From the peaks of Maui to the shores of Lanai and the volcanoes on the Big Island, discover which island in Hawaii is best for you.
AD: This post was sponsored by Alaska Airlines, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
If I could hop on a plane tomorrow and return to one destination, Hawaii would be high on my list. I still remember my first glimpse of those volcanic landscapes, bright blue waters and pristine beaches. It’s probably the closest view to a postcard I’ve seen on my travels!
What surprised me most was how much more there was to Hawaii than its famous beaches. It’s a destination where each day was so different, from hiking across ancient lava fields, to watching surfers take on huge waves, or spotting whales in the Pacific.
While Hawaii is a great year-round destination, summer is a brilliant time to experience the islands. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, planning a family adventure or simply craving a break somewhere spectacular, Hawaii delivers that rare feeling of escaping somewhere truly special, without needing a passport if you’re travelling domestically from the US.
So, whether you’re starting to plot out your first trip, or a long-time visitor looking to explore a new part of Hawaii, my guide will break down what each of the four main islands offers. What’s great? There’s an island to suit you!
The best islands in Hawaii
Oahu: Best for First-Time Visitors
If it’s your first trip to Hawaii, I’d recommend starting with a stay in Oahu. It’s easy to get there on Alaska Airlines flights from the US mainland to Honolulu, and once on the ground you can visit places like the world-famous Waikiki Beach.
Oahu has a more energetic feel than some of the other islands, particularly around the capital city of Honolulu. However, there are lots of nature-filled escapes a short drive away from the city.
One of my favourite memories from Oahu was hiking Diamond Head early in the morning. The climb is manageable, but reaching the top and looking out over Honolulu and the Pacific is one of those “wow, I’m really in Hawaii” moments.
Oahu is also a brilliant island for surfing, although you might want to skip the sky-high waves of the North Shore unless you’re a pro! I loved watching the experienced surfers though!
There’s also plenty for history lovers. A trip to Pearl Harbor is poignant, but an absolute must.
Choose Oahu if you want:
- Iconic Hawaiian beaches
- Great nightlife and restaurants
- Plenty of family-friendly activities
- A mix of relaxation and sightseeing
Hawaii Island (The Big Island): Best for Adventure
If you love discovering unique landscapes, book a trip to the Big Island. You can fly direct from a number of US airports, including LA, San Francisco and Seattle to Kona Airport on Alaska Airlines.
I absolutely fell in love with this island. From the second we landed, it felt like we were on one huge adventure! This is where I walked on black sand beaches, visited huge waterfalls, traversed black lava fields, saw fiery eruptions and even star-gazed on top of a snow-capped volcano. It’s somewhere I’m dreaming of returning to, and would love my kids to see in their lifetimes.
Highlights include the spectacular Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where you can see the fiery lava of Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano in action. I’d also recommend visiting the 100-foot Kahuna Falls in Akaka Falls State Park and a trek through Thurston Lava Tube. If you’re into snorkelling, this island is somewhere you might spot whales passing by, plus you can even snorkel with manta rays.
Choose the Big Island if you want:
- Volcanoes
- Diverse landscapes
- Wildlife encounters
- Epic road trips
Maui: Best for Couples and Luxury Holidays
Maui is definitely Hawaii’s most romantic island. It’s one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world, especially with people visiting from the US mainland… and it’s easy to see why!
Picture luxury hotels, golden beaches, whale watching and one of the world’s most scenic drives along the famous Road to Hana. This island is home to lots of adults-only resorts, which offer romantic experiences like couples massages or candlelit dinners.
This isn’t to say you shouldn’t visit unless you’re a couple! There’s plenty to see in general. Haleakalā National Park is stunning, there are plenty of paradise beaches, particularly around Wailea and Kāʻanapali, and the island (like others in Hawaii) has several waterfalls and pretty hiking trails.
Choose Maui if you want:
- Luxury resorts
- Scenic road trips
- Beautiful beaches
- Adult time
Kauai: Best for Nature Lovers
If you didn’t know, Kauai has the nickname “The Garden Isle”. When you visit, you’ll notice it’s got a wilder and more rugged appearance than some of the other islands.
There are huge cliffs, dramatic waterfalls and lush rainforests. If you love hiking and days out in nature, this is the island for you.
Highlights include cruising past the dramatic sea cliffs like the Nāpali Coast, trekking through Waimea Canyon (often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific) and kayaking through the Wailua River Valley.
Choose Kauai if you want:
- Incredible hiking
- Stunning scenery
- Fewer crowds
- Outdoor adventures
Which Hawaiian Island Is Best for Families?
Are you planning a family holiday in Hawaii? I visited Hawaii before becoming a mum, but it’s somewhere I’d love to return to with my children. For families, I’d probably choose Oahu or Maui. Oahu is the easiest destination to visit as there are plenty of attractions, restaurants and accessible beaches.
Meanwhile, Maui offers that perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. You could combine snorkelling trips, waterfalls, wildlife spotting and plenty of beach / pool time.
Which Hawaiian Island Is Best for Couples?
If you’re looking for a romantic escape with your other half, you really can’t beat Maui. It’s got a lovely mix of natural beauty and laid-back resorts. Kauai is a great second choice, as it’s a lot quieter, but still offers nature activities, pretty beaches and secluded resorts.
Which Hawaiian Island Is Best for Adventurers?
If you’re wanting the big, bold Hawaii experience, I’d pick the Big Island. It was my favourite of all, for the variety of extreme activities! It has the huge cliffs, fiery lava flames, black sand beaches, waterfalls and more.
Getting to Hawaii with Alaska Airlines
One of the reasons Hawaii feels so achievable as a getaway is how easy it is to reach from the US West Coast. Alaska Airlines offers convenient routes to Hawaii, making it simple to swap city life for tropical landscapes.
Whether you’re heading to Oahu, Maui, Kauai or the Big Island, you can get there with Alaska Airlines. Every passenger enjoys generous legroom, reserved seating, genuine care and service, plus the option to pre-order meals across all cabins, making the journey stress-free.
If you love to travel, I’d also recommend joining Atmos Rewards, Alaska Airlines‘ award-winning loyalty programme. When you sign up, you’ll receive $25 off your next flight, plus earn rewards towards future travels.
Whichever island you choose, Hawaii has a way of staying with you long after you leave. For me, it was the contrast that made it unforgettable. I loved that I was watching waves crash against black lava rock one day, then relaxing on a beautiful beach the next. If Hawaii has been sitting on your bucket list, maybe this is the year to finally make that dream trip happen.
Looking for more tips and travel inspiration? Check out my other Hawaii travel guides…
- How To Have The Ultimate Adventure In Hawaii
- 14 Amazing Things To Do On Your First Holiday In Hawaii
- 5 Day Big Island Itinerary – 15 Best Things To Do On The Big Island, Hawaii
- The Best Luxury and Boutique Hotels in Waikiki, Hawaii
- The Best Honeymoon Resorts In Maui, Hawaii
- A Guide To The Diamond Head Hike In Honolulu, Hawaii