So you’ve decided to visit Hawaii. Excellent choice! Now, which island will you choose? This is a question that plagues many newcomers to the islands. Not a bad decision to have to make! Each island in Hawaii is incredible, yet so different from each other that they are worth taking multiple trips back, just to find out for yourself. We’ll give you the scoop on each island, its highlights and why it’s great for families. Happy island picking!
Oahu
Known as The Gathering Place, this is where the majority of the population of Hawaii lives. It is home to the capital city Honolulu, Pearl Harbor memorials, famous Waikiki, and incredible beaches.
Why it’s great for families: If your family is interested in vacation featuring a mix of history, culture and natural wonders, with ample selection of activities and amenities, Oahu might be right for you!
Highlights: Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation, Waikiki, Disney’s Aulani Resort at Ko Olina, and the North Shore, home of many major surf competitions.
Kauai
Known as The Garden Isle, Hawaii’s northernmost island Kauai is a quiet island where no building taller than a coconut tree is allowed to be built. When you explore Kauai, you know exactly why it is the garden isle, with lush vegetation covering the island. This is a peaceful island where you can truly connect with nature.
Why it’s great for families:
If you’re coming to Hawaii to experience nature and peace with your family, Kauai will be perfect for you.
Highlights:
Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of Hawaii), Na Pali Coast State Park, fantastic hiking, lush gardens.
Maui
Known as the Valley Isle, Maui is the second largest island in Hawaii and home to the famous road to Hana.
Why it’s great for families:
If you love fantastic beaches, amazing food, family resorts and whale watching, Maui might be right for you.
Highlights:
Road to Hana, Lahaina Town, Haleakala National Park, amazing beaches, whale watching in the winter.
The Big Island of Hawaii
Known as the Orchid isle or the isle of inspiration, Hawaii is bigger than all other Hawaiian islands combined and contains 11 of the world’s 13 climate zones. Did you know that it even snows in Hawaii? This large island offers a diverse landscape as well as climate, from lava fields to lush jungles.
Why it’s great for families:
Families will love the turtles on black sand beaches, incredible farmers markets, hot ponds and active volcanoes! If your family enjoys having a large variety, Hawaii will be the island for you.
Highlights:
Black sand beaches, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Waipio Valley
Honorable Mention
The smaller islands of Molokai and Lanai are the least visited islands, but deserve to be mentioned here as they are amazing in their own right.
Molokai
Known as the Friendly Island and with a population of less than 8,000, you won’t be fighting any crowds in Molokai. If you’re a fan of snorkeling or scuba diving, the island is home to the longest fringing reef in the United States. The real gem in Molokai is the isolated Hansen’s Disease Colony (Leper Colony) of Kalaupapa, now a National Historic Park, on the north shore, that can only be reached by small plane, arduous hike or mule ride down 2,000 foot cliffs. Kalaupapa is now a refuge for the few remaining residents who are now cured, but had been forced to live their lives in isolation.
Lanai
Known as the Pineapple island due to its island wide pineapple plantation, Lanai is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii. In Lanai, you can rent a 4-wheel-drive vehicle and off road to your heart’s content to see the more rugged side of Lanai.
Choosing the perfect Hawaiian island for your family may be difficult, but there’s one thing you can be sure of: no matter which island you choose, your time spent in the islands will be full of Aloha and good memories!
Vanessa Hunt is a full-time traveling mama who is passionate about world-schooling and food. You can find her sharing all about her travels with her family of six (her four children are 4, 7, 9 and 11), as well as her favorite recipes at Wanderlust Crew.