A Guide to Hawaii’s Islands

There’s something about Hawaii that instantly draws you in. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel a certain kind of magic in the air. Whether you’re soaking up the vibrant surf culture in Oahu, watching the sunset on the dramatic coastline of Kauai, luxuriating in a world-class hotel in Maui, marvelling at the volcanoes on the Big Island, or exploring the beaches, lush valleys and waterfalls around every corner; Hawaii will immediately wrap you in its aloha spirit.

This Hawaii guide is designed to share a glimpse of that magic, offering you insights into the wonders that each island holds and help you decide which island you’d like to explore. Or why not experience the best of several islands in the same holiday?  Take a look at our Hawaiian multi-centre itineraries.

Alternatively, as well as being a wonderful destination in its own right, Hawaii is also perfectly placed as an additional stop on a USA multi centre holiday, with direct flights linking the archipelago to various US cities including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and more.  If you’d like more info, check out our USA & Hawaii itineraries or simply get in touch with one of our travel experts.

 

Hawaii’s islands in a nutshell:

Oahu:
The Vibe – Vibrant surf culture and lively city life.
Highlights – Iconic Waikiki Beach, historical landmarks in Honolulu, Pearl Harbour, Diamond Head, and the famous North Shore surf spots.

Maui:
The Vibe – Luxury and romance with a relaxed atmosphere.
Highlights – Pristine beaches, world-class resorts in Wailea and Kapalua, the scenic Road to Hana, Haleakalā National Park, and snorkelling in Molokini Crater.

Kauai:
The Vibe – Untouched beauty and a nature-lover’s paradise.
Highlights – The breath-taking Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, stunning beaches on the Coconut Coast, Wailua River State Park, and Secret Falls.

The Big Island:
The Vibe – Diverse landscapes and lots of adventure.
Highlights – Active volcanoes in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, black and olive-green sand beaches, Mauna Kea for incredible stargazing, and beautiful coastal areas.

Molokai:
Vibe – The ‘real Hawaii’: authentic and peaceful.
Highlights – Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Hālawa Valley, and stunning beaches such as Papohaku Beach, Dunbar Beach, and Murphy Beach.

Lanai:
Vibe – Secluded luxury and privacy.
Highlights – Hulopoe Beach for high-end hotels and marine life, Shipwreck Beach, and the Lanai Cat Sanctuary for feline lovers.

 

Hawaii’s islands in more detail:

 

Oahu:  City Life & Surfing Mecca

Oahu is the most-visited of the archipelago’s main islands and offers a little bit of everything, from lively city life to interesting landmarks – and of course, picture-perfect beaches with the ultimate surf vibe.  There is a wide range of places to stay from luxurious beachfront resorts to smaller boutique hotels for a range of budgets.

If ever there was a place that truly captured Hawaii’s surf culture, it would be Waikiki Beach in Honolulu on the south coast of Oahu. This iconic beach is not only known for its beautiful sandy shores and gentle waves, but also as a historical hub where surfing first became popular in the 1900s.  With its lively atmosphere, the beach is framed by swaying palm trees and lined with colourful surfboards propped up. Head to a beach bar for a cocktail, grab a shave ice to cool down (a local Hawaiian iced treat) or lounge on the pristine sands watching surfers carve through the waves. Or maybe learn some tips and tricks at one of the many surf schools that line the shore. As the sun sets, Waikiki comes alive with live music and dancing under the stars.

Away from the beaches, Honolulu itself is also a wonderful place to explore.  Key highlights include Pearl Harbour which includes the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri which provide fascinating insights into WW2.  The Honolulu Museum of Art houses collections of Asian and Pacific art and the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S, provides an insight into Hawaii’s royal history.  For great views of the surrounding area, go to Diamond Head, a volcanic crater offering wonderful panoramas with various walking paths to explore.

Outside of Honolulu, on the northern coast of the island, the North Shore draws in surfing enthusiasts from around the world to ride on its huge winter waves. You may recognise some of the famous surf spots including Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and the Banzai Pipeline from the 1990s film ‘Point Break’ that helped to highlight this region’s reputation as a surfing mecca.  Even if you’re not into surfing, the North Shore is still a lovely place to visit with stunning coastal scenery, quirky shops, and delicious food.

 

Maui: Romance & Luxury Escapes

Maui is a popular choice for honeymooners and those looking for an ultra-luxurious escape with pristine beaches, waterfalls and rainforests on your doorstep. Some of the most popular resorts are Wailea, where you’ll find luxury hotels, Kapalua, which is a bit more exclusive and out of the way, and Ka’anapali, which is more family friendly.  Experience the lap of luxury, from lounging by infinity pools and indulging in world-class spa treatments to enjoying impeccable service.

If you can tear yourself away from your deep-cushioned sunbed and that expertly crafted cocktail at your beachfront resort, the Road to Hana should be at the top of your list. This stunning 65-mile drive hugs Maui’s north-eastern coastline, offering jaw-dropping views of waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and lush rainforests. A popular stop is the Waiʻanapanapa State Park, which has a stunning black sand beach, sea caves, and coastal trails, located about 10 minutes from the quiet town of Hana.

A trip to ʻĪao Valley State Park is also a must. The lush valley is home to the iconic ʻĪao Needle, a huge 1,200-foot volcanic rock formation that is covered in greenery. And for a truly unforgettable experience, watch the sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā, the dormant volcano within Haleakalā National Park. Bear in mind though that you’ll need to make a reservation in advance, but there are plenty of tours that include transport and breakfast on the way down.  The park also boasts trails for every skill level, whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek. It’s also a great place for mountain bikers, where riders can explore the slopes of the dormant volcano.

Molokini Crater is one of the top spots for snorkelling, situated off the island near Makena Beach and accessible via boat tours from the beach or from Ma’alaea Harbour. This crescent-shaped volcanic atoll is home to an underwater paradise, where you can swim among colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, and the occasional sea turtle.  Maui is home to some world-class dining and is a true foodie’s paradise. Whether you’re dining at a high-end beachfront restaurant or grabbing some poke from a food truck, you’ll find plenty of delicious food.

 

Kauai: Untouched Beauty & Nature’s Wonders

Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian islands but one of the least commercialised and offers a pure lush, green landscape with jagged cliffs and waterfalls.  It’s the perfect choice for nature-lovers and those looking for a total escape from the real world.

One of the island’s highlights is the Na Pali Coast in the north of the island. The Kalalau Trail around the coastline offers jaw-dropping views. The full walk is a challenging 11 miles, but even if you can’t manage the full route, a short walk will give you a taste of its magnificence. Another way to view its beauty is from a boat or helicopter tour.  As the day draws to a close, don’t miss the opportunity to watch the sun set over the ocean, casting a glow over the dramatic cliffs and lush peaks of the surrounding area.

One of the western coastline’s famous landmarks is the Waimea Canyon, nicknamed ‘The Grand Canyon of the Pacific’.  Standing at the rim of the canyon, you’ll be blown away by the incredible views of the surrounding cliffs, waterfalls and the Na Pali Coast in the distance. You can also hike around the trails but if that’s not your thing, you can take a leisurely drive through the canyon.

On the east side of the island, affectionately known as the Coconut Coast because of its lush groves of coconut trees, you’ll find some of the most stunning beaches in the Pacific and some great spots for snorkelling including Poipu beach, Kealia Beach and Niuhi Beach (also known as Coconut Beach).  Also along this coast is the Wailua River State Park which is a popular spot for kayaking and boat tours along the river. One of the highlights of the park is Fern Grotto, a stunning lava rock cave which you access via a boat tour on the river. For an adventure, walk to Secret Falls, where you’ll find a secluded waterfall framed by the island’s natural beauty.

Other highlights include the stunning golf courses in Princeville, enjoying a cultural evening at the Smith Family Garden Luau, which includes feast of Hawaiian cuisine and an evening of hula entertainment, and the Spouting Horn, a natural blowhole on the South Shore, where water bursts upwards through a lava tube.

 

The Big Island: Volcanoes & Stargazing

The Big Island – as its name suggests – is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is often described as an island of two halves due to its diverse landscapes and climates on either side. The eastern side, particularly around Hilo and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, is lush, volcanic, and tropical, with frequent rainfall and dramatic volcanic activity. In contrast, the western side, particularly the Kona Coast, is drier and sunnier, and boasts sandy beaches, coffee plantations, and excellent snorkelling.  This means you can enjoy a wide range of experiences all on the same island.

The Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park occupies the majority of the eastern side and features the active volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park offers you the chance to walk around the craters allowing you to see various fascinating geological features, including steam vents and lava fields.  Plus, you can witness the fascinating sight of lava flowing into the ocean from these huge natural wonders.  Also explore the Thurston Lava Tube. A 600-foot tunnel formed by cooling lava that you can walk through for a unique glimpse into volcanic processes.   Hilo, the largest town on the eastern side, serves as a gateway for exploring the park.

The island is also home to some stunning beaches, including black sand beaches such as Punaluʻu and the unique olive-green sand beach of Papakōlea which is a bit of a trek to get to, but worth the effort. Punaluʻu offers fantastic snorkelling too, and you may be lucky enough to spot a turtle or two resting on the warm, black sand.  Other great spots around the island include Kealakekua Bay (where Captain Cook famously landed and subsequently died) where you may spot dolphins, and the stunning white sandy Hapuna Beach, one of the most popular beaches on the island.

For something completely different, head to the centre of the island and ascend to the summit of Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in Hawaii, where you’ll experience stargazing that is truly out of this world – literally! After enjoying the sunset, you can gaze up at the stars in some of the clearest skies you’ll have ever seen. Plenty of guided tours are available to help you learn more about the celestial wonders but be sure to check the weather and wear warm clothing, as it can get quite chilly up there!

 

Lanai: Secluded luxury & Privacy

As Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island, Lanai offers a handful of luxurious resorts and fewer crowds, making it the perfect destination for a secluded escape whilst still having access to the comforts of a high-end resort.

Hulopoe Beach is the island’s star attraction and where most of the luxury hotels are found.  Here can swim in crystal-clear waters and snorkel among vibrant marine life, including tropical fish and occasionally the odd dolphin. Just a short walk away at the far end of the beach, you’ll find tide pools that have formed along the rocky shoreline. At low tide, these are filled with fascinating marine life, including fish, sea urchins, crabs, and other tide pool creatures. It’s a lovely way to see some of the ocean’s life in a natural and interactive setting.

On the other side of the island lies Shipwreck Beach where you’ll find the remains of a ship which ran aground in the 1940s.  There is a trail that leads around the beach and the wreck itself to explore the area.  If you’re a cat lover, you’ll love visit to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, where you can cuddle with the resident felines who roam freely while learning about the sanctuary’s mission.

Other highlights on the island include Keahiakawelo, also known as The Fire of Kawelo, which is a rock garden of vibrant red and brown formations and Lanai City which has a selection of boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and the Lanai Culture & Heritage Centre.

 

Molokai: Authentic Hawaiian Life & Total Tranquillity

If you’re looking for luxury resorts and nightlife, Molokai probably isn’t for you. However, what you will find is an authentic and unspoiled Hawaiian experience with lots of natural beauty and a warm welcome – it’s not called the ‘Friendly Isle’ for nothing!  It’s one of Hawaii’s least developed islands and there is only one set of traffic lights across the whole island, with building heights capped at the height of a coconut tree. This is a place to disconnect, understand the real Hawaii, and embrace a slower pace of life.

To get around the island and see all it has to offer, we recommend hiring a car as there is very little public transport available. Molokai has several parks to explore which are home to some of the breath-taking landscapes on the island.  Head to the Hālawa Valley State Park where you’ll find waterfalls, ancient cultural sites, lush vegetation and secluded beaches including Halawa beach.  Other stunning beaches on the island include Papohaku Beach, located within the Papohaku State Wayside Park, and is one of the largest white sand beaches in the whole of Hawaii that stretches for 3 miles.  Also visit Dunbar Beach, known for its incredible views; Kaupoa Beach, perfect for sunsets; and Murphy Beach, with its soft golden sand, clear blue waters and a sense of true isolation.

For more spectacular views, head to the overlook at Pālāʻau State Park where you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent panorama of the Kalaupapa Peninsula and the colony where people with Hansen’s disease (leprosy) were once isolated – with a handful still alive today.  Within Pālāʻau State Park itself, you’ll find Kauleonanahoa, a sacred phallic rock believed to promote fertility, along with walking trails and scenic spots to relax and enjoy the views.

 

Whether you’re drawn to the lively energy of Oahu, the luxurious resorts of Maui, the breath-taking natural beauty of Kauai, the diverse landscapes and volcanoes of the Big Island, or the off-the-beaten-path charm of Molokai and Lanai, you’ll be sure to find the perfect Hawaiian island or islands for you.  If you’d like to find out more about Hawaii or are interested in a Hawaiian multi-centre itinerary combining multiple islands into one holiday, please get in touch.