Believe that visiting one Hawaiian island means you've experienced them all? Prepare to be greatly astonished.

Indeed, places like Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean, and distant locales such as Fiji or Bali are captivating, yet a Hawaiian holiday is unmatched. It is an experience that everyone ought to have at least once. Hawaii’s allure lies in its stark, diverse beauty spanning multiple islands, which, however, might complicate transportation.

You will arrive in Hawaii through a major city such as Honolulu, Maui, or Kona. If you choose not to take local flights between islands, which can range in price from $45 to $200 for a roundtrip depending on the timing and destinations, you'll mostly remain in the city where you first landed. However, this isn't necessarily an issue, and it might even turn out to be advantageous, depending on your interests. Continue reading to discover enjoyable activities and sights while you enjoy your stay in paradise.

The Big Island

Hawaii's Big Island, the southernmost in the chain, ranks second in population size yet lacks any urban centers comparable to Honolulu. Enjoy some downtime on the sandy shores or explore top-notch eateries and clubs if that suits your style. Don't miss a visit to Volcanoes National Park. With some luck, you might witness the magnificent Kilauea volcano ejecting lava into the sea or puffing smoke from its Halemaumau Crater. Even during periods of dormancy, how frequently do you have the chance to stroll on hardened lava?

Oahu

Ensure you visit the bustling markets, dining spots, and fantastic shorelines of Hawaii’s largest island by population. Staying in Honolulu, the heart of Oahu, will surely be enjoyable if you choose not to venture beyond. Nonetheless, overlooking an opportunity to visit Pearl Harbor while nearby would mean missing a unique opportunity to connect with a pivotal moment in American history. Both the Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri Memorial serve as poignant commemorations to those who perished. Additionally, if the historical details are a bit unclear, the Pacific Aviation Museum will provide thorough insights.

Molokai

This island is perhaps the most secluded among them, making it ideal for those in search of pristine natural environments. Before you go, it's wise to learn about Father Damien and the history of the leper settlements in Kalaupapa. Afterwards, embark on one of the renowned mule treks to explore the area firsthand.

Lanai

Once, this island produced 75% of the world’s pineapples, thanks to an entrepreneur named Dole. Although its dominant fruit industry has declined, several luxury resorts have emerged, appealing to affluent visitors. Should you desire a golfing experience in Hawaii, the island boasts two premier golf courses, among them the Challenge at Manele, crafted by the famed golfer, Jack Nicklaus.

Maui

If you were a fan of arcade driving games when you were younger and feel that Lombard Street in San Francisco is too easy, try tackling the Road to Hana. For those seeking the quintessential waterfalls, stunning cliffs, and gorgeous flowers depicted in every Hawaiian postcard, Hana is your destination. However, reaching there involves traveling the only access route, the 50-mile Hana highway, characterized by its 54 single-lane bridges and 600 sharp bends. The route is lined with breathtaking views throughout, simply remember to take an anti-nausea medication and yield to local drivers.

Kauai

If your fascination with Hawaii stems from TV shows and films, you should consider traveling to Kauai, a favorite filming location for Hollywood. From classic series and movies like Gilligan’s Island, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, and Blue Hawaii, it's uncommon for a film project in the state to exclude Kauai. Additional notable productions on the island include Fantasy Island, King Kong, South Pacific, and Honeymoon in Vegas.