Like a lot of visitors to Hawaii, you're probably wondering, which Hawaiian island is the best for you and your travel party? The islands are so diverse, that selecting the right island really is an important decision. And once you've started visiting the islands, coming back to a different island can often feel like a totally different place with a whole new set of experiences, sights, and attractions. Having been to all the major islands, we've already formed some bias on which we favor. But we'll put our bias aside for a while and objectively tell you about the beautiful islands in the Hawaiian chain so you too can pick the island that's just right for you. In due time, we're sure you'll pick your own favorites. Our quiz below and our companion article, Selecting the Best Hawaiian Island should prove useful as you make your decision. But first, let's review each island and its highlights.

Overview of each major island

Kauai - The Garden Isle

The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian Island chain is graced with dramatic, natural beauty. Explore the trails of Kokee State Park, see Waimea Canyon, "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific," or take time to relax in one of the many beautiful gardens of the Garden Isle, like Limahuli Garden.

Kauai Highlights:
Wailua Falls - Kauai's most popular waterfall
Kalalau Trail - Spectacular coastal trail on Kauai's north coast.
Poipu Beach - Voted one of America's best beaches.
Waimea Canyon - Nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific."

   

Useful Kauai Links:
When to visit Kauai
Kauai weather
Where to stay on Kauai
Kauai Must See & Do
All about Kauai

Maui - The Valley Isle

The second largest island is home to what some believe are the best beaches in the world. If you're looking to watch for whales, the waters off of Maui are one of the best places in the world to do so. Wake up early to catch the sunrise at Haleakala, stroll through the historic Lahaina town, or drive the majestic Road to Hana for spectacular scenery.

Maui Highlights:
Lahaina Town - Whale watch, shop and dine in this historic hot spot.
Makena Beach State Park (Big Beach) - One of Maui's largest beaches.
Iao Valley State Park - Historic site home to the iconic Iao Needle.
Haleakala National Park - Scenic home to Maui's highest peak.
Hana Highway - Famous for the scenery, twists, and turns on the way to Hana town

   

Useful Maui Links:
When to visit Maui
Maui weather
Where to stay on Maui
Maui Must See & Do
All about Maui

Big Island of Hawaii - The Orchid Isle

Larger than all of the other islands combined, the island of Hawaii, or Hawaii's Big Island, encompasses 11 of the world's 13 climactic zones - from white sand beaches to snow capped mountains. See waterfalls, rain forests and botanical gardens near Hilo, explore the historic Pu'uKohola Heiau north of Kona, or view Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Big Island of Hawaii Highlights:
Historic Kailua-Kona Town - Historic seaside hot spot.
Waipio Valley - Hawaii's largest isolated inhabited valley
Downtown Hilo - Discover local treasures in the island's capital city.
Ka Lae (South Point) - The southern most point in the United States
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - The world's most active volcano

   

Useful Big Island of Hawaii Links:
When to visit the Big Island of Hawaii
Big Island of Hawaii weather
Where to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii
Big Island of Hawaii Must See & Do
All about the Big Island of Hawaii

Oahu - The Gathering Place

Home to the state capitol of Honolulu and the majority of Hawaii's population, Oahu is a vibrant mix of natural and cultural wonders with the entertainment and amenities of the 21st century. Check out the waves on the famous North Shore, relive American history at the memorials and museums of Pearl Harbor, or soak up the sun and take a surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach.

Oahu Highlights:
Waikiki Beach - Iconic gathering place for visitors from around the world.
Pearl Harbor - Explore the historic sites recounting the Pearl Harbor attack.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve - One of Hawaii's premier snorkeling sites.
Nuuanu Pali Lookout - Historic spot with fantastic mountain views.
North Shore - Legendary birthplace of big wave surfing.

   

Useful Oahu Links:
When to visit Oahu
Oahu weather
Where to stay on Oahu
Oahu Must See & Do
All about Oahu


Selecting the best Hawaiian Island for you

As noted, selecting the right island is no easy task for many visitors. It can be a confusion and even frustrating job, and that's probably the last thing anyone wants when planning a trip to Hawaii. So we've done our homework and created a little quiz that should help you determine the best island for you. The quiz below was developed using a variety of resources around the web. There are many similar quizzes out there, and a lot of chit-chat about the "best" island. Ultimately, if you still can't decide, you might try heading over to TripAdvisor.com and asking your questions there. We usually hang out on a few of the forums daily as well.

Instructions

Basically you're going to read a series of questions below and our automated quiz will score each applicable question with a set number of points for each island. Be sure to SCORE EVERY QUESTION with a Yes or No value!

While there are six major islands that you can visit in Hawaii, we've only detailed four of them. Why? Because the bulk of all visitors, probably some 98%, will never visit Molokai or Lanai. Even though you probably think we're crazy to omit them at this stage, we can assure you through experience that at this point, you'll be much better off selecting and visiting one of the major four. Once you've completed the quiz, our quiz will tally the points for each island, and you should have an good idea of where to book your next trip.

Answer ALL Questions with a "Yes" or "No" response

1.) Volcanoes
Coming to see how the islands were formed? While every island has reminders of how they were formed, it's certainly a lot harder to distinguish the volcanoes on some islands than others. If it's lava you want, then the Big Island is the ONLY option. But all of the four islands have volcanic remnants to be seen.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

2.) Love and Romance
Whether it's your honeymoon or just a romantic trip for you and your significant other, you couldn't have selected a much better choice than Hawaii. Hawaii is the destination of choice for most couples looking to get away for a romantic vacation, and for good reason. If romance is important to you, keep this on your list.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

3.) Hiking:
There's no question about it. We chose Hawaii because of this very option; it's a mecca of trails. If you're like us, and are crazy about hiking to see the often unseen, then definitely consider this option. From gorgeous coastal trails, barren lava hikes, to lush jungle, you can do it all in Hawaii.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

4.) Beaches & Swimming:
Some of the best beaches on earth can be found right here in Hawaii. If you consider yourself a beach-going person, then you're going to love Hawaii's choices. Take your pick of white, yellow, black, green, or even red sand.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

5.) Sunny Weather
This is a really important option for some folks. If you are absolutely set on having optimal weather, then add this to your list. Keep in mind that the windward side of each island will always have a chance for showers, but that in general, some islands are just drier than others. We're going to assume in this option you're staying in one of the accommodation hot-spots on each island.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

6.) Kayaking:
If kayaking is your thing, then in Hawaii you'll certainly have a chance to get out and row somewhere special.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

7.) Cultural Spots
If it's the history of the places you visit that intrigues you, then this is a category to put on your list. Hawaii has an incredibly rich history that is unique to all the world. Lucky for us, much of this history has been preserved throughout the islands in various historical sites.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

8.) Tropical Flora and Fauna
OK, so when I said hiking was the only reason we picked Hawaii, I lied. This was the other reason. If you're a big fan of tropical plants and birds, then make sure to put this on your list. Hawaii offers some of the most diverse plant and animal life on the planet, and several species are endemic to the islands, meaning they ONLY exist here.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

9.) Fishing:
Can't resist the urge to grab a fishing pole and see what you can catch? Whether its local shore fishing or deep sea, be sure to add these to your score.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

10.) Visual Diverseness (Topography, Geography, etc):
There are some islands in Hawaii that can literally make you feel like you've been on a road trip around the entire continental United States. Others remain the same pretty much all the way around. If you are really interested in the diverse ecology of the islands and you'd like to see a lot of change when driving around, then this choice is for you.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

11.) Children-oriented activities:
If you're a family with children, then this is definitely an option for you. Some of the islands offer an incredible array of activities and sights for families, like zoo's, aquariums, water parks, and more.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

12.) Golf:
Take your pick of many beautiful world-class golf courses throughout the islands. If you're into golf, then Hawaii is definitely a place to take a swing at a game you'll never forget.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

13.) Luxury Dining:
You'll have a variety of dining options on any of the four major islands. But some are much better equipped to give you a incredible experience than others (for a price). Some islands are better at serving up local produce than others, and that's reflected in our score as a positive thing. General dining is the next option, so skip this one if you're not looking for luxury dining.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

14.) General Dining:
Whether it's a small restaurant's or a fast food place, if you're not as concerned about where the food is, but only that you don't have to fix it, then this option is for you.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

15.) Government Parks (National and State)
Hawaii certainly has it's fair selection of beautiful state and federal parks. It's home to two National Parks including Haleakala National Park on Maui and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. You'll also find several National Historic sites on certain islands.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

16.) Nightlife
If nightlife is important to you, then make sure you keep this option on your list. A lot of Hawaii shuts down after dark, but if you're just starting when most are heading to bed - add these to your score.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

17.) Getting away from it all (privacy)
If you're looking to escape while on your vacation, and get away from it all, then put this option on your list. Remoteness isn't always easy to come by in Hawaii, but it does exist - on some islands more than others.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

18.) High-class Shopping
Take your pick from some of the worlds greatest shops. Hawaii offers the big city names in the places you might least expect them. If fine art and high-class merchandise are for you, then add these to your list. General shopping is the next option, so feel free to skip to it if you're not a high-class kind of shopper.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

19.) Souvenir Shopping
If you're more budget oriented and are really looking for some great things to take home with you, then this is the choice for you. You don't have to break the bank to take home some incredible art, local crafts, or souvenirs.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

20.) Scuba or Snorkeling
If it's what's under the waves that piques your interest, then you've come to the right place. Hawaii has some incredible opportunities for anyone interested in these two activities.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

21.) Water sports
Love to surf, body surf, or wind surf? Then come hang on the waves in Hawaii. During the winter months, you can't find a much more optimal location.

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

22.) Whale Watching
If you simply have to see the whales during your trip, then make sure this is on your list. Also, make sure your trip falls between the months of December and April if you want the best chance of seeing the Humpbacks. The whales can show up as early as October and depart as late as May, but optimal times are Dec-April (or even March some years).

Are you interested in this subject/topic:
Yes:    No: 

Questions all visitors should answer

23.) Accommodations (Select ONE option):

World Class Resorts - For folks looking to live the high life on their vacation, this is probably the choice for you. If you're not likely to leave the resort, want to relax on the beach most of your trip, play golf, enjoy a large pool, etc - then consider this option.

Yes:

OR Hotels - The choice of the average traveler, hotels provide very nice accommodations for a much cheaper rate than the big resorts. While they certainly don't have the same services and additional amenities, they serve the purpose of giving you a great place to spend your vacation. Ideal for families.

Yes:

OR Condos - The choice of many budget oriented travelers, condos are a good way to save some money during your stay in the islands. This is also a great option for anyone not looking to spend a lot of time actually in their room. Condos often include a kitchenette for fixing meals in your room if you so choose. Ideal for families.

Yes:

OR B&B (Bed and Breakfast) - The choice of those seeking seclusion and the 'warmth' of a living home on their vacation. B&B's make a very nice choice for many couples who are on their honeymoon, or for individuals looking to have a local person to talk with on a regular basis. It's a much more intimate accommodation situation, but for many, they'd choose no other option.

Yes:

24.) Transportation (Select ONE option):

Public Transit - For folks who prefer modes of public transportation like the bus, taxis, etc, this is the choice for you. We'll be honest, your choices are limited.

Yes:

OR SUV - Despite the fact you cannot legally drive off-road on ANY Hawaiian island (without renting from a company that expressly permits it), some folks still prefer a SUV on their trip. Some islands have roads more suited for these larger vehicles than others.

Yes:

OR Regular Car - The choice of most vacationers, a regular car is the best way to get from point a to point b.

Yes:

OR Other or Walking - Applicable only on the islands with larger cities, this choice is not encouraged.

Yes:

25.) Money (Select ONE option):

Money isn't a concern - If you're looking for ultimately luxury and don't consider money an option, this is the choice for you.

Yes:

OR Save a little - Want to both spend a little and save a little? Then this is the choice for you. Optimal for most visitors looking to save when it comes to accommodations, food, vehicle rentals, and purchases - but still have good fun on activities.

Yes:

OR Budget travel - If you are looking to stick to the cheapest accommodations, don't want to rent a car, and want to save as much as possible, this is the option for you.

Yes:

Your results


The higher your score for each island, the better choice it'll be for you and your travel party. The lower the score, the more inclined we are to tell you to skip that island (for now).

Make note of your scores and then read our Best Hawaii Island to Visit to learn more about your results and selecting the best island for your travel party.

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