Hawaii is known for its beaches and pristine water. But what it is most known for is its islands. And when you are here, you have to visit these famous islands to have a complete experience of being in Hawaii.
Island of Hawai’i
The Island of Hawai’i is one of the top islands you must visit. It is also known as the Big Island and is known to be the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago of the United States. The island is renowned for its volcanic activity, dominating its landscape like Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It has dense rainforests for its visitors to explore. But what’s more, visitors can also witness the island’s geological wonders at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where they can observe lava flows, steaming craters, and unique volcanic landscapes.
Maui
Every island has its own specialty, and Maui has something for its visitors too. It is the second largest island in Hawaii, also called “The Valley Isle.” It has Haleakala National Park, which consists of the island’s highest peak and an inactive Haleakala, along with a scenic view of waterfalls. When you visit this island, you can take in the breathtaking view of the beauty that surrounds the island. To get tanned under the sun, you can go to its famous beaches, such as Big Beach, also known as Oneloa and Makena, Kaanapali Beach, Napili Beach, and many more for a relaxing day.
O’ahu
O’ahu Island is known to be the third largest island in Hawaii, specifically in Honolulu, the state’s capital. This island is one of the most famous tourist islands where people can experience everything from learning about its culture to engaging in adventurous activities, enjoying the day on the beaches, and winding up with a happening nightlife. Waikiki is located on this island. O’ahu’s unique blend of urban and natural attractions makes it a popular destination for visitors of any type.
Kauai
Also dubbed “Garden Isle,” the island is mainly covered with tropical rainforest. It is the fourth largest Hawaiian island that is covered with blue water all around. It is celebrated for its lush tropical landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches. The island offers a picturesque and panoramic view that makes you feel you’re in a dreamy location. Visitors can explore various lookout points and hiking trails to take in the awe-inspiring vistas of the canyon and its surrounding landscapes.
Lanai
Lanai Island is almost eight miles from Maui and is nicknamed “The Pineapple Isle.” Through a drone view, you will notice that the island is somewhat apostrophe shaped, which makes it quite beautiful to look at from above. This island is not much known among tourists and is a hidden gem in Hawaii. Because of its inclusivity, there is not much crowd. Therefore, the beauty of the island is still not ruined.
Molokai
Molokai also referred to as the “Friendly Isle,” is the fifth-largest and least developed of the Hawaiian Islands, located in the central Pacific Ocean. Molokai, renowned for its unspoiled and rustic character, provides a tranquil retreat from modernism. The island is famous for Kalaupapa National Historical Park, a place with a poignant history of leprosy (Hansen’s disease) settlement, where visitors can learn about the lives of those who lived there in isolation. The varied topography of Molokai includes everything from lovely beaches to steep sea cliffs, like the Kalaupapa Peninsula.
Niihau
Niihau, also known as the “Forbidden Isle,” is the seventh-largest Hawaiian Island. It is unique for its isolation and limited access, as the owners are keen to maintain the heritage of Hawaii, which was a promise made to a Hawaiian king. There are high chances of the island being exploited with outside visitors access. Whatever the reasons may be, the island now maintains its beauty through pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, and unique flora and fauna, making it a mysterious and intriguing destination that remains largely untouched by modern tourism.
Kaho’olawe
Kaho’olawe comes eighth in the list of the different islands in Hawaii that holds profound cultural significance and complex history. It’s been more than ten decades since the island hasn’t been inhabited and continues to be, so therefore, no visitors are allowed to access or visit the island. If at all anyone wishes to visit the island, they will have to take special permission. However, the island can only be used for Hawaiian religion, traditional practices, and research. The island is still untouched, and the beauty still remains.
Kure Atoll
Kure Atoll is yet another island that can successfully be added to the list of the most remote island in Hawaii after Niihau and Kaho’olawe. This unique oval-shaped island is also named Ocean Island due to its blue water spread between the island. The island has very little land space called Green Island, a habitat for more than a hundred seabirds. Its pristine coral reefs and crystal-clear waters support a rich marine ecosystem, making it a critical breeding and nesting ground for migratory birds and marine life. Only a small number of people inhabit this island, including biologists and volunteers, who work continuously toward a better ecosystem.
Neckar Island
Neckar Island is a small island situated in the northwest of Honolulu in the British Virgin Islands. The island has rocky mountains with very little soil and is owned by Richard Branson. It is a private island where not much interference from visitors is seen. The island is not open for tourism purposes. However, a visit can be permitted only if some educational, cultural, or scientific activities or research need to be carried out.
