If you're seeking a more tranquil and nature-filled experience, Hilo might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a vibrant city with a mix of urban and natural attractions, Honolulu could be the ideal destination.
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O'ahu might have the most extreme demonstration of variety with Waikiki on one end and Waianae on the other, but overall, the Big Island is where you'll find the largest variety of terrain, towns, and experiences.
Kauai is the winnerIt has a variety of views and terrain to see. 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.
If you're looking for a rainforest climate and lots of hiking, Hilo might be for you.If you want to use hotel points or prefer a drier climate, Kona is a great choice. Since the two cities are about a 90-minute drive from each other, you don't have to choose just one.
Lower Tourist Population = Lower PricesThis means greater room availability and lower prices for accommodations in and around Hilo, making a Hawaii vacation within easier reach for those traveling on a budget.
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.
Molokai. The most local of the main Hawaiian Islands, Molokai also receives far fewer visitors than the other islands and will have the least touristy feel.
Oahu - The Gathering PlaceOahu is the most visited of all the Hawaiian islands, at nearly 4.7 million visitors annually. Oahu is primarily defined by the state capital of Honolulu, as well as Pearl Harbor and the famous beach known as Waikiki. These areas attract tourists by the thousands daily.
The city is known for its friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere, and the crime rate is relatively low. However, as with any destination, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Women should avoid walking alone at night, and should be aware of their personal belongings at all times.
Using data from The Hawaii Tourism Authority and Kayak.com, the cheapest island to visit is Oahu. Airfare, hotel, and rental car for two people for a week costs $2,625 on Oahu. The most expensive Hawaiian island to visit is Maui, where the same average costs for a week are $3,600. How did we get this number?
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!
Generally, the best time to visit Hawaii for the most ideal overall weather, lowest statewide rates, and the fewest visitors on-island is April and May during the spring and September and October during the fall. Some refer to these times as Hawaii's 'off-season period' or 'shoulder months.
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.
While many vacations are five to seven days long, we recommend staying for at least 10 days to enjoy your Hawaiian vacation. The time change is difficult to adjust to at first and takes about 3 days to get fully acclimated. So, allowing a couple days to get over the jet lag is important.
Each Hawaiian island has a distinct character and different reasons to visit. For instance, Big Island is home to Volcanoes National Park, so if you want to hike an active volcano, choose this island. Others are better known for luxury beach resorts (Maui has particularly luxurious resorts).
Due to the abundance of hotels, activities, tours, and attractions, Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit. Between the competitive prices and myriad of things to do, those looking for a budget vacation to Hawaii will find that Oahu is exactly what they've been searching for.