Living in Hawaii - Moving to Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island | What to Do in Hawaii on Each Hawaiian Island?

What to Do in Hawaii on Each Hawaiian Island?

Here is a review of the things to do on each of the Hawaiian islands to help you decide which ones you want to visit during your dream trip to Hawaii. If you’re pressed for time or money – and everyone is, you’ll want to narrow down your choice of islands so you get the best experience possible. The Hawaiian islands vary in their population density and things to see.

Click a Hawaiian island to see the full review. A brief synopsis of what each island in Hawaii offers is included on this page, a much larger article exists for each island.

Oahu – Honolulu is a tourist city packed with people from all over the world. Oahu residents number over a million, adding to the congestion on the south eastern side of Oahu. There are amazing restaurants and nightlife on Oahu, as well as many cultural exhibits and sites. Waikiki is a great place to learn to surf. beaches, golfing, natural wonders, hiking, shopping, skydiving, glider plane rides, competitive prices, North Shore surfing (winters). Learn more about my perception of the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

Maui – near secluded beaches, world-class golf, amazing natural beauty, some hiking, the Road to Hana, some shopping, prices higher than Oahu for food but some discounts on rental condo rooms, Haleakala volcano – 10,000+ feet high – awesome sunrise… Maui is a great place for a honeymoon as there is much of what you can do on Oahu, but without the crowds. Learn more about my perception of the Hawaiian island of Maui.

Kauai – the garden isle – it’s lush and green, full of life. Waimea Canyon – “little grand canyon”, hiking, natural beaches, few residents. Kauai is a romantic place best suited to couples on honeymoon or escaping the crowds of Waikiki. Kauai has a mountain ridge that is the wettest place on earth – but, overall you’ll have plenty of sunshine on any of the islands. Rain comes and goes quickly usually. Learn more about my perception of the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

Big Island of Hawaii – Mauna Kea volcano – snow on top, skiing possible. 13,000+ feet high, Hilo, vast volcanic rock covering much of island, lava splashing into the ocean, lava moving across land, golf, upscale resorts, virtually empty beaches, bicycling, site of annual Kona Ironman Triathlon. Horseback rides, large waterfalls, and black sand beaches are what visitors come to Big Island for as well as the best sport fishing in the world. Learn more about my perception of the Hawaiian island of Big Island Hawaii.

Lanai – few inhabitants, expensive to stay, golf, helicopter tours. Visitors to Lanai usually just want to get away from it all and relax for their time in Hawaii – being taken care of at exclusive resorts that cater to guests needs. Learn more about my perception of the Hawaiian island of Lanai.

Molokai – few locals live here, few visitors, a quiet vacation for those with money, site of leper colony years ago, highest percentage of pure blooded Hawaiians are on Molokai. There are just a couple of places to stay. Molokai is the most rural of the Hawaiian islands and is a place for relaxing and solitude… Learn more about my perception of the Hawaiian island of Molokai.