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Although I had always wanted to visit Hawaii, it took me decades to get there. With my 50th birthday on the horizon, I finally booked a multi-island trip to see what I had been missing. Thanks to affordable and accessible inter-island flights, I was able to visit three of Hawaii’s most popular islands during the week I spent there.
While in Hawaii, I indulged in Hawaii’s famous shave ice, experienced traditional luaus and lounged on gorgeous beaches. I enjoyed my time on each island, but I was struck by the differences between them.
Here’s how to figure out which of these three popular Hawaiian islands is right for you. Although Hawaii has an impressive range of resorts and hotels at all price points, there are plenty of affordable oceanfront options on each island if you prefer an Airbnb. There are also many cost-friendly places listed on discount travel sites, ranging from city high-rises to tropical bungalows.
O’ahu
O’ahu, a bustling island home to Hawaii’s capital city of Honolulu, has something for everyone. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to experience a little bit of everything Hawaii has to offer.
No trip to O’ahu would be complete without a trip to the island’s famed Waikiki Beach. This quintessential Hawaiian destination boasts calm, crystal-clear waters, white sand and dramatic views of the Diamond Head volcanic crater. It’s a great place to swim and surf. Or, relax by hopping on a catamaran for a sunset cruise and lounging in a beach chair to take in the sights and sounds of the Pacific Ocean.
History buffs visit Honolulu to see Pearl Harbor, the site of a Japanese air raid that drew the United States into World War II. O’ahu is also home to Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil, and the Hawaiian Cultural Center and Queen's Parlor, where visitors can learn about Hawaiian history and some of the island’s traditions.
Meanwhile, nature lovers can hike the Diamond Head Crater Trailhead or seek out a waterfall on the Manoa Falls Trail.
If you prefer to shop until you drop, head to Kalakaua Avenue, where you can find everything from luxury stores to local boutiques. The area around Kalākaua Avenue feels like a huge outdoor mall, making it a great place to stock up on everything from local souvenirs to a new luxury wardrobe.
Maui
Travelers who want their fill of beautiful beaches, lush rainforests and vibrant nightlife should head to Maui.
The Road to Hana, also known as the Hana Highway, is a winding road along Maui’s scenic eastern coast. Rent a car or join a tour to visit some of Hawaii’s most stunning waterfalls, rainforests and ocean vistas.
Maui is also a great place to catch the humpback whales that migrate to Maui each spring to breed. From October to March, keep your eyes peeled for the thousands of whales that descend on Maui’s coast en masse by walking along the coastline, grabbing a seat at a restaurant with an ocean view, or joining a whale-watching tour.
For great beaches, head to Maui’s South Shore to explore the golden sands of Wailea Beach. Here, the calm water is ideal for paddling an outrigger canoe, hopping on a stand-up paddleboard or going for a swim. On Maui’s southeast shore, Kapalua Bay beaches are ideal for snorkeling and gentle hikes. Head to Maui’s west shore to explore Kā'anapali Beach to swim in the shadow of Maui’s famed Black Rock or watch Black Rock’s historic cliff diving ceremony.
The Big Island
Hawaii’s Big Island, confusingly named Hawaii, is the perfect place for travelers seeking solitude, black sand beaches, and plenty of access to nature.
While on the island, visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes. Enjoy the views by taking a self-guided driving tour through the park. You can also hike to explore a cave where lava once flowed, walk along a volcanic crater, or explore the Devastation Trail to see how wildlife is reemerging after a volcanic eruption in 1958.
The Big Island also has plenty of pretty beaches, but it’s best known for its seven black sand beaches, created out of cooled volcanic lava. The island’s most popular black beach is Punalu'u. However, many travelers are happy visiting the black beach closest to their hotel. While exploring the island’s beach, keep your eyes peeled for the giant tortoises that call the island home.
Additionally, stop at Petroglyph National Monument, a national park, to find markings made in volcanic rock by some of the Big Island’s original settlers hundreds of years ago. If you can’t make it to the park, those with keen eyes may be able to spot ancient petroglyphs all over the island.
The Big Island is also where Kona coffee is grown, making it an excellent choice for caffeine fiends. Visitors to the Big Island can tour some of the island’s coffee plantations and taste the freshest Kona coffee available.
When visiting the Big Island, again, look up the best prices online or work with a travel agent savvy on all things Hawaii. For travelers who want to stay near Volcanoes National Park, the bungalows at Volcano Village Estates are an affordable choice just outside the park.
When to visit:
With temperatures ranging from an average of 78 degrees in the winter to an average of 85 degrees in the summer, it’s never a bad time to visit Hawaii. However, the best time is usually during shoulder seasons, which take place in April and May, with average temperatures between 74 and 80, and September through Thanksgiving, with average temperatures between 78 and 82 degrees. During Hawaii’s shoulder seasons, the weather is pleasant with little rain compared to other times of the year, it’s less crowded, and prices tend to be lower.
It’s hard not to be captivated by Hawaii's aloha spirit. Everywhere, people are friendly and want to share what they love about their homes, from the rainbows that light up the sky daily to teaching mainland visitors about their rich culture and history. Whether it's sitting on a beach watching the sun rise over the mountains with a cup of rich Kona coffee or being mesmerized by fire dancers at a luau, Hawaii has captured my heart. I can’t wait to return.
Have any of YOU been to Hawaii? Which island was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
