Best for
Oahu
First-Timers & Friend Groups
Oahu is the most city-like of all four islands — and that's not a bad thing. It has stunning mountains, world-class beaches, an incredible food scene, and actual nightlife. This is where I'd go on my first trip to Hawaii, and where I'd go with a group of friends. It's the most accessible, the most exciting, and honestly the most fun. My friend even had her bachelorette trip here!
Fiona's tip: Don't sleep on the food. Oahu has some of the best (and most affordable) eating in all of Hawaii. Ono Seafood has the best poke, grab more from FoodLand, eat at Musubi Cafe Iyasume in Waikiki, and stop at Jenny's Shrimp Truck on the North Shore.
Must-Do on Oahu
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden400 acres of lush greenery — completely free. Go early for the best photos. Rent a white Jeep for the full experience.
Koko Head HikeOver 1,000 steps straight up. Brutal, worth it. Sunrise and sunset views are some of the best on the island. Humpback whales in winter.
Waimea Bay RockCliff jumping, snorkeling, sea turtles. Bring your own snorkel gear — nowhere to rent nearby.
Diamond HeadThe iconic hike. Great views, gets crowded — book the earliest or latest time slot. Reservations required and sell out fast.
Halona BlowholeCrystal-clear water, a blowhole that shoots up to 30 feet, and views of Halona Cove. Easy stop, completely worth it.
Where to Eat
Best for
Big Island
Adventure Seekers
The Big Island might be my personal favorite. It has one of only four green sand beaches in the entire world, active volcanoes you can actually get close to, manta ray night swims that will genuinely change you, and a rawness that the other islands don't have. If you value experiences over resorts, this one will blow your mind.
Fiona's tip: If I had to pick one thing to do on the Big Island, it's the manta ray night swim. It is one of the most magical experiences I've ever had in my life. Book it.
Must-Do on Big Island
Manta Ray Night SwimGo with Eka Canoe — a local-owned business and absolutely amazing. You go on a Hawaiian double-hull canoe, only 5 minutes from the spot (other boats drive an hour out — it's freezing!). Go at 6 PM for the sunset, stay for the mantas.
Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea)One of only four green sand beaches in the world. The sand is made of olivine crystals. 5-mile roundtrip hike — do it. Don't take the "shuttle scam."
Hawaii Volcanoes National ParkArrive around 4–5 PM. Bring a jacket — it gets cold. Hike the Volcano Devastation Trail. You might see actual lava flows.
Punaluu Black Sand BeachFree entry and parking. Often has green sea turtles resting on the sand. Combine with Green Sand Beach and Volcanoes for a full day.
Akaka FallsTaller than Niagara Falls. Easy hike through a lush rainforest. One of the most beautiful waterfalls I've ever seen.
Best for
Maui
Couples & Relaxation
Maui is where I'd go as a couple. It's more resort-focused and romantic than the other islands, but it still has some of the most dramatic scenery in Hawaii. The black sand beach at Waiʻanapanapa is genuinely one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. And watching the sunrise from above the clouds at Haleakalā is something I think about all the time.
Fiona's tip: Book Waiʻanapanapa State Park reservations the moment you know your dates — they sell out weeks in advance. For Haleākalā, I'd actually go for sunset instead of sunrise — no need to wake up at 3AM!! But either way, bring warm clothes and headache pills for the altitude.
Must-Do on Maui
Waiʻanapanapa State ParkThe most stunning black sand beach you'll ever see. Cave tunnels, dramatic coastline. Book reservations in advance — sell out fast. Do NOT take sand or rocks.
Haleakalā National ParkWatching the sunrise from above the clouds at 10,000 feet is one of the most breathtaking things I've ever experienced. Cold. Worth it.
Road to HanaOne of the most scenic drives in the world. Rent a 4WD with a spare tire — flat tires are common. Take your time, stop at every waterfall.
Doors-Off Helicopter TourThe Doors Off Maui Helicopter tour covers two islands and gives you views you simply cannot get any other way. Pricey, but worth it.
Best for
Kauai
Nature & Spiritual Seekers
Kauai is the most untouched, peaceful island in Hawaii. It's spiritual, nature-filled, and probably has the best beaches in all of Hawaii. There's no real nightlife, no big city energy — just raw, stunning nature. If you want to disconnect from everything and actually feel something, this is the island.
Fiona's tip: Kauai requires a rental car — you can't really experience it without one. I used Kauai Isle Car Rentals. Book early. And do the Nā Pali Coast raft tour — it was the best day of my entire trip.
Must-Do on Kauai
Nā Pali Coast Raft TourThe best day I've ever had on any island. Towering sea cliffs, hidden sea caves, crystal-clear water. Book in advance — sells out fast.
Hideaway BeachMy favorite beach in all of Hawaii. Steep stairs to get down, but the views are worth every step. Bring snorkel gear.
Waimea CanyonThe "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Come on a clear day or you'll miss the views entirely. Combine with Kōkeʻe State Park.
Poʻipū BeachMonk seals and sea turtles resting on the sand. True Hawaii feel. Grab poke from Koloa Fish Market before you go.
