Hawaii is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful states in the country. Unlike most of the U.S., Hawaii is made up of several islands in the Pacific Ocean, making it a unique vacation destination for millions of people every year. If you are planning your first trip to Hawaii, you need to first decide which island or islands you’ll visit. In this post, you’ll learn about some of the top Hawaiian Islands to help you figure out which is best for you.
Maui is a prime honeymoon destination and arguably the most romantic of all the Hawaiian Islands. It is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the state, including Makena Beach Park and Kaanapali Beach. A visit to Haleakala National Park to behold the awe-inspiring Kadhala volcano is a must for anyone interested in sightseeing around the island and finding unique attractions in Maui. Another fabulous way to bask in the natural beauty of Maui is to take a drive along the Road to Hana, famous for its spectacular views of waterfalls and exotic landscapes, or to book a rental in a luxury vacation home in Maui. If you and your significant other are down to do a bit of hiking, you will want to check out the Iao Valley, a 10-mile trek that leads to the unique “Needle,” a towering rock formation covered in greenery. Maui is a nature enthusiast’s paradise, and its gorgeous scenery makes it a top-rate destination for a romantic getaway in a luxurious beachfront rental.
On the island of Oahu, you get the best of both worlds. By day you can hike the lush, green rainforest, go for a surf, snooze on the white sand beaches, and sip a frosty cocktail; and by night you can experience the bustling nightlife of the state’s capital, Honolulu. It’s also the best island to visit if you consider yourself something of a history buff and are interested in visiting Pearl Harbor, Pearl Harbor National Museum, and other unique attractions. For other historical and cultural experiences, it’s worth carving out some time in your vacation itinerary to visit the Iolani Palace, the mansion that belonged to the last remaining monarchs of Hawaii, and the Polynesian Cultural Center. If you want to spend one evening on the beach instead of in the city center of Honolulu, treat yourself to the experience of watching the hula and fire dancers put on an unforgettable show at the Paradise Cove Luau.
Of all the main Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is the oldest. It’s also one of the rainiest, but don’t let that deter you from planning a visit there. Because it frequently rains, the island is incredibly lush, with staggeringly beautiful forests, green hills, and exotic flowers. Kauai is also known for having some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world, making for great views of the island and the waters surrounding it. Get up close and personal with the majestic beauty of the beaches and wildlife by booking an ocean view rental. Imagine waking up to the sights and sounds of the ocean every morning while sipping your morning coffee and having a scrumptious breakfast filled with fresh fruits and Hawaiian staples. Once you’ve fueled up on some protein, make a day of visiting as many unique attractions in Kauai as possible. Some of the most popular spots include Queen’s Bath, a swimmable sinkhole; Koke’e State Park, great for hiking mountain trails; and Polihale State Park, a prime beach locale comprised of white sands and towering cliffs.
Finally, Hawaii’s main island, known as Big Island, is home to some of the most unique attractions in the entire state. Spend a few hours touring the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to stand in awe of the Thurston Lava Tube and the Kilauea Volcano, both natural wonders unlike anything else you might find in the world. If you’re a fan of both hiking and gorgeous ocean views, trek along Waipio Valley trails and don’t forget to bring your camera with you. Finally, for a unique beaching experience, spend the day at Punalu’u Beach, a black sand beach with a variety of sea turtle breeds strolling along the shore.
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References:
Haleakalā National Park (U.S. National Park Service). (2018, August 31). Retrieved December 27, 2019, from https://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm.
Hui o Laka – Kokee State Park. (n.d.). Retrieved December 27, 2019, from http://kokee.org/.
Kaanapali Beach. (2019, February 6). Retrieved December 27, 2019, from https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/maui/regions/west-maui/kaanapali-beach.
Makena State Park. (2016, July 31). Retrieved December 27, 2019, from https://hawaiistateparks.org/parks/maui/makena-state-park/.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service). (2019, October 16). Retrieved December 27, 2019, from https://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (U.S. National Park Service). (2020, January 6). Retrieved January 8, 2020, from https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm.
Waipi’o Valley (Big Island, Hawaii): How to Visit and What to See. (n.d.). Retrieved January 8, 2020, from https://www.lovebigisland.com/waipio-valley/.
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach (Big Island): Turtles, swimming and snorkeling. (n.d.). Retrieved January 8, 2020, from https://www.lovebigisland.com/big-island-beaches/punaluu/.
