Choosing the best island for your Hawaiian vacation or honeymoon
No matter how hard she tries, our Hawaii Destination Specialist cannot compare to the fantastic view of Diamond Head crater from the Halekulani on Oahu
Sure, they all look great from the photos on the internet. And your best friend had a wonderful time when she went to Hawaii three years ago… But what island should YOU visit?
- Whichever one’s the “best”?
- Whichever is the least “touristy”?
- Whatever one’s the cheapest to visit?
Here are a couple of thoughts to make that decision a little easier…
Enjoy Maui for Beauty and Activities
Home of Kaanapali, Lahaina, Wailea, Makena,and Hana
Maui offers an ideal mix of nature and sophistication. The island is named after the demigod Maui, who drew the islands up from the ocean and harnessed the sun from atop the 10,000 foot Haleakala, or House of the Sun. Her magical beginning has given us miles of pristine beaches, pastoral villages near Hana, and lush rainforests.
It’s 11,000 feet from the top of Haleakala crater down to Maui’s whale-filled seas – and you can experience them both in the same day on this compact island. Whether you’re drawn to shopping, nightlife, art galleries, beaches, golf, or spas at world-class resorts, Maui will charm you.
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Choose Oahu if You Want it All
(Honolulu, Waikiki)
The center of the Hawaiian Islands, O’ahu proudly bears the phrase “the heart of Hawai’i”. Her diverse island lifestyle is home to Honolulu, the state’s capital, and the trendiest and most cosmopolitan city in Hawai’i. Waikiki, a 450-acre beach of vacation fun, with beach, surf, hotels, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Beyond Waikiki, discover O’ahu’s vast natural richness, from the pristine sanctuary of Hanauma Bay to the towering surf of the famous North Shore, and the lush tropical rainforest deep within her two mountain ranges.
This island attracts the most visitors to Hawaii for a reason. From Diamond Head crater to Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace to the Banzai Pipeline, Oahu offers unique attractions plus fine restaurants, shopping, golf courses, and nightlife.
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Visit the Big Island of Hawaii for Diversity
(Big Island, Kona, Kohala)
The Big Island of Hawaii is the youngest island, still growing with spewing molten lava from the earth’s depths to create new land. Hawaiian legend tells the story of the goddess Pele and the demigod Kamapua’a battling over the island. Eventually striking a deal, the two decided to split the island – one with the drier Kona side and the other with the tropical Hilo side. Diverse is the word most commonly used to describe Hawaii’s natural beauty.
There’s the Hamakua Coast, where vertical cliffs are adorned by abundant waterfalls and dotted wit deep valleys. And no trip is complete without a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hike to the lip of Kilauea’s red-hot caldera – especially dramatic when viewed after dark.
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Visit Kauai for Beauty and Peace
(Poipu, Lihue, Kapaa)
The eldest of her sister islands, Kaua’i has become more beautiful with age. Blessed with panoramic vistas so magnificent they defy description. It’s no wonder that over 60 movies have been filmed with her stunning scenery, making the island known as “Hollywood’s tropical back lot”. Kaua’i is home to two of the world’s natural wonders: Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon. Hugging 15 miles of awe-inspiring northern coastline, the towering sea cliffs of Napali Coast plunge 2,000 feet to the sea. To the west is Waimea Canyon.
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Relax on Lanai
The smallest of the islands, Lanai offers 140 square miles of uncrowded serenity. Experience secluded sandy beaches, the cloud-kissed uplands of Ko’ele, and the mysterious lunar-like landscapes of the Garden of the Gods. Lanai’s natural beauty is immortalized atop the Munro Trail that leads through a rainforest to the island’s highest point, where Maui, Molokai, Oahu and the other Hawaiian Islands come into full spectacular view.
Once the site of the world’s largest pineapple plantation, small and isolated Lanai has no stoplights, one tiny town, and two five-star resorts. Her serene allure is countered by active adventures. Lanai is a favorite with snorkelers, especially Hulopo’e Bay. Golf, sun, swim, hike, and saddle up to ride across Lanai’s sun-drenched terrain.
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Really Relax on Molokai
You won’t find fancy shops, nightclubs, high-rise buildings, or traffic lights on Molokai. It is a place where a traffic jam is two cars in an intersection “talking story”. The island of Molokai is nearly four times longer than it is wide. Her long and narrow shape is somewhat of a quiet dash between two boisterous sentences, Oahu and Maui. She allures all seeking seclusion, an unhurried pace and wild outdoor beauty.
Today travelers can ride a mule down to the white-sand beach, visit a working cattle ranch, and explore Halawa Valley, dotted with magical waterfalls.
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