Lonely PlanetJul 28
Which Hawaiian Island is best for you?
Our guide showcases the pleasures of Hawai‘is’s six major islands.
Beach with sand from pulverized lava rock where turtles lounge.
25 things in this story
- Punaluʻu Black Sand BeachSightBeach with sand from pulverized lava rock where turtles lounge.
- ʻAkaka FallsSightOne of the most eye-catching natural features on the Big Island.
- KilaueaSightKīlauea is an active shield volcano in the Hawaiian Islands.
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National ParkSightFilled with steam vents, lava tubes, and occasional lava streams.
- Mauna KeaSightTallest mountain in the world measured from seafloor to peak.
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical ParkSightLearn about ancient Hawaiians' way of life through ruins.
- Mauna LoaSight
- Manta Ray Dives of HawaiiPlace
- Kona Snorkel TripsPlace
- Elsewhere
- Nāpali CoastSightKauaʻi, United StatesDeep, lush ridges and cascading waterfalls accessible by foot.
- HonoluluNeighborhoodOʻahu, United Statesstate of Hawaii, located in the Pacific Ocean.
- ʻIolani PalaceSightOʻahu, United StatesOnce home to Hawaiian royalty, later site of kingdom's overthrow.
- Pearl HarborSightOʻahu, United StatesSite of the 1941 bombing, prompting US entry into WWII.
- USS Arizona MemorialSightOʻahu, United StatesThe USS Arizona Memorial, at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, marks the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors…
- Hanauma Bay State ParkSightOʻahu, United StatesProtected bay with safe snorkeling and abundant marine life.
- Lanikai PillboxTrailOʻahu, United StatesShort, steep hike for amazing views of Kailua and islands.
- Kalalau TrailTrailKauaʻi, United States22-mile round-trip trail through Nāpali Coast's emerald landscapes.
- HanapēpēNeighborhoodKauaʻi, United StatesHistoric town bursting with cafes, shops, landmarks, and festivals.
- Talk Story BookstorePlaceKauaʻi, United StatesShop in historic Hanapēpē.
- Waik ī k īNeighborhoodOʻahu, United States
- USS Missouri MemorialSightOʻahu, United States
- Waiahole Poi FactoryRestaurantOʻahu, United States
- Helena’s Hawaiian FoodRestaurantOʻahu, United States
- Triple Crown of SurfingFestivalOʻahu, United States
- Eddie Aikau Big Wave InvitationalFestivalOʻahu, United States