Hawaii: Which Island to Visit First?
Posted by Grace on September 22, 2023
If it's your first time visiting Hawaii, and you're not sure when you'll be back, you're probably wondering which island to choose for the best beach time, lots of things to do, beautiful scenery, and a taste of local life. Hawaii has so much to offer, so I want to share some of my experiences to help you make the most of your trip.
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Maui
Maui is like a dreamy Hawaiian getaway, with a little bit of everything you'd hope to find in Hawaii. But it's also quite popular, so if you're looking for a super peaceful experience, it might not be the best fit, as there are lots of tourists.
If you pick Maui, and your trip allows for some extra time, think about staying a few nights in Hana and a few nights in other areas like upcountry, central, south, or west Maui. It's easier to move around these places compared to going back and forth to Hana.
What makes Maui stand out is that it has a lot of different climates packed into a small space. Only the Big Island and Maui have such a big variety of climates because their mountains are tall enough to reach a special weather zone. This creates a rainforest on one side and a desert on the other, something you won't find on Oahu or Kauai. And while Maui doesn't have active volcanoes like the Big Island, you can still see old lava flows that haven't changed much and some cool lava tubes. Unlike the Big Island, Maui is small, so it's easier to get around.
Haleakala National Park, Maui
During our six-day stay in Maui, we wished we had more time. There's so much to do! We had a blast sliding down the sandy trails in Haleakala National Park, driving along the beautiful Road to Hana, snorkeling in Holonua Bay, and hiking the Waihe'e Ridge Trail. We also wanted to visit the stunning Iao Valley Park, but it was closed when we were there. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to explore the west side of the island properly.
Waihe'e Ridge Trail
Maui offers a mix of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences. Just keep in mind that you'll be sharing the island with other tourists, and make sure to plan enough time to enjoy all that Maui has to offer.
Pros
- Great beaches: Maui offers some of the most beautiful and accessible beaches in Hawaii.
- Plenty of activities: From hiking to snorkeling and exploring volcanic landscapes, Maui has it all.
- Natural beauty: Witness the stark contrast of rainforests and deserts on the island.
- Local flair: Experience the unique culture and traditions of Hawaii.
Cons
- Crowded: Maui is a popular destination, so expect some crowds, especially in peak seasons.
- Varied climate: While the island's diverse climate is a pro, it can also mean unpredictable weather.
Big Island
The Big Island has a special kind of natural beauty that you won't find on other islands. But it's not the typical "tropical" beauty you might expect from Hawaii. If you're looking for that, other islands might suit you better. I think of the Big Island as a deeply spiritual and humbling experience. It reminds you more than any other island that you're standing on a volcano surrounded by thousands of miles of ocean.
The national park on the Big Island is like nothing you'll see anywhere else.
If you prefer fewer tourists and a taste of local culture, you might consider Hilo on the Big Island. However, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for someone visiting Hawaii for the first and only time.
The Big Island has everything you could want, but most of its beaches aren't great for swimming. There are a few that are decent, though. I believe the Big Island is best for exploring, and I'm sure you'll find everything you're looking for there.
Hilo, Big Island
If you're on the Big Island, I'd suggest spending about 60-70% of your time near Kona and the rest in Hilo. There's so much to do, and the island is quite large, so you don't want to spend too much time driving. Kauai is easier to explore from a single location. When we stayed in Poipu on Kauai, it was beautiful, but if I were going back, I might split my time between Poipu and somewhere closer to Lihue. Poipu was great for the beach and hiking in the canyon.
Kona Coffee Tour, Big Island
Pros:
- Unique natural beauty: The Big Island offers volcanic landscapes and experiences you won't find on other islands.
- Spiritual experience: Feel the awe-inspiring power of nature while standing on active volcanoes.
- Ideal for exploration: Adventure seekers will find endless opportunities to explore.
Cons:
- Beaches for swimming: While the Big Island has diverse landscapes, it's not known for its swimming beaches.
- Size: The island is vast, so plan your itinerary wisely to avoid spending too much time driving.
Kauai
Hanalei Bay, Kauai
Kauai is a small and peaceful island with stunning jungles and some of Hawaii's best beaches. If you're looking for a laid-back vacation with a few activities here and there, Kauai might be the perfect choice.
One great thing about Kauai is that you won't find tall buildings cluttering the scenery, making it ideal for exploring the island's natural beauty. When booking accommodations, consider places in Kapaa, Princeville, or Poipu.
Poipu, Kauai
However, I must admit that during my visit, I occasionally found myself feeling a bit bored just sitting on the beach. It could also be frustrating at times because it took me around half an hour to drive nine miles to the nearest store.
One notable challenge with Kauai is its small size, which sometimes makes it tricky to handle the influx of tourists. Despite this, it remains a tranquil and quieter island compared to others in Hawaii.
Pros:
- Gorgeous jungle and beaches: Kauai boasts lush greenery and some of Hawaii's most pristine beaches.
- No high rises: Enjoy a tranquil atmosphere with no tall buildings.
- Natural beauty: The island offers breathtaking scenery at every turn.
Cons:
- Limited amenities: Kauai can feel remote, and some services may be less accessible.
- Tourist accommodations: During peak seasons, Kauai may struggle to accommodate all visitors.
Oahu
Honolulu, Oahu
Oahu is an island that offers a mix of things to do. If you want some peace and quiet, you can get away from Honolulu, the big city. But if you like history and activities, there's plenty to enjoy in Honolulu.
Pearl Harbor is a place where you can learn about history. It has the Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri, and the Pacific Aviation Museum. These are all interesting places to visit.
Arizona Memorial, Oahu
If you like hiking, you can go to Diamond Head, which is a fun hike. But in my opinion, Koko Head is even better. It's less crowded but a bit more challenging.
Haunauma Bay is another fantastic place. It's great for snorkeling. But keep in mind that many places in Hawaii now require you to make a reservation to control the number of people visiting.
If you're interested in history, you can visit the Queen's Palace. The Dole Plantation is an educational place to learn about farming in Hawaii. And I even enjoyed going to the Oahu Train Museum.
I had friends in the military who knew where to find good and cheap food spots on Oahu. And when we weren't sure where to eat, my family always relied on getting poke bowls from Foodland grocery store or spam musubi from the ABC stores, which you can find everywhere.
If you're up on the North Shore, you can take an ATV tour of Kualoa Ranch. It's a bit of a splurge, but it's where they filmed many movies and shows. They try to keep the valley there as beautiful as possible while leaving some movie props for fans like me to enjoy.
I always surprise people when I say Oahu is my favorite. For me, places like Kauai are a bit too slow. Coffee shops don't open early, and sometimes it's hard to find a place to eat in the morning.
Pros:
- Rich history: Explore historical sites like Pearl Harbor and the Queen's Palace.
- Diverse activities: Enjoy hiking, museums, and cultural experiences.
- Good food options: Oahu offers a wide range of dining choices.
Cons:
- Crowded: Honolulu can be bustling, and some attractions may require reservations.
- Traffic: Expect some traffic congestion, especially in the city.
So, which island should you visit for the first time?
If you want lots of things to do and places to explore, Maui is a good pick. For your first and only trip to Hawaii, just stick to Maui. It's one of the best options. Please note that due to the disastrous fire on Maui in 2023, West Maui is closed until October 17th, 2023. However, you can still travel to Maui at the moment, as the island remains open for tourists.
But if your trip is long, you could also think about the Big Island. Just remember, for the Big Island, it's better to have enough time to stay in a few different places for a few nights each. This means you'll have to spend some time driving between them, but you can stop at some cool places along the way.
