Hawaii is one of the most magical places I have ever been to. The islands have so much to offer for so many different reasons.
best islands to visit
1) Kauai
The garden isle of the Hawaiian islands is what people call Kauai. If you’re looking for the most natural landscapes and want to be surrounded by gorgeous rainforests, then look no further. Kauai is my favorite Hawaiian island because of the amazing hikes, waterfalls, and natural beauty that the island offers. I stayed at this amazing AirBnb when I went, and it was in the northern part of the island which is close to the Napali coast hikes.
What to do:
Here is my top 10 things to do in Kauai blog post.
Where to stay:
I prefer staying at an AirBnb in Princeville which is on the northern side of the island near Hanalei Bay. I find this side of the island to be quieter and also more authentic.
2) oahu
Oahu will always have a special place in my heart since that is where my boyfriend is from and I have such fond memories of going there. I highly recommend getting an Airbnb in Kailua near Lanikai beach if you can or the eastern part of the island. Personally, staying farther away from the main Waikiki beach area is my go to, since it is less touristy in other parts of the island.
Where to stay:
Turtle Bay Resort on the north shore is by far the best hotel choice on the island. It is the nicest hotel and is away from all of the tourism at Waikiki beach. I prefer quieter areas so that is why I really love Turtle Bay Resort.
wHAT TO DO:
See here for the 10 best things to do in Oahu blog post.
3) the big island
The Big Island of Hawaii has rural landscapes and gorgeous beaches. If you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation in unique scenery, this is the best island for that! From volcanoes to farmland, this island is truly special in every way.
Where to stay:
Mauna Key Resort is hands down the best place to stay on the island. It has the most beautiful beach and I couldn’t recommend it anymore, especially since the location is great too.
What to do:
Wondering what the top 10 must-do activities are on the Big Island? Read my blog post here.
4) mAUI
Maui is a gorgeous island that attracts thousands of tourists a year. I personally like less crowded experiences, so this is my least favorite island.
If you’re looking for a vacation where you stay at the resort the whole time, this is a great place to look into. I also liked the road to Hana as a full day activity.
Where to stay:
I highly recommend staying at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa if you go.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT hawaii:
For the best weather: Any of the summer months, but I prefer September or October as there are fewer crowds and it is very hot and sunny at those times of the year.
For the best deals/less crowded: January is by far the best month if you want a bargain for your accommodations. I visited Kauai in January twice and it felt like there were no tourists at all on the island, which was amazing. Also, there were major deals on where we stayed and on the rental car, just because that month is not very popular with tourists for visiting Hawaii.
TIPS + TRICKS for traveling to hawaii:
1) Pack bug spray!
2) Bring a rain jacket/windbreaker so the rain or wind doesn’t ruin your hiking plans
3) Be conscious about throwing away all your trash and do not leave anything behind at the beaches and on hikes
4) Be prepared for your shoes to get muddy, don’t bring your brand-new white sneakers
5) Weather changes pretty quickly here, but don’t let rain damper your vacation
6) Venture outside of the touristy areas, places that aren’t crowded are the best in my opinion
7) Try some new foods when visiting the islands!
8) You have to rent a car, it’s the only way to get around the islands.