4 Best Islands to Visit in Hawaii for the First Time

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|Updated on December 10, 2025|

Are you planning your trip and wondering where to go to Hawaii for the first time? This guide covers the 4 best islands to consider for your first visit.

 

When visiting Hawaii, you’re in for the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable moments. Most first-time visitors head to one of four main islands: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island. Each one has its unique vibe, so take a look at what makes them special and choose the island that fits your travel style best.

 

Oahu

Must-See Attractions in Oahu

 

Oahu is known for its perfect mix of city energy and natural beauty. With lush valleys, scenic coastlines, and historic sites, here are the top things you shouldn’t miss:

• Manoa Falls –  A 150-foot waterfall that’s easy to reach via a short, scenic trail (<2 miles round trip) through a lush, jungle-like landscape.
• Pearl Harbor National Memorial  – The most visited site in Hawaii. Learn the history of the 1941 attack, see the sunken battleships, and honor the lives lost.
• Waikiki Beach –  A lively, iconic beach known for surfing, incredible sunsets, and a beautiful skyline backdrop. Everything is walkable from here, making it great for first-timers.
• Nuuanu Pali Lookout –  Just 5 miles north of Honolulu, this viewpoint offers dramatic seaside cliffs and sweeping coastline views—a peaceful break from the city.

Maui

Must-See Attractions in Maui

• Haleakala National Park – See the massive volcano crater, amazing sunrises (get a permit!), and explore the coastal area to find the famous Pools of Ohe’o.

• Iao Valley State Park –  Features scenic hikes through lush greenery, centered around the tall, green rock formation known as the Iao Needle.

• Molokini Island –  The best place for snorkeling in Hawaii. It’s a sunken volcano crater known for its clear water and diverse sea animals.

• Coastal Redwoods (Poli Poli State Park) –  Visit a unique grove of majestic redwood trees, which stand over 150 feet tall in the park’s southern half.

• Waimoku Falls –  Hike the trail to see this nearly 400-foot waterfall. The path takes you through a beautiful and unique bamboo forest.

• Waihee Ridge Trail –  Walk along the mountain ridge to get stunning, high-up views of other waterfalls, green valleys, and the ocean below.

Kauai

Kauai is the wildest of the Hawaiian Islands. This island is known as the “Garden Island” and is decorated with jagged cliffs, deep canyons, and lush valleys.

Must-See Attractions in Kauai

 

Kauai beholds incredible amounts of natural and unfathomable beauty. This island has been developed less than the other Hawaiian Islands. ‘The Garden Island’ is known for its jagged coastline, rigorous hikes, raging waterfalls, and massive canyons. When visiting Kauai, your opportunities for exploring are endless!

1. Napali Coast

The Napali Coast spans 17 miles across the North Shore. The coastline is lined with cliffs, ridges, beaches, and waterfalls that form a stunning landscape.

 

The Napali Coast State Parks allow you to view amazing overlooks from the coastline. This coastline is remote, pristine, and one of the most unique landscapes across the globe.

 

Most exploration of the coast is done by plane or boat. Commonly, travelers stay on the eastern coastline of Kauai in a town called Wailua. The Napali Coast is approximately 1 hour from Wailua.

2. Waimea Canyon

The Waimea Canyon is nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Make sure to travel through the entire canyon by car, stopping at the vast overlooks along the way. In addition, dozens of trails will allow you to explore the canyon more intimately.  This canyon is located on the southwestern portion of Kauai, slightly over 1 hour from Wailua.

3. Kalalau Hiking Trail

The Kalalau hiking trail is known for winding through valleys, waterfalls, caves, and vivid overlooks. This trail is extremely long (up to 22 miles), so many travelers only complete a portion of the hike. The hike begins at Ke’e beach, strolls along hills that coincide with the ocean, and winds through jungle mountain views, and ends at the road on Kauai’s North Shore. The Kalalau Trail is on the North Shore, approximately 1 hour from Wailua.

4. Fern Grotto

Fern Grotto is an interesting wonder where ferns grow upside down. To travel to Fern Grotto, you must travel through the Wailua River via boat. This grotto is filled with majestic flora, thousands of ferns, and many native Hawaiian plants. Fern Grotto is located in the Wailua area.

5. Kilauea Lighthouse

The Kilauea Lighthouse is located at the tip of a national wildlife refuge. Not only is the view of the lighthouse incredible, but you can also sometimes see whales migrating. The view and wildlife found at the Kilauea Lighthouse are ones that you do not want to miss! Kilauea is on the northern tip of Kauai, roughly 30 minutes from Wailua.

6. Hanalei Bay

The view from Hanalei Bay is one with shimmering waters and steep mountainsides. The Hanalei Pier is located in the bay and lies beautifully against the mountainous backdrop. Hanalei Bay is a secluded place to get away for a day or five. This bay is on the north shore of Kauai, roughly 40 minutes from Wailua.

 

The Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii is known for its great weather conditions, the clarity of the coast, and its fabulous shopping venues.

 

There are many similarities and differences among the Hawaiian Islands. Whether you decide to go to Kauai, Oahu, or all four islands, you will be able to experience the immaculate views that can be found throughout the state of Hawaii.

Must-See Attractions on the Big Island

 

1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes. Recommended activities within the park include the Crater Rim Tour, visiting the Thurston Lava Tube, and seeing the incredible slope from Kīlauea to the ocean. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the eastern coast of the Big Island, roughly 2 hours from Kona.

2. Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is home to the largest peak in Hawaii, reaching over 14,000 feet. You can hike the Mauna Kea trails, drive around the peak to see the view, or stargaze from the summit and soak in the vastness of the starry sky. Mauna Kea is located in the center of the Big Island, roughly 1.5 hours from Kona.

3. Akaka Falls State Park

Akaka Falls State Park is home to miles of lush tropical vegetation and vista points. From Akaka Falls State Park, you can overlook the Kahuna Falls and the Akaka Falls and Gorge. The views of Akaka Falls are incredible. Akaka Falls is located in the northeastern portion of the Big Island, approximately 2 hours from Kona.

4. Kealakekua Bay

Kealakekua Bay is located along the Kona Coast and is a popular destination for snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving. Check out all the Kealakekua Bay activities that take place at this state park. Kealakekua Bay is located in South Kona, right outside the Kona area.

Check out Hawaii events in 2026 here.

 

Hawaii FAQ

What is the best time to visit Hawaii?

The best time to visit Hawaii is usually April – June and September – early December. The weather is warm, the ocean is nice for swimming, and it’s less crowded and cheaper than during major holidays and summer.

 

Which Hawaiian island is best for first-timers?

If it’s your first trip, most people start with Oahu, Maui, or a combo of both. Oahu is great for first-timers who want beaches, city life, and sights like Waikiki and Pearl Harbor. Maui is better if you want beautiful beaches, the Road to Hana, and a more relaxed vibe.

 

How many days do you need in Hawaii?

For one island, plan at least 5–7 days. If you’re visiting two islands, 10–14 days is ideal so you’re not spending half your trip in airports and transit.

 

Do you need a car in Hawaii?

On most islands, yes, renting a car makes things much easier. Oahu is the only island where you can maybe skip a car if you stay in Waikiki and use tours, buses, or ride-shares. For Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, a car is almost essential.

 

Do you really need reef-safe sunscreen in Hawaii?

Yes. Hawaii bans many chemical sunscreens, and you’re expected to use reef-safe mineral sunscreen made with zinc or titanium dioxide. It protects your skin and helps protect the coral reefs, especially when you’re snorkeling or swimming.

Final Thoughts

Hawaii is full of hundreds of beautiful beaches, waterfalls, cliffs, and valleys that are waiting to be explored!

 

Diversify your time on the island by experiencing the beauty located across the island and the coastline. Whether you choose to rent a car in Hawaii or participate in group tours, these places to visit in Hawaii are the ones that you must see on your Hawaiian vacation.

 

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