7 best islands to visit in hawaii for first time

Best Islands to Visit in Hawaii For Surfing, Sunbathing, Snorkeling, And More.

Kauai Island

Kaua`i is known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning mountain ranges, and lush rainforest. This island has a variety of beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and more. Kauai is also a great place to learn about Hawaiian culture and history.

Whether you’re a beach lover or just enjoying the coast, Kauai offers something unique for every traveler. Kaua’i’s diverse landscape makes it easy to explore on your own or take advantage of some great local activities like world-class golfing or hiking opportunities. 

Kauai Island Top Attractions:

• Explore The Waimea Canyon On a Bike.
• Snorkeling on Hanalei Bay
• Wailua Falls
• Visit the museum in Koke’s State Park
• Puunene Hot Springs Resort
• Princeville Botanical Gardens
• Experience the beauty of Na Pali Coast State Park
• Hike the Kalalau Trail
• Visit Kilohana Plantation for a luau
• Take a Zipline through the forest.

Best Places To Eat And Drink On Kauai Island

1. Hukilau Lanai – Best for American sea foods.

2. Kountry Kitchen – Best breakfast in Kauai.
3. La Spezia Restaurant and Wine Bar – Best Italian restaurant on Kauai. Try their Eggs Benedict.
4. Anuenue Cafe – Try their Hawaiian French Toast. 
5. Russell’s By Eat Healthy – Best for Veg and Non-Veg Foods. If you are a vegetarian, this place is a must for you.

Best Places To Stay On Kauai Island

1. Kauai Beach Resort & Spa
2. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
3. Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
4. The Kauai Inn
5. Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u

Maui Island

There’s plenty to see and do on the island, from hiking and biking to snorkeling and surfing. And, of course, no trip to Maui would be complete without a visit to Haleakala National Park. 

From the tallest peak in the state of Hawaii to the world-renowned Wailea Valley, Maui has something for everyone. Don’t forget the best place to whale watch in the state and the many beautiful waterfalls and beaches on Maui. 

In the end, the best way to see all that Maui has to offer is to explore it on foot. So, pack your hiking boots and enjoy the beauty of this island paradise!

Maui Island Top Attractions:

• Nakalele Blowhole
• Explore Waianapanapa State Park
• Visit Hana Highway Region
• Haleakala National Park
• Pipiwai trails
• Snorkeling tours
• Helicopter tours 
• Hopping beautiful beaches 
• Join Old Lahaina luau at night.
• Maui Ocean Center
• Explore beautiful reserves
• Visit the Lavender farm

Best Places To Eat And Drink On Maui Island

• Lahaina Grill – Best fast food and grills.
  
• Kula Bistro – Best seafood on Maui.
  
• Gazebo Restaurant at Napili Shores – For the best pancakes, visit this place.
  
• Cool Cat Cafe – Maui – They have the best burgers on Maui.
  
• Shaka Pops – Try their amazing flavor of ice cream.

Best Places To Stay On Maui Island

• Ka’anapali Beach Hotel
• Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
• Maui Kaanapali Villas
• Hana-Maui Resort
• Napili Sunset Beachfront Resort

Island of Hawaii – The Big Island

Then, head to Hilo town for some shopping and lunch at one of the local restaurants. Don’t forget to stop at Rainbow Falls before leaving Hilo. Lastly, drive up the coast to Kona for some stunning views and great coffee.

If you’re a nature lover, Kohala Coast is the place for you as it has plenty of hiking trails and beautiful beaches. Kona Coast is another great choice if hiking is your thing – home to the world’s most scenic drive (which goes by mountains, waterfalls, lava tubes, and coastlines). 

The Big Island’s Top Attractions:

• Mauna Kea Summit.
• Hawaiian long island iced tea.
• Explore the Pololu Valley Lookout.
• Akaka Falls State Park.
• Akatsuka Orchid Gardens.
• Dolphin Quest.
• Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
• Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.
• Beautiful beaches.
• Star gaze atop Mauna Kea.
• Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• Snorkeling.
• Explore the Island by Helicopter Tours.

Best Places To Eat And Drink On The Big Island

• Da Poke Shack – Best poke on the island.
  
• Merriman’s Big Island – Located on Waimea on the big island, offers outstanding food and service.
  
• Moon and Turtle – Best dinner in Hilo.
  
• Papajac’s Cafe – Best Lunch in Hilo.
  
• Kona Brewing Company Pub & Brewery – specializes in beer and fine dining.

Best Places To Stay On The Big Island

• Royal Kona Resort
• Fairmont Orchid
• SCP Hilo Hotel
• Kilauea Lodge and Restaurant
• Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel

Lanai Island

Among Hawaii’s most popular islands, Lanai is undoubtedly one of the most popular. The island is home to some of the best beaches in Hawaii, as well as a variety of activities and attractions. 

This lush island is full of beautiful attractions that will have you exploring every nook and cranny. From hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing to swimming and snorkeling – there’s something for everyone on this island paradise. 

Make sure to check out Koloiki Ridge Trail and Lanai City – two of the island’s most popular attractions. From there, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy all day long. Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or a bustling island with plenty of things to do, Lanaʻi is the perfect island for you!

Lanai Island’s Top Attractions:

• Hulopoe Beach
• Shipwreck Beach
• Scuba Diving in Lanai (and Snorkeling)
• Lanai culture and heritage center 
• Koloiki Ridge Trail
• Lanai Cat Sanctuary
• Polihua Beach
• Fisherman’s Trail
• Garden of the Gods / Keahiakawelo
• Golf at Manele Golf Course
• Poaiwa Petroglyphs
• Sweetheart Rock Overlook via the Puupehe Trail
• Shark’s Bay
• Lanai City

Best Places To Stay On Lanai Island

• Four Seasons Resort Lanai 
• Hotel Lanai
• Dreams Come True B & B

Best Places To Eat And Drink On Lanai Island

• Views at Manele Golf Club – A Great Place for lunch and dinner with breathtaking ocean views.
• One Forty at Manele Bay – Best breakfast on the lanai.
• Malibu Farm – If you are a burger lover, don’t miss this amazing place.
• Coffee Works has some fantastic iced coffee in this place.

Oahu Island

The North Shore is home to famous surf spots like Sunset Beach and Makaha. Kailua Bay is a serene spot where you can swim, snorkel, kayak, or hike. Plus, there are plenty of beaches to relax on when you need a break from all the activities. 

O’ahu Top Attractions:

• -Waikiki Beach: This world-famous beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.
• -Hanauma Bay: This beach is great for snorkeling and getting up close to Hawaii’s marine life.
• -Lanikai Beach: With its powdery sand and turquoise waters, Lanikai Beach is like something out of a postcard.
• -Makapu‘u Beach: This beach is perfect for surfing, bodyboarding, and boogie boarding.
• Diamond Head State Monument
• Waimea Valley
• Kailua Beach Park
• Lanikai Beach
• Hawaii Plantation Village
• Pearl Harbor National Memorial
• Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens
• Polynesian Cultural Center
• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
• Green World Coffee Farms
• Makapuu Lighthouse Trail

Best Places To Eat And Drink On O’ahu Island

• Stripsteak Waikiki – Best steaks on Oahu Hawaii with top-notch services.
• Sweet E’s Cafe – Best breakfast in Oahu, Hawaii, with fast and friendly service.
• Seven Brothers – the best burger in Oahu and offers other delicious foods.
• Lucky Belly – Start with an appetizer and must-try the best cocktails.
• Karai Crab – If you want to eat delicious seafood in Oahu, then visit this amazing place.

Best Places To Stay On O’ahu Island

• Waikiki Resort Hotel
• Queen Kapiolani Hotel
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk
• Vive Hotel Waikiki

Moloka‘i Island

If you’re looking for an authentic Hawaiian island experience, look no further than Moloka’i. This island has been largely undeveloped, meaning that you won’t find any resorts or high-rise hotels here. Instead, you’ll find pristine beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, and friendly locals. 

Moloka’i is a great place to enjoy some of Hawaii’s more traditional activities, like fishing, hiking, and camping.

Some of the top attractions on Molokaʻi include lava fields, waterfalls, and rain forests. If you’re looking for a unique view of Hawaii’s terrain, visit an island high up in the sky: Mauna Kea!

Moloka‘i Island Top Attractions:

• Explore beautiful beaches
• Snorkeling and Scuba diving
• Halawa Valley
• Kamakou Preserve
• Halawa Falls
• Kalaupapa National Historical Park
• Barrier Reef
• Phallic Rock (Ka Ule o Nanahoa)
• Molokai Art From The Heart
• Moloka’i Museum and Cultural Center
• Halawa Tropical Flower Farm

Best Places To Eat And Drink On Moloka’i Island

• Kamoi Snack-n-Go – Feel like a kid again with this delicious ice cream.
  
• Kanemitsu Bakery – Start your breakfast with the hot bread in this place.
  
• Kualapuu Cookhouse – locals’ favorite place to eat on Molokai. 
  
• Paddlers Restaurant and Bar – Great place to have some beer.
  
• Hula Bean Cafe – A cozy place to grab a coffee or an Aloha latte in the morning.

Best Places To Stay On Moloka’i Island

• Hotel Moloka’i
• Castle Molokai Shores Resort
• Pu’u O Hoku Ranch

Niihau Island

The secluded island is a great place to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing on Nina beach, and a safari tour. There are so many things you can do, like scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and exploring the island by charter services.

If you love to enjoy your vacation in a peaceful place, you should get permission and visit the island. You can visit the island by boat or by helicopter. I recommended taking the helicopter tour to get a bird’s eye view of the island.

Since this is a forbidden island, there is no place to stay and eat on Niihau island, so if you want to explore the island, then plan a day trip and take some food with you.

What should I avoid in Hawaii?

When it comes to Hawaii, there are a few things you should avoid to make the most of your trip. First and foremost, avoid booking your trip during the hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Secondly, be mindful of the island you choose to visit – each island has its own unique culture and attractions. And lastly, avoid overpacking – remember, you’re going to a tropical paradise where flip-flops and shorts are the norm!

Aside from avoiding these specific areas, it is also important for tourists to take basic precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and staying alert while walking around at night. And lastly, don’t forget about mosquito repellant!

What To Wear In Hawaii To Look Stunning

When you plan to visit Hawaii, be sure to pack some of your favorite clothing items. This beautiful island paradise has a variety of weather conditions that can range from warm and sunny to cool and cloudy. So whether you are looking for light clothes for summer or heavy clothes for winter, you will be able to find what you need on the islands.

Make sure also bring sunglasses (especially during midday sun hours), hats/scarves/jackets when it rains heavily (which happens frequently on Oahu), insect repellent when traveling during September through May (when mosquitos abound), sandals or water shoes whenever there is a chance of getting wet since many beaches do not have showers available nearby. And last but not least….

Which island in Hawaii has the prettiest beaches?

Kaua’i, in Hawaii, is often cited as one of the prettiest islands with its stunning beaches. The island has dozens of beautiful surf spots and plenty of activities to keep you busy all year long. 

Some favorite spots include Waimea Bay (for swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking), Hanalei Valley (for hiking and biking), Wainaku Beach (picture-perfect sand beach), Koloa Town (loved for its quaint shops and restaurants), Napali Coast State Park (with lush forests, towering waterfalls, and crystal clear pools) Lihu’e (“The Garden Isle”), Haena Beach Park (“the granddaddy” – home to a world-class snorkeling site).

There are also many charming villages scattered throughout Kaua’i that make for wonderful places to stay while exploring this gorgeous island paradise.

Which are the best islands to visit in Hawaii with kids?

There are many great islands to visit in Hawaii with children, but some of the top choices include Lanai and Maui. Both of these islands offer plenty of activities that will keep your kids entertained, including swimming, sailing, snorkeling, biking, and hiking. 

Additionally, both have wonderful attractions, such as botanical gardens and zoos that are sure to delight children.

Hawaii is a beautiful place full of natural wonders that kids will love exploring no matter where they decide to spend their vacation time. So whether you’re looking for beaches or cultural sights, there’s an island perfect for you!

Conclusion:

From Kailua-Kona to Hilo, Hawaii is home to a range of different islands that are perfect for every kind of traveler. If you’re looking to enjoy the best beaches, wildlife, and scenery without having to travel too far, we’ve picked out some of our favorite islands in the next section.

Which island do you think should be at the top of your hit list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!