There's enough beauty and activity in Hawaii to fill more vacations than we could take in a lifetime. With so much to choose from, first-time visitors need to be selective. Our recommendation is to settle first on the Hawaii you want to see. It might be beaches, luaus and nightlife; it might be rare orchids and hikes in the rain forest; it might be quiet countryside, small towns and scenic drives. Whatever the combination, there is almost certainly an island or islands best suited to your Hawaii vacation dreams.
Hawaii, quite literally, is growing. Active lava flows from volcanoes such as Mount Kilauea are forming new land daily. There's even a new island forming a few thousand feet/meters below the surface of the ocean, near the Big Island, that will someday become the newest Hawaiian island. In fact, it already has a name: Loihi.
Almost everyone will find something enjoyable in Hawaii, and different islands will appeal to different people. Each island is unique, with distinctive attractions, special places and geophysical features.
Here's a look at the eight primary islands aRead More ... nd their major attractions: Hawaii Island
Hawaii Island is most commonly known as the Big Island. It's physically bigger than all the other islands combined, but it retains a rural flavor.
Major Destinations on the Big Island: the Kona coast, Kailua-Kona, Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with two active volcanoes (Mauna Loa and Kilauea), Mauna Kea (the world's tallest mountain).
Big Island Attractions: If you're into the outdoors, this is the place for you. Attractions include sandy beaches in shades of green, red, and black; beautiful coral reefs; snorkeling; deep-sea fishing; gorgeous flowers, including most of the orchids for leis made in the state; cattle and horse ranches; horseback riding; mesmerizing landscapes; cascading waterfalls; golf; watersports; and hiking. Nightlife and shopping are limited.
Kahoolawe
Access to this former U.S. Navy bombing target is strictly limited. Much of the island remains unusable because of unexploded ordnance.
Kauai
Kauai is the oldest and most northerly of the islands. Nature is its biggest draw.
Major Destinations on Kauai Island: Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast, Lihue, the North Shore, the South Side.
Kaui Island Attractions: Mountains; valleys; waterfalls; spectacular beaches; hiking; fishing; golf; whale-watching; boating and sailing; bird-watching; and snorkeling, surfing and other watersports. Shopping and nightlife are limited.
Lanai
The smallest of the main islands is quiet and uncrowded. It is almost completely owned by Castle & Cooke, the parent company of Dole Pineapple. But pineapple production has shifted to resort development.
Lanai Island Attractions: Sailing, horseback riding, fishing, golfing, ocean rafting, hunting and back-road exploring.
Maui
Maui is the second most-visited Hawaiian island, after Oahu.
Major Destinations on Maui Island: Haleakala National Park, Hana, Ka'anapali Beach, Kahului, Kihei, Lahaina, Wailea.
Maui Island Attractions: Wonderful beaches; calm ocean bays; stunning mountain and volcano vistas; sugarcane fields; highland ranches; waterfall-fed pools and twisting mountain roads; whale-watching; golf; sailing and other boat excursions; deep-sea fishing; and watersports such as snorkeling and scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing and parasailing.
Molokai
This island with a rural flavor is best suited for travelers who want to see the old Hawaii and unwind quietly.
Major Destinations on Molokai Island: Kalaupapa National Historic Park, Halawa Valley.
Molokai Island Attractions: Isolated beaches, mountains, waterfalls, deep-sea fishing, history, hiking and relaxing.
Niihau
This tiny island is also known as the Forbidden Island. It's off-limits to visitors. It is home to about 200 native Hawaiians who live a traditional lifestyle.
Oahu
Oahu is the political, economic and population hub of Hawaii. It attracts the most visitors of all the Hawaiian islands.
Major Destinations on Oahu Island: Honolulu, Waikiki, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, the North Shore.
Oahu Island Attractions: City life, including theater, opera, museums, shopping, nightclubs and fine dining; lush greenery; beautiful beaches; great historic sites; whale-watching; fishing; sailing; surfing, windsurfing, parasailing and other watersports; golf; and hiking.
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