Who wouldn’t want to vacation in paradise? Whether you like jaw-dropping active volcanoes, inspiring historical landmarks, or the natural beauty of the forest, you’re sure to love Hawaii. There are eight main Hawaiian islands each with so much to do and explore. Not to mention over a hundred other islands that are smaller in size. These largest islands are collectively known as the Hawaiian island chain. With so many major islands, picking just one to see when visiting Hawaii might seem a bit intimidating. Fortunately, we’re here to help! From the Garden Isle to the gathering place, the North Shore to Waimea Canyon, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the main islands to help you decide which is the best island to visit in Hawaii.
What is the Best Island to Visit in Hawaii?
Everyone has their own preference on which islands are the best islands to visit in Hawaii. In fact, since all of them are amazing, the best Hawaiian island is entirely up to you! First, determining what you want to do on your vacation to Hawaii can help you narrow down which island can best fulfill those vacation needs. Hawaii has the best luxury resorts available on each island. So, timeshare owners get the privilege to go back year after year.
Maui
Maui, also known as “The Valley Isle,” is known for being the best island in the U.S. making it one of the best islands to visit in Hawaii. The island is the second-largest Hawaiian island behind the island of Hawaii. Without a doubt, Maui is a great destination for your next beach vacation, especially with Maui timeshares.
Things to Do in Maui
Maui is known for its world-renowned beaches, views of migrating humpback whales in the winter, the Iao Valley as well as breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. If you want to explore the valley isle, you can take a farm tour, go horseback riding through Upcountry Maui, watch a sunset from the summit of Haleakala, or go ziplining through the jungle. In addition, there are 30 miles of beautiful white, black, and red sand beaches in Maui. In fact, no trip is complete without seeing West Maui. The island’s west coast is home to waters that are great for surfing, windsurfing, swimming, or snorkeling. You can do it all on the warm island of Maui.
Learn more: Maui Timeshare Vacation: 5 Best Activities
Best Places to Stay in Maui
WorldMark Kihei
WorldMark Kihei is a world-class resort just steps away from the Maui beaches. Each villa includes a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and private Iania for the utmost in comfort and convenience. Other amenities include a pool area, exercise facility, hot tub, game room, children’s pool as well as easy beach access.
WorldMark Kihei Amenities
- Activities center
- Beach access
- Children’s pool
- Swimming pool
Maui Bay Villas by Hilton Grand Vacations Club
Maui Bay Villas by Hilton Grand Vacations Club is located on the coast of Maalaea Bay. Hilton timeshares in Hawaii can be found across many islands, but this Hilton Grand Vacations Club resort sits on 27 acres of Maui near the island’s coastal fairways, waterfalls, tropical reefs as well as famous black and gold-sand beaches. Suites are available with as many as three bedrooms, a full kitchen, living and dining areas, gorgeous views, and family-friendly amenities.
Maui Bay Villas by Hilton Grand Vacations Club Amenities
- Pool access
- Beach access
- Fitness center
- Kid’s activities
Island of Hawaii
The island of Hawaii is known as the Big Island for being almost twice as big as all the other Hawaiian Islands. This island is the perfect example of how incomparable the power of nature is in obtaining all but four of the world’s different climate zones. Of course, there are plenty of hiking trails to help you see the best that the Big Island has to offer.
What to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii
Although the biggest of the main Hawaiian islands, the Big Island has the fewest beaches. In contrast, the beaches that they do have each offer a unique feature that quickly surpasses beachcombers’ expectations. Take a dive with the manta rays or paddleboard through a scenic bay. Stroll through Punaluʻu Beach, the most famous black sand beach on the Big Island. Or travel to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea. Plus, if you’re looking to see an active volcano, the Big Island is perfect for it. In fact, it has more active volcanoes than any of the other islands. As a result, if you’re looking for an island to visit that showcases the natural beauty of Hawaii, it doesn’t get better than the Big Island.
Best Places to Stay on the Island of Hawaii
WorldMark Kona
Paradise awaits at WorldMark Kona. This RCI Gold Crown facility is the ideal spot for your next island vacation. It is located in what is known as one of the most beautiful spots on the Big Island and it is close to Kailua-Kona. So, whether you are looking to explore or indulge in sweet relaxation WorldMark Kona is the place for you.
WorldMark Kona Amenities
- Activities center
- Beach access
- Children’s pool
- Swimming pool
Kings’ Land, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club
Kings’ Land by Hilton Grand Vacation Club is located in the heart of Waikoloa, Hawaii. The amenities include a 33,000-square-foot clubhouse, advanced game room, spa, fitness room, and swimming pools. In addition, members will also have access to great restaurants, shopping, and recreation at the nearby Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort.
Kings’ Land, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club Amenities
- Fitness center
- Pool access
- Spa
- Dining and bars
Kauai
Kauai is known as the “Garden Island” for its unbelievably gorgeous landscape. Its landscape alone makes it one of the best islands to visit in Hawaii. The central jungles of Kauai have been the setting for many of America’s most popular movies such as Jurassic Park, King Kong, and George of the Jungle.
Things to Do in Kauai
Known as “the Garden Isle,” the Hawaiian island of Kauai is not only known for being breathtaking, but the island is also home to a variety of outdoor activities. You can go ziplining above Kauai’s lush valleys, snorkel on Poipu Beach, kayak through the Wailua River, or hike the trails of Kokee State Park. The beaches in the garden isle range from family-friendly calm bays to adventurous surf breaks. Also, you can find kayaking, snorkeling as well as fishing during your vacation to the North Shore Kauai. Plus, no trip is complete without a visit to Waimea Canyon. This area is sometimes called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific due to its massive size. While not quite as big as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Waimea still features many beautiful trails you won’t want to miss.
Best Places to Stay in Kauai
Pono Kai Resort by Bluegreen Vacations
Pono Kai Resort by Bluegreen Vacations boasts over 11 acres of oceanfront property, with almost a mile of pristine beach. Located on the eastern coast of Kauai, this beautiful resort is a blissful paradise of lush vegetation and breathtaking beauty. In addition, amenities include a pool area, hot tubs, sauna, tennis, putting green and tropical gardens.
Pono Kai Amenities
- Beach access
- Pool access
- Tennis courts
- Putting green
Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club
Explore the lush landscape of a 51-acre tropical garden with over one-quarter mile of beachfront at Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club. Amenities include car rentals, child care, a clubhouse, a swimming pool complex, two championship golf courses, two restaurants, boat rentals, tennis, in-unit kitchens as well as a private stretch of beach.
Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club Amenities
- Beach access
- Pool access
- Tennis courts
- Two golf courses
Oahu
Oahu is the heart of Hawaii because it is the home of the majority of Hawaii’s population. In fact, its dense population has led to the island being nicknamed, “the gathering place”. This destination is one of the best islands to visit in Hawaii because of its contrast of fast-paced city life and is one of the best surfing spots in Hawaii.
Things to Do in Oahu
The gathering place of Oahu is filled with exciting activities, making it a great island to visit. Stroll or run the paths of Ala Moana Beach Park or the Diamond Head Loop. Experience a luau one evening while celebrating Hawaiian and Polynesian traditions all while feasting on traditional foods in Waikiki Beach. Hike to the top of the iconic volcanic crater Leahi for a panoramic view of Waikiki. Spend the day lounging at the beach or exploring the waters. Or if you’d like to experience a piece of history, visit Pearl Harbor. At this memorial, you’ll learn more about the battle that led America to enter World War 2. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a great place to spend a day in Oahu. You’ll also find Honolulu, the island’s capital city and the capital of Hawaii as well here.
Best Places to Stay in Oahu
Lagoon Tower by Hilton Grand Vacations
Since 2001, Lagoon Tower by Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Hilton Hawaiian Village has provided wonderful beach vacations to Oahu. This Gold Crown facility offers guests access to expansive recreation facilities, classic restaurants, diverse entertainment as well as world-class shopping.
Lagoon Tower by Hilton Grand Vacations Amenities
- Beach access
- Pool access
- Dining and Bars
- Fitness Center
Mariott’s Ko Olina Beach Club
When you vacation at Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club you will have access to the sand of Ko Olina Beach, as well as the championship links of the Ko Olina Golf Club. This Marriott Vacation Club resort in Hawaii is in a beautiful gated community just steps away from the ocean and only half an hour from Honolulu.
Mariott’s Ko Olina Beach Club Amenities
- Beach access
- Pool access
- Fitness center
- Spa
Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit?
Each individual’s preference on what they want to do on their vacation to Hawaii can determine which island is the best island to visit in Hawaii. For travelers who want to visit the best beaches or enjoy humpback whale watching, Maui is the island for them. On the other hand, the island of Hawaii is the best of the major islands for people who want to explore the many hiking trails of Hawaii. For travelers who want to explore the jungle and see the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Kauai is the island for them. Lastly, Oahu is the best of the main islands for travelers who want to visit an island with a balance of city life and surf towns.
Rent a Timeshare at Your Favorite Hawaiian Islands
At the end of the day, the best Hawaiian islands are all worth visiting, and the one most worth seeing is entirely up to you. If you know you’re interested in visiting Hawaii but are still on the fence about which island to visit, consider renting a timeshare. When you rent a timeshare, you’ll enjoy staying at a luxurious resort, without having to commit to full vacation ownership. In fact, you can rent a timeshare at each of the major islands, from the big island to Oahu, and much more! From whale watching to swimming with green sea turtles to surfing along the North Shore, a timeshare rental puts a lifetime of vacations at your fingertips.
Ready to take the first step? Then check out our marketplace! We have listings for luxurious resorts all over Hawaii. From the Big Island to the Garden Isle to the Valley Isle, you can rest assured that at Timeshares Only, all your vacation needs will be met. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-610-2734 or email us at [email protected]. We’re always happy to help!
