Every Hawaiian Island has something special to offer. Read all about them below to choose the right Hawaiian destination for you.

Hawaii: The Big Island

When most people say they’re going to Hawaii, they mean they’re visiting the Hawaiian Islands (most often Oahu or Maui). But Hawaii also refers to the largest island of the Hawaiian Islands. Nicknamed the Big Island, Hawaii is the largest island in the United States. It spans across more than 4,000 square miles. Behind Oahu and Maui, the Big Island is the third-most visited of the Hawaiian Islands. It’s a delight for nature lovers and boasts several outdoor points of interest, including the famous Maunaloa volcanoes. Other highlights include the Puna Fern Forest, the Kau desert and Kealakekua Bay. If you’re interested in getting in touch with nature, seeing a variety of beautiful waterfalls, experiencing beaches of all shapes and colors, and seeing the tallest mountain in the world (when measured from below sea level), the Big Island might just be for you. RELATED: 10 Hawaiian Foods You Have To Try
Home to the capital city of Honolulu, Oahu is the most popular of the Hawaiian Islands. It is the third-largest island, after Hawaii and Maui, stretching across nearly 600 square miles. You’ll never run out of things to do on Oahu, no matter what kind of traveler you are. Within the city of Honolulu, you’ll find such wonders as the famed Waikiki Beach, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the Iolani Palace, and the Ala Moana shopping center. Locals are friendly and welcoming, even though this is by far the busiest Hawaiian Island. Outside of Honolulu, Oahu has several more gems to explore, including the Kuoaloa Ranch (where films like Jurassic Park were filmed), the stunning Waimea Bay, and the Dole Plantation. There’s no shortage of beaches on the island, with Turtle Bay and Shark’s Cove providing untouched scenery that rivals the urbanized Waikiki. Oahu is a great introduction to the Hawaiian Islands for the traveler who’s visiting for the first time. It caters to every kind of person, whether you have an interest in history, nature, shopping, or Hawaiian culture. This makes it perfect for families and large groups. RELATED: 10 Of The Best Things To Do In Hawaii

Maui: Where The Stars Go

The second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Maui is another popular choice. Taking up more than 700 square miles, Maui is often referred to as the Valley Isle thanks to the dramatic mountainous scenery and valleys that spread across the island.

Maui tends to attract the rich and famous thanks to its many high-end accommodation options and isolated feel. Some celebrities, including Oprah and Helen Hunt, even have their own homes on Maui. So if you’re interested in doing some celebrity-spotting, Maui might be a good choice. But the island has a lot more to offer than the possible presence of Hollywood stars.

The island offers a varied vacation experience, boasting pristine landscapes, authentic Hawaiian luaus, thrilling water sports, historic villages, and international restaurants. Maui will give visitors the chance to enjoy a laidback vacation away from the huge crowds of Oahu, while also offering extremely luxurious lodgings where you can truly relax and rejuvenate.

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Kauai: The Garden Island

Kauai might not be as popular as the three largest Hawaiian Islands but the Garden Island can hold its own next to its neighbors. Kauai features a tropical climate and luscious vegetation. It’s the ideal place to visit if you’re looking for a destination that’s off the beaten track but still gives you the magic of a typical Hawaiian vacation. Here, you can enjoy gorgeous waterfalls and idyllic bays without hordes of tourists.

If you’re something of an adventurer, Kauai is the Hawaiian Island for you. The Garden Island boasts plenty of opportunities for adrenaline-raising, including waterfalls and hiking tracks. Most of the activities on offer do revolve around nature, although there are still shopping opportunities, art galleries, and bars.

The Lesser-Visited Islands: Lanai, Molokai, Niihau, And Kahoolawe

The lesser-visited Hawaiian Islands include Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe. Of these, Lanai is the most popular despite large areas of the island remaining undeveloped. It contains several golf courses and resorts and once served as a pineapple plantation, leading to the nickname the Pineapple Island. Molokai is renowned for its sea cliffs, which are the highest in the world. It is also a hub for agriculture and ranching in Hawaii and has a fascinating history and served as a leper colony during the 20th century. The island of Niihau is privately owned and used for raising livestock, so you probably won’t get a chance to visit during your trip to Hawaii. Meanwhile, Kahoolawe is uninhabited and access is prohibited as it was once used as a target by the United States military. Lanai and Molokai are great choices for travelers who want to experience the more authentic Hawaii that features unspoiled landscapes and less of a metropolitan feel. NEXT: 10 Things To Prepare For When Planning A Family Vacation To Hawaii