6 Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit

Dubbed the “Gathering Place,” Oahu is home to 75% of Hawaii's population – many reside in the high-rise city of Honolulu. Oahu also receives the highest number of visitors among the Hawaiian islands, with up to 6 million arriving annually. As such, it may not be the top option if you’re seeking a quiet, secluded getaway. Although Oahu may not offer a remote island experience, it can be the ideal Hawaiian getaway if you’re looking for big-city charm and iconic attractions.

Oahu boasts massive shopping malls like the Ala Moana Center, which offers a wide range of designer products. Alternately, buzzing Kalakaua Avenue is home to chic boutiques and excellent dining. Honolulu is also Hawaii's food capital, serving a variety of Pan-Asian, Polynesian, and American-style cuisine. If you’re an outdoorsy type, there's plenty to explore on the island, from snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and surfing the North Shore to hiking Diamond Head Crater.

If you're undecided, it's worth noting that most flights into Hawaii land at Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, making it a convenient layover destination.

Maui, Hawaii's 2nd most visited island, offers an abundance of luxurious 5-star resorts such as the Westin, Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, Hyatt, and Fairmont. If you're looking for a vacation where you can kick back in a plush beachfront hotel, Maui might be a perfect choice. Ka'anapali Beach and Wailea Beach are Maui’s top destinations for high-end accommodations, sophisticated restaurants, and soul-soothing spas.

Even so, Maui is more than just a place to lounge by the pool. Haleakala's peak, at 10,023 ft above sea level, is home to a misty cloud forest and cinder cones. Historic towns like Paia, Makawao, and Hana offer a glimpse of traditional Hawaiian life and culture. Families can enjoy whale-watching in the Auau Channel from November through April, where enormous cetaceans frolic.

Renting a ride? A drive along the West Maui Mountains to the former royal capital of Lahaina offers some of the best road-tripping scenery in the state.

Spanning 4,028 square miles, the Big Island is larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined, providing ample opportunities for big adventures. It's a vast playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from volcano hikes, night dives, and waterfall hopping to unique discoveries of landscapes and cultural heritage. The island is also an excellent destination for those looking for a relaxing getaway, with luxurious resorts and spas on the Kohala Coast.

You can explore the spectacular and otherworldly expanse of charred volcanic plains and twisted lava tubes at the World Heritage-listed Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Watching Kilauea spew molten magma from a safe distance is quite a sight. You can dive the manta-filled sea cliff at South Point, America's southernmost tip, or explore old plantation towns along the Hamakua coastline that culminate at the historically significant site of Waipio Valley.

The Big Island's sprawling size is impressive, and despite being the youngest in the archipelago, the Kilauea Volcano continues to add new landmass through sporadic volcanic eruptions. The western Kona Coast is famous for its farm-fresh coffee and is popular among deep-sea fishermen. Meanwhile, to the east, the Kohala Coast is home to luxurious resorts and spas, offering a relaxing break from all the adventures.

Kauai is Hawaii's oldest island and it’s known as the "Garden Isle" for its lush forests, rugged canyons, and stunning coastlines. It’s the Hawaiian island to visit if natural beauty is what you’re after. Kauai's eclectic mix of breathtaking landscapes, from lush rainforests with dramatic waterfalls to long stretches of pristine beaches alongside towering cliffs, has made it a popular location for blockbuster movies such as Jurassic Park (1993), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), and Avatar (2009).

You can explore the dramatic Waimea Canyon, also known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," or marvel at the breathtaking Napali Sea Cliffs by foot, kayak, or boat. Hanalei Bay offers a picturesque sandy beach, while Mount Waialeale is a waterfall lover's paradise with one of the highest annual rainfall rates on earth. With only 10% of the island developed, adventurous travelers can enjoy scenic helicopter rides, river kayak expeditions, and backcountry hikes to experience Kauai's majestic landscapes – all without the crowds.

Molokai is often considered the last authentic Hawaiian island. With only 8,000 inhabitants and a small number of mid-range resorts, it attracts fewer visitors and offers a more secluded experience. The local community comprises many Native Hawaiians who have preserved their traditional way of life, which includes age-old customs and close-knit relationships.

Despite its seclusion, Molokai has plenty of activities for visitors. Adventurous types can hike along the world's highest sea cliffs or snorkel the longest fringing reef in the United States. You can also visit the Kalaupapa Peninsula, a former leper colony that is now home to a small group of ex-patients who live in self-imposed exile. Other popular experiences include ‘posting a coconut home’ from the Hoolehua Mail Office and visiting the Molokai Saturday Farmer's Market in Kaunakakai, which is a great place to browse and buy fresh organic produce.

Most visitors to Molokai would often have already explored the other Hawaiian Islands and come to experience a more authentic and less commercialized Hawaii. The island offers a unique glimpse into what the archipelago was like before the advent of mass tourism.

Lanai is a tiny and picturesque Hawaiian island owned by American tech mogul Larry Ellison. He owns 98% of the island, while the remaining 2% is owned by the State of Hawaii and other entities. Only 2 resorts operate here: Four Seasons Resort Lanai and The Spa at Sensei Lanai. While both offer 5-star amenities and idyllic Pacific views, most visitors arrive on a day trip to quickly tick Lanai off their Hawaii ‘must-do’ list.

Popular Lanai pastimes include spinner dolphin spotting at Hulopoe Bay and golfing at Manele. If you’re feeling energetic, hike up Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock) or indulge in some adrenaline-pumping water sports on the shore.