I've had many inquiries about Hawaii lately, and it makes sense. With stunning and diverse landscapes, a rich cultural history, and activities for a wide variety of interests, Hawaii has major appeal.
The Hawaiian islands are the longest island chain in the world. However, Hawaii is typically recognized by its eight main islands: Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (also known as the "Big Island"), Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe. Of those eight, six are open for tourists to explore and enjoy.
Hawaii is a gorgeous, safe, and easy to navigate destination, but it also has so much for those of us from the Mainland to discover and experience for the first time. The islands offer near perfect weather and incredible geological sites. Hawaii's reputation as the ideal beach destination is well deserved, but there's also smoldering volcanos, ancient temples, beautiful lavender fields, old Hawaiian cowboy culture, and the only royal palace in the United States to explore. It's the perfect destination for families who have differing interests - because there's truly something for everyone.
Things To Note
The main gateway to the Hawaiian islands is the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu on the island of O'ahu. This is where most visitors will begin their stay.
Inter-island flights are efficient (30 minutes) and convenient with more than 250 flights daily.
Ferry service is available from Maui to Lanai daily.
Rent a car! It's by far the easiest way to get around the islands - and you're going to want to drive around to various areas - no matter which island you visit.
Temperatures vary by only 15 degrees year-round, making it the perfect destination at any time of year.
Visitors are greeted with not just the word but a sense of aloha - which is a genuine sense of inclusiveness and kindness that is at the center of Hawaiian culture. It's not a marketing ploy - it's the real deal, and considered to be a primary reason why tourists return year after year.
O'ahu
O'ahu, the most fast-paced of the Hawaiian islands, is home to approximately 70% of Hawaii's total population and has the capital city of Honolulu, as well as the major airport - Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) - which serves as the entry point for most of Hawaii’s visitors. Honolulu is where you'll find the Waikiki resort district. Other resort areas are: Kahala - around ten minutes from Waikiki, Turtle Bay on the North Shore, and Ko'Olina on the West Coast. O'ahu also has some of Hawaii's most famous beaches along its 137 miles of shoreline. In a fairly compact area you can get to many of the iconic Hawaii attractions including Pearl Harbor, the famous beach at Waikiki, and the surfer's paradise - Waimea Bay.
Perfect For: Travelers who want to experience Hawaiian city life and explore the history of Hawaii. (Also - those who want to recreate that Brady Bunch episode - you know the one).
Can't Miss: Diamond Head State Monument and Punchbowl Crater
Maui
Maui is the second most developed of the islands, but it has more of a laid back relaxed feel than O'ahu. There are well-developed resort areas, but also remote and untouched landscapes to explore as well. With a great mix of beach resorts and rustic upcountry towns you'll find water sports, artsy vibes, and cowboy culture in various parts of the island. Maui has 120 miles of shoreline that open into 81 beaches, and it offers more swimmable beaches than any of the other islands. Most of Maui's resort areas are on the sunny Western and Southwestern shoreline - and you'll find nearly every water sport you can imagine at the resorts. Near the Kaanapoli beach resort on the West Coast is Lahaina, the former capital of the Hawaiian kingdom, and a historic whaling town. It's filled with art galleries, cafés, and a busy harbor that offers snorkeling, whale watching excursions, romantic sunset cruises, and ferry service to Lanai. In Maui's Southeastern interior section you'll find the 10,000 foot high Haleakala - a massive volcanic mountain. On the Eastern coastline is Hana - which offers waterfalls, rainforests, and stunning views. You can get there either by air or by driving a long winding, but incredibly scenic, road.
Perfect For: The first time visitors who want to experience some of everything Hawaii has to offer.
Can't Miss: A visit to Haleakala at either sunrise or sunset.
Read more about things to do in Maui here.
Hawaii
Hawaii island, also known as the Big Island, is more than twice the size of all of the other islands combined, and is the most geologically diverse. It has four out of the five major climate zones in the world along with the tallest waterfall in the United States, black lava fields, black sand beaches, and beautiful rolling green hills. It is also home to the Mauna Kea Volcano - Hawaii's highest point and one of the best stargazing locations in the world. Interested in ancient history? Along the Kohala Coast, you can view the 223-acre Puako Petroglyph Archaelogical Preserve which has more than 3,000 ancient petroglyphs - lava rock carvings etched in stone, dating back to 1200 AD. Here you can swim with manta rays, horseback ride, whale watch, and see truly awe inspiring natural wonders - you'll never be bored on this island.
Perfect For: The active traveler who wants to experience as much variation in nature as possible.
Can't Miss: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Kauai
Kauai, is the Northernmost, and geologically speaking, the oldest of the major islands. Towns are few and far between, and 80% of the island is actually inaccessible by car - which makes it the perfect island to hike, bike, take a helicopter tour, zipline, drive an ATV, or just go exploring. Known as the Garden Isle, it has true picturesque beauty - from emerald green valleys to mountain rainforests, jagged coastal cliffs, waterfalls, and sea caves. It is also the only Hawaiian island with a navigable river - called the Wailua River. Two resort areas are Poi Pu along the South Shore and Princeville along the North Shore. The Royal Coconut Coast on the East side of the island offers condominium options and more moderately priced hotels.
Perfect For: The traveler looking for rugged exploration.
Can't Miss: Waimea Canyon - often called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific."
Molokai
Molokai is just 38 miles long and ten miles wide at its widest point. It has no traffic lights and no resort development. Its beaches are secluded - you're not going to find surf schools or the beach bars you'll find on the other islands. You might even have the beach all to yourself - often even without lifeguards. Molokai has only 7400 residents, but it also has the world's highest sea cliffs along its Northeast coast, as well as Hawaii's longest continuously fringing reef along its Southern coast. On the Northernmost tip you'll find the isolated Kalaupapa National Historic Park. You can't drive there, but you can hike, go on a mule ride excursion, or fly there in a small plane. Halawa Valley, a sacred place of waterfalls, is at the eastern end where it's believed ancient Polynesians settled as early as 650 AD. The majority of island accommodations are found in the towns of Kaunakakai on the South Central coast and Maunaloa in its Western interior. The island has only one hotel, but it does have condos and other vacation rentals.
Perfect For: The traveler who wants to truly get away from it all and have a more secluded vacation.
Can't Miss: A cultural tour of Halawa Valley
Lanai
Lanai, the smallest and least populated of Hawaii's visitor accessible islands (again - no stoplights to be found here!) has just over 3,000 residents. It offers a luxury resort with world-class amenities and championship golf courses, but it is also more secluded than the other islands. Visitors can explore its dirt roads and trails with ATV's, on horseback, or while hiking. Its only town is Lanai City which is where you'll find the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, along with Hotel Lanai. Most of the coastline is undeveloped with the exception being Hulopo'e Bay which is considered one of the United States best beaches. This island makes a great day trip from Maui (you can take a 45 minute ferry ride to get here).
Perfect For: The traveler looking for a luxury resort stay with a bit of rugged exploration on the side.
Can't Miss: Puupehe - The iconic Lanai landmark between Manele and Hulopoe Bay
This is just an introduction to the Hawaiian islands. There is truly so much more to offer. Stay tuned to this blog for deep dives into each island.
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