Hawaii has six tourism-friendly islands, each with its own rhythm, vibe, and personality. Whether you're planning a romantic honeymoon, a milestone anniversary, a multi-generational family trip, or an adventure with friends, choosing the right island can significantly shape your entire experience. Here's a quick guide to these gorgeous destinations to help you pick the best itinerary and resorts in Hawaii for your travel style.
What's the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit?
Oahu: The Fan Favorite
Oahu blends vibrant city energy with postcard-worthy beaches, making it a go-to for first-timers, families, and groups that want a little bit of everything.
Families can enjoy easy access to cultural experiences and attractions such as Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor, while couples and adult groups love the world-class dining, shopping, and nightlife. You can also hike up Diamond Head and surf on the North Shore1.
Apple Vacations connects you with Hawaii resorts that put you steps from the action. OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort pairs modern decor with Hawaiian art and culture. Singles, couples, and adults looking for nightlife and luxury shopping will love OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort.
Lanai: The Private Haven
Lanai is intimate, uncrowded, and ideal for couples and solo travelers who want privacy. With rugged landscapes and a slow pace, it's the best Hawaiian Island to visit when you want to truly disconnect.
Days here might include exploring dramatic rocks and red-dirt trails at Garden of the Gods, snorkeling in the crystalline Hulopoe Bay, and visiting the whimsical Lanai Cat Sanctuary away from the crowds2.
While Apple Vacations does not currently offer resort packages on Lanai, the island is known for its ultra-luxury, boutique-style resorts, which provide personalized service and exclusivity.
Maui: The Hopeless Romantic
Maui is what many people imagine when they think of a dreamy escape in Hawaii. It's a favorite for honeymoons, anniversaries, and celebrations, blending casual luxury with unforgettable natural beauty.
Days here are made for watching sunrises from Haleakala, driving along the scenic Road to Hana, and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. While the environment is unquestionably romantic, it's also family-friendly, offering whale watching and outdoor excursions appealing to all ages3.
Apple Vacations offers beachfront resorts in Hawaii, highlighting Maui's scenery. Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows places you in the middle of tropical gardens and sprawling oceanfront lawns, making it perfect for nature lovers. Larger groups will feel at home at the Aston Kaanapali Shores, which offers residential-style amenities.
Molokai: The Untouched Beauty
Molokai is rooted in culture and mostly untouched by tourism. This island is best suited for couples, solo travelers, and culturally curious explorers who value respect for the land and community over amenities.
Days here revolve around nature and heritage, including snorkeling the crystal waters at Murphy's Beach, hiking mossy trails in Kamakou Preserve, and exploring ancient fishponds on the southern coast4.
Accommodations on Molokai are typically locally run, modest, and limited. Apple Vacations does not currently offer resort stays in this location.
Kauai: The Nature Lover's Dream
Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is lush, dramatic, and refreshingly peaceful. With rainforests, it's a top choice for eco-travelers and outdoor lovers who want to unplug and reconnect with nature.
Couples and families who love to explore will find endless inspiration here, from the breathtaking Na Pali Coast to Waimea Canyon's sweeping vistas and hidden waterfalls. Hiking and kayaking here always feel like an adventure5.
Kauai's resorts on Apple Vacations are ideal for travelers who want tranquility and space. Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort is near many natural attractions while still providing modern amenities. Kauai Beach Resort and Aston Islander on the Beach offer a more rustic, homey feel that immerses you in the island's atmosphere.
The Big Island: The Most Diverse
The Island of Hawaii is the largest of the bunch, perfect for curious explorers and multi-generational groups who want each day to feel completely different.
Here, you can walk on black sand, explore Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, stargaze on Mauna Kea, and snorkel by boat. Families enjoy the local educational experiences, while couples and adult groups appreciate the feeling of discovery around every corner6.
Apple Vacations offers resorts ranging from lively seaside properties to quieter retreats. Luxury travelers love Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa and Fairmont Orchid for their gourmet dining and authentic Polynesian, Hawaiian, and Asian decor. Hilton Waikoloa Village delivers a more serene escape, including a breathtaking four-acre lagoon and a protected beach.
Start Your Story in Hawaii With Apple Vacations
No matter which island feels like the perfect fit, Hawaii is a place where memories are made and traditions begin. Whether you’re celebrating love, bringing the whole family together, or simply reconnecting in paradise, Apple Vacations makes it easier to plan a getaway you’ll treasure for years to come.
Start Your Story in Hawaii with customizable vacation packages that include flights, accommodations, and more, so you can focus on what matters most: being together.
Sources:
- Etinas, S. (3 July 2024). A first-time guide to Oʻahu, Hawaii. Lonely Planet. Retrieved February 3, 2026, from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/guide-to-oahu-hawaii
- County of Maui Office of Economic Development. Activities on Lānaʻi. Go‑Lanaʻi. Retrieved February 4, 2026, from https://go-lanai.com/activities/
- Delfino, C. (27 October 2025). A Complete Travel Guide to Visiting Maui, Hawaii. LeTravelStyle. Retrieved February 3, 2026, from https://letravelstyle.com/maui-travel-guide/
- Launiu, S. (6 April 2025). Traveling to Molokaʻi? Start Here. Hawaii.com. Retrieved February 4, 2026, from https://hawaii.com/blog/things-to-do-in-molokai-the-friendly-isle
- Lang, N. 25 Best Things to Do on Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi. Noah Lang Photography. Retrieved February 3, 2026, from https://noahlangphotography.com/blog/best-things-to-do-kauai-hawaii
- Lang, N. 40 Best Things to Do on Hawaiʻi Island (The Big Island). Noah Lang Photography. Retrieved February 4, 2026, from https://noahlangphotography.com/blog/best-things-to-do-big-island-hawaii
