Experiences
Hawaii holidays: which island is right for you?
Warm trade winds, surfers on the waves and volcanoes that are still alive. Hawaii is four very different islands, and this is how to choose.
The air smells of salt and frangipani. Waves roll in over Waikiki, a surfer stands up on the board, and behind you Diamond Head rises like a green wall against the sky. The sun is hot, but the trade winds keep it pleasant.
Hawaii is an archipelago in the middle of the Pacific, and every island has its own personality. Many visitors choose one or two islands and fly between them. The key decision is which ones.
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How to do it
Fly via the US West Coast, often Los Angeles or San Francisco, to Honolulu, Maui or Kona.
Choose one island for a week, two islands for ten to fourteen days. Short domestic flights link the islands.
Hire a car on every island except Oahu, where you can manage without around Waikiki.
Check whether popular spots need a reservation, such as sunrise on Haleakala and Diamond Head.
The four islands
Oahu: city, beach and history
Honolulu and Waikiki give you beach and city life. Hike Diamond Head for the view, visit Pearl Harbor, and drive to the North Shore, where surfers ride the big waves in winter. Best for first-timers and anyone who wants plenty to do.
Maui: romance and nature
Maui has long beaches, the Road to Hana with waterfalls and rainforest, and sunrise over the crater of Haleakala. In winter the humpback whales arrive. Read more in Maui and the Big Island.
The Big Island: volcanoes and contrasts
The largest island has Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, black sand beaches, Kona coffee and stargazing on Mauna Kea. Distances are big, so consider staying in two places.
Kauai: the Garden Isle
Kauai is the quietest and greenest, with the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon. A helicopter flight or boat trip along the coast is the highlight.
The coast
Cliffs, turquoise sea and trade winds. Photo: Satyawan Narinedhat / Unsplash
Which island suits you?
First visit and families: Oahu.
Honeymoon and beaches: Maui.
Nature and volcanoes: the Big Island.
Peace and hiking: Kauai.
Thinking of Hawaii for a honeymoon? See also the best honeymoon destinations.
Book experiences: See tours and activities on Oahu
Book experiences: See tours and activities on Maui
Where to stay in Hawaii
Choose your hotel by island and beach. Many of the resorts sit right on the sand.
The Royal Hawaiian
The pink hotel on Waikiki Beach. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
The Royal Hawaiian: the pink palace of Waikiki
The Royal Hawaiian sits right on Waikiki Beach and is famous for its pink facade. The beach, the pool and Honolulu are all on your doorstep.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea: luxury on Maui
The Four Seasons is by Wailea Beach on Maui's sunny south-west coast, with several pools and restaurants. A classic honeymoon choice.
Book your stay: See rooms at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Grand Hyatt Kauai
Pools and gardens in Poipu. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Grand Hyatt Kauai: gardens and pools in Poipu
Grand Hyatt Kauai is in Poipu on the south coast, with large gardens and a pool area popular with families.
Book your stay: See rooms at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: a crescent beach on the Big Island
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel sits by a pale sand beach on the Kohala Coast north of Kona, with the Mauna Kea volcano behind.
Book your stay: See rooms at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection
When is the best time to visit Hawaii?
Hawaii is warm all year. April, May, September and October bring good weather and fewer visitors. December to March is whale season and high season, with big surf on the north shores. Summer is dry and warm, but busy during school holidays.
When should you book?
Flights and hotels for Christmas and winter: several months ahead.
Sunrise on Haleakala: reserve in advance.
Kauai helicopter flights and Pearl Harbor: a few weeks ahead.
Frequently asked questions about Hawaii
Where should I stay in Hawaii?
Stay on Waikiki in Oahu, for example at The Royal Hawaiian, for a first visit. The Four Seasons in Wailea on Maui suits a honeymoon, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island suits nature lovers, and Grand Hyatt Kauai suits families.
Which Hawaiian island is best?
It depends on what you want. Oahu is best for a first visit and city life, Maui for beaches and romance, the Big Island for volcanoes and Kauai for peace and nature.
How many islands should you visit in Hawaii?
One island for a week, two islands for ten to fourteen days. Short flights link the islands.
When is whale season in Hawaii?
Humpback whales usually arrive from December to March, and Maui is one of the best places for whale watching.
Do you need a hire car in Hawaii?
On Maui, the Big Island and Kauai a hire car is almost essential. On Oahu you can manage without one around Waikiki.