Lonely PlanetJul 28
Which Hawaiian Island is best for you?
Our guide showcases the pleasures of Hawai‘is’s six major islands.
Historic town bursting with cafes, shops, landmarks, and festivals.
25 things in this story
- Nāpali CoastSightDeep, lush ridges and cascading waterfalls accessible by foot.
- Kalalau TrailTrail22-mile round-trip trail through Nāpali Coast's emerald landscapes.
- HanapēpēNeighborhoodHistoric town bursting with cafes, shops, landmarks, and festivals.
- Talk Story BookstorePlaceShop in historic Hanapēpē.
- Elsewhere
- Punaluʻu Black Sand BeachSightHawaii Island, United StatesBeach with sand from pulverized lava rock where turtles lounge.
- ʻAkaka FallsSightHawaii Island, United StatesOne of the most eye-catching natural features on the Big Island.
- KilaueaSightHawaii Island, United StatesKīlauea is an active shield volcano in the Hawaiian Islands.
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National ParkSightHawaii Island, United StatesFilled with steam vents, lava tubes, and occasional lava streams.
- Mauna KeaSightHawaii Island, United StatesTallest mountain in the world measured from seafloor to peak.
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical ParkSightHawaii Island, United StatesLearn about ancient Hawaiians' way of life through ruins.
- 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.
- Mauna LoaSightHawaii Island, United States
- Manta Ray Dives of HawaiiPlaceHawaii Island, United States
- Kona Snorkel TripsPlaceHawaii Island, United States
- 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