Best Island to Visit in Hawaii for First Time Visitors

If you plan to make your first island trip this year in Hawaii, and really do not have any clue about which is the best island to explore, then this information is for you. Yes, the below 5 best islands to visit in Hawaii will help you to make your island trip more enthusiastic and adventurous, even if you’re not visited before.

 

What Makes Hawaii Islands So Special?

 

If you’re coming to discover a hidden gem of Hawaii Island, you have to know the speciality of it. Compared to the world’s best Islands, Hawaii offers more tropical experiences, diverse natural beauties, and lush rainforest coverage’s and family friendly atmospheres.

However Hawaii Island home to the country’s active volcanoes, unique black sand beaches, diverse cultural festivals and activities and unique flora and faunas. More importantly, major islands are a predominately surfing paradise and hotspot for beginners to experience snorkelling and scuba diving to see rich marine life. If you’re an American citizen then no passport required to explore all these 5 islands.

 

 Best Island to Visit in Hawaii for First Time Visitors

 

1. Big Island of Hawaii

 

We personally prefer to first head on Big Island of Hawaii in the list of 5 best islands in Hawaii. Big Island is the largest island in the region home to the country’s active volcano like Kilauea and world famous unique black sand beache.

 

However, the island is home to some of the beautiful rainforest and waterfalls where backpackers even take hiking, swim/snorkel at manta rays, see whales, snorkelling, kayaking and ziplining. Don’t forget to watch stargazing at Mauna Kea with your family members.

 

What do Visitors Expect in the Big Island of Hawaii?

 

1. Sleep in Punalulu’s Black Sand Beach

 

2. Night Snorkeling in Manta Rays

 

3. Taste Kona Coffee or Visit Kona Coffee Plantations

 

4. Hike to Mauna Kea to see Stargazing (night activity)

 

5. Take Helicopter Ride to See Kilauea Active Volcano.

 

Best Time to Visit Big Island of Hawaii: April to May or September to October. 

 

2. Oahu

 

Often called “The Gathering Place,” Oahu is the perfect gateway to see and explore Hawaii cultures and natural beauties. The island contains regions rich history, modern city vibes like Honolulu and popular beaches like Waikiki.

Visiting Oahu as a first timer your duty is to discover the region’s deep history. The island was once home to historical significance such as Pearl Harbor or visiting Battleship Missouri Memorial and National Memorial Cemetery. Visit Honolulu to enjoy a walk at Waikiki beach or experience surfing at its gentle waves.

Go hiking to Diamond Head with your family members to see epic views of the Pacific Ocean and Waikiki beach. Try surfing waves at North Shore’s. It could be a great travel experience if you’re visiting Hawaii for the first time.

 

What to expect in Oahu?

 

1. Surfing or relax at Waikiki Beach

 

2. Explore Hanauma Bay

 

3. Visit Lanikai Beach to see Epic Sunrise Views

 

3. Discover Hawaiian cultures at Polynesian Cultural Centre

 

4. Visit Makapuu Lighthouse

 

5. Enjoy the Tranquil Experience in Byodo-In Temple.

 

Best Time to Visit Big Island of Oahu: Mid April to Early June. 

 

3. Maui

 

Maui is perfectly rated as one of the best islands to visit in Hawaii for first time visitors thanks to its beautiful beaches, Hawaiian adventures and gateway to the perfect place for romantic retreats.

Often called “Valley Isle”, Maui is one of the islands in Hawaii that welcomes all sorts of backpackers to indulge its incredible natural beauty such as Haleakalā National Park, experience native Hawaiian cultures and enjoy epic road trips. Try to make your first scenic road trip to Hana with your family to see the epic beauty of dramatic coastal views, beautiful waterfalls and pass amidst lush rainforest.

 

What to Expect in Maui Island?

 

1. Snorkeling at Molokini Crater

 

2. Take Sliding Sand Trails and Haleakalā Sunrise at Haleakalā National Park

 

3. Enjoy Road Trip to Hana

 

4. Relax on the Wailea Beach’s Golden Sands

 

5. Relax at Ka’anapali Beach Resort.

 

Best Time to Visit Big Island of Maui:  April to May or September to October. 

 

4. Lanai

 

Lanai is a more secluded island option for those visitors looking for more leisure and tranquil experiences without much travel crowds and travel traffic. Each time roaming within Lanai Island you’ll be much blessed to see stunning beaches and unique landscapes like Garden of the Gods.

Today Lanai is home to the island’s best remote beaches and luxury resorts where travelers easily spend their tranquil and relaxing time or simply stroll its white sands. However its rock formations and unique underwater reef systems surely take the attention of backpackers. Since it is a less crowded island we urge you to take the Munro Trail and spend time at Shipwreck Beach. Go deep sea fishing, or horseback riding, you kids will enjoy it a lot.

 

What to Expect in Lanai?

 

1. Takes Hike in Koloiki Ridge

 

2. Enjoy Rugged, Lunar like Topography and Barren Landscapes of Garden of the Gods

 

3. Visit to See Hundreds of Rescued Cats at Lāna’i Cat Sanctuary

 

4. Swim or Snorkel in the White Sand of Hulope Bach Rock to See Green Sea Turtles and Spinner Dolphins

 

5. Learn Local History and Culture at Lānai Culture and Heritage Centre.

 

Best Time to Visit Big Island of Lanai: June and November. 

 

5. Kauai

 

In the list of best Islands to visit in Hawaii for the first time we shouldn’t ignore Kauai. Often called “The Garden Isle”, the place welcomes visitors who are really big fan of nature and looking to indulge in relaxing atmospheres.

Kauai recognised its sleepiest and more relaxed ambiances where backpackers could enjoy towering sea cliffs and beautiful valleys under more relaxing weather. Try to visit Nāpali Coast with your family, where you can see the most dramatic emerald sea cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

 

What to Expect in Kauai?

 

1. Hike in Waimea Canyon State Park to see Green and Red Hues.

 

2. Snorkel at Tunnels Beach to see Sea Turtles and Underwater Lava Tubes

 

3. Relax on Golden Sands of Hanalei Bay

 

4. Visit South Shore of Kauai for Spotting Horn

 

5. Appreciate Natural Beauty at the National Tropical Botanical Garden.

 

Best Time to Visit Big Island of Kauai: August and Octobers or April to June.

 

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