Which hawaiian island to visit quiz

Be sure to read our article on Where to Stay on Kauai to help you select the perfect location. Home to the Hawaii state capitol of Honolulu and the majority of Hawaii's population, Oahu is a vibrant mix of natural and cultural wonders with the entertainment and amenities of the 21st century.

Check out the waves on the famous North Shore , relive American history at the memorials and museums of Pearl Harbor , or soak up the sun and take a surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach. Oahu is truly a hot-spot for Hawaii activities, tours, shopping, surfing, nightlife, and dining. The island is the most developed of the major islands, and it'll feel like it - it's busy here, and unlike some areas of Hawaii, there's more hustle and bustle around the clock.

But don't worry, there's plenty of natural Oahu to visit, too, including some amazing trails, incredible overlooks, and plenty of stunning coastal views to go around. Check out our Oahu Regions guide to learn more about the different parts of Oahu. There is primarily one main airport that services Oahu, and it's located in Honolulu. Most of Oahu's accommodations are located in Waikiki, but there are other lodging gems scattered around the island. Be sure to check out our Where to Stay on Oahu article for more information.

The second-largest island is home to what some believe are the best beaches in the world. Wake up early to catch the sunrise at Haleakala , stroll through historic Lahaina town, or drive the majestic Road to Hana for spectacular scenery.

There's a reason many repeat visitors to Hawaii joyfully say, "Maui no ka oi" - which translates to "Maui is the best. Honestly, Maui makes a great island to visit for first-time visitors, and it's probably why more people who take our quiz below are given the suggestion of Maui than any other island. Check out our Maui Regions guide to learn more about the different parts of Maui.

The main airport on Maui is in Kahului. Many of the best accommodations are on the West coastline in Lahaina or Ka'anapali or along the south shore within Kihei and Wailea. Be sure to check out our Where to Stay on Maui article for more information. Larger than all of the other islands combined, the island of Hawaii, also known as Big Island, encompasses most of the world's climate zones - from white sand beaches to snow-capped mountains. See waterfalls , rainforests, and botanical gardens near Hilo; explore the historic PuuKohola Heiau , north of Kona; or view Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The sheer size of the Big Island of Hawaii also gives it a 'rural' feel, much like Kauai has, but so much larger! Plus, the island's diversity is truly astounding; there's nothing else quite like it; Hawaii Island is as eclectic as they come; from lush and verdant rainforests to barren black lava fields that stretch for miles. Two airports service the Big Island, one in Kailua-Kona on the west side of the island and the other in Hilo on the east side.

Most visitors will fly into Kona's airport, as most accommodations are located on the western side of the island. Don't forget to read our Where to Stay on the Big Island to get an overview of all the major accommodation locations on the island. As noted, selecting the right island is no easy task for many visitors.

It can be a confusing and even frustrating job, and that's probably the last thing anyone wants when planning a trip to Hawaii.

Simply read and answer the questions below- each of your answers will earn a set number of points which will be tallied at the end. Make sure to answer all of the questions to ensure an accurate score. And we assure you that, at this point, you'll be much better off visiting one of the major four. Volcanoes Coming to see how the islands were formed?

While every island has reminders of how it was formed, it's certainly a lot harder to distinguish the volcanoes on some islands than others. But all of the four islands have volcanic remnants to be seen.

Love and Romance Whether it's your honeymoon or just a romantic trip for you and your significant other, you couldn't have selected a much better choice than Hawaii. Hawaii is the destination of choice for many couples looking to get away for a romantic vacation, and for good reason.

If romance is important to you, keep this on your list. Hiking There's no question about it. We chose Hawaii because of this very option; the islands are a mecca of trails. If you're like us, crazy about hiking to see the often unseen, then definitely consider this option. From gorgeous coastal trails, barren lava hikes, to lush jungle, you can do it all in Hawaii. If you consider yourself a beach-going person, then you're going to love Hawaii's choices.

Take your pick of white, yellow, black, green, or even red sand. Weather This is a really important option for some folks. If you are absolutely set on having optimal weather, then add this to your list. Keep in mind that the windward side of each island will always have a chance of showers, but that in general, some islands are just drier than others.

We're going to assume in this option you're staying in one of the accommodation hot-spots on each island. Cultural Attractions If the history of places you visit intrigues you, then this is a category to put on your list. Hawaii has an incredibly rich history that is unique in all the world. Luckily, much of this history has been preserved throughout the islands in various historical sites. Hawaii offers some of the most diverse plant and animal life on the planet, and several species are endemic to the islands, meaning they ONLY exist here.

Fishing Can't resist the urge to grab a fishing pole and see what you can catch? Geographic Diversity Some islands in Hawaii make you feel as though you've been on a road trip around the entire continental United States. Others remain the same pretty much all the way around. If you are really interested in the diverse ecology of the islands and you'd like to see a lot of change when driving around, then this choice is for you.

Family-Friendly Activities If you're a family with children, be sure to select this option. Some of the islands offer an incredible array of activities and sights for families, such as zoo's, aquariums, water parks, and more. Golfing Take your pick of many beautiful world-class golf courses throughout the islands. If you're into golf, then Hawaii is definitely a place to take a swing at a game you'll never forget.

Luxury Dining You'll have a variety of dining options on any of the four major islands. However, some are much better equipped to give you an incredible experience than others for a price , while some islands are better at serving up local produce than others, and that's reflected in our score as a positive thing.

A — Surfing…. A — Beach and play, then shopping and followed up by upscale dining B — Hopping in a car to drive the most beautiful coastline, and playing in water fall or two along the way C — Helicopter tour of an active volcano, hitting up a local festival, then a quiet picnic at an uncrowded beach for dinner D — A bit of hiking and then tubing down a winding river.

A — I love museums, monuments and memorials B — Catch a tour of a plantation and checkout an ancient temple C — Submerse myself in the culture and chat with the locals D — View the island from a helicopter, where you can almost imagine the island being formed 5 million years ago.

Are you so excited to find out which Hawaiian island is the best choice for your vacation? Here we go…. Oahu hosts Honolulu, which is a larger, busier city experience and home to Waikiki Beach. The city of Honolulu boasts a big-city vibe with lots of bars, restaurants and entertainment options.

Plan a glass-bottom boat tour or hit the beach for kayaking, parasailing or snorkeling. Drive an hour away from the big city to explore the Windward coast of Oahu with a nature preserve and hike.

Finally, head out to a luau where you can truly enjoy the island life. Maui is a luxurious island with opportunities to satisfy your travel craving. Biking, ziplining, snorkeling, boating, hiking, fishing, lounging on the beach…the sky is the limit here.

Popular activities for visitors include watching the sun rise above the clouds at 10, feet with degree views atop Haleakala , a dormant volcano. Then grab a rental car and hit the Road to Hana. Marvel at the breathtaking coastal views, stop by a roadside stand for fresh banana bread, or hike to and swim in majestic waterfalls along the way to a black sand beach. Back on land, explore marvelous lavender fields, pose with the famous Banyan tree in Lahaina, grab a guided zip-line tour or heck, go check out a goat dairy farm that makes 25 kinds of cheese.

Talk about the stuff dream vacations are made of, friend! The island of Hawaii has a more laid back feel than the other islands, with less visitors than Oahu and Maui, yet so much to see! By far the most popular tourist attraction is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Exploring the active volcano with a helicopter tour, walking through giant lava tubes underground, or watching the lava flowing at night are all completely unforgettable experiences.

Before you arrive on the island, check with the National Park Service for updates on Volcanoes National Park information. But the Big Island offers more than the lava and volcanoes — like coffee! The only coffee grown in the U. The Big Island is also home of a winery and popular macadamia nuts. Festivals, farmers markets and gardens are the right opportunity to mix with the locals and really experience the culture on the Big Island. Fuel your soul on the Big Island by experiencing rain forests, orchid gardens, hiking, stargazing, whale watching, boating, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, swimming with manta rays and paddle-boarding.

Make sure to visit at least one black sand or green sand beach, too, for a truly unique experience! Full of adventure, beauty and a dramatic coastline that would make any island-lover swoon, Kauai is the least visited of the 4 featured Hawaiian islands. Take a helicopter, boat or kayak tour to see the stunning Napali Coast. Head into Waimea Canyon , known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, to view colorful peaks and lush gardens.

And make sure to add to your must-see list at least one of the hundreds of gorgeous waterfalls on the island. Oh, and beaches that will soothe your soul with their calmness and beauty.

Can you say dream vacation any louder? There are 2 more islands that you could technically visit if vacationing in Hawaii, but they receive so few tourists that it made sense to focus on the 4 islands where accommodations and flights are most accessible. Find the best rentals on Oahu for an affordable price here.

I recommend selecting your vacation island based on the main thing that you want to do in Hawaii. Want to see historical Pearl Harbor or Waikiki? Head to Oahu. Looking to relax and put your feet up, occasionally mixing with the locals or checking out some lava? The Big Island is right for you. One of my first loves of the beach came after traveling to the Hawaiian islands. When you wake up in the morning, you open the window and are thrilled to see:.

Lots of activity, people, crystal blue water, and a buzz of excitement. Beautiful beaches everywhere, with a slightly more relaxed vibe, and plenty of sunshine. An amazing mix of black lava fields, white sand beaches, and barely any person in your view. You get ready and head out on your ideal day. This includes:. Trendy restaurants, a little beach, a little shopping, and some time at a historical site.

A lot of time on the water, hopping from beach to beach for snorkeling and whale watching. Spending the day hiking deep into the lush mountains, swimming in a waterfall, and hitting a fruit and smoothie stand on your way home.

Spending a day immersed in history, visiting the Pearl Harbor memorial and the Iolani Palace, the only palace on US soil. Taking a meandering drive to visit a black sand beach, swim in more waterfalls than you can count, and sample banana bread from every roadside stand. Taking a helicopter ride over jagged mountains and a breathtaking coastal scene, inaccessible by car.

Ready to find out what island you should book a flight to? Read on for your results. A trip to Oahu offers you variety — from buzzing downtown Honolulu to the quieter north shore. Want to escape the crowds? Head to the north shore for some solitude or visit Kualoa Ranch to enjoy the naturally rugged terrain. If you are a night owl, Oahu is your place.

There is so much to do and see, it would be difficult to be bored on Oahu. While the island has a lot to do, you miss some of the quiet solitude that you get on the other islands. There is traffic, four-lane freeways, and high-rises, which can be polarizing for some travelers.

Click here to plan your trip with our Oahu travel guide. The pace on Maui is significantly more relaxed than on Oahu, but more so than on Kauai and the Big Island. Hang out on the north shore to watch world-class windsurfing and surfing. On dry land, you can explore the charming towns of Paia, Makawao, and Lahaina. Take a drive on the famous road to Hana and maybe get the chance to jump in a pool under a waterfall.

Head up 10, feet to watch the sunrise or sunset from the top of the Haleakala volcano. And enjoy the trip down into upcountry where you can swing through the trees on a zipline, feed a goat, and tour a pineapple plantation.

Maui is often an island favorite for honeymooners and anyone looking for a romantic getaway. The island boasts the most luxury resorts and even includes the only adults-only hotel in all of Hawaii. Click here to plan your trip with our Maui travel guide.

Kauai is the second oldest island, with jaw-dropping dramatic natural beauty. When you visit Kauai, the scenery is what you expect from tropical paradise: unique flora and fauna, lush landscapes, jagged mountain cliffs, and beautiful blue water.

Kauai is quiet aside from the early morning wake-up call from the roosters , with little nightlife and fewer massive resorts.