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Which Hawaiian Island is Best?

Our family loves Hawaii, but often gets asked, “Which Hawaiian Island is the best?”

All the Hawaiian Islands have the year-round best beaches, water temperature, beautiful surroundings, awe-inspiring sights. Of course, it is part of America, so no need for passports.  Plus, it is free to access for stand-bys. We feel comfortable with the language, stores, currency and way of life. 

We usually go to Hawaii a couple of times a year so we’ve experienced all 4 of the main islands on several occasions (16 and counting).  Each island offers a variety of sights and views for travelers.

Read about Hawaii’s best beaches here.

We often are asked which island we like the best.  While we always enjoy our time on any island, we do have favorites but does change from time to time.  I’ll share the best sights we’ve experienced on each island.

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive guidebook, but rather the best of the best that our family has experienced on the islands.  Most of these sights are easily accessible with children.  We still have so much more to explore on each island, so I will update and add more as we experience more.

Based on these pictures, which island’s sights would you most like to see?

Oahu

The Island of Oahu seems to be what most people talk about when they go to Hawaii.  The highlights on that island are easy to get to.

Diamond Head

A Crater on the outskirts of Honolulu provides a quick and steep hike and a great viewpoint.  The hike is pretty dry and dead, but the views are worth it.

Laie pointA giant wave crashes at La'ie Point in Oahu, Hawaii during a pink sunset
Waimea Gardens and WaterFall
 

Alot of the best views of Oahu are also the best beaches, so be sure to check out Hawaii’s best beaches. 

Big Island

Volcano National ParkLava fields of Bid island Hawaii
Thurston Lava TubeThurston Lava Tube
 Akaka Falls State ParkAkaka Waterfall on Big Island, Hawaii
Black and White coral of coastal trail between A-bay and the HiltonWhite and black coral litter the coastal hike between A-bay and the Grand Hilton on Big Island, Hawaii

Maui

The Road to Hana:

The sights to see along the road to Hana are too many to even list here.  Read the Road to Hana sights here {Coming Soon}

Tall waterfall on the road to Hana,Maui
To see these falls, you have to exit the car and walk 30 seconds into the jungle and look back behind you. It is stunning and most people drive right on over it!

But just know that around every hairpin turn, you will be delighted to find waterfalls, overlooks, beaches, bays and gorgeous vegitation.  Due to the wetness of this side of the island, it is a jungle.  Depending on the day you tour the area, everything will look different!

Haleakala National Park Part 1 (the top of the volcano viewpoint)View from the top of the volcano at Haleakala National Park in Maui, Hawaii
sun rise from the top of Haleakala National Park
We missed the sunrise here, but the early sun was still spectacular. Bring a jacket!
Haleakala National Park Part 2: O’heo Pools (7 sacred pools) and Bamboo forest hike
O'heo gulch or 7 sacred pools on Mauii Haleakala National Park
My view standing next to the waterfall looking out into the pool and ocean beyond
West sore Maui Sites
Dragon's teeth on west shore of Maui, Hawaii
Dragons teeth along the west shore of Maui

Kauai

Read here to see the best sights around Kauai Island with kids in tow.

Na’pali Coast
Hanalei lookoutoverlook on North shore of Kauai Hawaii
Sleeping giant (Nounou) Mountain trail
Spouting Horn
Waimea CanyonWaimea canyon waterfall, Kauai, Hawaii Waimea Canyon view, Kauai, Hawaii

Which Hawaiian Island sights is best?

Based on these photos and sights, which Hawaiian island is the best for you?

In my opinion, Maui has the best sights of all the islands.  With Haleakala National Park, the road to Hana waterfalls and bays and the East Shore sights, there is so much to see and experience there.  That being said, the uniqueness of Volcano National Park (Big Island) and the grandeur of Na’pali Coast (Kauai) and Waimea Canyon (Kauai) put those in a tie for second.

Like I said when I wrote about the best beaches, you really can’t go wrong in Hawaii. My recommendation? See all the islands!

pin for the top sights in the Hawaiian Islands

What are your favorite sights on each of the islands?  Which island has the best sights? 

Be sure to bring this inclusive guidebook on your next Hawaiian adventure.  These are the best, funniest, easiest to understand books around!

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