Making travel plans to Hawaii and split between Oahu and the Big Islands? Choosing which island to see can be difficult. Though reality calls for you to choose only one or two, ideally you would have enough time to investigate three or four. This guide will help you evaluate Oahu and the Big Islands, stressing important features including beaches, outdoor activities, and nightlife to simplify your choice
Oahu and Big Islands on a Nut Shell
Although it is difficult to summarize these paradise-like islands in a few phrases, we will do it to help you concentrate your travel preparations. After a day on the beach, O’ahu and the Big Islands are ideal for leisurely touring and lounging with cocktails. To assist you in choosing, let us dissect the salient characteristics of every island.
Oahu
The most varied of the islands, O’ahu has a great spectrum of people, scenery, and way of life. From the surf-inspired coastlines of Haleiwa to the downtown streets of Honolulu, O’ahu has a little everything. O’ahu is your island if you want a combination of indoor and outdoor possibilities.
Recommended Minimum Stay: 4 days
Sunrise climb at the Lanikai Pillbox, sunset sail in Waikīkī, and large waves on the North Shore (winter) not missed.
The Big Island
With eight of 13 climate zones, The Big Island exhibits great variety. From the snowy top of Mauna Kea to magnificent white, black, and green sand beaches, this island is for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and volcano aficionados.
Recommended Minimum Stay: 7 days
Never Miss These Three Things: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, sunset on the Mauna Kea summit, the Manta Ray night swim/snorkel/dive.
If you like what island should you choose?
Selecting an island based on your hobbies will help you make a selection easier. Oahu and the Big Islands rank in several spheres as follows:
Outdoor Adventures: Big Island
Unmatched outdoor experiences abound on The Big Island. Less than 200,000 people live on this island with five volcanoes, hence there is more open area for outdoor activities than on any other island. View our list of 29 outdoor pursuits on the Big Island in comparison to the comparatively meager ones on Oahu.
Beach: Oahu
O’ahu is the ideal area to locate perfect white sandy beaches, even if the young and rocky terrain of the Big Island suggests less white sandy beaches. O’ahu is your best choice if long beach days rank highest on your agenda. Don’t miss Waimea Bay, Lanikai Beach, Hanauma Bay, and the long soft white sandy beach in Waikiki.
Volcanology—Big Island
With five volcanoes—including active ones—The Big Island boasts the advantage in volcanology. Seeing Kilauea, the most active volcano in the world, requires a visit to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Fans of volcanoes ought to visit the Big Island.
Food, beverages, and nightlife: Oahu
Food, drink, and nightlife in Hawaii center O’ahu. Unlike the less choices on the Big Island, Honolulu’s eateries and bars remain open into midnight. For a lively nightlife, pick O’ahu.
Variety: Big Island
The Big Island presents the greatest range of topography, communities, and experiences. From turquoise oceans and lava fields to coffee farms, ranch areas, banyan trees, and stunning valleys, the Big Island boasts practically all the habitats found on Earth.
Oahu and Big Islands Sample Itineraries
We have developed sample itineraries for both islands to assist in your planning.
Big Island Scheduling
For the Big Island, we suggest our seven-day schedule. We have created itineraries spanning from half a day to five days should shorter visits fit your plans. See our itinerary overview for more choices.
Oahu Trip Schedule
Starting with our Oahu overview piece and 7-day itinerary, Discover our selection of activities for Kailua, Honolulu, the rocky leeward coast, the tropical windward coast, central Oahu, and the North Shore.
Travel-enhancing and financial-saving Advice in Oahu and Big Islands
Saving money on your trip is crucial given growing travel expenses. These sites will assist you in saving:
- Savings Hawaii Car Rentals provides the finest rates free of prepayment or cancellation charges in addition to other advantages such free extra drivers and lower young driver rates.
- Curated trips: We have worked very hard to choose the most value-oriented trips. For ideas, look over our carefully chosen tour section.
- Free Travel Scheduling: For all of the Hawaiian islands, we provide complimentary itineraries; this is a fantastic location to begin your trip planning.
- Trip Planning Manual: Another great tool for first-time guests to streamline vacation planning is.
What you’re looking for will determine which of Oahu and the Big Islands best suit you. While the Big Island boasts unparalleled outdoor activities, volcanic wonders, and varied landscapes, Oahu presents varied experiences, energetic nightlife, and gorgeous beaches. With any luck, this book from Goblin Style will have guided your choice of island for your well-earned vacation. Enjoy your journey around Hawaii.