Hawaii is a tropical paradise full of activities for families. The state offers miles of beaches, forested mountains, and rainforests. But what’s the best island to visit in Hawaii? This guide will help you choose which Hawaiian Island to visit based on your family’s needs and interests.

Kahului Airport
Kahului Airport (OGG) is the main airport on Maui, and is located in the town of Kahului. It is serviced by two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
If you’re coming from Honolulu via interisland flight, you’ll land at Maui Airport (OGG) which is located in Kahului, Hawaii. OGG has direct flights to and from Honolulu as well as Hilo and Kona airports on Hawai`i Island.
If you’re traveling from Honolulu, the flight takes about an hour and a half. Once you arrive at Maui Airport (OGG), there are a few ways to get around the island. The most common way for tourists is by rental car, but there are also buses, shuttles and taxis available.
Fly into Kapalua Airport
Mokulele Airlines is a small airline that flies between the Hawaiian islands. Their discount flights are usually less expensive than what you’d find on major airlines, but you should still book ahead of time to make sure they’re available when you need them. If you’re looking for affordable travel between Maui and Molokai or Lanai, Mokulele Airlines is your best bet. You can fly from Kapalua (JHM) Airport on Maui directly to Molokai’s Hoolehua Airport (MKK) or Lanai’s Manele Bay Airport (LNY). There are no other airlines that offer direct flights between these two destinations, so if you want to visit both islands without having to switch planes in Honolulu first, this is the way to go!
The island of
The island of Oahu is the most populated of Hawaii’s eight major islands, and its capital city, Honolulu, is known as one of America’s hottest vacation spots. The best part about this island? There are plenty of ways for your family to have fun together!
- Hanauma Bay: This protected coral reef is home to some amazing snorkeling experiences and it’s only a 30-minute drive from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu.
- Pearl Harbor: The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor pays tribute to those who died during World War II when Japanese airplanes bombed this vital military base in 1941. It’s also close by Waikiki Beach so you can easily visit both sites in one day trip!
- Diamond Head State Monument: Take some time away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki to explore this ancient volcanic crater with its lush green parkland on top (the mountain itself rises 700 feet above sea level) as well as hiking trails that lead down into its interior where visitors can get up close views of marine life along Manoa Valley Stream bed area…
Kualoa Ranch: The Kualoa Ranch is a historical site that offers visitors the opportunity to see how Hawaiians lived hundreds of years ago. You’ll also be able to experience some amazing views of the surrounding areas as well as hike along one of their many trails.
The island of Molokai
Molokai is the most remote island in Hawaii, and it’s known for its rugged terrain and microclimates. The outlying Kalaupapa Peninsula is home to Molokai’s most famous landmark: a former leper colony that now offers tours of its historic grounds. But this isn’t the only reason to visit this island; there are also plenty of activities available year-round, including whale watching and snorkeling at Hanauma Bay (one of the best snorkeling spots in all of Oahu).
Molokai has earned a reputation for being one of the most isolated major islands in Hawaii on account of its many microclimates. There are two distinct climate zones here: dry forests inland over 6,000 feet above sea level, which provide habitat for several endangered species including koa trees; and wetter lowland forests near shorelines where you’ll find dense rainforests like those found on Maui or Kauai but with fewer tourists!
Kauai
Kauai is a great place for families, as it has some of the best beaches in Hawaii and plenty of activities to enjoy. From hiking through lush forests and waterfalls to snorkeling at pristine sites, there are many things to do on Kauai. This island paradise also has many sights to see including lush rainforests, waterfalls and more.
The island is home to two national parks: Polihale State Park (which stretches along miles of golden-sand beach), and Waimea Canyon State Park with its majestic red rock cliffs which rise 1,000 feet above sea level. Kauai’s other major attraction is the historic town of Hanapēpē which offers a glimpse into old Hawaii culture with its plantation houses built by sugar barons during the 1800s.
The island of Lanai
Lanai is a great place to visit if you want to get away from it all. The island of Lanai, only accessible by plane or boat, has a small population and offers visitors an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Hawaii. The island may not have all the mainland amenities that Maui and Oahu have, but it does have beautiful beaches and hiking trails for you to explore as well as one of the best golf courses in Hawaii (Kulana Kai Golf Course).
Kulana Kai Golf Course is considered one of the best golf courses in Hawaii by many people who have played it. The course is located on Lanai just off the main highway and offers stunning views of Maui and Molokai as well as beautiful scenery. It’s also a great place to watch whales during the winter months when they migrate past Lanai.
Oahu
Oahu has a public transit system called TheBus. You can use it to go around the island, and you can pay for it with a smartphone app or over the phone. It’s just like Uber but for buses!
TheBus also has a website that shows all of its routes, which is really helpful if you want to plan your route before getting on the bus. And if you need help figuring out how much money to put into your card, they have an online chat feature where someone will explain it in person
You can also call TheBus directly between 6 am and 6 pm weekdays; they’ll be happy to help you figure out when the next bus is coming by your house!
Hawaiian Island
Each island has something unique to offer families looking for a great trip. Oahu, the most populated island, is home to the only metropolitan area in Hawaii and offers plenty of activities. Molokai is the most isolated island and has some of the best hikes on all of Hawaii. Lanai is the smallest Hawaiian Island with just over 7,000 residents and offers world-class views from its beaches and high points. Kauai is also known as “The Garden Isle” because it has some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Hawaii with waterfalls flowing all over this lush mountainous region that make for incredible photos!
Conclusion
When deciding which island is best for your family, consider its proximity to other islands and activities. You’ll also want to think about how much time you have to spend on each island or whether it’s just one day or multiple days that you’re planning on spending there.
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Michael has been a traveler and blogger since he was 17 years old. Now his passion is hiking, traveling, camping, and revealing his outdoor secrets. Stay connect with us for outdoor events and camping trips together.