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Which Hawaii island to visit?
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.
Points - Big Island (12), Maui (9), Oahu (3), and Kauai (15)
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.
Points - Big Island [Kona-Side Only] (8), Maui (11), Oahu (7), and Kauai (6)
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.
Points - Big Island (11), Maui (10), Oahu (8), and Kauai (6)
6.) Kayaking:
If kayaking is your thing, then in Hawaii you'll certainly have a chance to get out and row somewhere special.
Points - Big Island (8), Maui (4), Oahu (2), and Kauai (12)
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.
Points - Big Island (9), Maui (8), Oahu (10), and Kauai (8)
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.
Points - Big Island (8), Maui (10), Oahu (3), and Kauai (12)
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.
Points - Big Island (8), Maui (5), Oahu (2), and Kauai (0)
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.
Points - Big Island (16), Maui (11), Oahu (6), and Kauai (7)
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.
Points - Big Island (8), Maui (10), Oahu (14), and Kauai (7)
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.
Points - Big Island (9), Maui (15), Oahu (1), and Kauai (5)
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.
Points - Big Island (3), Maui (12), Oahu (9), and Kauai (4)
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.
Points - Big Island (8), Maui (9), Oahu (12), and Kauai (6)
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.
Points - Big Island (15), Maui (10), Oahu (6), and Kauai (6)
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The comments below do not necessarily reflect the views of Hawaii-Guide or its affiliates.
Questions directed at our staff will be answered as quickly as possible.
Once you've gone through all the questions and jotted the points down in their respective columns, just add them up. The island with the highest number of points is your best bet.
Aloha,
John