Condé Nast TravelerOct 2, 2025
The Best Island to Visit in Hawaii for Every Type of Traveler
Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or romance, there's a Hawaiian island for you.
known for its epic luaus
24 things in this story
- Pearl HarborSightIt was often visited by the naval fleet of the United States before it was acquired from the Hawaiian Kingdom by the…
- Diamond Head CraterSightThrongs of tourists who rise at daybreak can be seen walking around Diamond Head Crater to hike up the 760-foot peak,…
- Dole PlantationAttraction(For tentative holiday hours, see “Download Special Hours” link above) WELCOME TO ENHANCED MAZE EXPERIENCE!
- ChinatownNeighborhoodvibrant neighborhood in Honolulu
- Iolani PalaceMuseumhistoric royal residence in Honolulu
- PupukeaNeighborhoodPūpūkea is a community and census-designated place (CDP) in the Koʻolauloa District on the island of Oʻahu, City &…
- Polynesian Cultural CenterAttractionknown for its epic luaus
- The Kahala Hotel & ResortHotelat the foot of Diamond Head
- The Surfjack Hotel & Swim ClubHotelwith a 1960s surf vibe
- The Ritz Carlton Residences, Waikiki BeachHotelsophisticated hotel in Waikiki
- The Ritz Carlton O’ahu, Turtle BayHotelon the North Shore, recognizable for movie roles
- Fairmont OrchidHotelDirector of Hawaiian Culture Ka’iulani Blankenfeld works here
- Road to HānaTrailscenic drive on Maui
- HaleakalāSightknown for its sunrises
- Kā‘anapaliRestaurantarea for golfing on Maui
- KulaNeighborhoodarea for exploring moku land divisions
- Andaz Maui at Wailea ResortHoteltop-ranked resort in Wailea
- Four Seasons Resort Maui at WaileaHotelcelebrity favorite resort in Wailea
- Hotel WaileaHotelcozy, adult-only hotel in Wailea
- Hawaii Volcano National ParkSighthas two of the planet’s most active volcanoes
- Panalu’u Black Sand BeachSightwhere Hawaiian green sea turtles can be spotted
- Waikiki BeachSight
- Hale'iwaNeighborhood
- Captain James CookPlace