Readers Respond: What's Your Favorite Island in Hawaii?

The most frequent question I'm asked when people find out that I write about Hawaii is which island is my favorite? My answer has changed several times over the years.

All of the islands of Hawaii have their strong points and some drawbacks as well. A lot depends on what you're looking for. Ease of travel, choice of accommodations, varied activities, top dining and nightlife are all things that contribute to making a choice.

Some islands are more crowded than others. Some are much more laid back.

There really is no right or wrong answer. I'll tell you my current favorite in the first answer posted.

of course oahu

Oahu has everything history and culture. I also love all the others but i believe Oahu is best for snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and much more.

—Guest sherlly

Big Island

The Big Island offers the variety of gorgeous beaches and rocky lava shore. No other island has the ocean life of the big island. We go there every year and swim with sea turtles each day. Amazing!

—Guest marie123

The Big Island

Stay at Kona and you get the whole "paradise" label. Beautiful, laid back, with your own hale. The black rock is just amazing. You can visit Mauna Kea and Kilauea, waterfalls. Pure love.

—Guest Maura

Kauai

Kauai is so beautiful. Full of flowering trees, and bushes, also flowers. It is quiet, and peaceful, and not so commercialized.

—Guest A.J. Gasser

My favorite island

Kauai is without question my favorite island. It is green, beautiful, small, old, quaint, friendly, beautiful - oh I said that-. The beaches are so gorgeous, the flowers incredible, the people - amazingly friendly. The pace is slower than the other islands. There is not a lot of night life but that is good. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!! Oahu is next and Maui is my least favorite.

—gramsof1

my fav island

o'ahu it has it all...big city and all the amenities, the north shore quaintness the south shore and its boaters windward with the cliffs and natural sites leeward dry desert like and then the history and the urban fun of shopping and beautiy of diamond head waikiki and easy access to everything...yes o'ahu's got it all...aloha

—Guest keonih

Maui, Maui, Maui

We fell in love with Maui over 3 years ago, and have gone every year since, and will be there in a couple of months. We stay at a private cottage and that is the way to go. We feel like we live on Maui for the 2 weeks we are there. That is a wonderful feeling. The people are so friendly, great restaurants, and plenty of things to do many are free. Maui has a large variations of things to do that no other island has. The scenery is out of this world. You have the road to Hana, black sand beach, red sand beach, sunrise at Haleakala, Lahaina and the snorkeling is way to cool. We have been to Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island. These islands are all beautiful in their own way, but none can compare to Maui No Ka Oi.

—Guest Bobbie & Jack Adams

Favorite Island-Maui

Maui is my favorite island. You can find lodging in all price ranges. The variety of activities and scenery is great. The people are friendly and helpful. Aloha spirit is more than a name.

—Guest MauiLarry

Maui No Ka Oi

Having lived five years on Oahu and making two years in Maui, I must say that Maui is my favorite! There is definitely a sense of peace and serenity, plus no shortage of nightlife and good food if you are seeking for fun and excitement. Great hiking trails and sightseeing attractions whether you are a local resident or a visitor. I had played tour guide for friends visiting from New York and Scottsdale and they found time flew fast within their five days of stay filled with sunbathing by the pools at Westin on Ka'anapali; snorkeling along Ka'anapali across the resorts; savoring local fare and lots of fresh fish(opah, opakapaka, marlin, ahi, mahi mahi....); hiking on West Maui; and exploring upcountry Maui (from lavender farm to goat cheese factory to Maui winery and sunset at Halaeakala. Of course, Big Island and Kauai have charming spots too but not the idyllic combination that Maui offers. And did I mention golf? It is definitely a golfer's paradise!

—Guest sumibal

The Big Island

The Big Island is the best. It is a very laid back place to explore and relax. I have there for the 16 straight years. No where else will you find so many different climates in one spot. I do also enjoy the other islands, but to be honest, I do avoid Oahu anymore. It's crowded and too touristy for me.

—circman1

Kauai, hands down

Kauai is a little bit further to travel, but well worth it. Quiet; I think they still roll the sidewalks up at 8:00, so if you're a party animal....don't come here.

—Malibujim

Favorite Island is Kauai

Because it is most like old Hawaii. The people are friendly and it is without question, the most beautiful of all the islands.

—gramsof1

Maui No Ka Oi

My husband and I have travelled to the islands over a dozen times since our initial trip in 1985. While we have visited the island of Oahu the most over the years, we have come to love the island of Maui even more. The pace of life on Maui is much slower than Oahu and we have found the people to be very friendly and accommodating. Our favorite hotel is the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. The staff is great! The property is beautiful and they offer many cultural events including a nighty hula show free of charge. The island has much to offer in the way of scenery and things to do, including several different climate zones. Restaurants are plentiful and Mama's Fish House is one of our favorites. The black pearl dessert is not to be missed! I would highly recommend a visit to Maui to anyone looking for a Hawaiian escape.

—Guest nmckins

Maui's The Best

We love Maui because of its laid back atmosphere. We love going into Lahaina in the evenings to walk around and eat the best seafood. Our timeshare is the Westin Kaanapali Villas. We go every year and take part of our family with us to enjoy the sun and ocean.

—Guest Love Maui

I Heart Maui

I heart Maui because our college friend Bob lives there. Visiting him on Maui is always so much fun, and he has so much aloha.

—Guest Marcelaine