Hawaii’s Must-See Islands

This sun-lover’s paradise spans eight main islands and many more islets and atolls within its archipelago. Hawaii’s historical and cultural highlights, astounding natural beauty and dramatic landscapes make it hard to decide which islands to choose. That’s why we’ve put together your go-to Hawai’i island guide to ensure you experience the very best of Hawai’i.

Hawai’i: The Big Island

Hawai’i: The Big Island

Beginning with the youngest island, larger than all the others combined and still growing, in Hawai’i you’ll witness Mother Nature at work in a thriving, diverse ecosystem. From fiery depths to lush tropical rainforests, this is the island for nature lovers. In Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park you’ll experience the awe-inspiring beauty of one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea, up close.

Learn about the sacred forces of creation and destruction in the visitor centre, then come face-to-face with the imposing glow in Halema’uma’u Crater. On the opposite side of the island at Hilo, you can see the vivid life and beauty the volcanoes have helped create. Wander under towering banyan trees and through rich rainforest to Rainbow Falls, named for the spectrums of colour and light that bounce around the mist. Downtown there is also a bounty of shops, restaurants, museums, and historical sites to experience.

Discover more about Hawai’i and check out the best resorts for an unforgettable stay on the Island of Hawai’i.

Maui: The Valley Isle

Maui: The Valley Isle

The second-largest island is all about unforgettable experiences and adventure. The Iao Valley in central Maui is rich in culture, history, and scenic beauty. Venture beyond the guarding peaks into 400 acres of lush rainforest that was the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai, where King Kamehameha I defeated Maui’s forces in his quest to unite the islands. The valley offers easy hiking with breathtaking views, and is overlooked by a 1200-foot rock outcropping called the Needle.
For your next adventure, hop over to Lahaina Harbour to chart a course through the Au’au Channel and watch humpback whales as they play, breed, and calve in Maui’s warmer waters. Alternatively, take a van tour along the Road to Hana, a stretch of show-stopping scenery hugging the curves of Maui’s rugged eastern coast. Discover emerald-cloaked cliffs, black and red sand beaches, and waterfalls bursting from every curve in the road.
If this sounds like your kind of island, take a look at our idyllic Maui resorts.

Kauai: The Garden Isle

Kauai: The Garden Isle

The oldest, northernmost island, Kauai is a place to explore and connect with ancient Hawai’i. See firsthand how ancestral land management practices can be adapted to conserve and restore the ancient beauty of the islands at Limahuli Garden and Preserve. Near Haena Beach on Kauai’s north shore, this unique treasure is home to endangered plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Take a self-guided tour through taro gardens and ancient lava terrace systems—these gardens would be worth the visit if only for the stunning sea views.

Continue to honour this ancient connection to the land at Waimea Canyon, a geological wonder of rugged crests, crags, and deep gorges in a phenomenal range of colours. Or experience the sacred Na Pali coast from air or sea, where the sheer size and beauty of the soaring cliffs and plummeting falls of this ancient coastline can be best appreciated.

Book your idyllic base from which to explore the best of this beauty-rich island at one of My Hawaii’s Kauai resorts.

O’ahu: The Gathering Place

O’ahu: The Gathering Place

Home to the state capital and most of the population, O’ahu, is a meeting point for a melting pot of cultures. It’s where you’ll find the last piece of the Aloha puzzle, the key to understanding the spirit of Hawai’i: its people. Honolulu is glamorous and buzzing with cultural landmarks and architectural must-sees, like Iolani Palace or the statue of King Kamehameha I (you’ll remember him from Maui).
Chinatown is the place for street art and indie galleries, dim sum and local seafood delicacies, temples, lei-making, and plazas bursting with life and fun. Nearby Waikiki is where the cityscape meets all-important surf culture, where you can watch the pros tackle the swells or take a lesson yourself on the famous beach. It’s a vibrant neighbourhood of designer shops and hula shows, cocktail bars, and laid-back beach vibes. O’ahu is a playground for Hawai’ian royalty, where all are welcome and the sense of belonging is infectious, where the spirit of Aloha thrives.

Visiting Hawai’i

Feeling inspired? No matter which island you choose to visit on your Hawai’ian adventures, you’re sure to feel the magical and unique blend of American and Polynesian culture alongside endless play and relaxation. Contact our friendly My Hawaii Experts for a hand-crafted holiday package to suit you today.

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