First-timers to Hawaii wrestle to select the right island. So how, on this Pacific archipelago of greater than 130 islands and islets, do you discover one with lovely seashores, beautiful emerald mountains, surreal volcanic landscapes, genuine Polynesian tradition, nice golf programs, incredible snorkeling, breathtaking waterfalls and foodie experiences galore?
Simple. Simply head for any of the 4 islands accessible nonstop from the U.S. mainland — Oahu, Maui, Kauai or the Large Island of Hawaii — and you will have all of it. However how do you decide from these 4 finalists? If it is your first time in Hawaii, your excellent island will rely in your journey fashion and to-do listing.
For many vacationers visiting Hawaii for the primary time, the Large Island of Hawaii is an interesting choice as a result of it gives essentially the most various experiences. However earlier than you e book a flight right here, ensure that that is actually the most effective island for you.
This is our information to Hawaii journey for novices.
Which Hawaiian island to go to? Examine your must-haves
A lot of the belongings you’ll wish to do and see in Hawaii — from luaus to waterfall hikes to horseback using and ziplining — can be found on all 4 main islands.
But when one of many following actions on this Hawaii journey information is in your must-do listing, the selection is obvious on your finest island to go to in Hawaii for the primary time.
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Traversing an lively volcano: Each island has dormant volcanoes to discover, however the Large Island is the one place you will have an opportunity to see lava flowing. Examine this Nationwide Park Service net web page for Kilauea eruption updates (or attempt to time your go to with Free Days).
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Driving the Highway to Hana: This world-famous trek, with stops at waterfalls, a eucalyptus grove, roadside eats and extra, is on Maui.
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Touring the Napali Coast: Kauai is residence to this breathtaking stretch of seaside cliffs dropping all the way down to turquoise blue waters, which you’ll tour by catamaran, helicopter or kayak or climbing path.
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Paying respects at Pearl Harbor: For WWII historical past buffs, Oahu is the place to go.
With over 4,000 sq. miles, Large Island (often known as Hawaii Island) has quite a bit to supply vacationers who do not thoughts quite a lot of driving. Snow-capped mountains (sure, snow in Hawaii), beautiful seashores, lava fields that make you’re feeling such as you’re on the moon’s floor — they’re all right here.
Large Island highlights
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Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park has greater than 520 sq. miles of volcanic landscapes to discover, together with lava tubes, steam vents, petroglyphs, rainforest trails and, if Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and fireplace, cooperates, flowing lava.
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Has the one green- and black-sand seashores in Hawaii.
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Provides evening snorkeling with manta rays.
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Mauna Kea’s observatory is a must-visit for stargazers.
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Gentle air pollution is saved to a minimal on the Large Island, which helps the astronomers on Mauna Kea and makes for a surreal nighttime expertise when driving round.
Large Island drawbacks
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It requires quite a lot of driving to see all of it.
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Resorts on the seaside might be expensive.
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Throughout dry seasons, the Kona Coast space can appear parched and arid.
Large Island suggestions
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Fly into Kona Worldwide Airport to land on the sunny, beachy facet of the island. Fly into wet Hilo Worldwide Airport if you wish to make a beeline for Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park.
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You’ll definitely wish to hire a automobile right here for the reason that island’s finest choices are unfold out.
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The Kona Inn Buying Village is enjoyable for eating and strolling, but it surely’s not the most effective space to remain as a result of it is touristy and lacks an excellent seaside.
The place to earn or redeem factors on the Large Island
![](https://www.nerdwallet.com/assets/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Maui-GettyImages-1502289705-1440x960.jpeg)
Waves lap on the shoreline on this Maui seaside scene. (Getty Photographs)
Maui is the second largest island in Hawaii and gives many seashores, climbing trails, historic websites and scenic views. It has a mixture of resort cities the place you’ll be able to hang around on the seaside, and undeveloped areas with rainforests and coastal dunes to discover. In the event you’re occupied with biology and conservation, be taught concerning the many crops and animals which are distinctive to Maui.
Maui highlights
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Haleakala, a dormant volcano, gives a once-in-a-lifetime dawn expertise, plus nice hikes and biking.
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The Highway to Hana generally is a gradual drive by a tropical paradise.
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Glorious whale-watching November by February — typically with out leaving dry land.
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Black Rock within the Kaanapali space, between the Sheraton Maui and the Royal Lahaina Resort, has accessible snorkeling proper off the seaside.
Maui drawbacks
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Resort areas can really feel like one large, manicured golf course.
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Actions are fewer and farther between.
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Seashore resorts might be expensive, particularly in Wailea.
Maui suggestions
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Maui’s two important resort areas, Kaanapali and Wailea, supply a few of the finest lodging for guests who need a stress-free resort trip on the seaside with all of the conveniences and facilities.
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Highway circumstances on the Hana Freeway might be difficult — and even treacherous. Think about taking a tour or renting a car that may deal with difficult terrain.
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Rental automobile insurance coverage might not cowl you on some roads round Hana. Be taught your rental automobile firm’s phrases and bank card insurance coverage protection earlier than you head out.
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Mama’s Fish Home, a favourite vacation spot for Maui-bound foodies, can e book up three to 6 months prematurely.
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Outdated Lahaina has a wealth of museums and historic websites for historical past buffs, providing a glimpse into Maui’s fascinating previous.
The place to earn or redeem factors on Maui
Vacationers wealthy in Hilton Honors factors can discover rooms on the luxurious Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort beginning round 110,000 factors per evening for the standard room reward. Based mostly on a scan of the lodge’s calendar, it appears as if the property requires a minimal reserving of not less than two nights.
![](https://www.nerdwallet.com/assets/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Kauai-GettyImages-1611020337-1440x961.jpeg)
Backpacker on the Kalalau Path on Kauai’s Napali Coast. (Getty Photographs)
House to only about 74,000 residents — a tiny quantity in comparison with Oahu’s inhabitants of almost 1 million — Kauai is the place for vacationers seeking to spend much less time round people and extra round spinner dolphins, sunbathing monk seals, sea turtles, free-roaming chickens and plentiful pure magnificence.
Kauai highlights
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House to the breathtaking Napali Coast, which might be explored by catamaran, kayak, helicopter or climbing the 11-mile path Kalalau Path.
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Queen’s Bathtub, close to Princeville on the island’s northern facet, is a surprising pure tide pool you’ll be able to discover or swim in when the ocean waters are calm.
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Discover Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” on a hike or with simple stops alongside a driving tour.
Kauai drawbacks
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Sandy seashores, handy for guests, are fewer and smaller than on different islands.
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Bugs and large spiders might make for unwelcome visitors in lodge rooms and condos.
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A restricted variety of eating places in resort areas.
Kauai suggestions
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Within the winter, ocean waters flip treacherous on the island’s north facet. Persist with safer southern swimming spots like Poipu Seashore in these colder months.
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Learn up on the protection of Kauai helicopter excursions, as there have been a number of deadly crashes.
The place to earn or redeem factors on Kauai
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, which is positioned on Poipu Seashore, is an eco-friendly property with a golf course and spa. It is a Class 7 lodge and rooms begin at 25,000 factors per evening on the off-peak fee.
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Accommodations and resorts dominate the skyline alongside Waikiki Seashore. (Getty Photographs)
Oahu, residence to the state capital Honolulu and its bustling Waikiki district, is 2 trip locations in a single. First, it is a spot the place you’ll be able to lounge on the sand steps from actually a whole bunch of eating places. Or leap in a automobile for a brief drive to a few of the most lovely unspoiled seashores, botanical gardens and snorkeling spots on the earth.
Oahu highlights
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It is thought of to have the most effective seashores in Hawaii.
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A shopaholic’s heaven, particularly for luxurious manufacturers like Hermes, Saint Laurent, Harry Winston, Chanel, Dior, Jimmy Choo and lots of extra.
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A number of budget-friendly lodging, with lodges steps from the seaside beginning round $100 per evening and a few condominium properties even decrease.
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Pearl Harbor Nationwide Memorial has 4 points of interest, however the must-see is the united statesS. Arizona Memorial.
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A straightforward cease off Kamehameha Freeway on the North Shore, Laniakea Seashore, higher often known as Turtle Seashore, attracts grazing sea turtles you’ll be able to see proper from the sand.
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Byodo-In Temple gives a serene escape in a mountainous rainforest setting.
Oahu suggestions
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Reservations for world-famous snorkeling spot Hanauma Bay open up two days prematurely and might get snapped up in minutes. Go to the Hanauma Bay reserving website at 7 a.m. on the nostril two days earlier than you propose to go to to seize your spot.
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Waikiki is the one place in Hawaii the place you do not actually need a rental automobile, however get one for not less than a day so you’ll be able to discover a few of the lovely, unspoiled components of Oahu.
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An umbrella and seaside lounger set can price as much as $85 however could also be worthwhile because it offers you a shady Waikiki residence base for a complete day.
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Aspiring surfers can get classes on the mild waves simply steps from any Waikiki lodge.
Oahu drawbacks
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Waikiki could be very crowded and dense.
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There’s numerous visitors across the island, particularly throughout rush hour. Lodge rooms on decrease flooring can get quite a lot of avenue noise.
The place to earn and redeem factors on Oahu
If it is your first journey to Hawaii
Likelihood is, the Large Island of Hawaii has every little thing you are searching for. However relying on what you wish to do, one of many different islands accessible from the mainland — Maui, Oahu or Kauai — might be a greater match.
Now that you realize the place to go in Hawaii on your first journey, take this closing tip to coronary heart:
Decide only one island for visits of eight days or much less. In any other case, you will spend an excessive amount of of your valuable trip time in lengthy traces at airports, lodge check-in desks and automobile rental businesses.
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