Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you’re planning your dream getaway, only to have too many options and feel overwhelmed? When my partner and I wanted to go to Hawaii for the first time, we were stuck with one question: what is the best island to visit in Hawaii? After all, you have Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island – they all looked gorgeous, but also, they looked so different.
I can tell you there is not the “best” island, but there is a “best” island for you. The real question is “What’s the best island for you?” when it boils down to how you travel, how much you want to spend, and what you are hoping to experience. From my experience in Hawaii, one thing is clear – every major island has its own personality that caters to specific types of travellers. Whether you are looking for the best island to visit in Hawaii as a couple, a family trip, or even solo, this guide aims to help you decide.
Why Is It Important for You to Choose the Right Island in Hawaii?
Let’s face it: you don’t fly halfway across the Pacific to sit in traffic or stay at a resort that could be anywhere. The Hawaiian Islands are very distinct little worlds in the same chain. And choosing the wrong island can throw your whole trip.
I met a couple in Oahu who had hoped for quiet, remote beaches; instead, they found chaos and a lively nightlife at their resort. And when talking to the solo traveler on the Big Island, she asked which area she thought would offer a socially buzzing experience while leaving her wholly surrounded by lava fields and silence.
Choosing right is not about reviews; it’s about you and your personal longing and preference matching up with the island.
The Best Islands in Hawaii at a Glance
| Island | Vibe and Highlights | Best for |
| Oahu | Waikiki, nightlife, Pearl Harbor | Families, first-time visitors, and history |
| Maui | Whale tours, luxury resorts, road to Hana | Honeymooners, couples, luxury seekers |
| Big Island | Volcanoes, stargazing, and diverse landscapes | Geology fans, adventure seekers |
| Kauai | Na Pali Coast, hiking, rainforests | Photographers, nature lovers |
| Molokai | Slow travel, untouched culture | Off-the-grid travel, culture seekers |
| Lanai | Off-road and secluded adventures | Couples seeking privacy |
The Best Island to Visit in Hawaii: What are Your Options
Most bloggers stop after this chart and tell you, “Choose Maui if you’re romantic,” or “Opt for Oahu if it’s your first time.” That’s not enough. I have visited these islands, talked to locals, and explored recent tourism data – so let’s go further.
Oahu: The Pulse of the Hawaiian Islands
Oahu Islands/ image source: Oahu Official Travel Site
When I first landed in Oahu, the first thing I noticed was not Waikiki’s beautiful beach – it was the vibe. The island is Hawaii’s version of New York City – busy, vibrant, and always something to do.
Why Should You Visit?
Great for a first-time visitor – just hop in a car! You can surf early in the morning, visit Pearl Harbor in the afternoon, wander around town, and have rooftop cocktails for the night.
Insider Tip
Don’t stay at Waikiki for sunset – head to Ala Moana Beach Park; it’s less crowded and where the locals go.
Couples’ Take
If you are considering the “best island to go to in Hawaii for couples,” Oahu may not be #1 for personal, intimate settings, but it really can depend on whether you want to combine the romance vibe with a city-type feel.
Maui: The Romantic Heart of Hawaii
I confess that Maui has found a special place in my heart. Running along the Road to Hana was like driving through a canvas. Every few kilometers, I came upon waterfalls, bamboo forests, and black-sand beaches.
Why Should You Visit?
Maui is considered the best Hawaiian island for couples and is definitely the place for honeymoons and anniversaries. If luxury resorts are on your honeymoon express list, Wailea has numerous options, and Lahaina can provide some much-needed cultural scenery.
Insider Tip
Sunrise on Haleakalā is nothing less than amazing, but here’s my tip – you can still see everything without getting up at 3 am to do it. Sunset is as spectacular, I promise you.
Couples’ Take
If your definition of romance + privacy = Maui, you will find what you want.
Kauai: The Garden Isle
Kauai feels like what Hawaii was before photographers had their way. Mildly haphazard hiking along the Na Pali Coast and taking in the view made a lot of sense when it was declared one of the most beautiful islands in the world.It has tall cliffs, emerald valleys, and untouched waterfalls.
Why Should You Visit?
Best for nature people and photographers. You can’t miss your hike in Kauai; it’s all outdoor adventure.
Insider Tip
Take a helicopter tour of the island. You can’t see certain areas of it unless you’re in the air.
Couples’ Take
If you’re into raw, rugged beauty, Kauai is for you – share some hiking boots instead of a champagne glass.
Big Island: Fire and Ice
The amount of diversity on the Big Island rocked my world. I flew over a lava flow at Volcanoes National Park one day and stargazed on top of Mauna Kea the next.
Why Should You Visit?
It is a thrill-seeker’s paradise. The beaches range from white sand to black sand to even green sand.
Insider Tip
Bring clothes for multiple climates – it is the only place I’ve put on a bathing suit and a winter coat in the same week.
Couples’ Take
Less about romance, more about shared adventures.
Lanai: Hawaii’s Secret Hideaway
Lanai’s surroundings are so quiet, it almost feels secretive. I’ll never forget watching the sun rise, sipping coffee, and I was the only one around, just me, the ocean, and silence.
Why Should You Visit?
Remote and private, it has luxury resorts such as Four Seasons.
Insider Tip
Rent a jeep and explore the rugged backroads of Lanai.
Couples’ Take
Arguably, the best island in Hawaii for couples who want to feel secluded.
Molokai: Culture over Crowds
Molokai feels as if it hasn’t been touched by modern tourism. Hawaiian culture isn’t staged; it is lived.
Why Should You Visit?
To experience genuine Hawaiian ways and travel at a slower pace.
Insider Tip
Participate in a community hula. The feeling is intimate, and you will never forget it.
Couples’ Take
Perfect for couples who want to bond over culture instead of luxury.
Key Visitor Demographics & Trends
In a 2024 report analyzing the visitor data from the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT), Oahu is still the most visited island in Hawaii and continues to attract a significant number of domestic and international visitors, including a large number of Japanese tourists.
Average Daily Visitor Spending per Island (2024)
Although Oahu sees a number of visitors, they appear to spend less per day. Visitors to Oahu likely spend less per day because it offers a wider variety of price points. Maui and Kauai have luxury resorts and more high-end experiences that attract higher spending visitors. Ultimately, daily spending is an important consideration regarding which is the best island to visit in Hawaii for couples seeking more exclusivity.
Conclusion
If you asked me, “What is the best island to visit in Hawaii?” My honest answer would be this: it depends on what feeds your soul. For me, I would choose Maui for romance, Kauai for nature, and Oahu for a fun initial experience.
But what is important is this—do not just follow the guides, and definitely seek guidance from locals, wander off the beaten path, and really allow Hawaii to surprise you. Because no matter which island you are on, you are bound to leave with something much richer than money can buy: a piece of aloha.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What Is the Best Island to Visit in Hawaii?
The best island for you is likely to depend on what you’re looking to get from your visit. Oahu is the best bet for first-time visitors to Hawaii. Maui is often labeled the luxurious island, and it will meet everyone’s desire for beaches. Kauai is the most beautiful, and the Big Island offers opportunities to get up close and personal with an active volcano.
Which is the Best Island to Visit in Hawaii for Couples?
Maui is often the most romantic island, with beautiful sunsets, luxury hotels, and gorgeous and secluded beaches. Kauai is also popular for couples who seek outdoor adventure and lots of privacy.
Is Maui better than Oahu for a honeymoon?
Yes, if you are looking for a more relaxed, romantic, and upscale experience, Maui is perfect. Oahu is better if you want nightlife, cultural experiences, and a vibrant city environment.
What Hawaiian Island Is the Cheapest to Visit?
Oahu is usually the cheapest, as it has the largest number of flights, a greater selection of budget hotels, and dining options. Kauai and the Big Island are also budget-friendly, provided you are well organized.
Which Hawaiian Island Has the Best Beaches for Couples?
Maui has two famous beaches, Wailea and Kaanapali, that are gorgeous and perfect for couples searching for romance. Kauai has secluded beaches that can provide couples with better privacy.
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