The Hawaiian Islands: Which One Is Right for Your Trip?
Sheraton Kauai Resort
Which island should you choose to travel to for your Hawaiian beach vacation? Oahu, Maui, or Kauai?
Planning a trip to Hawaii but not sure which island to visit? You’re not alone — each Hawaiian island offers a completely different experience, from lively city life and historic landmarks to secluded beaches and dramatic natural landscapes.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, honeymoon, babymoon, or first-time trip to Hawaii, this guide breaks down the major Hawaiian islands so you can confidently choose the one that fits your travel style best.
I’ve been asked this question a few times, “where to travel in Hawaii, which island is your favorite?” I might be biased because we’ve been to Maui so many times but it all comes down to how you like to travel and what experiences you’re looking for. I broke this list into categories so you can see for yourself what Island matches your style and pace!
RELATED POST: How much does it cost to go to Maui? - Itinerary, budget, and more!
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HAWAIIAN ISLANDS: Oahu vs Maui vs Kauai vs The Big Island - which island is best?
🌴 Overview of the Main Hawaiian Islands
While Hawaii is made up of eight major islands, four are most commonly visited by travelers:
Oahu – Best for first-timers, history, beaches, and nightlife
Maui - Best Overall Island for Families, Couples & Babymoons
Kauai – Best for nature lovers and laid-back escapes
Big Island – Best for volcanoes and unique landscapes
Below, we’ll dive into what makes each island special — and who it’s best for.
Still deciding? Maui is the best all-around Hawaiian island for most travelers, while Oahu is ideal for first-time visitors who want beaches, history, and nightlife.
Not sure which island fits your travel style?
👉 Take the Island Quiz
Oahu
Sunrise in Oahu
Why Visit Oahu?
World-famous Waikiki Beach
Pearl Harbor and historic landmarks
Great restaurants, shopping, and nightlife
Easy public transportation (no car required)
Best For:
✔ First-time Hawaii travelers
✔ City lovers who still want beaches
✔ History buffs
✔ Travelers without a rental car
Keep in mind: Oahu is busier and more fast-paced than other islands — perfect if you like energy, but not ideal if you’re craving solitude.
Maui
Maui - Sunrise at Haleakala
🌺 Maui: Best Overall Island (Families, Couples & Babymoons)
If you want the best mix of relaxation, adventure, and beautiful beaches, Maui consistently ranks as the top choice.
Why Visit Maui?
Incredible beaches like Wailea and Kaanapali
The iconic Road to Hana
Snorkeling, whale watching, and waterfalls
Luxury resorts and family-friendly hotels
Best For:
✔ Families with kids
✔ Couples & babymoons
✔ Travelers who want variety without island-hopping
Why Maui shines: It offers that classic “Hawaii vacation” feel without being overwhelming.
See our ULTIMATE Maui Travel Guide - Where to stay, what to do, and (most importantly) where to eat!
Kauai
Kauai - Waimea Canyon
🌿 Kauai: Best for Nature & Relaxation
Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is lush, dramatic, and incredibly peaceful.
Why Visit Kauai?
The breathtaking Na Pali Coast
Stunning hikes and waterfalls
Fewer crowds and a slower pace
Minimal nightlife — maximum nature
Best For:
✔ Nature lovers
✔ Honeymooners
✔ Travelers seeking quiet and scenery
Good to know: Kauai is less developed — great for unplugging, but not ideal if you want shopping or nightlife.
See our full Kauai Guide - Where to Stay, Restaurant Recommendations, and things to do in Kauai
Big Island
Mauna Kea Volcano Eruption on the Big Island - you must see the lava glow at night
🌋 Big Island: Best for Adventure & Volcanoes
The Big Island of Hawaii offers the most diverse landscapes of any island — from black sand beaches to active volcanoes.
Why Visit the Big Island?
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Black, white, and green sand beaches
Stargazing on Mauna Kea
Less touristy feel
Best For:
✔ Adventurous travelers
✔ Repeat Hawaii visitors
✔ Those wanting something unique
Note: The island is large — driving distances are longer than on other islands.
Are you looking for a fast-paced or relaxing kinda trip?
More Relaxation - Kauai was like driving through a jungle most of the time! The island felt very spread out, and as it is the garden isle, it was so lush and green. We went in January which was very windy and wet, though I hear that’s often the weather pattern in Kauai. We stayed in Poipu and it wasn’t very crowded. No one felt like they were in a rush here, which was nice for a change.
A little of both - Maui is great so that you can get to remote areas like staying in Hana to unplug for a few days. Or, you can stay in Wailea or Kaanapali at a resort with ocean views and beach access (and spas!). You’ll still have shopping areas and more options to zip around the island.
Fast-Pace - Oahu is very city-like with lots of high-end retail stores, high-rise buildings, and traffic if you stay in Waikiki! If you’re looking for nightlife, this is your place! The North Shore is more laid back if you want to head up there to relax or catch a surf competition.
See our shopping list (with some great budget-friendly dresses and tons of Hawaiian outfit ideas) straight from Amazon: Hawaii Packing Essentials
Grand Wailea Resort
Outdoor Activities
Kauai - So many things to do outdoors!
Hiking is available on all three islands, though we did more hikes in Kauai than the other 2 combined! There are many levels of difficulty and well, mud. You can also casually tube down the mountains via water tunnels and canals in some spots!
Take a helicopter tour around Kauai. Ours was canceled 3 times due to weather so we were unable to go, but the pictures and sites we saw from the ground would have been even better from a birds-eye view.
Go on a snorkel tour and see the island from the outside looking in.
Maui - Lots of water activities!
Tour the Road to Hana for lava tubes, hiking, red and black sand beaches, waterfalls, and swimming! The gorgeous remote views will take your breath away!
Check out what’s under the sea. Lots of great snorkeling and scuba sites all over the west side of Maui. If you don’t want to get wet, check out the aquarium to see the beautiful Hawaiian reef behind glass. During the winter months (November-May), humpback whales migrate through the sheltered ʻAuʻau Channel between the islands of Maui county!
Oahu - So much to explore!
Visit Pearl Harbor! I was surprised by how much there was to see and do there, and most of it is free! There are ships, submarines, and planes you can walk on for an inexpensive price! Get there early before tickets sell out.
Hike up the inactive volcano, Diamond Head, and take in Waikiki views from above.
Surf gnarly waves! Some of the best waves in Hawaii can be found on Oahu beaches.
The Big Island - VOLCANO!
Mauna Kea often erupts and you can see it! Pro-tip: stay until it gets dark to see the lava glow in the crater!
Great coffee in Kona!
RELATED POST: Maui with Kids - Why Maui is perfect for families
Oahu - View of Waikiki Beach from Diamond Head
Are you a hotel resort or Airbnb type of person?
Kauai has smaller resorts compared to Maui and Oahu, but they also have some Airbnb type options as well.
Maui has bigger resorts and more Airbnb type options. Resort prices range from 3 stars to 5 stars along the sand beaches!
Oahu has lots of skyscraping hotels in Waikiki with lively nightlife! If you have your window open in your room, it almost sounds like New York city with honking and traffic.
The Big Island - Has great resorts if you’re a tourist. The Airbnb locations might not have as many walkable restaurant options.
No matter which island you choose, we ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!
Sheraton Maui Deluxe Room Views
Beaches - Do you want to layout or participate in water activities?
Kauai - We stopped at a few beaches driving along the coast and most were completely empty! Great sand to layout on or take a long walk.
Maui - Lots of beaches to visit on the west side! If you drive further away from the resorts, you might have a beach to yourself! However, the resorts do have a lot of water activities available such as parasailing, jet ski, etc. If you’re into that!
Oahu - Head towards the North Shore for less crowded beaches, although the Waikiki waves were pretty fun! Lots of water activities available here too.
The Big Island - Has a few beaches perfect for kids with shallow entry and a reef barrier! You can also swim with Dolphins at the Hilton Waikoloa Village.
See our shopping list (with some great budget-friendly dresses and tons of Hawaiian outfit ideas) straight from Amazon: Hawaii Packing Essentials
Sheraton Kauai Resort
Restaurants - Do you prefer fine dining or more casual restaurants?
Kauai - Some fine dining, but more local casual spots. Folks like to turn in early here. We enjoyed Merriman’s which wasn’t too far from our hotel in Poipu.
Maui - It’s a bit of a mix and match of both fine dining near the bigger resorts as well as great local spots with loco moco! Our favorite restaurant is Monkeypod Kitchen and they have 2 locations (Wailea or Kaanapali)!
Oahu - More chain-like restaurants here, but definitely some great fine dining options. My favorite restaurant was the Top of Waikiki, a revolving restaurant with 365 views! Sounds like it is permanently closed due to the lack of tourism in 2020!
How do you budget travel to Hawaii and how do you island-hop?
GREAT question! If you’re traveling on a budget, I recommend using points and miles. Plan at least a year in advance if you need to save up! Alaska Airlines offers a great deal if you have their credit card - you can have a companion fly for a discounted price upon booking! Sometimes my flight as a companion is only $150 and free checked bags (1 per person)! Make sure you book well in advance to take advantage of this opportunity. Chase credit card points are also good as they have a 1:1 ratio for points and miles. The Marriott Bonvoy credit card offers a free night a year! I’m happy to give you free pointers if you contact me!
RELATED POST: How much does it cost to go to Maui?- Itinerary, budget, and more!
Don’t want to mess with credit cards? We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO!
Most flights come into Honolulu (HNL) or Maui (OGG). From there you can travel to the other islands within an hour via plane.
No matter what, you’ll have a great time in Hawaii! Live aloha and relax! Feel free to contact us for a more in-depth conversation or leave a comment below. We’d be happy to help you plan your next trip!
✈️ Can You Visit More Than One Island?
Yes! Many travelers combine islands on longer trips.
Popular combos:
Oahu + Maui → City + relaxation
Maui + Kauai → Beaches + nature
✈️ Inter-island flights are short (30–45 minutes) and frequent.
Maui - Merriman’s Restaurant at Sunset
💸 Is Hawaii Expensive?
Hawaii can be pricey, but planning helps.
Average costs (per night):
Budget hotels: $200–$300
Mid-range resorts: $350–$500
Luxury resorts: $600+
Saving tips:
Book early
Travel shoulder season
Use grocery stores for breakfasts & snacks
📅 Best Time to Visit the Hawaiian Islands
Best weather: April–June & September–October
Whale season: December–April (best on Maui)
Peak crowds: Summer, holidays, spring break
Hawaii is beautiful year-round — choosing when to go often depends on crowd tolerance and budget.
Island Comparison
| Island | Best For | Vibe | Top Experiences | Ideal Trip Length | Crowds | Rental Car |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oahu | First-time visitors, culture, nightlife | Lively, urban + beach | Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, North Shore | 5–7 days | High | Optional |
| Maui | Families, couples, babymoons | Relaxed, scenic, upscale | Road to Hana, whale watching, Wailea/Kaanapali beaches, snorkeling | 7–10 days | Medium | Recommended |
| Kauai | Nature lovers, honeymooners | Quiet, lush, laid-back | Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, waterfalls, hiking | 5–7 days | Low–Medium | Required |
| Big Island | Adventure seekers, repeat visitors | Wild, diverse, spacious | Volcanoes National Park, black sand beaches, Mauna Kea stargazing | 7–10 days | Low | Required |
New Dolphin Show at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on The Big Island
QUIZ: Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit?
If you’ve read this far and still can’t decide, this quick quiz will point you in the right direction.
🌴 Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit?
Answer these quick questions to find your perfect island match.
1️⃣ Your ideal vacation day looks like:
2️⃣ Your travel style is:
3️⃣ Who are you traveling with?
4️⃣ What matters most to you?
Quick Guide & Planning tips:
🌆 First time? → Oahu (Where to stay, what to do)
🌺 Best all-around? → Maui (Start planning here)
🌿 Love nature & quiet? → Kauai (Everything you need to know)
🌋 Want adventure? → Big Island
Hawaiian Islands FAQ
Which Hawaiian island is best for first-time visitors?
Oahu is usually the best choice for first-time visitors thanks to iconic beaches like Waikiki, major attractions, historic sites such as Pearl Harbor, and the widest variety of restaurants and activities.
Which Hawaiian island is best all-around?
Maui is often considered the best all-around Hawaiian island because it offers a balance of beautiful beaches, resort areas, outdoor adventures, and easy day trips like the Road to Hana.
Which Hawaiian island is best for families?
Maui is very family-friendly with calm beaches, resorts with pools and kid amenities, and plenty of easy activities for all ages.
Which Hawaiian island is best for nature lovers?
Kauai is best for nature lovers who want lush scenery, waterfalls, hiking, and a slower, more peaceful pace.
Can you visit more than one Hawaiian island in one trip?
Yes. Many travelers visit multiple islands on longer trips, commonly pairing Oahu and Maui or Maui and Kauai using short inter-island flights.
🌈 Final Thoughts
No matter which Hawaiian island you choose, you’ll find unforgettable beaches, warm aloha spirit, and incredible scenery. The key is picking the island that matches how you want to travel, not just what looks best on Instagram.
👉 For detailed itineraries, family-friendly tips, and hotel recommendations, explore the rest of my Hawaii travel guides here on The Sweetest Escapes.
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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See which island suits your vacation by relaxation, crowds, outdoor activities, beaches, restaurants, and hotels! See our comparison post to help choose which island for your next Hawaiian beach vacation - Oahu, Maui, The Big Island, or Kauai?