island to stay in Hawaii : Best 8 Islands
Beautiful islands, each having an experience of their own, make Hawaiʻi number one on lists as a dream destination. With the help of this article, we will let you know the best islands to stay in Hawaiʻi and also bestow travellers with tips about accommodation, tariffs, food, and places to visit. Hawaii has everything for everyone: honeymoon, family trip, or adventure. These are the eight Hawaiian islands to consider visiting, ranked on July 18, 2024.
1. Oahu
Oahu is famously called “The Gathering Place.” This island lies at the most densely populated and most visited in Hawaii. It is host to the capital city of Honolulu and the world-renowned beach of Waikiki. The pulse of the rich cultural history and vibrant nightlife of Oahu—ranging from historic Pearl Harbor to the beautiful North Shore—is interconnected with everything from urban excitement to the beauty of nature that can keep all passions sustained alive.
# HIGHLIGHTS
Another Sunbathe and Surf the Waves at Waikiki Beach
View Pearl Harbor exhibitions and Memorials
Hike up Diamond Head Crater for spectacular views over Honolulu
Have a trip to the North Shore for small town feeling and big wave surfing
# BEST HOTELS
-Halekulani Hotel: This is a very grand hotel where there are rooms that have a view of the ocean. The rate ranges from approximately $600 up to $1.
-The Royal Hawaiian An oceanfront historic hotel, with room rates beginning at $500 per night minimum.
-Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Prices will start from $450 per night. This resort is perfect for a family.
# FOOD
Food in Oahu is an art and a feast for the eyes. Definitely try the local specialties—poke bowls, loco moco, and malasadas. The garlic shrimp trucks are must-try street food.
Garlic Shrimp
# TIPS
Book accommodations in advance. Hawaii is a high-season country.
Renting a car will allow you to explore different spots on this island at your leisure.
# DOS AND DON’T
Do:
1. Respect local culture and tradition.
2. Be sure to pack reef-safe sunscreen.
3. Explore further off the beaten path – you get so much more out of your vacation.
Don’t:
1. Access private property
2. Touch sea life or corals
3. Litter on beaches
2. Maui
It is also called “The Valley Isle,” and it envelops landscapes full of Hana Highway’s enchanting beauty, stretching all the way to volcanic Haleakala National Park. In comparison with Oahu, it is more laid-back, so it is perfect for nature lovers or for those who want to relax and unwind in earnest. The island itself is famous for its luxury resorts, golf courses, and beaches.
# HIGHLIGHTS
Top activity on Maui: Scenic drive with waterfalls and hiking trails to Hana’s Road.
– Haleakalā National Park: Sunrise views and volcanic landscapes.
– Lahaina: Hometown. Oodles of art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
– Kaanapali Beach: Great swimming and snorkelling.
# BEST HOTELS
– The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua: Resort luxury. Nightly price $800.
– Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea: Luxury resort with sleek, contemporary rooms starting at $900 a night.
– Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa: Family-friendly Starwood resort from $500 a night
# FOOD
Fresh seafood, Hawaiian comfort foods that ooze joy, farm-to-table; a mix of Maui foods. Not to mention shopping markets and food trucks for budget-friendly eats.
# TIPS
Drive the Road to Hana super early to avoid huge amounts of traffic on the road.
Bring layers; it gets really cold at Haleakalā.
# DOS AND DON’T
Do:
1. Respect wildlife and natural areas.
2. Book in advance for any tour activity whose demand is high.
3. Take it easy when you’re in shops and markets.
Don’t:
1. Litter
2. Sneeze at safety warnings Most especially in hiking
3. Miss watching the sun at Haleakalā
3. Kauai
Kauai is known as “The Garden Isle” and is the oldest of the islands, and most verdant. Kauai is blessed with dramatic cliffs, rainforests, and waterfalls; some of these characteristics are the best of this island. Engulfed with outdoor activities, Kauai is an ideal place where one can practise activities like hiking, kayaking, and ziplining. This island is a fave of all the people who possess an adventurous spirit and are crazy about serene surroundings.
# HIGHLIGHTS
– Na Pali Coast: Beautiful cliffs with nice trails to hike
– Waimea Canyon: So-called “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”
– Hanalei Bay: Nice bay to surf and swim from
– Wailua River: Good place to kayak, and see a hidden waterfall
# BEST HOTELS
– Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa This is a rugged beachfront luxury resort that costs at least $700.
– Princeville Resort: Most impressive views of the ocean. $600 per night.
– Koa Kea Hotel & Resort**: A boutique experience of the highest order for the high-end traveller. Starting at $500 per night.
# FOOD
Local and organic are what propel Kauai. Experience the taste of classic Hawaiian, fresh fruits, and very indigenous recipes found in eateries or local farmers’ markets.
# TIPS
– Early morning treks keep you well out of the late afternoon rain showers
Explore off-the-beat areas.
Travel off-the-beat with a 4WD vehicle.
# DOS AND DON’T
DO
1. Respect the sanctity of sites by being in adherence to the local culture.
2. Spend money with locally-owned businesses and respect local artisans so that the cash may flow back into the economy.
3. Inside the shopping basket, the products purchased have to be eco-friendly.
DON’T
-Leave a dent in the myriad flora and fauna of the place.
-Few trails will always underestimate the challenge of hiking. Any advisories by locals are to be ignored.
-The Big Island of Hawaii, commonly referred to as Hawaii Island, is both the largest in area and the most diverse of its chain.
-The island as a whole features black-sand beaches, active volcanoes, and differing climates.
– This island sparkles with adventures and relaxation of crystal exploration of volcanic landscapes, tropical rainforests, and sunny beaches.
4.Big island ( Hawaii island)
The Big Island, officially named Hawaii Island, is the largest and most diverse of the Hawaiian Islands. It’s known for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and diverse climates. The island offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, with opportunities to explore volcanic landscapes, tropical rainforests, and sunny beaches.
# HIGHLIGHTS
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Scenic Byway
• Mauna Kea Summit Area.
Kona: With all the coffee plantations and historical places
Hilo: This place is so lush, and green with rainforests, and several waterfalls
# BEST HOTELS
– Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: This is such a luxury resort. Starting at $900
– Fairmont Orchid Here, one gets to enjoy beachfront lodging. Starting at $600
– Hilton Waikoloa Village It’s a family-style resort. Starting at $400
# FOOD
From fine dining restaurants to savoury indulgences like Kona coffees, poke, and fresh seafood, the Big Island’s got it all in a nutshell. Never stop being amazed by farmer’s markets and homemade treats.
# TIPS
– Check the volcanic activity status for the parks you will visit
– Pack warm clothing if you go to the top of Mauna Kea
# DOs and DON’T
-Do
1. Apply all volcanic areas safety measures.
2. Obey and give respect to the local customs and traditions.
3. You should explore various climatic zones.
-Do not
1. Ignore any warning signs given regarding an active volcano.
2. Pick or even tamper with the local flora that is indigenous.
3. Ignore activities concerning the local culture.
5. Lanai
Lanai is the smallest of the Hawaiian Islands, has a resident feel to it, and truly is “The Pineapple Island.” That is about 14 by 13 miles in size, and with this, everything works out very well to be the perfect island if one intends to get an isolated and lush feeling of beautiful and remote beaches or high-class hotels. Better still, Lanai is totally perfect with privacy and quietness in doing something from snorkelling and playing golf to exploring roads off the beaten track.
# HIGHLIGHTS
-Hulopoe Bay is a marine reserve and, therefore, good for snorkelling.
-Lanai City, another of these quaint towns, is overflowing with shops and restaurants.
-Garden of Gods, a landscape composed of rock formations.
-Shipwreck Beach, is so-named for an off-it-shore wreck, where beachcombing is best.
# BEST HOTELS
Four Seasons Resort Lanai you can book a room in this posh resort for $1,000
– Hotel Lanai: A historic property starting at $300 a night.
# FOOD
-Food Mix mom-and-pop eats with resort fine dining on Lanai. Fresh seafood, farm-to-table island produce, and Hawaiian specialties take centre plate at resort restaurants and local eateries.
# TIPS
Book activity and dinner reservations early—they sell out.
Rent a 4WD to drive off the main roads.
Dos and Don’ts
Do:
1. Show respect for the quiet and serenity.
2. Shop locally.
3. Take a tour to see more.
Don’t:
1. Feed/distract wildlife/marine life
2. Go hiking outside trails without a guide
3. Trash the place
6. Molokai
Molokai, “The Friendly Isle,” is the island that shows very well-preserved natural sceneries and cultural heritage and is thus able to offer an exact look into old Hawaii. While compared to other islands, Molokai is less developed, so it will be able to offer an authenticity of serenity to the kind of experiences one would have in Hawaii. For those seeking remoteness and wildness in a destination—a place where one can feel detached from the world and closer to nature and local culture—Molokai is that place.
# HIGHLIGHTS
-Kalaupapa National Historical Park: This place provides exquisite historical views.
-Papohaku Beach – one of Hawaii’s largest white sand beaches.
-Halawa Valley – offers cultural tours and beautiful waterfalls.
-Molokai Forest Reserve – excellent and perfect for bird viewing.
# BEST HOTELS
– Hotel Molokai – a boutique hotel; price per night starts at $200.
– Molokai Shores– one of the condo-type accommodations; price per night starts from $150.
# FOOD
Food is local, homely, and plain in Molokai. Fresh seafood, taro dishes, and tropical fruits are abounding in local eateries and vendors at farmers’ markets.
# TIPS
– Respect for the local culture and way of living.
– Be prepared for quite a limited number of places to eat and shop from.
# DOS AND DON’T
DOS
1. Respecting the community by its culture, learn more.
2. Engaging in eco-friendly and nature-conserving tourism.
3. At best, expect poor cell service and very limited Internet.
DON’T
1. Assume that the tour caters to a lifestyle and luxury.
2. Show no respect to holy sites or local customs.
3. Litter or anything of that nature in the natural habitat.
7. Maui
Nicknamed “The Valley Isle,” Maui is well and wonderfully renowned for its beautiful and tranquil landscapes, the famous Hana Highway, and majestic Haleakalā National Park. This island will suit nature lovers and anybody looking to stay in a more laid-back environment than Oahu. It’s a top destination with luxury resorts, championship golf courses, and white-sand beaches.
# HIGHLIGHTS
Drive by waterfalls and hiking trails on your way to Road to Hana.
Haleakalā National Park: Sunrise over breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes
Lahaina: Quaint historic town with so many art galleries, shops, restaurants
Kaanapali Beach: Swim, snorkel, bask in golden sun.
# BEST HOTELS
-The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua: A luxury resort where the lead-in rate is beginning at $800 per night.
-Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea: This luxury property has amenities beginning at $900 per night.
-Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa: Family-friendly with a starting rate of $500/night.
# FOOD
Taste local flavour in the fresh seafood, Hawaiian cuisine, farm-to-table dining, local markets, and food trucks around Maui.
# TIPS
• Drive the Road to Hana up early to beat traffic.
• Pack layers. It’s cold up top at Haleakala.
# DOS AND DON’T
Do
1. Careful about protection of the wildlife and other natural areas.
2. Book in advance some of the more tourist stuff.
3. Find shops/markets that are not for tourists.
Don’t
1. Litter/trash behind
2. Defeat some safety measures, for example, hiking
3. Not watching the Haleakalā sunrise
8. Molokai
Known as “The Friendly Isle,” the island of Molokai truly embodies old Hawaii, with unspoiled landscapes and a strong cultural identity. It is much less developed compared to the other islands and offers quiet, authentic experiences of visiting Hawaii. Molokai is perfect for those visitors who need an escape from technology and an overview of nature and the local culture.
# HIGHLIGHTS
• Kalaupapa National Historical Park: View, historic site.
• Papohaku Beach: It is one of Hawaii’s longest white sand beaches.
• Halawa Valley: Cultural tours and waterfalls
• Molokai Forest Reserve: Walking, watching birds.
# BEST HOTELS
• Hotel Molokai – a boutique whose rate per night begins at $200
• Molokai Shores – a condo-type accommodation whose price per night begins at $150.
# FOOD
+Casual and local, the cuisine of Molokai is merely part of the pleasures of eating in local restaurants and at farmers’ markets: fresh seafood, taro specialties, and tropical fruits.
# TIPS
• Be considerate of the local way of life and its customs.
• Plan for limited dining and shopping.
# DOS AND DON’T
Do:
1. Interact with the people and respect their culture.
2. Take eco-friendly tours that will help in preserving natural environments.
3. Assume that you will not have cell service and that the internet will be, at best, spotty.
Don’t
1. Assume that you will be catered to with luxuries or fancy nightspots around.
2. Be a respect defaulter to a location/landmark of importance, or to their traditions.
3. Litter or be conducive to the destruction of natural environments.
FAQ
1. How do I show respect for local culture and traditions?
Be informed about local customs and traditions. Know before visiting sacred sites; ask for permission if needed. Respectfulness to the law and established local practices is what one must primarily protect oneself from.
2. What health precautions should I take?
Stay hydrated, wear reef-safe sunscreen, and follow local health advisories. If you plan any hikes or other explorations, be careful not to let injuries happen.
3. Will my phone work in Hawaii?
Yes, mobile phones do work in Hawaii. You may have limited coverage only in some of the remotest areas. You would probably also want to pack a portable charger or a backup battery for added convenience.
4.What should I pack for Hawaii?
Pack light, airy clothing, swimwear, hiking boots, sunscreen, hats, and whatever personal items you may need. Bring layers for cooler evenings or higher elevations.
5. Is tipping expected in Hawaii?
Tipping in Hawaii is customarily expected. For good service, it still remains at the standard 15-20% of the bill for restaurant and service-type activities, like guided tours or taxi rides. Good hotel service staff is also tipped.
6. How do I get around the islands?
Clearly, exploring the islands is best done with a rented car. Public transport and ride shares are available, but with a rental car, you’ll get complete freedom to see the sights.
##Why Hawaii is Special ?
What makes Hawaii special, as a vacation spot, lies in that very blend: rich cultural heritage with some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world and a variety of activities. There is something to do for every kind of travelling , from the pulsating nightlife in Oahu to the serene landscapes of Molokai. The balance that reserved their environment and culture but at the same time opened themselves up to new experiences bestows an unforgettable experience on the islands.
##Why Hawaii is a Honeymoon Destination?
A honeymoon in Hawaii means a taste of romance amidst stunning landscapes, luxurious resorts, and an array of activities from sunset cruises to beach dinners and private tours. The islands are lovely, the atmosphere relaxed, and there are many different adventures available, all combining to make a great honeymoon setting. From sunbathing to volcanic landscapes, Hawaii maintains a mix of relaxation and adventure that newlywed couples will really enjoy.
##QUOTE OF THE DAY !!
