A guide to Hawaii’s different islands
Inspired by the Oscar nominated movie - The Descendants, filmed and set in Hawaii, we’ve decided to take a closer look at this paradisiacal island chain, one of the most remote and most luxurious places on the planet. Follow us on a tour of Hawaii’s islands, from best for history and culture, to those most famous for surfing and those where you can just get away from it all and explore verdant green rainforests and virgin golden beaches.
Kauai - Kauai is the northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain and the oldest. It’s a dramatic island full of lush bottle-green covered peaks, gushing waterfalls and emerald pools. This is the island to go if you really want to get back to nature and enjoy a slice of virgin Hawaiian space, for outdoor adventures and romantic retreats. Relax on the beaches of the Coconut Coast, sail around the striking cliffs of the Napali Coast and explore the magnificent Waimea Canyon.
Oahu - Home to most of Hawaii’s population, Oahu is home to its state capital too, as well as numerous places to enjoy art, culture and entertainment, it’s a modern and vibrant island, synonymous with one of Hawaii’s most popular activities - it’s surfing of course. Watch the pros work their magic along the legendary birthplace of surfing on the North Shore or take a lesson of your own on the famous Waikki Beach. And don’t forget to visit the memorials and museums at historical Pearl Harbour.
Molokai - If you want to learn about true Hawaiian culture, then Molokai is the island for you, with over half its population being native Hawaiian. This is the island which still has many connections to Hawaii’s past and a great passion for the outdoors. Learn about the islands’ history and culture at Kalaupapa National Historical Park, visit the small town of Kaunakakai and be amazed by the flourishing Halawa Valley with its voluptuous waterfalls.
Lanai - Lanai is perhaps the most untouched of Hawaii’s islands, an island getaway of true barefoot luxury, where you won’t even find a single traffic light. Its barren wild landscapes are home to one of America’s best beaches, Hulopoe Bay and Keahiakawelo, known as the Garden of the Gods and full of strange volcanic rock formations.
Maui - Maui is Hawaii’s second largest island and a best all rounder, great for wildlife spotting, culture and jaw-dropping scenery, it’s also home to some of the best beaches in the world. Head to historic Lahaina town to catch a whale watching tour; drive the Hana Highway, one of the best coastal drives in the world, and visit Haleakala National Park for one of its infamous stunning sunrises.
Hawaii Island - Hawaii’s big island is larger than all of the other islands combined and is a place of adventure. The island is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain and it is even said to be still growing. Hawaii Island is an island of contrasts, from stunning sandy beaches, to snowy peaks, smoking volcanoes and fertile rainforests with sparkling waterfalls. Visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see one of the world’s most active volcanoes and tour the island’s coffee plantations.
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