So, what are the largest islands in Hawaii anyhow? Stick around, because we’ll be glad to give you some sizzling vacation ideas and travel tips along the way. Bordered by the azure blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is an archipelago consisting of 137 islands and islets. Now, dissect that, and you will have eight islands total, with six major islands that are actually inhabitable to tourists. With some of the most diverse climates, geology, landscapes, flora and fauna, Hawaii is a lightning rod for unparalleled experiences. For those who like to celebrate food and culture, there are a plethora of annual festivals and events. Add a dose of culture and history into your travels here, whether you’re looking to hear Hawaiian chants, hula dancing, lighting of torches, blowing off the pū or by attending a traditional lūʻau.
Adventure aficionados can take on the sea with the legendary surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding. Other alluring activities will include whale watching, swimming with the turtles, some challenging hiking opportunities and helicopter tours. Quite the melting pot, the regional cuisines are defined by the farm-to-table movement. Remember, each island will have its own distinct personality, as well as providing unique activities, adventures and sights. Which will be the right island for you? Scroll down below to see what each individual island showcases on their own basis. Whether you’re searching for supreme relaxation, adrenaline-fueled expeditions, or a mix of the two, we’ll help find something for you.
Largest Islands in Hawaii Waiting to be Explored
From postcard-worthy beaches and wondrous waterfalls to dramatic canyons and volcanic mountains, Hawaii is a cornucopia for millions of yearly visitors. If you’re looking for exhilaration and admiration, let us enlighten you with these incredible islands in Hawaii.
Largest Islands in Hawaii: Low to High
8. Kaho’olawe
The smallest and most likely the least known, the Kaho’olawe Island Reserve is a work in progress. At only 11-miles long and 9.7 miles wide, it is a mass of extinct shield volcano. Once used as a target by the American military during World War II, the U.S. Navy and Air Force destroyed the scenic island. Since then the Operation Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana was established in 1976. Their mission is and was to restore Kaho’olawe to its original form. This includes the removal of shell casings, and to re-establish vegetation, filter water and returning the native species. Off-limits to most, if you would like to experience the beauty of this island, there are several volunteer work opportunities. More recently, legislation has passed, allowing the refuge to be open for permitted vessels only. If you have the pleasure, bare witness to the unspoiled beaches and palm-fringed coastline that abounds.
Known globally as “The Forbidden Isle,” unlock a sense of sublime peace and serenity in Niihau. Pronounced “Knee-ee-how,” it is the seventh largest inhabited of the islands in Hawaii. It creates a scene that has the power to stop even the most seasoned travelers. The good news is, the mesmerizing island offers an infinite wow factor. The bad news is, guests need to be invited by one of the property owners to see it in person. Originally, the Kamehameha Kingdom ruled this piece of land. However, in 1864, it was purchased by the Sinclair family for $10,000 in gold. With only one condition, the king asked the owners to preserve the long-standing Hawaiian culture and traditions. Other than that, a small tribe of 200-some villagers live a traditionally minimalistic lifestyle on the western side. Informatively, you find no cellphone reception, nor resorts or paved roads, and a handful of automobiles.
Since it remains extremely restricted, the best way to see Niihau will be by air or boat. Niihau Helicopter is the only company that provides an aerial tour over the entire 70-square-mile island on a half-day excursion. You will then land in an undisclosed Northern location, then spend a few hours exploring. Find your beach-centric bliss by spending time lounging, beach-combing, or by swimming and snorkeling in the aquamarine waters. While there, be on the lookout for the magnificent shells that famously wash ashore. The locals collect them and then hand-sew the tiny shells into colorful leis, for sale on the other islands. There are a number of boating establishments that make their way to the island. You’ll will see Kaulakahi Channel and then Lehua Crater, making your way to the Niihau coastline. Moreover, a stop at a rock outcropping (Lehua) will allow guests to snorkel amongst vibrant reefs.
Where the sapphire blue ocean meets the golden sands, escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life on Lanai island. Evoking a feeling like you’re the only one there is the epitome of an elegant tropical hideaway. With this look at the largest islands in Hawaii, it is divided into three regions: North, Central and South. It is sometimes referred to as “Pineapple Island,” because of its longstanding history with pineapple farming. At one point, almost the entire island was owned under the control of the Dole fruit company. Since then, the land has been sold to entrepreneur Larry Ellison, who co-founded software company Oracle Corporation. Nowadays, all the efforts have paved the way for enticing options for tourism and lodging. Lānaʻi is still very much uninhabited, with roughly 3,000 current residents. Subsequently, making it one of the most remote and unspoiled islands to explore for tourists.
Lānaʻi is remnants from an eroded extinct basaltic volcano, and is defined by its verdant forests and lunar-like rock formations. Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods) is a unique rock garden that has scatterings of boulders, spires and towers. The climate here is dry, as well as being relatively chilly. With zero traffic lights, Lāna’i has few paved roads, no crowds, and lots of space to unwind and explore. Subsequently, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is the best way to get around with the rock roads. In fact, most of the resorts will transport you this way. Lanai City is a popular spot, being closer to a small village in reality. With no shortage of activities, discover excellent trails for hiking and wonderful golfing opportunities. Those who prefer to explore underneath, the calm waters are ideal for snorkeling expeditions, as well as dolphin watching.
Where to Stay
When it comes to find a place to stay in Lānaʻi, the options are quite limited. On the southern end near Hulopoʻe Bay, you will find the popular resort town area. A number of bed and breakfast accommodations await around the island, as well as a lodge. First and Foremost, discover a five-star, five-diamond retreat at Four Seasons Resort Lanai. Get lost in paradise by the lagoon-style pools, enjoy open-concept living and dining areas, or stroll through the botanical gardens. Find your wellness groove at the world-class spa then savor Japanese cuisine at the cliff-side restaurant. Surrounded by centuries-old lava stones and dramatic cliffs, elevate your golf game at Jack Nicklaus-designed course. Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort is exclusively set in an enclave within the forested mountains. Putting a focus on wellness, experience sensual spa treatments in a private hale, as well as fitness and well-being classes.
Home to the longest continuous fringing reef and the highest sea cliffs in the world, Moloka‘i is a true show-stopper. Classifying the largest islands in Hawaii, this one is the fifth largest, standing at just 38-miles long. This hidden gem is split up between three sections: The West End, Central Molokaʻi and the East End. For those yearning to veer off the beaten path, it is a seldom-explored yet remarkable Hawaiian island. Dotted throughout the island, discover pineapple plantations, cattle ranches and sugarcane farms. Often known as the Friendly Isle, Moloka‘i is steeped in Hawaiian culture and provides authentic experiences. Split into two geographical sections, the low western half is very dry, while the eastern half is a high plateau. Just like Lānaʻi, there are no traffic lights, as this island deliberately moves at a much slower pace.
Moloka‘i is considered to be the birthplace of the hula, celebrating with an annual festival of Ka Hula Piko. With less than 1,000 daily visitors, you won’t come across any tourist traps. If you are looking to explore the island, you can rent a car or try a 4-wheel drive. Nature and hiking enthusiasts can rejoice, traversing to lush cliffs and humongous waterfalls. Water sports lovers can bring out their inner explorer with kayaking or paddle boarding alongside famed Papohaku Beach. Snorkelers can grab some gear and dive along one of the longest continuous fringing reefs. While watching is very popular, with about 10,000 Humpback Whales frequenting the adjacent waters. A wonderful way to take in the natural beauty will be from the sky, with an epic helicopter tour. Majestically set on the slopes of Kamakou, a 2,774-acre preserve of moss-covered rainforest awaits, home to various wildlife and plants.
Where to Stay
When it comes to the islands in Hawaii, Moloka‘i doesn’t feature any major resort players. But that’s exactly why people keep returning! In the village of Maunaloa and the central town of Kaunakakai, embrace scenic comfort in well-appointed accommodations with modern comforts. Elevate your stay with oceanfront hotels and vacation rentals, as well as beachside cottages and bed and breakfasts. Cocooned on Kamiloloa Beach, Hotel Moloka’i rests inside a Polynesian-style village and features cozy bungalows with to-die-for views. Plant yourself with a leisurely day poolside, then indulge in a unique dining experience at the on-site grill. Meanwhile, Molokai Shores offers spacious vacation condos with full-kitchens, a sparkling pool and succulent ocean views. Located on the west end, Kepuhi Beach Resort is available for condo owners and renters. It includes an oceanfront pool and absolutely stunning sunsets. Finally, Pu‘u 4 Hōkū provides an isolated getaway for travelers seeking a rustic retreat.
Nicknamed “The Garden Isle,” experience the carefree lifestyle and the breathtaking beauty of Kauaʻi. Suggesting all the best islands in Hawaii, it is the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian archipelago. Simultaneously, it’s also the wettest, offering a varied mix of thick jungles, cascading waterfalls, and sky-high seaside cliffs. With 97% of the land remaining undeveloped, nature flourishes here, as Kauaʻi is home to various botanical gardens. Aged by time and the elements, it showcases verdant valleys, forking rivers, tropical rainforests and sharp mountain steeples. Additionally, Kauaʻi has most of the beaches, rivers, streams, and waterfalls in all of Hawaii. It’s also broken up into five principal areas: West Side, North and South Shores, Līhuʻe and East Side (Coconut Coast.) The highest peak is Kawaikini, while the second is Mount Waiʻaleʻale. Pinnacles of the Na Pali Coast have also served as the perfect backdrop for major movies.
From hiking on the Kalalau Trail and zip lining to off-road excursions, along with mountain tubing adventures – outdoor enthusiasts will be salivating. See the island in a better perspective with helicopter tours and catamaran sailings, or attend a luau and dinner show. Fishing charters are popular amongst novice anglers and serious deep-sea sport fishermen. Spreading out over 14-miles and 3,600 feet deep, Waimea Canyon is a geological wonder to all of its own. Other notable tourist stops include Wailua River, Nawiliwili Bay, Poʻipū Beach and Hanalei Bay, where South Pacific was filmed. Pay a visit to the Sleeping Giant mountain ridge, renowned for its natural beauty, challenging terrain and mind-blowing views. The regions might feel remote to some, but they still are in close proximity to shopping, restaurants and lodging opportunities. Travelers can explore local culture as well, with the likes of museums, historical landmarks, farmers’ markets and more.
Where to Stay
Whether you are seeking a quaint country bed and breakfast, a condo rental or a posh resort – a remarkable range of accommodations will be vying for your attention. Decide between densely populated stays in the East Coast, while the North Shore showcases the best in hotels. The West Side features small inns and endearing plantation cottages. On the sunny South Shore, Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection boasts the largest accommodations in Poipu. From deluxe studios to multi-bedroom luxury villas and a 350,000-gallon main pool, take it to the limit. Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club in Poipu consists of spacious villa rentals equipped with full kitchens and separate living/dining areas. Splish-splash around in three sparkling pools then sip cool cocktails and savor Hawaiian fare at the on-site bar and grill. Sheraton Kauai Resort Villas is set in Koloa, while Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort rests directly on tranquil Coconut Beach.
With the title “The Gathering Place,” Oʻahu lives up to its name, soothing you into a tropical state of mind. This pleasurable place is sliced up into five distinctive areas: North Shore, Leeward Coast, Central Oʻahu, Windward Coast and Honolulu. Looking at the best islands in Hawaii, this one is home to most of Hawaiian residents. The seat of the state’s capital, Honolulu takes the prize for the biggest city in the entire island chain. Diversity thrives, as visitors can find a wide-range of landscapes, individuals and lifestyles. With Wai’anae in the western part and Ko’olau in the east, two now-extinct volcanoes accumulate 44-miles. From the surf-inspired shoreline of Haleiwa to the farm fields of Wahiawa and the city streets of Honolulu, experience a little of everything. Plus, Oʻahu is rich in experiences including historical landmarks, culinary journeys, mother nature, shopping, nightlife and festivals.
Hawaii’s main gateway to the world, Honolulu can be put into a category all by itself. It’s known for its selection of high-rise hotels, iconic crescent beach with volcanic Diamond Head crater lurking in the background. The hallmark of all activities gone wild, surfing was born in Hawaii, along with its variation, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP.) Come face to face with tropical fish and green sea turtles with spectacular excursions in snorkeling and scuba diving. Every winter touring thrives, as humpback whales call the area home, bringing you thrillingly close to these magnificent creatures. On land, ATV adventures unfold, on top of hiking, horseback riding and action-packed ziplining. Attracting millions visitors annually, the world-famous naval base, Pearl Harbor is also located here. Perhaps the centerpiece of everything authentic, attend a traditional Lūʻau before you depart. This gathering is a celebration of food, music and culture, intertwined into one eventful night.
Where to Stay
Depending on your budget and what fits your personal preferences, find an endless spectrum of places to stay in O‘ahu. Accommodations include everything from luxury condos and rentals, to five-star resorts and boutique hotels. The Honolulu neighborhood of Waikīkī. takes the prize, known to travelers as the “The Heart of Hawaii.” The Hilton Hawaiian Village may be the most notable, with its flamboyant rainbow-mosaic panels on the side of the building. Situated in the widest stretch of beaches, the 22-acre property features a saltwater lagoon with the best pools and waterslides. Add a touch of royalty at the Royal Hawaiian, as the infamous “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” opened in 1927. Experience exquisite accommodations in the landmark Historic Wing and the Mailani Tower, in addition to the original Mai Tai Bar. Finally, with these islands in Hawaii, an undiscovered gem awaits on the western shore’s, Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club.
Set amid a tropical utopia, Maui is one of the most sought-after destinations around the globe. The second of all largest islands in Hawaii, it receives well over 2 million visitors a year. The island is divided between the West Side, Central, South Side, North Shore, Up Country and East Side. A major event, the 2023 wildfires devastated this island, with many losses of life, homes, cultural and historical landmarks. Maui also plays host to the 10,023-foot Haleakalā, which is the largest dormant volcano crater in the world. Encompassing 727 square miles, the eastern slopes of Maui’s mountains are green and dense, while the western banks are dry. With sprawling beach resorts, immaculate golf courses, brightly-colored rainbows and gushing waterfalls – “The Valley Isle” flourishes. Sugar and pineapple are the primary exports, while coffee, papaya, nuts and flowers are just as popular.
Tourists come here for the distinctiveness, whether it be the jagged coastline, tropical rainforest, picturesque beaches or unforgettable experiences. Fulfill every culinary fantasy with one of the most robust farm-to-fork movements in the states. With some ranked globally as the very best, 14 golf courses will showcase undulating fairways. Beachside is the best side, as Maui has a mind-boggling slice of shoreline for every visitor. With the diverse geography. Discover a sprawling canvas for a variety of land adventures. By land, experience horseback riding, hiking expeditions and zipline adventure. By air, get a different perspective with parasailing, ziplining or helicopter tours. With the cobalt-blue waves, surfing rules, along with outrigger canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving. Two things to not miss will attend a luau or taking the Road to Hana. This 64-mile highway features narrow winding roads and well over 50 bridges, for an out-of-the-ballpark experience.
Where to Stay
Choose your own adventure story in Maui, where possibilities in lodging are endless. With this exclusive look at the finest islands in Hawaii, a vast variety of properties awaits around the island as well. Whether it be Kapalua or Kāʻanapali in the west, sunny Kīhei on the southern coast or the winding road to Hāna in the East, you can unlock a sense of sublime peace and serenity. If you’re seeking a seaside cottage, spacious condo rental or a five-star resort, tourists can design their own vacation. A beachfront resort, Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club – Molokai, Maui & Lanai Towers featuring first-rate restaurants and a “super pool” complex. Just steps from the ocean, Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui boasts championship-level golf courses, a tranquil spa and diverse eateries. A modern extended-stay hotel, Residence Inn Maui Wailea is a pet-friendly establishment providing ocean-inspired rooms with handy kitchenettes.
The Island of Hawaii, AKA “The Big Island” is your ticket to unparalleled experiences. Looking at the islands in Hawaii, this one is larger in mass than all the others combined. With a land area measuring 4,028 square-miles, Hawaii flourishes in warm weather, active volcanoes, black-sand beaches and sweeping canyons. Divided in a numerous ways, the Big Island comprises of the Hāmākua Coast, Kohala, Hilo, Kona, Puna and Kaʻū. A major draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and ecological features. Strikingly, Hawaii has 10 of the 15 types of climate zones existing on this planet, with dozens of different terrains. Encapsulated by five volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea are the most active volcanoes, with 10,000 cubic-miles of rock. Go the distance by visiting historical sites, mission houses, ancient temples and nature trails, in addition a stop to the 120-foot Kulaniapia Falls.
Covering over 4,000 square miles, Hawaii is an unrivaled expression of the power of nature. Geological features go from snow-capped mountains to botanical gardens and the sun-kissed beaches. For activity-seekers, it is a major territory for exploration with unforgettable hiking trails, horseback riding, ziplining, biking and world-class golfing. Enjoy some time in or on the water, whether being, surfing, paddleboarding, parasailing, snorkeling or scuba diving. Every winter, be on the lookout for sperm whales, on top of pygmies and false killer whales year-round. Moreover, visitors can enjoy biking, horseback riding, beaches, scenic drives, and volcanic landscapes. Visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which extends from sea level to 13,680 feet. Meanwhile, pay a visit to Mauna Kea Summit, which stands at 13,796 feet, making it the highest point in Hawaii. Hula’s and Lūʻau’s will be something to experience as well, deep-rooted in timeless traditions that the island celebrates.
Where to Stay
Discover a diversity and choices on the Big Island, satisfying every taste and price range. Whether you prefer the Kohala Coast and Kona, or the upcountry Waimea district, celebrate your lifestyle with outstanding options. Throughout the island, discover an eclectic vacation on rental homes, bed and breakfasts, inns, cottages, condominiums and world-class resorts. Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel comes to mind first. Spend your days lounging beside the infinity pool or kayak through the turquoise waters of Kailua Bay. Also on the Kona Coast, the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Hualalai offers a relaxing oasis. Perfectly placed on the edge of Waiulua Bay, Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Tower Waikoloa Village is nothing short of spectacular. Highlighted by a resort via tram, take your pick of three pools and a four-acre ocean-fed lagoon. Finally, on the Kohala Coast, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection showcases championship golf and award-winning tennis.
Largest Islands in Hawaii: Recapping
Spanning some 2,000 miles, the Hawaiian Islands are a paradise for travelers. As we researched the largest islands in Hawaii, you’ll find that there is truly something for everyone. Well, that’s it! Best Online Travel Deals hopes that we’ve helped you narrow down your searches with these incredible islands in Hawaii. Lastly, we also have an article on the most-visited historical places in Hawaii, check that out as well. Stay with the “Aloha” spirit and we’ll see you again!
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