The Aloha State is one of the top destinations in the world for a beach vacation, thanks to its gorgeous natural scenery and equally beautiful weather. Not only that, but Hawaii also boasts delicious local cuisine, a wide variety of activities to suit all sorts of visitors, plus a vibrant and welcoming culture that is totally different from that of the mainland US. Even within the state itself, there’s a lot of variation, because it’s made up of over 100 separate islands. Out of these, there are 6 main ones which are open to tourists to visit. Here’s a quick overview to help you figure out which ones you want to vacation on the most Outrigger Kona.
Kauai: The Garden Island
It’s easy to see how Kauai got its pretty nickname. The island is swathed in verdant tropical rainforest, with surging rivers and jagged mountain peaks to admire. It’s a popular choice for kayakers, but boat tours are also a wonderful way to experience Kauai’s beauty. Much of the island is inaccessible by car, which makes it a great choice if you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding.
Lanai: The Pineapple Isle
This tiny island is the smallest inhabited island that tourists can visit in Hawaii. Interestingly, much of it is owned by the billionaire Larry Ellison, before which it was the world’s largest pineapple plantation. Lanai is a fantastic spot to choose if you want to truly get off the beaten tourist track and experience a sense of remoteness and solitude.
Hawaii: The Big Island
This is the largest island in the state and offers all sorts of inspiring natural scenery to immerse yourself in. Explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for a close-up look at Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, or hike through lush green rainforests where you can marvel at cascading waterfalls. If you prefer to relax on the beach, stay at the island’s coastal Outrigger Kona resort, where you can spot manta rays swimming right on the shoreline.
Maui: The Valley Isle
This idyllic island is home to some of the state’s most stunning beaches, with vast sweeps of sugary golden sand and azure ocean that’s perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. Meanwhile, if you venture inland you can explore epic hiking trails, tour art galleries in historic Lahaina, or watch an absolutely sublime sunrise from the summit of the Haleakala volcano.
Molokai: The Friendly Isle
Molokai is a wonderful place to visit if you’re interested in seeing more of Hawaii’s rural culture. On top of this, the island also boasts the world’s highest sea cliffs and longest continuous fringing reef. Don’t miss the spacious white sands of Papohaku Beach, and the remote waterfalls of Halawa Valley while you’re there.
Oahu: The Gathering Place
Oahu is Hawaii’s most populated island, and home to the bustling capital of Honolulu, where you can shop, experience the vibrant nightlife and tour fascinating museums. You’ll also find an epic culinary scene to explore, with dishes that blend local ingredients with diverse global influences. If you’re hoping to catch some waves during your trip, the famous North Shore is the best region to head to.
