Escape to Hawaii: Which island is best for you?

Waikiki Beach, Oahu

It’s hard to believe that a destination so remote, so exotic and so magnificent could be part of the United States. But Hawaii is all of that, and so much more. So if Hawaii is next on your bucket list, you'll have to narrow your visit to one or two islands at most (unless you have weeks of vacation time and an unlimited budget that is).

It wouldn't be a stretch to say that all the 6 major islands of Hawaii offer extraordinary natural beauty, fascinating culture, rich history and endless activities, but here is a list to help you decide which Hawaiian island for you. 

Best Nightlife
1. Oahu - Waikiki
2. Maui - Lahaina
3. Big Island - Kailua Kona

Best Hiking 
1. Kauai - Na Pali Coast  
2. Kauai - Waimea Canyon
3. Big Island - Mt. Kilauea

Best Surfing (Advanced) 
1. Oahu - North Shore
2. Kauai - Hanalei Bay
3. Maui - Honolua Bay

Best Surfing (Beginner) 
1. Oahu - Waikiki
2. Kauai - Kalapaki Beach
3. Maui - Launiupoko Park

Best Scuba Diving 
1. Maui - Molokini
2. Maui or Lanai - Lanai Coast
3. Big Island - West Coast

Best Windsurfing / Kite Surfing 
1. Maui - Hookipa Beach Park (advanced)
2. Maui - Kanaha Beach (beginner) 
3. Oahu - Kailua Beach

Best Snorkeling 
1. Oahu - Haunama Bay
2. Maui - Kaanapali (Black Rock)
3. Kauai - Lydgate Beach & Tunnels

Best Shopping
1. Oahu - Aloha Market & Waikiki
2. Maui - Lahaina
3. Big Island - Kailua Kona

Best Nude Sunbathing 
1. Maui - Little Beach in Makena 
2. Big Island - many locations 
3. Kauai - Secret Beach in Kilauea

Best Exotic Beaches
1. Maui - Red Sand Beach (Hana)
2. Big Island - Punaluu Black Sand Beach 
3. Big Island - Mahana Green Sand 

Best Natural Beauty 
1. Kauai - Na Pali Coast
2. Big Island - Kilauea Volcano
3. Maui or Lanai - whale watching 

For more Hawaii info visit the Hawaiian Tourism Board.  Need help with booking your perfect Hawaiian itinerary? Call Easy Escapes Travel 1-800-294-6643 or email: info@easyescapestravel.com for a quick quote.