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How to Choose the Best Hawaiian Island for Your Vacation
First, the good news: there are only 6 Hawaiian islands that you can choose from. Now, the bad news: it is awfully hard to decide which island deserves your attention since each island seems beautiful and fascinating, and your vacation lasts only that many days. That's why we have come up with some tips to help you with your island choices.
We recommend spending 4-5 days on each island, so you will have enough time to explore and relax. Many people start vacation in Honolulu (island of Oahu), and then take an inter-island flight to another island. Here is what you can expect from each island:
1. Maui has the best of everything: beaches, resorts, activities
One of Maui's pristine beaches
You can drive down the famous road to Hana that passes verdant rainforests and waterfalls, watch the sunrise over Haleakala Crater ("The House of the Rising Sun"), hike the rugged North Shore, or browse through a multitude of shops and art galleries in an old whaling town called Lahaina. Maui has an amazing choice of ocean activities, including fantastic diving and snorkeling. In winter, you can watch the humpback whales play and breach in the ocean... more about Maui
Maui vacation packages: get a quote
Multi-island vacation packages
Maui hotels and condos: $102-$779 per night
2. Oahu has the most excitement and action
Waikiki Beach is the heart of Oahu
The rest of the island is quite different from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. The North Shore is great for watching surfers ride the big waves, or exploring isolated beaches and quiet banana plantations... more about Oahu
Oahu vacation packages: get a quote
Multi-island vacation packages
Oahu hotels and condos: $97-$512 per night
3. Kauai is the most tropical and lush
Kauai has many hidden waterfalls
Emerald cliffs of the famous Na Pali Coast (superb hiking!), lush and secluded valleys of the North Shore, Waialeale Crater - "the wettest spot on earth" where thousands of waterfalls cascade down, Waimea Canyon - "the Grand Canyon of the Pacific" are just a few of Kauai's treasures... more about Kauai
Kauai vacation packages: get a quote
Multi-island vacation packages
Kauai hotels and condos: $102-$614 per night
4. The Big Island is best known for the active volcano
Erupting Kilauea volcano: it's hot!
Big Island has very few white-sand swimming beaches but it is famous for black, greend, and red sand beaches. Other activities include dramatic golf courses built into lava fields, night scuba diving with Manta Rays, hiking, and mountain biking... more about the Big Island
Big Island vacation packages: get a quote
Multi-island vacation packages
Big Island hotels and condos: $98-$724 per night
5. Molokai is the "Hidden Isle"
Road to Kalawao on Molokai
You can hike through the uninhabited wilderness, ride a mule down the highest cliffs in the world, go fishing or kayaking. Far from the crowds, Molokai lets you experience peace and serenity that you haven't felt in a while... more about Molokai
Molokai vacation packages: get a quote
Multi-island vacation packages
Molokai hotels and condos: $126-$494 per night
6. Lanai is the most luxurious
Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay
If you are looking for a combination of adventure and elegance, Lanai is the place for you. Within the resorts, you will find upscale dining, championship golf, and unique spa services. Outside, Lanai is the land of sheer volcanic cliffs, a shipwreck stuck on a coral reef, pocket coves, pinnacle rock islets, white sand beaches, and dirt roads that lead to yjr places of wild beauty... more about Lanai
Lanai vacation packages: get a quote
Multi-island vacation packages
Lanai resorts: $373-$956 per night
*Island Hopping Recommendations* | |||
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"Island hopping" is a very exciting Hawaiian adventure! In fact, one out of three travelers to Hawaii visits two or more islands during his vacation. The key is to plan in advance, and try to spend 4-5 days per island if you don't want to feel rushed. Oahu is the only island where 1-2 days are enough if you just want to see Waikiki Beach and Honolulu. You can travel from one island to another on a 30-minute inter-island flight. A car rental is the best way want to explore any island - there is no public transportation, except in Honolulu. Here are some of the most popular multi-island packages: |
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| 7 days |
"Resorts, restaurants, and water sports" 2 nights on Oahu - non-stop fun of Waikiki Beach 5 nights on Maui - snorkeling at Kaanapali Beach get a quote |
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| 10 days |
"Beaches, rainforest, and waterfalls" 5 nights on Kauai - very quiet and tropical 5 nights on Maui - world-famous white-sand beaches get a quote | ||
| 12 days |
"Most popular package" 2 nights on Oahu - Honolulu, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor 5 nights on Maui - Lahaina town, beaches, luaus 5 nights on Kauai - rainforest with hidden waterfalls get a quote | ||
| 14 days |
"Volcano and other tropical adventures" 4 nights on Big Island - flowing red-hot lava 5 nights on Kauai - secluded beaches, no crowds 5 nights on Maui - great hiking, road to Hana get a quote | ||
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