Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit?

When it comes to choosing which Hawiian Island you should visit, well, I don't know you'll have to find out for yourself. Each island has its own vibe and gatekeeper.

They say that the Volcano Goddess Pele, will either take you in or kick you out. I can attest to this. I've been taken in on Maui, and kicked around on all the others.

You'll have to see which Hawaiian island you're a match to by trial and error. Sorry. You won't know until you go. If one doesn't work out, try another one!

For a brief and biased overview:

I groan even thinking about writing about Oahu. We don't get along, I'm not a match here. Oahu is a complete madhouse. It's like LA on an island, with just as bad traffic.

If you're someone who can't slow down, then consider Oahu. It's got the fastest pace. Oahu is where the most people live, has the most going on, and the only island with a night life.

Oahu has more people on it than all the others islands combined. Honolulu alone has more people than the entire island of Hawaii (Big Island). It's a major international city.

Oahu is totally over developed and is everything that each other island doesn't want to become. Seriously, any time there is some proposed construction project, we all say that we don't want to end up like Oahu!

Before I lived in Hawaii, I had the opportunity to go to University of Hawaii at Manoa, after a campus tour, I declined. I knew that I wouldn't be happy living in Honolulu. No way.

Oahu definitely got exploited and abused. It's always jarring flying into Honolulu seeing all the buildings sprawled up the mountains.

Your view will likely be of high-rises. A lot of people like the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. Not me. I can't bear to stay more than 2 days there. It's way more mellow and tolerable on the North Shore, I could add another 2 days up there.

This view is from the iconic Rainbow Tower, named for the 286-foot-high rainbow mosaic running down its sides, in the historic Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, a hotel made famous by Elvis. It was his favorite hotel. He preformed in the little grassy area down below. Blue Hawaii was filmed here.

Rainbow Tower, is located on the widest and arguably most beautiful part of Waikiki Beach and Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. Every Friday night they shoot off fireworks.

Not only is Oahu a zoo but so is this hotel! It's so busy. You have to wait in a long line to use the elevators!

Everything here is a hassle!

Kauai is where Hawaiians go to vacation, or at least they used to, when they could afford it. It is the most beautiful and one of the least developed islands. It's super slow and has few activities. The best thing to do is just relax and take in the awe inspiring surroundings. 

Some attractions include, Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. It's like a green version of the Grand Canyon. Beautiful.

Nā Pali coast is stunning and where many Jurassic Park scenes were filmed. You can take a snorkel cruise along the coast. I've had the best time on this trip seeing over a dozen rainbows, and the worst time on this trip, it was so rough I go very sea sick even with Dramamine. 

In my opinion, Hanalei Bay ranks up there for being the most beautiful place in all of Hawai'i. Pictures do it no justice.

My last visit to Kauai, literally everything that could go wrong - went wrong. You can read all about that here.

Lanai is tiny with a population of about 3,000, and can be seen on a day trip from Maui. You can take the ferry from Maui. It takes about an hour. There are also at least two boat companies on Maui, that will take you there for the afternoon, as part of a snorkel tour.

I like Trilogy, they drop you off at the harbor and have shuttles waiting to take you to Hulopo’e Beach or into town for a short tour. They make a you BBQ lunch under a covered pavilion before heading back to Maui. Sail Maui is much cheaper and just drops you off at the harbor and gives you a sandwich, you get to the beach and back on your own. There is a teeny tiny convivence store at the harbor. Hopefully, it's open.

Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, owns 98% of the Lanai, so do with that what you will. If you stay on Lanai, you'll likely be staying at one of the two Four Seasons, which he owns, there are only three hotels on Lanai. One of the Four Seasons is on Hulopo’e beach. Ellison owns a third of the housing on Lanai, so he is most people's boss and landlord.

Lanai has a very small town square. Stop in at Lāna’i Culture & Heritage Center.

Hulopo'e Bay is a big sandy beach and has good snorkeling. A short hike from Hulopoʻe Beach, is Lanai's iconic landmark Pu‘upehe, or Sweetheart Rock. There are several other hiking trails around Lanai.

I haven't made it to Lanai's cat sanctuary, yet. There are no Ubers here. I don't like uncertainty and hassle.

This is Hulopo’e big sandy beach with the Four Seasons on the left.

I have yet to visit Molokai, the friendly-isle, but it is on my to-do list. It's similar to Lanai, in terms of size and resources. It's the least developed and least tourist-centric. If anything it's the opposite, as in they will not sell-out and allow themselves to be exploited. Ever.

The main town of Kaunakakai, is where you will find the island’s only gas stations and grocery stores.

It's home to the tallest sea cliffs in the world. You can see them by taking a helicopter tour from Maui.

When visiting any of the Hawaiian islands, keep a look out for Molokai Bread. You're welcome.

Maui and Hawaii Island aka the Big Island are a good medium in terms of crowd sizes and things to do.

The Big Island is best known for its active volcanos and Volcanos National Park. Kona is the dry side and Hilo the wet. Akaka State Falls, Rainbow Falls, and snorkeling at night with manta rays were a highlight of mine. I also got to take a charter boat to swim with wild dolphins before it became prohibited in 2021. 

Kealakekua Bay, is a Marine Life Conservation area, with fantastic snorkeling. It's also where Captain Cook first landed on the island of Hawaii, and where we was later slaughtered. There's a white obelisk monument here dedicated to him you can see from the water.

Honaunau Bay aka Two Step, also provides some phenomenal snorkeling and a chance to see dolphins. 

The snorkeling on the Big Island I've done is so good because they have very little sand. It's all lava rock. Their coral on the Kona side is also in very good shape.

Rainbow Falls

In September of 2021, NOAA Fisheries announced the protection of Hawaiian spinner dolphins and prevent their disturbance. This rule prohibits swimming with, approaching, or remaining within 50 yards of a Hawaiian spinner dolphin (for persons, vessels, and objects).

Captain Cook monument at Kealakekua Bay.

Maui no ka oi (is the best), I'm biased of course. I visited 13 times before moving here. It's my favorite place on Earth. I don't even know where to start.