Is Big Island as pretty as Maui?

Maui's shores have some of the best beaches in the entire state, and the Big Island's young, rocky, volcanic shores offer very little in the way of soft white sand. If it's the beaches you crave, Maui is the clear choice. Paia Bay has a long white sand beach with an excellent near-shore surf break. Ken Tam, source.



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Kauai is the winner Rocky coastlines, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and mountains and valleys. There is so much to see and do. Kauai tends to not be as popular as islands like Maui and Oahu so you can fully enjoy what the island offers. Whatever you're looking to see or do, Kauai has it.

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The Big Island is the largest and most volcanically active of all Hawaiian islands. It is know for its beautiful nature and many cool activities and it is almost impossible to fit everything in your vacation – even if you stay more than a month!

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It depends on what you want to do. On the BI, it is more about relaxing, seeing the volcano and visiting the resorts on the Kailua-Kona Side. Maui is generally more urbanized, but there are great beached at Kaanapali and the Haleakala, a dormant volcano. Tere are also whale watching in the winter.

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It's the biggest! Its massive size lends itself to an incredible diversity of landscapes and climates, from lush jungles and cascading waterfalls to high mountains, white sandy beaches, and dramatic volcanic landscapes with lava flows for as far as the eye can see.

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The Big Island is the largest and most volcanically active of all Hawaiian islands. It is know for its beautiful nature and many cool activities and it is almost impossible to fit everything in your vacation – even if you stay more than a month!

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From the snowy peak of Mauna Kea to the breathtaking white, black, and green sand beaches along the coast. This is your island if you like volcanoes, outdoor adventures, open spaces, and LOTS of nature. In summary: the Big Island is perfect if you want an adventurous vacation and you're willing to get out and explore.

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There are many reasons why Maui is the best Hawaiian island to visit, but one of the top reasons is its breathtaking beaches and tropical landscapes. You won't want to miss the world-famous Kaanapali Beach, where you can spend the day swimming in crystal clear waters or lounging on soft white sand.

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Molokai is known for its limited resorts and attractions, which adds to its charm as the least touristy island in Hawaii. Unlike other islands that are filled with high-rise hotels and commercialized attractions, Molokai offers a more rustic and untouched experience.

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Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit, with a total cost of $3,015. A Ko Olina Resort lagoon on Oahu. Maui is the most expensive island to visit, coming in over $2,000 more expensive, with a total cost of $5,142. The Grand Wailea in Maui, a luxury resort.

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If it's your first time in Hawaii, your ideal island will depend on your travel style and to-do list. For most travelers visiting Hawaii for the first time, the Big Island of Hawaii should be the winner because it offers the most diverse experiences.

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The 25 Most Beautiful Places in Hawaii to Visit
  • Pololu Valley (Big Island)
  • Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden (Oahu)
  • Pearl Harbor National Memorial (Oahu)
  • Punalu'u Beach (Big Island)
  • Shark's Cove (Oahu)
  • Makena State Park (Maui)
  • Wai?anapanapa State Park (Maui)
  • Nu'uanu Pali Lookout (Oahu)


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Oahu. Oahu, also known as “The Gathering Place,” is home to some of the most iconic beaches in Hawaii, including world-famous Waikiki Beach, Lanikai Beach, and Sunset Beach. Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the world and is known for its stunning views of Diamond Head, a volcanic cone.

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Big Island offers the widest variety of experiences for authentic Hawaiian experiences. Maui is perfect for you if you're looking for an island with a more miniature landscape but plenty of outdoor activities.

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While you can get a taste of the Big Island in 3 days, spending at least 5-7 days, and ideally more, exploring its diverse attractions is recommended. This allows time for visiting popular sites like Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea Summit, and the beautiful beaches.

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You can leave the less enthusiastic tourist crowds behind by descending to Kua Bay on the Big Island's west coast for a good swim. The beach here is made up of white sand. That's hard to find in Hawaii as the Big Island continues to grow. Most of the beaches are still made up of young volcanic rock.

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#1: A Cheaper Cost of Living However, if you choose the Big Island, you'll find that life is a little less expensive than on Oahu, Maui, or Kauai. Data from Sperling's Best Places puts the overall cost of living index for the Big Island at 131.9. That's still more than 30% higher than the U.S. average, set at 100.

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One of the major factors contributing to the affordability of Ocean View, Hawaii is its limited infrastructure and services. This small community, located on the Big Island, has a population of around 4,000 people and is known for its rural and secluded nature.

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The island of Hawaii is big—giving it its nickname: The Big Island! While you may think of tropical beaches and palm trees when you think about a trip to Hawaii, the Big Island offers so much more. If you are pressed for time, 3 days on the Big Island may be all you have. But don't stress about it.

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Kona offers better weather, the best beaches and snorkeling, newer resorts, more vacation rentals, and more nightlife compared to Hilo Town. Hilo is worth a visit but may not be worth staying for more than a night. Erica and I make Kailua-Kona our launching pad during our Big Island vacations.

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10 Ways to Save Money on Hawaii Big Island
  1. Kona Joe Coffee.
  2. Great Hawaiian Mac Nut Trail.
  3. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
  4. Cruise the Kohala Coast.
  5. Spend time on Big Island's colored beaches.
  6. Explore forgotten sugarcane plantations of Ka'U.
  7. Go snorkeling at Honaunau Bay.
  8. Sample local flavors at Hilo Farmers Market.


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