Where to stay in Hawaii: Best Places For You By Island

Hawaii is something else. The islands have far surpassed being ‘just a tourist destination’ and have become a dream destination for many travelers. Hawaii’s natural beauty is unrivaled. From the beautiful beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and abundant native animals like sea turtles – it is no wonder you want to visit.

Now you’ve just got to figure out where to stay in Hawaii. The islands are associated with luxury hotels, but there are lots of options to suit different budgets. This guide will take you through the best places to stay in Hawaii.

The best areas to stay in Hawaii

Before we delve into where to stay in Hawaii, let’s take a quick look at the best islands and the general layout of the archipelago.

Hawaii consists of eight major islands. However, only six of these islands can be visited by the public. Niihau and Kahoolawe are referred to as the ‘Forbidden Islands’. While there are certain loopholes to visit, we don’t recommend going to all the extra effort. These two islands have little tourist infrastructure, and you’ll miss out on the Hawaiian holiday experience.

So, which Hawaiian islands should you stay on? We’ve broken them down into a short list below.

• Big Island (aka Hawaii Island): Big Island is the largest island in Hawaii. The island is praised for its diversity and is best for tourists who want lots of space to explore and sightsee.

• Kauai Island: Kauai is nicknamed the ‘Garden Isle’ because of its abundant rainforest. It is generally considered the most beautiful island in Hawaii. It has been used as a filming location for many Hollywood movies. Kauai is best for tourists who want to hike and enjoy natural beauty and attractions.

• Oahu Island: Oahu is urbanized and metropolitan. The island has lots of cultural activities like museums and galleries. Oahu also has a lively nightlife scene. Oahu is your best choice if you want somewhere to party in Hawaii.

• Molokai Island: Molokai is the most authentic of Hawaii’s islands. The island is less influenced by tourism and has a large percentage of native Hawaiians permanently residing there. If you want a residential, off-the-beaten-track atmosphere, Molokai is where to stay in Hawaii.

• Lanai Island: Lanai is the smallest Hawaiian island and the perfect spot for a romantic getaway. Lanai is a private island with just one resort – the Four Seasons Resort Lanai. Needless to say, Lanai attracts a luxury-seeking crowd.

• Maui Island: Like Lanai, Maui also…