Which island of Hawaii is the best to stay on?

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. But before you book a flight here, make sure this is really the best island for you. Here's our guide to Hawaii travel for beginners.



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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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But, there are important differences between Maui and Oahu vacations. If you're looking for a typical Hawaiian tourist vacation, Oahu offers Waikiki Beach, historical memorials and modern culture. Meanwhile, travelers should head to Maui to enjoy outdoorsy adventures, from snorkeling to hiking volcanic peaks.

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Stunning coastlines, towering mountains, and lush jungles abound on both islands. However, the main difference between the two islands comes down to the variety in the landscapes, which Maui wins by a narrow margin. Maui: All in all, the scenery on Maui is more accessible than what's found on Kauai.

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Kauai is the winner It 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.

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Oahu, home to capital city Honolulu, is generally more crowded than Maui. It boasts the best-known destinations in Hawaii. You can book one of the many hotels on Waikiki Beach, visit the U.S.S.

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With two days of travel, it is great to have 8 or more full days to explore the island you're staying on. If you are looking to hike, snorkel, or camp, we recommend taking even 14 days for your vacation.

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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).

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Oahu: 4-6 Days. Mau'i: 5-7 Days. Kauai: 4-6 Days. Hawaii (Big Island): At least 5-7 Days, 7-10 is preferable.

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If you stay on one island your whole time, the different Hawaiian Islands are no different, even though there are six main islands in the chain. If you land on one island and stay there for 10 days, you will start to feel at home. There is no way you can get bored, as there is SO much to do.

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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.

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The 25 Most Beautiful Places in Hawaii to Visit
  • Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park (Big Island)
  • Waimea Canyon State Park (Kauai)
  • Haleakala National Park (Maui)
  • Road to Hana (Maui)
  • Hanauma Bay (Oahu)
  • Lanikai Beach (Oahu)
  • Mauna Kea (Big Island)
  • Hanalei Bay (Kauai)


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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.

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No conversation about Maui versus Honolulu is complete without considering the cost of the visit to Hawaii. That said, Honolulu, on Oahu, is significantly cheaper than Maui.

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A vacation to Hawaii for one week usually costs around $2,391 for one person. So, a trip to Hawaii for two people costs around $4,782 for one week.

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The cheapest time to fly to Hawaii is during February and March. The most expensive month to fly is December when the holiday period falls, with January being very expensive as well. The peak travel months of June and July are surprisingly not the most expensive months for flights, with middle figure prices.

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In fact, Oahu is the cheapest of the Hawaiian islands for lodging, coming in behind both the Big Island and Kauai. Add to this its lower costs for food and transportation, and Oahu becomes a much more affordable option than Maui.

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Honolulu - Oahu Dubbed the Gathering Place, Oahu is home to plenty of famous sites, making it perfect for first-time visitors to the Hawaiian Islands. On the South Shore, you'll find Waikiki Beach, Hanauma Bay, Pearl Harbor National Memorial and Le'ahi (Diamond Head) State Monument, all in the capital city of Honolulu.

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Kauai is also famous for its stunning natural attractions, from the majestic Waimea Canyon to the awe-inspiring Napali Coast. And let's not forget about the island's rich culture and history, delicious food, and the warm Aloha spirit of its people.

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Oahu is Hawaii's most popular island, famous for great hikes like Diamond Head and stunning white sands like Waikiki Beach. On the other hand, Kauai is Hawaii's most tropical island and is a paradise for those after rugged coastlines and vibrant rainforests.

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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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