Hawaii has been on our bucket list for years – and we suspect it’s on yours too. When we started planning our Hawaii trip, we quickly realised just how many islands there are and how different they all are from each other. That makes planning a lot harder. You simply can’t visit all of Hawaii’s islands in a single trip.
So the question comes up fast: Which Hawaii island is right for us? And which one is the most beautiful?
We’ve put together this Hawaii island guide to help you decide which islands to choose – plus some important tips to make your Hawaii holiday unforgettable.
Last updated: May 2026
Hawaii at a Glance
Key Facts
Best time to visit: April–October (peak season)Main islands: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island
Recommendation: 4–5 days per island
Getting there: ~19h from Germany (e.g. with Condor)
Our Favourites
Maui – our favourite islandKauai – the most authentic Hawaii
Big Island – for adventurers & volcano lovers
Oahu – a must for first-time visitors
Which Hawaii Island Suits You? – Quick Overview
The short answer:
- First-time visitors – we recommend Oahu or Maui.
- Nature lovers and hikers – Kauai is ideal.
- If you love volcanoes and raw landscapes – head to Big Island.
- For luxury and seclusion – Lanai is the choice.
| Island | Perfect for | Not ideal for | Recommended stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oahu | First-timers, city trip, surfers, history buffs | Those seeking peace, nature lovers | 4–7 days |
| Maui | Beach holiday, whale watching, relaxation, road trip fans | Budget travellers, city break | 4–6 days |
| Kauai | Hikers, nature lovers, authentic Hawaii | Comfort seekers, city travellers | 5–7 days |
| Big Island | Volcano fans, adventurers, divers, stargazers | Classic beach holiday | 5–7 days |
| Lanai | Luxury travellers, couples, seclusion | Budget travellers, active holidaymakers | 2–4 days |
| Molokai | Culture enthusiasts, true adventurers | Comfort seekers, mainstream tourists | 2–3 days |
Tip: For a two-week trip we recommend combining 2–3 islands. Our favourite combo: Oahu (3 days) + Maui (5 days) + Kauai (5 days).
Price Levels by Island
| Island | Accommodation (avg/night) | Food (avg/person/day) | Car hire (avg/day) | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oahu | €150–300 | €60–100 | €50–80 | 🟡🟡🟡 Mid–High |
| Maui | €200–400 | €70–120 | €60–100 | 🔴🔴🔴 Very expensive |
| Kauai | €180–350 | €60–100 | €55–90 | 🔴🔴 Expensive |
| Big Island | €130–250 | €55–90 | €50–80 | 🟡🟡 Mid-range |
| Lanai | €400–1,000+ | €80–150 | €80–150 | 🔴🔴🔴🔴 Luxury |
| Molokai | €100–200 | €40–70 | €50–80 | 🟢🟢 Budget-friendly |
Note: All prices are approximate figures for peak season (April–October 2026). Off-season prices are considerably lower. Hawaii was by far our most expensive trip – budget generously.
Island Hopping in Hawaii – How to Get Between Islands
If you want to visit more than one island, you’ll need to fly – there are no more ferries connecting the main islands. That sounds more complicated than it is: inter-island flights take just 20–45 minutes and are affordable if you book in advance.
The main inter-island airlines:
- Hawaiian Airlines – the largest and most reliable option, serves all main islands
- Southwest Airlines – often the cheapest option, active in Hawaii since 2019
- Mokulele Airlines – for smaller islands like Molokai and Lanai
What inter-island flights cost: Depending on the route and when you book, expect to pay between €50–150 per person per leg. Book early – prices rise significantly during peak season (April–October).
How many islands should you visit? For a two-week trip, 2–3 islands is realistic. More means more packing stress and less time to settle in. Our favourite combo: Oahu (3 days) + Maui (5 days) + Kauai (5 days).
Important: Most inter-island flights don’t include checked baggage. Either travel with hand luggage only or budget around €30 extra per bag. On small propeller planes like Mokulele Airlines, even carry-on luggage is charged extra.
Tip: Book your inter-island flights at the same time as your transatlantic flights – that way you keep an eye on prices and stay flexible with your routing.
Hawaii Islands: The Key Facts
Hawaii is the 50th state of the United States of America, sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean between the US mainland and Japan. For many Europeans it’s a faraway dream destination – for Americans and Asians it’s a classic holiday spot.
When you think of Hawaii, the same things probably come to mind: lush green mountains, surfing, volcanoes, a warm climate and the famous aloha spirit. It really is a dream destination.
And there’s almost nothing you can’t do here. Watch whales, spot monk seals, hike through breathtaking landscapes, watch hot lava flow, or simply let the days drift by on a stunning beach. Hawaii is simply wonderful.
Entry Requirements – What You Need
To enter Hawaii you need a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months after your entry date) and an approved ESTA application. You can apply online easily – ideally a few weeks before your trip. The fee is around $21 USD.
Accommodation in Hawaii
Accommodation in Hawaii is genuinely expensive. No matter how early you book or how modest your expectations are, you’ll likely pay more per night than almost anywhere else in the world. That was certainly our experience – and we’ve stayed in a lot of countries.
What makes it worse is that the price-to-quality ratio is often poor. What would get you luxury in many other countries barely gets you the basics in Hawaii.
Budget at least €150 per night for a standard double room. There’s no real upper limit. Book as early as possible to get more choice.
Cost of a Hawaii Holiday
It’s not just hotels – practically everything in Hawaii will cost more than you expect. Food (whether from a supermarket or a restaurant) is significantly more expensive than in Europe or on the US mainland. Activities like helicopter tours* or boat trips* are also very pricey.
Hawaii was by far the most expensive trip we’ve ever taken. It’ll probably be the same for you.
How Long Should You Spend in Hawaii?
Some people say Hawaii is only worth it for 3–4 weeks because of the long journey. We disagree – the flight to Hawaii takes no longer than comparable flights to Thailand or similar destinations. With a good connection (e.g. Condor) you can be in Honolulu in around 19 hours.
In our view, two weeks is absolutely enough.
How Many Hawaii Islands Should You Visit?
We’d recommend planning at least 4–5 days per island. That means a two-week trip allows for 2–3 islands, and three weeks gives you room for 3–4.
Plenty of tourists spend their entire two weeks on Oahu alone – and that’s absolutely fine. But if you want variety and to see as much as possible, adding one or two more islands is well worth it.
Which Hawaii Island Has the Best Beaches?
Every island on Hawaii has genuinely stunning beaches. But for us, the classic Hawaii beach feeling came on Maui – The beaches there felt the most unspoilt and authentic. That said, it all depends on your preferences.
Best Time to Visit Hawaii
The best time to visit Hawaii is during the summer months, April to October. This is when it rains least and temperatures are a few degrees higher. Unfortunately prices are also higher – it’s the peak season.
We visited in the rainy season (February/March) and had some bad luck with the weather. More rain, lower temperatures. But you can also get lucky in the off-season – fewer tourists, lower prices and potentially great weather anyway.
Hawaii is a year-round destination and works well even in the European winter.
Hawaii Islands: Which One is the Most Beautiful?
Hawaii is an island chain in the Pacific made up of hundreds of islands and atolls. Only 8 are inhabited and just 6 are accessible to tourists: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island, Molokai and Lanai.
Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Big Island are the main islands and the most visited. Molokai and Lanai are smaller and rarely visited by tourists.
Which Hawaii island is the most beautiful is entirely subjective. Every island is beautiful in its own way – but there are real differences that can help guide your decision.
Oahu – Highlights, Beaches & Tips
Oahu is the main island of the archipelago and the most visited of all. Most tourists land in the capital Honolulu and many stay on Oahu for their entire trip. The island felt to us like one big all-inclusive resort – Honolulu is by far the most touristy part of all Hawaii. But it doesn’t have to be that way – head north to the North Shore and you’ll find something completely different.
Oahu has an enormous amount to offer and you can pursue an incredible variety of activities. That said, there’s nothing here you can’t also find on the other islands – except in much greater concentration. It was definitely not our favourite island.
Oahu Top Highlights
Waikiki
Hawaii’s most famous beach – but not its most beautiful. We weren’t that impressed: the curved kilometre-long strip of sand is backed by a wall of enormous hotel towers.
North Shore
The complete opposite of tourist-heavy Waikiki. Far from the capital, the laid-back North Shore offers beaches, surfers and sea turtles.
Pearl Harbor
Probably the world’s most famous war memorial. See the remains of the US fleet sunk during World War II. Very patriotic – but worth a visit.
How Long Do You Need for Oahu?
Plan for at least 4–5 days. Many tourists spend their entire Hawaii trip on the main island – and with plenty of activities and sights, two weeks or more is absolutely possible.
Top Activities on Oahu
| Activity | Price p.P. | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Oahu Helicopter Tour with Doors On or Off | from 368 € | Book Now* |
| Guided Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, and City Tour | from 61 € | Book Now* |
| Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Waikiki | from 37 € | Book Now* |
| Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore | from 68€ | Book Now* |
Hotel Recommendation for Oahu
Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach
In this central accommodation* in Waikiki Beach, you'll stay in beautiful double rooms right in the lively center.
- only a few minutes walk from Waikiki Beach
- huge pool
- many restaurants in the immediate vicinity
- 24h reception
Oahu is the right island for you if…
…you like having everything in one place and choosing from an almost endless range of options. And of course if the busy, very touristy Waikiki doesn’t put you off.
- More tips for Oahu: Oahu Highlights | Top 7 Highlights & Travel Tips
Maui – Whales and Beaches
Maui is famous for surfing, but also for beautiful, largely untouched beaches. These calm stretches of sand are nothing like Waikiki – they invite you to spend hours just lying in the sun. You’ll find them especially in the south of the island. Maui is dominated by two mountains: Haleakalā in the south-east and Mauna Kahalawei in the north-west.
The Road to Hana in eastern Maui and whale watching are hugely popular here. We found the island totally relaxed and far less touristy than Oahu. This is where we found the aloha spirit we’d been looking forward to. Maui was our favourite island. Cruising along the coast in a convertible with the sunset and swaying palms in the background – that was something else.
Maui Top Highlights
Road to Hana
The road with over 600 curves is Maui’s most famous drive. You wind through untouched rainforest and experience nature and the ocean from a completely different angle. Exhausting but incredibly rewarding.
Whale Watching
During the winter months you can watch whales in eastern Maui. Thousands of humpback whales spend the winter here, raising their calves.
Beaches
Maui’s beaches are beautiful and totally relaxed – especially in the south where they’re completely unspoilt, without the big hotel backdrop you get in Waikiki.
How Long Do You Need for Maui?
Plan at least 4–5 days to see the highlights. More is welcome if you want to fully soak up Maui’s relaxed vibe or squeeze in a few extra beach days.
Top Activities on Maui
| Activities | Price p.P. | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Maui Channel Whale-Watching Catamaran Cruise | from 37 € | Book Now* |
| Small-Group Road to Hāna Sightseeing Tour | from 225 € | Book Now* |
| Eco-Friendly Molokini and Turtle Town Tour with Lunch | from 160 € | Book Now* |
| Haleakala National Park Sunrise Tour | from 199 € | Book Now* |
Hotel Recommendation for Maui
Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort
At this charming accommodation* in West Maui, you'll stay in lovely studios right on the beautiful beach of Napili Bay.
- comfortable studio apartments
- great beach with reef for snorkeling and turtles
- own kitchen and bathroom
- next to great beaches
Maui is the right island for you if…
…you love beautiful, unspoilt beaches without hotel towers and tourist traps, and you want things to be a bit more laid-back. And of course if you want to watch whales.
- More tips for Maui: Maui Highlights & Travel Tips
Kauai – The Hiking Island
For us, Kauai is the hiking island of Hawaii. There are so many beautiful trails just waiting to be explored. Kauai is also not very touristy, yet still packed with amazing highlights. This is where we found the most authentic Hawaii feeling. There’s a lot to do here, with the focus firmly on nature and landscape.
Kauai Top Highlights
Na Pali Coast
The images of Kauai’s coastline are probably the first thing you’ll see when you Google the island. The sight of these lush green sea cliffs is truly indescribable – best experienced on a helicopter tour*.
Kalalau Trail
One of the few ways to explore the spectacular Na Pali Coast on foot. This coastal hike is extremely popular and leads along the cliffs to a waterfall hidden in the jungle.
Waimea Canyon
The red-brown canyon in the east of the island can be explored on a road trip along numerous viewpoints.
How Long Do You Need for Kauai?
We’d recommend at least 5 days. If you have more time and want to do lots of hiking, plan for at least 7 days. Also factor in the occasional rainy day – especially in winter, Kauai gets above-average rainfall.
Hotel Recommendation
The Kauai Beach Resort is located in the capital Lihue
near the airport directly on the beach. So you are not only quickly in the sea but also very quickly to all corners of the island. You get comfortably furnished double rooms and a super cool pool.
- perfectly conveniently located in Lihue
- super cool pool
- manageable, quiet hotel complex
- very good organic breakfast
Kauai is the right island for you if…
…you love hiking and want to explore some of Hawaii’s most spectacular trails. A week or more here is no problem at all. Kauai is far less touristy than Oahu and has a similar feel to Maui.
- More tips for Kauai: Kauai Highlights & Travel Tips
Big Island – The Volcano Island
Big Island is the largest and youngest of all Hawaii’s islands and is defined by the enormous Kilauea volcano, which has been very active in recent years, spewing ash and lava. Big Island is actually still growing – the volcano continues to pour lava into the sea, expanding the island’s landmass.
Big Island is also called Hawai’i Island, which is why it’s often mistaken for the main island. In our view that’s really Oahu.
Big Island Top Highlights
Volcanoes National Park
You can drive almost to the crater rim here. Depending on how the last eruption went and where the lava flowed, you might be lucky enough to see glowing red lava in motion.
Mauna Kea
Big Island’s highest mountain, which you can also drive up. It’s home to the highest-altitude observatory on Earth.
How Long Do You Need for Big Island?
Given how large Big Island is, plan at least 5–6 days – a week or more is better. Split your time between Kona and Hilo, the two largest towns on opposite sides of the island.
Hotel Recommendation for Big Island
Big Island is the right island for you if…
…you love raw, dramatic landscapes. The volcano is the standout highlight and offers views you simply won’t find anywhere else in Hawaii. You’ll also reportedly experience 11 of the Earth’s 13 climate zones here.
Lanai – The Luxury Island
Lanai is geared towards luxury tourism and is largely passed over by most visitors. There are few paved roads – the island simply isn’t set up for mass tourism. Most visitors come just for a day trip by ferry from Maui.
Lanai Top Highlights
Hulopoe Bay
Considered Lanai’s most beautiful beach, with excellent snorkelling.
Beaches
Because so few tourists make it to Lanai, there are many untouched and barely discovered beaches waiting to be found.
How Long Do You Need for Lanai?
If you’re not there for a luxury holiday, 1–2 days will do. If you’re after peace and seclusion, 3–4 days at one of the upmarket hotels is a wonderful option.
Hotel Recommendation for Lanai
Lanai is the right island for you if…
…you want a luxury holiday and are looking for seclusion away from the tourist crowds.
Molokai – The Real Hawaii
Molokai is considered the most authentic of all the Hawaiian islands, where indigenous culture is still very much alive. It’s untouched, far from mass tourism and a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers.
Molokai Top Highlights
Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Patients with leprosy were once sent here to live far from civilisation. A sobering and moving place.
Halawa Valley
Home to one of Hawaii’s oldest settlements. Great hiking and a fascinating window into Hawaiian culture.
How Long Do You Need for Molokai?
Allow at least 2–3 days to really get to know the island.
Hotel Recommendation for Molokai
Molokai is the right island for you if…
…you want to discover indigenous culture and experience a true island paradise as an adventurer.
Hawaii Islands FAQ
Which Hawaii island is best for a first visit?
Oahu is the safest choice for first-timers. You have everything in one place: beaches, city, history and activities. If you’d prefer something quieter and more authentic from the start, Maui is the better fit.
Which Hawaii island is the most beautiful?
It depends on your travel style. For us personally, Maui and Kauai were the most beautiful islands – less touristy than Oahu and with the most authentic aloha feeling. If you love volcanoes and raw landscapes, Big Island will be your answer.
Which island is best for whale watching?
Maui is the best island for whale watching. From December to March you can watch thousands of humpback whales in the waters off eastern Maui as they spend the winter there raising their calves. Boat tours depart from Lahaina or Ma’alaea Harbor.
Do you need a hire car in Hawaii?
On Oahu you can get around Honolulu and Waikiki without a car – buses and tours cover most highlights. On Maui, Kauai and Big Island a hire car is basically essential. Without one you’ll miss the best beaches and viewpoints that lie off the beaten track.
How long should a Hawaii holiday be?
We recommend at least two weeks. The journey is long (around 19 hours from Europe) and a single week barely justifies it. Two weeks lets you comfortably cover 2–3 islands. For 3–4 islands, plan for three weeks.
What’s the best time to visit Hawaii?
The months of April to October are the best time to visit – less rain, higher temperatures and more beach days. But also higher prices and more crowds. We visited in February/March and had some bad luck with the weather – but you can also get lucky in the off-season with lower prices thrown in.
Are there ferries between the Hawaiian islands?
No – there are no longer any ferries connecting the main islands. The one exception: a ferry runs between Maui and Lanai (around 45 minutes). For all other routes you’ll need to take inter-island flights.
Verdict: The Most Beautiful Hawaii Island?
That’s entirely a personal question – and we hope this island guide has made the decision a little easier.
If you ask us personally, our favourites are Kauai and Maui – the most beautiful because they’re the most unspoilt. We loved them most and found the tourism there far less overwhelming than on the main island of Oahu.
Note: We visited Oahu, Maui and Kauai ourselves – we have no personal experience of Big Island, Lanai or Molokai. Our descriptions of those islands are based on research and fellow travellers’ reports.
