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Which is the best Hawaiian island to visit as a first-timer?
Wondering which is the best Hawaiian island to visit as a first-timer? This guide includes main Hawaiian islands such as Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii, and more.
One fantastic advantage of being an American is you don’t have to travel halfway across the world to experience stunning beaches, crystalline waters, and tropical island vibes.
Hawaii, in particular, is the ultimate tropical paradise destination. What makes it even more appealing to travelers from the U.S. is that it offers true exotic island experiences without the hassles of international travel, currency exchange, and language barriers.
With eight main islands, you might be wondering which is the best Hawaiian island to visit as a first-timer.
Niihau and Kahoolawe are known as the Forbidden Islands and are very exclusive destinations. You’d have to score a coveted invitation from the islands’ residents to be able to visit. Kahoolawe remains uninhabited, and Niihau is restricted to its 70 full-time residents and their families.
However, the remaining six islands are open to tourists, and below, you’ll find a guide to help you on your trip to Hawaii.
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1. Oahu
Oahu has the reputation of a big city island with great dining venues, shopping opportunities, and scenic hikes. Stunning secluded beaches and majestic landscapes, such as the iconic North Shore, make Oahu an all-rounder and the right Hawaiian island to visit for the first time.
- Best for: an activity-filled vacation, big groups and families
- Pros:
- Enjoy the ultimate Hawaii experience with locations such as Pearl Harbor and Bishop Museum, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu nightlife, and the stunning North Shore.
- Oahu is very walk and bike-friendly, so renting a car is unnecessary.
- You’ll find many direct international flights to Honolulu.
- Cons:
- Since this is a very popular Hawaiian destination, it can get quite touristy.
- Oahu offers more of an island-city experience than a tropical island paradise.
- Instagram-famous venues mean long lines and the need to pre-book everywhere you go.
2. Molokai
Also known as “The Friendly Isle,” Molokai is a stunning tropical paradise with dense forests and lush greenery and is definitely one of the best Hawaiian islands to visit as a first-timer. This small-town island offers dramatic sea cliffs, rugged landscapes, and scenic hiking trails with rewarding views.
- Best for: slower-paced vacations, hikers, nature lovers
- Pros:
- Enjoy slower-paced Hawaiian lifestyle experiences.
- Visit picturesque locations such as Moaʻula and Hīpuapua Falls, Make Horse Beach, and Kalaupapa Lookout.
- Molokaʻi is significantly less crowded than all the islands.
- Cons:
- Molokai is expensive compared to other islands.
- There are not many options when it comes to food and lodging.
- You’ll find fewer tourist activities and attractions here.
3. Lanai
Known for its picturesque trails, famous beaches, and lush green landscapes, Lanai is a hidden Hawaiian gem. It is one of Hawaii’s smallest inhabited islands, with few paved roads and not a single traffic light in sight. Lanai is the best Hawaiian island to visit, especially if you’re looking for a calm and composed vacation.
- Best for: an intimate, private-island experience with luxury and natural beauty
- Pros:
- Visit the many ancient historic sites and scenic locations, such as Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods), Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach), and Polihua Beach.
- Explore Lanai City’s eateries, art galleries, and shopping experiences.
- Enjoy a more relaxed and secluded atmosphere without tourist crowds.
- Cons:
- This island is expensive to visit and comes with a high daily budget.
- Costly accommodations are the norm here.
- There are not many evening activities to enjoy.
4. Maui
Valley Isle Maui is one of the most popular Hawaiian islands to visit, and justifiably so. This Hawaiian paradise is known for its pristine beaches, densely forested mountains, and endless sunshine. It offers amazing outdoor activities without the urban factor, which is why over 2 million tourists visit every year.
Unfortunately, however, after the wildfires, the Lahaina community was devastated. It’s crucial to be mindful of the affected areas and travel with respect for the community currently rebuilding.
- Best for: honeymooners, luxurious romantic escapes, and family vacations
- Pros:
- You’ll find an abundance of ocean-related activities, including kayaking, sailboats, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc., on unique multi-colored beaches, and it is the best whale-watching destination in the world.
- Get the chance to visit the famous Haleakala National Park, featuring a dormant volcano and a breathtaking view.
- Visit charming upscale destinations such as world-class beaches, vast golf courses, and gastronomical dining.
- Cons:
- You might get caught in the potential rush of tourists, especially during peak season.
5. Hawaii
Known as the Big Island, Hawaii is one of the best places to visit as a first-timer on your trip to Hawaii. It is the largest island and nearly twice as big as all the Hawaiian islands combined!
This island paradise boasts unique black and green sand beaches, vast scenic drives, Mauna Kea (the tallest point in Hawaii), the stunning Kohala Mountains, and the famous Kona Coast. It is also the main nesting ground for hawksbill sea turtles.
- Best for: surfing, natural beauty, Polynesian culture, and the chance to experience an active volcano
- Pros:
- Explore diverse and famous tourist attractions, including the Kona coffee plantations, Hilo, Akaka Falls, and the Volcano National Park.
- Witness the active volcano’s flowing lava and new land being created.
- Have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience a helicopter ride over the famous volcano.
- Cons:
- Since Hawaii is a popular tourist destination, you’re bound to experience the dreaded tourist rush.
- Hawaii is a big island, and it takes time to get from one attraction to another — sometimes even several hours.
6. Kauai
Kauai Island is also known as the Garden Isle, and it’s safe to say that it lives up to its name. With beautiful beaches, stunning hiking trails, and majestic landscapes such as the Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Wailua Falls, and Hanalei Bay, Kauai Island is perfect for your first trip to Hawaii.
- Best for: those who love exploring nature and the outdoors and hikers who enjoy scenic trails with rewarding views
- Pros:
- Kauai is an overwhelmingly beautiful island that warrants a helicopter ride to view it all or a boat ride to see the Napali Coast.
- This garden island is a hiker’s paradise, thanks to all the scenic hiking trails.
- Cons:
- There are not many things to do except explore the natural attractions
- Pack your rainboots since Kauai tends to get more rain, leading to its lush green landscape.
Stay connected on your Hawaiian adventure and beyond with Holafly
After exploring all the incredible Hawaiian islands, it’s safe to say that Oahu stands out as the best. Its perfect mix of city life, beautiful beaches, and cultural experiences offers something for every traveler’s preference.
Whether you’re island-hopping between Oahu’s vibrant landscapes and Kauai’s dramatic cliffs or beyond, reliable internet is a must. From navigating and booking last-minute excursions to staying in touch with loved ones and sharing your adventures in real time, a stable connection keeps your trip stress-free.
If you’re traveling from the US, your local plan may cover you, but for seamless connectivity across multiple destinations, consider Holafly Connect.
This is Holafly’s monthly subscription service — perfect for those planning to travel for an extended period and available in over 170 destinations. Whether you’re a remote worker, travel influencer, or digital nomad, Holafly Connect offers the ideal solution for your internet needs. Choose between three data plans with a fixed monthly fee and no hidden charges:
- Unlimited: $64.90/month
- 25GB: $49.90/month
- 10GB: $39.90/month
And if you’re heading to Hawaii from outside the USA, Holafly offers the best eSIM for the USA, which ensures hassle-free data so you can navigate, share, and explore without interruptions:
- 5-day trip: $20.90 ($4.18/day)
- 10-day trip: $36.90 ($3.69/day)
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
