Which Is The Best Hawaiian Island For You: Oahu vs Big Island vs Maui vs Kauai

We’ve been lucky enough to explore all four main Hawaiian islands, and we’ve even had the chance to live on Oahu and the Big Island for a month while working remotely. There are too many fluff posts online with the arrival of GPT and it is getting harder to filter out good content. But these suggestions come from personal experience, not just research—each island left a distinct impression on us, and I want to help you discover which is the best Hawaiian island for you so you can plan your dream trip!

Hawaii is one of those places that feels almost mythical until you visit it. Volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, world-class beaches, and a laid-back island vibe—each island has its own personality, making it hard to choose where to go. While I love them all for different reasons, picking the right one depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Hawaii is unlike anywhere else. It’s got stunning natural beauty, a unique blend of cultures, and a deep sense of ‘Aloha’ that makes you feel instantly welcome. Whether you’re an adventurer looking to hike volcanic craters, a beach bum searching for the perfect stretch of sand, or a foodie eager to try poke and shave ice, Hawaii has something for everyone.

Overview of each island

Big Island – The Island of Adventure

Big Island is the most diverse in terms of landscapes, offering active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and even snow-capped mountains. It’s perfect for those looking for adventure, outdoor activities, and unique natural wonders. With its volcanic landscapes, thrilling hikes, and opportunities for stargazing, the Big Island is a haven for explorers. It’s the best island to witness nature’s raw power, from lava fields to cascading waterfalls, making every day feel like an expedition into a different world. We are suckers for a road trip, and Big Island provides opportunities for multiple day long (or shorter) road trips, each one unique in itself owing to the microclimates that exist on this island.

Best things to do on Big Island

• Visit Volcanoes National Park: Witness lava flows, hike through craters, and explore lava tubes in one of the most geologically active places on Earth.
• Stargaze at Mauna Kea: The observatory at the summit offers some of the clearest night skies in the world.
• Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay: One of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii, with vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
• Relax at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach: A strikingly beautiful black sand beach where you can often spot sea turtles.
• Explore Hilo’s waterfalls: Visit Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls, two of the island’s most scenic waterfalls.
• Swim with manta rays: A once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially at night when these gentle giants come to feed. Remember to book early, and don’t eat too much before you go!

How long to visit Big Island? 5-7 days

Given its size and diversity, you’ll want at least five days to explore Big Island properly. Seven days will allow you to visit both the Kona and Hilo sides and take your time experiencing its unique landscapes.

For those wishing to work and wander, we recommend staying 2-3 weeks, split between both sides, or a single side if you don’t mind driving. Our work schedule in Hawaii was to start work at 6 AM to match PST timezone, finish up by 2 PM, and then go out and have some fun! However, be careful not to overdo it and take some days to just stay in and relax.

Check out our blog post on the ultimate Big Island travel guide!

Maui – The Island of Romance

Maui is a perfect mix of luxury, adventure, and relaxation. If you are seeking quiet, privacy or romance, the answer to which is the right Hawaiian Island for you is simple. With its romantic resorts, scenic drives, and breathtaking sunsets, Maui for us, qualified as the ultimate getaway for couples and families alike. Relax at the beach, sip cocktails at an oceanfront luau, or take a sunset cruise – do what it takes to find your inner peace!

Best things to do in Maui

• Drive the Road to Hana: A scenic coastal drive with waterfalls, bamboo forests, and stunning beaches along the way.
• Watch sunrise at Haleakalā: A breathtaking sunrise above the clouds at the summit of this dormant volcano.
• Snorkel at Molokini Crater: A partially submerged volcanic crater with crystal-clear water and abundant marine life.
• Relax in Wailea: A luxurious resort area with pristine beaches and high-end dining.
• Visit Iao Valley: A lush, green valley with towering rock formations and great hiking trails.
• Explore Lahaina: A charming historic town with waterfront restaurants, art galleries, and a lively atmosphere.

Note – The wildfires of 2023 did affect some of these destinations, but based on photos I’ve seen from others, you should have no problem having a fun time. Just be respectful to the residents and give them their space.

How long to visit Maui? 4-5 days

Maui is ideal for a shorter trip if you focus on relaxation and key highlights. You can explore the entire island at a leisurely pace and experience both the adventure and luxury aspects.

Deciding between Maui or Kauai for your Hawaiian vacation? Read out detailed blog on Maui vs Kauai which compares 10 key differences!

Kauai – The Garden Isle

Kauai is the least commercialized and most naturally stunning island. With dramatic cliffs (believe me, the word dramatic doesn’t do justice to what we saw), lush rainforests, and hidden beaches, it’s a paradise for nature lovers and those looking for a quieter escape. If you love hiking through untouched landscapes, exploring hidden waterfalls, and finding remote beaches with few tourists, Kauai is the perfect island for you. It’s truly the best place to disconnect and immerse yourself in Hawaii’s natural beauty.

Best things to do in Kauai

• Explore the Nā Pali Coast: One of the most breathtaking hikes in the world, offering incredible coastal views.
• Visit Waimea Canyon: Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” it features striking red and green landscapes.
• Relax on Hanalei Bay: A peaceful bay with a charming small-town feel, perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.
• Take a helicopter tour: The best way to see Kauai’s remote waterfalls, cliffs, and valleys from the air.
• Visit Wailua Falls: A stunning twin waterfall that’s easily accessible.

Pro Tip
If you plan to visit the Ha'ena State Park, make sure you have your reservations way in advance.

How long to visit Kauai? 4-5 days

Kauai is smaller but packed with beauty. Four to five days is ideal to explore its best sites without feeling rushed, especially since some of its attractions require time for hiking or scenic drives. For our work-and-wander buddies, while we haven’t personally worked from this island, we do know some people who have. If you are after a very small island vibe and just want a relaxing work environment, Kauai might just hit the spot for you.

Oahu – The Heartbeat of Hawaii

Oahu offers the best mix of city life and nature, as well as budget-friendly options compared to other Hawaiian islands. Known for its world-class surfing, vibrant nightlife, easy access to stunning beaches, historic sites and diverse activities, Oahu has something for everyone. Oahu is the most accessible island as it is home to Honolulu International Airport, making travel very convenient.

Best things to do in Oahu

• Surf Waikiki: If you’re a beginner, Waikiki Beach is the perfect place to take a surf lesson. The waves are gentle, and the setting is iconic. We had a fun time learning how to surf here for the first time, and definitely caught a few waves! (Although my arms were pretty sore the next day with all the paddling)
• Hike Diamond Head: A relatively short but rewarding hike that offers panoramic views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.
• Explore the North Shore: Famed for its big-wave surfing, the North Shore is a great place to watch surfers tackle monster waves in the winter or relax at laid-back beaches like Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay in the summer.
• Check out Lanikai/Bellows Beach: Often ranked as one of the most beautiful beach in the world, Lanikai’s soft sand and turquoise waters are postcard-perfect.
• Hanauma Bay Snorkeling: This nature preserve offers some of the best snorkeling on the island, teeming with colorful fish and coral.
• Hike to Waimea Falls: A beautiful, mostly flat trail leading to a stunning waterfall. Perfect for those who want a bit of adventure without a strenuous trek.
• Visit Kualoa Ranch: One of the most stunning spots on Oahu, this private nature reserve offers UTV tours, horseback riding, and movie site tours (Jurassic Park, Lost, etc.). The lush green valleys and rugged cliffs make for an unforgettable experience.
• Enjoy the nightlife in Honolulu: The city offers a mix of rooftop bars, live music, and beachside lounges. Waikiki has the best nightlife scene with spots like Sky Waikiki and Duke’s Waikiki.
• Explore Byodo-In Temple: A peaceful Buddhist temple nestled in the lush Valley of the Temples, great for a quiet escape from the city. I’ve been here a couple of times now and it is always super relaxing.

How long to visit Oahu? 5-7 days

Oahu has a lot to offer, and how long you should stay depends on what you want to do. If you’re looking for a quick getaway, five days can cover the highlights—exploring Honolulu, hiking Diamond Head, visiting Kualoa Ranch, and enjoying the beaches. However, if you want to take things at a slower pace, seven days will allow for more time to explore the North Shore, snorkel in Hanauma Bay, check out local food spots, and soak in the island’s energy without feeling rushed.

If you are working and travelling, we would recommend staying for 3-4 weeks, and potentially splitting your stay in a way that you spend a week on the north shore. It’ll be the trip of a lifetime!

Read more about why to choose Oahu if you are visiting Hawaii for the first time in our blog post which also gives you a perfect itinerary! 

Which Is The Right Hawaiian Island For You

Hiking

Big Island or Kauai – If hiking is your priority, figuring out which is the best Hawaiian island for you is not an easy task. It is primarily a battle between the Big Island and Kauai … and they both win!

Big Island offers unparalleled volcanic hikes. Walking through Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, where you can trek across the Kīlauea Iki Crater and see steam vents releasing heat from deep underground, is surreal. The Mauna Loa Summit Trail is one of the most intense hikes you can do in Hawaii, leading to the world’s largest volcano.

Kauai is a dream for hikers who love lush greenery and dramatic coastlines. The Kalalau Trail on the Nā Pali Coast is arguably the most stunning hike in the entire state, with views straight out of a Jurassic Park movie. Meanwhile, Waimea Canyon (often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”) has multiple hiking trails offering spectacular overlooks.

Snorkeling

Maui or Big Island – For snorkeling, it comes down to Maui and Big Island, both have world-class spots.

Maui: The Molokini Crater is a top-tier snorkeling destination with crystal-clear water and an abundance of marine life. Honolua Bay is another fantastic snorkeling site with vibrant coral reefs and the occasional sea turtle swimming by.

Big Island: Kealakekua Bay (where Captain Cook landed) offers some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii. It’s rich in marine biodiversity, with tropical fish darting through coral gardens. Two Step Beach is another fantastic spot, known for its incredibly clear water and frequent encounters with dolphins.

Beaches

Oahu or Maui – Both Oahu and Maui have breathtaking and diverse beaches.

Oahu has the most variety of beaches, from the famous Waikiki Beach to the secluded and stunning Lanikai Beach, known for its powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters. Bellows Beach is another hidden gem, with all the beauty but none of the crowd of Lanikai.

Maui has some of the most breathtaking beaches in Hawaii, including Kapalua Bay, a postcard-perfect beach with soft golden sand, and Makena Beach, also called “Big Beach,” known for its vast open space and epic waves.

Volcanoes

There’s no competition here—the Big Island is home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the most famous volcanoes in the world. You can actually see lava flows (if active) and walk through lava tubes at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. If you want to experience volcanic landscapes up close, the Big Island is the best Hawaiian island for you. During our visit, we could see the orange glow of the lava reflected in the clouds right above it as night fell. It was other-worldly!

Surfing

Oahu is legendary for surfing. The North Shore is home to iconic surf spots like Pipeline and Waimea Bay, where massive waves roll in during winter. If you’re a beginner, Waikiki Beach is the best place to take a surf lesson with gentle, rolling waves.

Families

Oahu or Maui – Both Maui and Oahu are fantastic for families, but for different reasons.

Oahu has more to keep kids entertained, from the interactive exhibits at Bishop Museum to the wild water slides at Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii. Plus, it has the added bonus of Disney’s Aulani Resort, which is perfect for kids.

Maui is great for a relaxing, family-friendly vacation with beautiful resorts, beautiful beaches like Napili Bay, and family-friendly attractions like the Maui Ocean Center.

Couples

Maui or Kauai – Both offer a private and romantic experience.

Maui is the classic honeymoon and couples’ getaway, with Wailea’s luxury resorts, stunning sunsets at Haleakalā, and romantic beachfront dinners.

Kauai is for couples looking for seclusion and nature. The Nā Pali Coast sunsets are breathtaking, and places like Hanalei Bay and Secret Beach offer privacy and serenity.

Food & Nightlife

Oahu has the best nightlife and food scene by far. Honolulu has rooftop bars, speakeasies, and live music venues. For food, Honolulu’s Chinatown is a hidden gem with incredible Asian-fusion cuisine, while Kapahulu Avenue is the place to find the best local eats, from Leonard’s Malasadas to Rainbow Drive-In plate lunches. My favourite is Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, they have best butter garlic shrimp I have ever had. And both of us always enjoy going to Vegan Tane Izakya, the best vegan sushi place in the world!

Variety

If you want a mix of everything—beaches, city life, history, adventure, and nightlife—and you have need to pick only one island then Oahu is hands down the best Hawaiian island for you. You can hike Diamond Head in the morning, relax at the Lanikai beach in the afternoon, and enjoy drinks at a beachfront bar in Waikiki at night. It truly offers a little bit of everything.

Pro Tip 
As you are exploring the Hawaiian islands by car, consider using the Shaka Guide app. This GPS-based audio tour provides insightful commentary, local tips, and turn-by-turn directions as you drive around the island. It enhances your road trip experience by sharing Hawaiian history, cultural insights, and hidden gems that you might otherwise miss.

FAQs

Where is Honolulu?

Honolulu is on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It’s the state capital and the largest city in Hawaii (which is a state of the US).

How to Island Hop?

Inter-island flights are the way to go. Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest offer frequent flights between islands, and they’re usually under an hour.

Best Time to Visit Hawaii?

April–June and September–November are the best times—fewer crowds, good weather, and slightly lower prices. Winter (Dec–Feb) is great for surfing but gets very busy, and summer is warm but more crowded.

Is Hawaii Safe?

Yes, but like any place, use common sense. Oahu’s touristy areas can have petty crime, and ocean conditions can be unpredictable—heed warning signs and respect nature.

Can You See Oahu from Maui?

On a clear day, yes! You can sometimes spot Oahu from Maui’s western shores, especially from places like Lahaina or Kapalua.

Final Thoughts

Each Hawaiian island has its own magic, and you really can’t go wrong picking the right Hawaiian island for you. Depending on the type of vacation you want, you can choose Oahu for a little bit of everything or Maui for a more laid-back experience. If you love adventure, Big Island will blow your mind, and if you want to immerse yourself in nature, Kauai is paradise. No matter which island you choose, Hawaii will leave you wanting to come back for more—at least, that’s what happened to me!

Finally, here is our blog post on unique things to do in Hawaii specially curated for you from our personal experiences.

Aloha and happy travels!