From Rainforests To Beaches, This Is The Best Hawaiian Island For Your Personality

best hawaiian island vacation

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Heading to the United States’ Pacific islands? You’re going to love Hawaii. But as you’re trying to pick a destination, you may be mystified by the options for rainforested beach paradises.

So before you channel your inner Moana and take to the waves, check out our breakdown of what’s happening on each island. Here’s the best Hawaiian island for your personality so you can say, “Aloha!” to your best tropical vacation yet.

If You Want To Do The Classics: Maui


When tourists started flooding into Hawaii, they went to Maui. It’s the classic stop for a Hawaii trip. Whether you want to take the winding drive along Hana Highway (with plenty of waterfall stops) or hit Haleakala National Park for views of the dormant Haleakala volcano, you can get your fill of rainforests in East Maui. Then, head straight to the beaches of Kihei, Makena and Wailea in South Maui.

If You’re Traveling For The Culture: Oahu

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Whether you want to hang out in Honolulu or smaller surfing towns along the North Shore (the big wave surfing capital of the world), you’ll find the right spot here. You can find hula demonstrations, sample the wares of local coffee shops and visit Pearl Harbor for a peek into recent American history.

If You’re Going For The Views: Kauai

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Kauai is all about nature. From the stunning Na Pali Coast to Wailua Falls, you’ll need to stop to catch your breath around every corner. If you want to trek, you can tackle the Kalalau Trail. It’s 22 miles along cliffs and past panoramic views. You can also stop for swimming breaks at beaches where you’ll be the only one on the sand.

If You’re Into Volcanoes: Hawaii


Understandably nicknamed The Big Island, the island of Hawaii is the biggest of the chain of islands. This is where you’ll find Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and yes, there are active volcanoes here. Mauna Kea is dormant, but Mauna Loa is quietly active. Nearby Kilauea is incredibly active, with recent lava flows destroying parts of the coast. Once you’ve (safely) seen the lava, head to Kona for some famous coffee and lovely beaches.

If You Love The High Life: Lanai

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Lanai is the smallest inhabited island in the Hawaiian chain. It’s got a luxury scene worthy of A-list celebrities. And Beyoncé has been here, so you know it’s the real deal. The town is charming and less high-end. Plus, you can get some serious poke here, too.

If You’re A Chill Traveler: Molokai


Nicknamed the “Friendly Isle,” Molokai is definitely a local spot. It’s not the place for towering beach resorts, but rather charming towns and chill stretches of sand. You can explore the tallest sea cliffs in the world or hike through the lushly green Halawa Valley to Moaula Falls.

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