Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit?

Are you planning a trip to Hawaii but not sure which island to visit? What if the island that you choose doesn't have everything you want? Relax, here are some easy tips for choosing your island (or islands) according to what you want to do.

What to do Where

Beaches - Every island has at least a few nice beaches, it just depends on how much you want to drive. For secluded, easy-access beaches, Kauai is the best with over 50 miles of powdered sugar sand. You can easily drive around until you find a beach you like, park, and jump into the ocean. Voted one of the top ten beaches in the US, Hapuna Beach on the Big Island is what most people think of when they think of a Hawaiian beach - soft, white sand, swaying palm trees, and warm, azure water. Maui has Kaanapali Beach, a beautiful, long stretch of sand in front of the Kaanapali hotels. Of course, Oahu has the famous Waikiki beach, which can be very crowded, but it is great for families. The gentle waves are perfect for learning to surf. The windward side of Oahu has my personal favorite, Bellows Beach, with endless white sand, shallow water perfect for boogie boarding, and magnificent views of the Koolau mountains. On Molokai, there's Papohaku Beach, one of the widest soft sand beaches in Hawaii. FYI - there is no such thing as a private beach in Hawaii, all beaches have public access. Even the swankiest resorts have to allow the public to use their beaches, although they can limit the number of people using them at one time.

Big Game Fishing - Although you can fish on any island, the Kona Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii is the Blue Marlin Capital of the World. There are six types billfish that are found in these waters, with the largest blue marlin in Kona weighing over 1,800 pounds. You can also fish for yellow fin tuna (ahi), mahi mahi, and ono (wahoo). There are over 100 charter fishing boats from which to choose, ranging from party boats where you share the boat (and the rods) with other passengers, to huge 50 foot private fishing boats with air conditioned salons.

Humpback Whales - For a once in a lifetime adventure, a whale watch trip is a must. Humpback whales start appearing in Hawaii in November as the females travel south to give birth in the warm Hawaiian waters, and they stay until April. The best island for viewing whales is Maui, with the Big Island in second place. They can frequently be seen from shore, but the most spectacular view is from a whale watch boat, many of which will guarantee that you see a whale or you can come again for free. Words cannot express the wonder and awe you will experience as a 40 ton whale breaches off the side of your boat. Time will truly stand still.

Nightlife-When it comes to spending a night on the town, there's no question about Oahu having it all. From nightclubs, to karaoke, to fine dining, to live music, Oahu is the place to see and be seen. The warm, balmy evenings insure that you can hop from place to place without even a sweater. As tempting as it might be, try not to "sleep it off" on Waikiki Beach - you will get run over in the early morning by the sand sweepers, tractors that sweep the sand clean for visitors. Front Street on Maui and Alii Drive on the Big Island have a few, relatively low-key, nightclubs, as do some of the mega-resorts.

Scuba and snorkeling-Scuba diving and snorkeling are possible on every island, but the Kona Coast of the Big Island has the clearest visibility and the greatest dive spots. Hanauma Bay on Oahu is a Nature Preserve and a Marine Life Conservation District. With over 400 species of fish, the bay is like a giant aquarium full of colorful and friendly residents who will swim right up to your mask to take a peek. Maui has Molokini, considered one of the top ten dive spots in the world. This partially submerged volcanic crater shelters divers from the strong ocean current. Interested in trying scuba but not certified? You can try scuba through Discover Scuba Diving, available through most dive companies. Discover Scuba allows you to learn just a few basic safety measures before you're off diving with an experienced instructor. Snorkeling takes no certification, just a little practice. Masks, fins, and snorkels are available for rent at most large beaches.

Wedding and Honeymoons - For sheer romance, there's no place like Kauai. With its secluded beaches, crashing waterfalls, and lush tropical foliage, it's the perfect place to be alone with your honey. However, Kauai does get a lot of rain, particularly in the winter. If your trip will be completely ruined if it rains, and rains, you might want to choose a different spot. Lanai is where the rich and famous often go for romantic getaways - it's where Bill and Melinda Gates were married. Home to only 3,000 people, you can definitely get away from it all here. Although more crowded than Kauai and Lanai, Maui is the place for lying on the beach, romantic dinners, and luxurious honeymoon suites. As for weddings, you can have a huge affair with hundreds of guests in an exclusive resort, or a simple beach wedding with just someone to officiate. There are hundreds of wedding planners who can help you before you reach the islands so that you have nothing to worry about once you're here.

Whichever island you choose, you are sure to enjoy the people, scenery, and activities in each. Just do a little homework and let the gentle trade winds whisk your troubles away.