No doubt, Hawaii is a destination you will always want to visit more than one time. The collection of islands is amongst the world’s most beautiful places. So, if you are planning your trip to Hawaii for the first time, you can be confused about choosing the best Island you need to visit. You may even don’t know the differences between all the islands. All the islands of Hawaii are pretty different from each other. Every Island gives something unique, and it could be hard to understand which one is the best for your trip. Islands in Hawaii have a distinct vibe and have several things to do for different kinds of travelers.
In this article, we will be elaborating on the Best Islands in Hawaii. If you are traveling for the first time to Hawaii, the best Island for you is Maui! Maui offers everything starting from snorkeling, hiking, jungle experience, adventure, great places to stay, and excellent food. Besides all this, Maui also has the best weather and has more than enough to keep you busy throughout your vacation. Also visit tripztour guide to experience the nearby Secret Mermaid Cave in Oahu.
Maui represents everything that people think of when they picture Hawaii, so this Island has long been a favorite of visitors. Maui has beautiful beaches, palm trees, volcanoes, and tropical agriculture. Maui combines aspects of Oahu and the Big Island to find a happy medium between the cultural, hotel, culinary, and outdoor options.
Maui is the home of one of the three volcanic atolls globally. A trip to the watery wonderland will reveal a rainbow of coral and schools of tropical fish within the crystal apparent craters’ waters. Maui also provides many kinds of water sports, starting from swimming to sailing and windsurfing. Maui also offers crystalline beaches in red, white, and black sands. During winter times, the shallow waters of Maui attract whales that breed and take care of their young ones.
What is the best Island to visit in Hawaii for the first time?
Maui (beautiful beaches as well as good for watersports)
Undoubtedly, Maui has the most easily accessible beautiful beaches. We know that you must be thinking that all Hawaiian islands have beautiful beaches. But let us mind you, Maui has numerous unbelievable coves and several options for people to dip in the ocean. The most important thing is that you do not need to drive far to look for a beach as almost all hotels are right along. We always look for accessible beaches because of our kids. Thus Maui has the most friendly beaches, all located in spots that are easy to reach on most vacations.
Snorkeling is one of our favorite activities, and guesses what? Maui offers the most snorkeling options, sea life, and unbelievable fish. You can take a full-day snorkeling trip to Lanai’s Island and take a boat ride to snorkel in a volcano crater.
As per the data from the visitor statistics, Maui is the second most visited Island. Maui gets many visitors. Thus, the options for accommodations are lovely and constantly growing. You can find everything that you are looking for in Maui. You can undoubtedly make a trip to Haleakala to watch the sunrise and sunset or maybe go hiking. Through this, you can learn how the Island has formed years ago!
If you wish to escape the busy west and south side of Maui, you can easily book a stay in Hana, which is there in the East of Maui. To go to Hana, you will have to take the road, and we are sure that you will never want to miss it! East Maui is the best place to spend your vacation.
Maui also has the best food options. We are not being biased here, but it is what it is! You can eat fresh local caught fish, a meal at one of the food trucks, or treat yourself to a good night’s dining. The options available in Maui are wholesome. We are not the only ones saying about Maui’s excellent food. Maui has three restaurants in the top fifteen on the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice list of best restaurants.
Maui has the best weather. The Island faces a fair share of both sun and rain. The sun is never guaranteed in Maui, but your chance of getting a sunny day is best on Maui. On the leeward side of Maui, all the main resort areas are located. The leeward side faces less rain and more sun.
Although you will have more than enough activities to keep you busy in Maui, if you want a quick trip to another island of Hawaii, you can surely take a ferry ride to Lanai! Lanai and Molokai are only a ferry ride away and can be done on an ambitious day trip or maybe for a two or more day trip from Maui. You should take a day trip with a snorkeling boat if you want an easy option to visit Lanai. You will also get a view of dolphins while you are on a trip to Maui. It is a full-day adventure, but minds you, it is worth it!
You are lucky enough if you are visiting Hawaii from mid-December through mid-April because this is the whale-watching season! Maui is one of the best islands for whale watching. The waters are warm, and the channel off the west side of Maui is shallow, which is a perfect spot for whales to have their calf. You can easily watch the whale by taking a boat tour or seeing them from shore.
While having a fine dinner, Maui can take you to the seas and watch the sun go down. Hawaii gives the best sunset view. On every Island of Hawaii, you will discover there are sunsets. Maui retains a healthy dose of old Hawaiian authenticity, worth exploring.
More than 30 miles of sand beaches, including miles of accessible shoreline, than any other Hawaiian Island. Kapalua Beach, one of the best swimming beaches in Maui, is breathtaking. Maui does not have any shortage of food places ranging from outside stands to fancy restaurants. The best restaurant in Maui is Mama’s Fish House which is not cheap but entirely worth it! Maui is one of the few places which makes traveling an addiction. Maui always gives the best vacation experience with its perfect beaches, lush green valleys, volcanic landscapes, historic villages, and adventurous water sports. Five different types of sea turtles are found in the Hawaiian waters. Also, if you love quietness, fresh air, and the sound of wildlife, you should put your shoes on and head to nature.
Oahu (offers several hotels and food options)
Oahu is also one of the best Islands to visit in Hawaii! Oahu contains the maximum of Hawaii’s population, whereas Honolulu, the state capital, can be found. You can spend each day differently in Oahu as it blends the commercial with perfect tradition.
Kauai (beautiful scenery and good for nature lovers)
Kauai is also among the most visited islands. It is often referred to as ‘Garden Isle’ or ‘Garden Island. Kauai is famous for its beautiful scenery and laid-back persona. It is full of beaches all around the Island. The south shore of Kauai is renowned due to its sunny weather, even during the wet winter months. Kauai is the oldest of all the main Hawaiian Islands. It is truly a hidden gem of sorts. Over 90% of the Island cannot be reached by road. It has roads stretching around it from the northwest coast.
Molokai (traditional Hawaii lives here)
Molokai is the fifth-largest island in Hawaii. It is the most remote Island. In Molokai, you will see some of the highest sea cliffs in the world. Molokai has a culture that genuinely has stayed close to Hawaii’s original roots.
Lanai (perfect for beaten path adventure lovers)
The smallest inhabited island of Hawaii is Lanai. Lanai may be close to Maui, but it is far removed from the rest of Hawaii. Lanai provides many options to explore for the beaten path adventure lovers and solitude seekers.
In several ways, Hawaii is a paradise. Although it is a series of islands, people underestimate how big the state is and how big each Island is! Thus, we advise you to go to Maui if you are traveling for the very first time. Other Islands such as Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island are also wonderful and can give you a wonderful experience.