etraveladmin Hawaii is extraordinary. The islands have progressed from being “just a tourist destination” to becoming a dream destination for many travellers. The natural beauty of Hawaii is unparalleled. It’s no surprise that you want to visit, with its beautiful beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and abundant native animals like sea turtles.
You just need to figure out where to stay in Hawaii now. The islands are known for their luxury hotels, but there are many options for people of all budgets. This guide will walk you through the best hotels in Hawaii.
Before we delve into where to stay in Hawaii, let’s take a quick look at the best islands and the general layout of the archipelago.
Hawaii consists of eight major islands. However, only six of these islands can be visited by the public. Niihau and Kahoolawe are referred to as the ‘Forbidden Islands’. While there are certain loopholes to visit, we don’t recommend going to all the extra effort. These two islands have little tourist infrastructure, and you’ll miss out on the Hawaiian holiday experience.
These six Hawaiian islands are well-deservedly popular tourist destinations. You could go island hopping around the Hawaiian islands. Alternatively, pick just one destination and spend the time exploring the entire island.
#1 Big Island
Big Island (also known as Hawaii Island) is Hawaii’s largest island. The island is known for its diversity and is ideal for tourists looking for plenty of space to explore and sightsee.Big Island is an exception to the rule that good things come in small packages. Because of its size, Hawaii Island earned the moniker “Big Island.” To put things in perspective, the Big Island is larger than all of Hawaii’s islands combined. However, the island is not only the largest; it is also the youngest and most volcanically active. Kilauea is the Big Island’s most active volcano. With its explosions, it is actually responsible for the island’s continued expansion. So, not only is the Big Island the largest, but it is expected to grow even larger over the next thousands of years.
#2 Kauai Island
Kauai Island is known as the “Garden Isle” due to its lush rainforest. It is widely regarded as Hawaii’s most beautiful island. It has served as a filming location for numerous Hollywood films. Kauai is ideal for visitors who want to hike and enjoy the island’s natural beauty and attractions.Kauai Island is the Aphrodite of the Hawaiian islands. The ‘Garden Isle’ is a haven for hikers and nature lovers, with many untouched landscapes that can only be reached on foot. Kauai is the best place to stay in Hawaii for a tropical getaway. Kauai feels like a scene from Jurassic Park when walking through lush rainforests and hiking up valleys and mountains covered in greenery.
#3 Oahu Island
The island of Oahu is urbanised and metropolitan. The island is rich in cultural activities such as museums and galleries. Oahu has a thriving nightlife scene as well. If you want to party in Hawaii, Oahu is your best bet. Oahu is a metropolitan and urbanised island. Unlike the other islands, it appears to be more populated, and there is more infrastructure throughout the island, with the exception of some specially protected areas. Oahu is the most visited island in Hawaii and has the most permanent residents. If you want to be right in the middle of the action, Oahu is the place to stay in Hawaii.
Honolulu, the state capital of Hawaii, is located on Oahu’s southeast coast. Honolulu may be small in comparison to other US cities, but it exudes a glitzy coastal vibe. Honolulu appears to be a miniature Miami in photographs. Waikiki Beach curves in front of skyscrapers, which overlook the beachgoers and catamarans lining the golden sand.
#4 Molokai Island
Molokai is Hawaii’s most authentic island. The island is less influenced by tourism and has a high percentage of native Hawaiians who live there permanently. Molokai is the place to stay in Hawaii if you want a residential, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere.Molokai is often flown over rather than visited. However, if you want to stay in Hawaii and have an authentic experience, Molokai is your best bet. The island is primarily residential, and there is no overt commercial tourism like on other islands.Because Molokai Island is not designed for commercial tourism, it is not a good choice for a typical resort vacation. While residents and local officials are friendly, mainstream tourism is not viewed favourably. Consider volunteering or participating in a cultural exchange if you visit Molokai. Molokai Land Trust is one of the most popular charities for volunteers, with the goal of promoting and preserving traditional Hawaiian land management and protection.
#5 Lanai Island
The smallest Hawaiian island, Lanai is ideal for a romantic getaway. Lanai is a private island with only one resort, the Four Seasons Lanai. Needless to say, Lanai attracts affluent visitors.Lanai is the smallest Hawaiian island, and Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, owns 98 percent of it. This means that Lanai remains relatively quiet, and the island becomes even quieter during the off-season.
Lanai has a secluded, luxurious feel to it. This island is an excellent choice for those looking for a luxurious getaway or a romantic vacation. Lanai is a popular honeymoon destination, and the resort offers a variety of special excursions and experiences. Some couples take the romance a step further and marry on Lanai, which the most romantic among you may want to think about in the future.
#6 Maui Island
Like Lanai, Maui caters to a wealthy clientele. However, Maui is larger and has more luxury hotels to choose from, making it the best option if you prefer a variety of lodging options. Maui is also well-known for its natural beauty and lovely valleys.Maui Island is known as the “Valley Isle” because of its beautiful low landscape situated between two volcanoes. The island’s tallest peak, Haleakala, still stands in the centre of the island. Beautiful beaches, hidden waterfalls, and a dramatic national park await you on Maui.
Maui’s natural beauty is well-known and no secret. However, the island is also viewed as a package deal, with many incredible features to entice visitors aside from its stunning, natural beauty. For the past 20 years, Conde Nast has named Maui the “Best Island in the United States.” Maui is also the most popular destination for first-time visitors to Hawaii.
There’s no denying that the islands of Hawaii are breathtaking. Choosing where to stay in Hawaii is a lot of fun because there are so many fantastic options. Hawaii is one of the most exciting holiday destinations in the world due to its diversity, natural beauty, hiking opportunities, and photogenic natural attractions.
