islands.
The area is known for its cool and crisp climate, which provides the perfect environment for growing a variety of crops such as coffee, lavender, and strawberries.
Visitors can explore the region’s charming towns, such as Makawao and Kula, which offer a range of boutique shops, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants.
The region is also home to several natural attractions, such as the Haleakala National Park, which boasts the island’s highest peak, and the Kula Botanical Gardens, which feature a wide variety of exotic flora and fauna.
South Shore
The South Shore of Maui is a popular travel destination known for its stunning beaches, world-class resorts, and endless recreational activities.
This region accommodates several of the island’s most iconic beaches, such as Wailea Beach and Makena Beach, which offer excellent swimming, snorkelling, and surfing opportunities.
The area is also famous for its championship golf courses, with several renowned courses, such as the Wailea Golf Club and the Makena Golf and Beach Resort located within it.
Visitors can explore the region’s charming towns, such as Kihei and Wailea, which offer a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The South Shore is also an ideal base for exploring some of the island’s natural wonders, such as the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve and the Molokini Crater, which are home to diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs.
Big Island
The island of Hawaii, also known as the ‘Big Island’, is the largest and most diverse of the Hawaiian Islands, offering visitors a wide range of attractions and experiences.
Notably, it is home to two active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, which attract visitors from around the world with their awe-inspiring displays of lava and steam. The island also boasts stunning beaches, rugged coastlines, and verdant rainforests, providing visitors with opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkelling, and surfing.
The island is also rich in culture and history, with several important historic sites and museums such as Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park and the Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii.
In addition, visitors can also explore the island’s charming towns and villages, such as Kona and Hilo, which offer a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Kona
Kona, located on the west coast of the Big Island, is a popular travel destination that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities.
This region is known for its world-famous coffee plantations, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers. Kona is also home to several historic landmarks, such as the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park and the Mokuaikaua Church, which offer a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Visitors can explore the town’s charming waterfront, which is lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants, or take a stroll along the iconic Alii Drive, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
The region is also a hub for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and horseback riding, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers.
Hilo
Hilo, located on the east coast of the Big Island, is a vibrant travel destination that offers visitors a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities.
This region is home to several spectacular natural landmarks, such as the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which boasts two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and the Akaka Falls State Park, which features a breathtaking 442-foot waterfall.
Hilo is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with several important historic sites and museums
such as the Lyman Museum and the East Hawaii Cultural Center, showcasing the island’s diverse history and traditions. If you go there, you’ll be able to visit the charming downtown area, which is home to several boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants, or take a stroll through the Liliuokalani Gardens, which feature a traditional Japanese landscape.
You will also be able to take part in hiking, kayaking, and zip-lining, should you want to.
Kauai
Kauai, known as the ‘Garden Isle’, is a veritable paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering visitors a stunning array of natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes to enjoy.
The island is home to several world-renowned attractions, such as the Napali Coast, a majestic coastline of towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, and Waimea Canyon, a natural wonder that’s often referred to as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’. Kauai also boasts some of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches, like Poipu Beach, with sparkling blue waters and white sandy shores, making it the perfect destination for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.
Additionally, the island is also rich in culture and history, with numerous important historic sites and museums such as the Kauai Museum and the Grove Farm Homestead Museum. You’ll be able to explore the island’s charming towns and villages, such as Hanalei and Kapaa, which have plentiful dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
When travelling around Kauai, there is a good chance you might get some deja vu. That is because its dramatic scenery of sea cliffs, mountains, canyons and beaches has appeared in over 60 movies and TV shows, including Hawaii 5-0, King Kong, Jurassic Park, Blue Hawaii and South Pacific.
Molokai
Molokai is a secluded and peaceful travel destination that offers visitors a unique and authentic Hawaiian experience.
Known for its unspoiled natural beauty, the island boasts some of Hawaii’s most pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking landscapes. Some of which you will have virtually to yourself.
Those who come here can explore the island’s lush tropical rainforests, towering sea cliffs, and sprawling cattle ranches, or take a stroll through the charming towns of Kaunakakai and Maunaloa, which offer a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Molokai also houses several historic landmarks and cultural sites, such as the Kalaupapa National Historical Park and the Halawa Valley, which provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the island’s unique history and traditions.
The likes of hiking, fishing, and kayaking are popular here, too, making it an ideal destination for those who love the water.
Lanai Island
Lanai Island, also known as the ‘Pineapple Island’, is a tranquil and secluded travel destination that offers visitors a unique blend of luxury and natural beauty.
The island is known for its upscale resorts, which offer world-class amenities and unparalleled comfort, as well as its unspoiled natural beauty. Tourists can explore the island’s pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged terrain, where opportunities for scuba diving, snorkelling and golf abound. Alternatively they can take a stroll through the charming town of Lanai City, which features several unique boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
Whilst on Lanai, you can also check out the Kaunolu Village Site and the Puu Pehe Rock, which provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the island’s rich history and traditions.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit Hawaii
The best time to visit Hawaii depends on what you want to go there for.
Generally, Hawaii’s weather is warm and pleasant year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. The peak tourist season in Hawaii runs from mid-December through mid-April, when many travellers flock to the islands to escape cold winter weather. During this time, prices for flights and accommodations tend to be higher, and the beaches and attractions can be more crowded.
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and save some money, the best time to visit Hawaii is the period known as the shoulder season. They incorporate April to early June and September to the middle of December. During these times, you can enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds while still experiencing Hawaii’s warm weather and beautiful scenery.
Another factor to consider when planning your trip to Hawaii is the surf conditions. If you’re a surfer, the best time to visit is during the winter months, from November through February, when the big swells hit the islands. However, if you’re not into surfing, you may want to avoid this time, as the waves can be too dangerous for swimming and water activities.
Conclusion
As you can see, Hawaii is a unique travel destination.
Offering visitors a wide range of experiences, from the deluxe five-star resorts and vibrant nightlife of Waikiki to the stunning natural beauty of Kauai and the secluded tranquillity of Lanai Island, each of Hawaii’s islands has something special to offer.
Whether it’s the world-renowned attractions of Oahu or the unspoiled natural beauty of Molokai you want to experience, whatever your interests, Hawaii is an ideal destination for tourists of all ages and interests to visit.