Travelers from all walks of life—first-timers to the Islands, returning visitors, and local island-hoppers—sounded off in one of the most hotly contested categories from the fifth annual Hawaii Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards. And the best island in Hawaii is?
1. Maui
Most visitors to Maui fall in love instantly. From traveling the heart-stopping Road to Hana to seeing the sunrise at Haleakala Summit, the Valley Isle provides everything a holiday demands. “The best mix of quiet, natural scenery and crazy fun activities,” one reader said, voting for Maui. “You can accomplish everything on Maui!”
Thousands of votes for preferred beaches, treks, natural attractions, hotels, restaurants, and land and sea events reflect this attitude. Readers have named Maui the best island in Hawaii five times in a row, clearly due to this.
2. Oahu
This main Hawaiian island is the most visited, so people keep coming back. Based on votes and comments from our readers, we’ve identified the Oahu town and country feel that keeps visitors equally re-energized and invigorated.
Here, it’s all about decisions; you may visit one of Honolulu’s tropical beaches, then, if so desired, go to a verdant botanical garden on the Windward Side in a single day. Honolulu is also the heart of cool for Hawaii; it draws a class of visitors looking for modern restaurants and bars via Chinatown. A developing arts scene in Kakaako, and a growing array of boutique hotels fit for any aesthete. This makes Oahu a top contender for the best island in Hawaii.
3. Kauai
What more is there to say about Kauai? Visually, it is unparalleled; “The Napali Coastline offers the most breathtaking and dramatic views. Nature’s best work!” A reader votes for lovely Kauai with more tones of green than one could ever fathom.
Though there is a growing gastronomic scene in lovely Kapaa. Where word-of-mouth is encouraging visitors to check out all the new restaurants and cafés that have emerged in the past year or two. Hanalei is a refuge for local delicacies spanning all budgets. Travelers have no trouble negotiating Kauai’s 562-square miles, the fourth largest of the Hawaiian Islands. To find that ideal mix between surfing, snorkeling, and diving at the greatest beaches on the north shore. Then retiring at their preferred suites around Poipu on the south side. This unique combination makes Kauai a strong candidate for being the best island in Hawaii.
4. Hawaii Island
For Hawaii Island in recent memory, this has been the most fascinating year; votes for the Big Island reflect that. The enormous lava flow flowing into the Pacific off the island’s southern cliffs has inspired visitors’ imaginations on Hawaii Island at previously unheard-of levels. This is driving a significant increase in Google searches, visitation to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. And strong interest in the raw and volcanic terrain of the Big Island. Kilauea, the youngest Hawaiian island in the chain, is considered a must-see sight for its Halemaumau Crater, Puu Oo, and the lava ocean entry. It’s nearly impossible to visit all of them on one trip.
The island’s rich variety of settings includes wild and beautiful environments sculpted into its northern coast, including Waimanu Valley, which enthralls guests upon arrival. Readers most often chose the single word “marvelous” to capture the beauty of Hawaii Island, making it a top pick for the best island in Hawaii.
5. Molokai
Molokai may be destined to have a time in the sun given the increased interest in slow tourism this year and an unhurried brand and approach to travel. In any case, Molokai is on our list this year, surpassing Lanai to secure a spot in the Top 5.
Molokai boasts untouched beaches, a meandering road ride toward Halawa Valley (think of the curviness of Kalanianaole Highway on Oahu’s east side sans every single car—a significant benefit), and a charming main street in Kaunakakai Town where all the community action unfolds. Though it seems a vocal set of guests prefer to arrange for long stays at oceanfront vacation homes where they can lounge on the lanai, cook fresh fish they bought moments ago from a fisherman’s cooler in Kaunakakai, and enjoy a sunset all to themselves, the island boasts Hotel Molokai as its most prominent hotel accommodation. This laid-back atmosphere makes Molokai a unique contender for the best island in Hawaii.
Conclusion
Choosing the best island in Hawaii can be a challenge, given the unique and captivating features each island offers. Whether it’s the vibrant activities in Maui, the urban and natural blend in Oahu, the breathtaking scenery in Kauai, the volcanic wonders of Hawaii Island, or the unhurried charm of Molokai, each island has its own allure, making it a top contender for the best island in Hawaii.