Dreaming of a vacation in Hawaii but not sure which island would be the best for you to visit? The Big Island, Kauai, Maui and Oahu are all unique vacation destinations, with each island offering different landscapes and attractions for visitors to explore. Read on to discover which island is your best Hawaii vacation choice:

Big Island Kona Coast

Big Island: The Big Island of Hawaii is one of contrasts, as it is home to sandy beaches, smoking volcanoes, lush rainforests and snowy peaks. Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, is located here, as is the tallest sea mountain in the world, Mauna Kea. During a vacation to the Big Island, stops to the Kona area, home to the historic Kailua Village, are suggested, as are touring historic sites like Hulihee Palace, Puuhonua o Hanaunau National Park & Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park. The southern area of Kona is perfect for snorkeling, whale watching & dolphin watching excursions, and deep sea fishing. The Hamakua Coast is another great attraction as it features lush tropical rainforests, waterfalls and lovely seaside views. The Waipio Valley Lookout provides excellent panoramic views of the Waipio Valley and is a can’t miss viewing opportunity. Overall, the Big Island is an excellent choice for first time Hawaii vacationers as it gives guests the best overview of all the Hawaiian Islands.

Wailua Falls

Kauai: The northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai is known as “Hawaii’s Island of Discovery.” The abundantly lush landscape and rainforests combine with magnificent waterfalls and pools perfect for exploring. Kauai is the premiere choice for visitors who want to get back to nature as outdoor adventure reigns supreme. Appealing activities include visiting the soaring cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, trekking the Waimea Canyon State Park, sightseeing at Wailua Falls & touring Hanalei Town on Kauai’s North Shore. The North Shore are a is a must-see as it features heavenly beaches, rugged mountains & emerald valleys. Kauai is also home to some of Hawaii’s most stunning beaches, like Poipu Beach & Hanalei Bay. 

Maui Sunset

Maui: Home to some of the best beaches in the world, a vacation in Maui is truly magical, which is why it is known as the “Magic Isle of Hawaii.” The beaches here really are breathtaking, and with over 80 beaches total stretching across 120 miles of shoreline you’ll find a host of exciting Maui activities such as whale watching, surf lessons, and scuba diving, to name a few. Some of the best beaches include Kaanapali Beach, Wailea Beach, Big Beach, Kihea Beach, Kahana Beach Park and Homoa Beach Park. Maui has a unique combination of sophisticated luxury and quaint small towns, so you get the best of both worlds. Visiting Haleakala National Park, hiking through Iao Valley, strolling the seaside streets of Lahaina, and discovering the unspoiled terrain of Hana are all highlights of a vacation in Maui.  Maui is also famous for its sunsets. 

Surfing at North Shore

Oahu: Oahu is a cultural haven and is the best island to enjoy art, culture, entertainment and nightlife. Oahu is most famous for its surfing, specifically on the North Shore, as well as on world-famous Waikiki Beach. A visit to Oahu isn’t complete without a trip to Pearl Harbor, as well as exploring the towering peak of Diamond Head, touring Pearl Harbor, the Punchbowl Memorial, and historic places like Iolani Palace, the Mission Houses, the Bishop Museum, Aloha Tower & Kawaiahao Church. Other scenic wonders you’ll discover in a vacation in Oahu include Nuuanu Pali Lookout and the Windward Coast.


Now that you know more about what each island has to offer it should be easier to decide which one appeals to your vacation desires the most. Each one is appealing for its own alluring reasons and each island will not disappoint. You simply can’t go wrong visiting the Hawaiian Islands.