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Hawaiʻi Blog: Island Comparisons + Best-of Lists
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Hawaiʻi Blog: Island Comparisons + Best-of Lists

Start with the biggest decision: which island? The posts below compare the islands head to head and rank the beaches, snorkeling spots, and stargazing sites we keep going back to. We write from the islands themselves: Gerrit from his rainforest above next the the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Will from years living on Oʻahu and leading tours across the state. Pick a topic in the filter to narrow the list.

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Köppen climate zone map of Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi, showing wet windward rainforest, dry leeward steppe at Kīhei and Lāhainā, and polar tundra atop Haleakalā.

Maui climate zones: all 7, and where to find each one

Maui Trip Planning
Picnic table at the Kipahulu campground above the shoreline

Secret Maui: 7 “Off the Beaten Path” Things that Locals Like To Do

Maui Things to Do
Waiʻānapanapa State Park on Maui

The 7 Best Black Sand Beaches in Hawaiʻi

Big Island Maui Things to Do
The Nakalele Blowhole

Maui on a Budget: Free and Cheap Things to Do

Maui Things to Do
Big Beach on Maui - aerial shot

13 of our Favorite Things to Do In and Around Kīhei (Maui)

City Guides Maui
Hiker arriving at Waimano Falls on Oʻahu after a short hike

The 10 Best Hawaiʻi Waterfalls to Swim in (all islands)

Big Island Kauaʻi Maui Oʻahu Things to Do
Summer is the best season for snorkeling on Maui because the waters are calm and clear. Photo by Subtle Cinematics on Unsplash

When Should You Visit Maui?

Maui Trip Planning
banyan tree park on maui

Lāhainā Now: What Is Open and What to Do

City Guides Maui
Sunrise from Pololu valley

13 Best Sunrise Spots in Hawaiʻi: Big Island, Oʻahu, Maui, and Kauaʻi

Big Island Kauaʻi Maui Oʻahu Things to Do
Kaumana caves

Hawaiʻi's Lava Tubes, Sea Caves, and Blowholes, Island by Island

Big Island Kauaʻi Maui Oʻahu Things to Do Volcanoes
Molokini and Kaho'olawe

A Beginner's Guide to Snorkeling in Hawaiʻi (+12 easy snorkeling spots)

Big Island Kauaʻi Maui Oʻahu Things to Do
sunrise from lanikax pillbox on oahu

The 16 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Hawaiʻi: Big Island, Maui, Oʻahu & Kauaʻi

Big Island Kauaʻi Maui Oʻahu Things to Do
Long exposure shot (notice the elongated star trails) of the Milky Way from a Kauaʻi beach.

Stargazing in Hawaiʻi: The Best Spots on Four Islands

Astronomy Big Island Kauaʻi Maui Oʻahu Things to Do
A Hawaiian green sea turtle (Honu) swimming off the coast.

The 9 Best Spots to Find Sea Turtles in Hawaiʻi (All Islands)

Big Island Kauaʻi Maui Oʻahu Things to Do
Aerial view of Little Beach

14 Bite-Sized Things to Do on Maui

Maui Things to Do
The Nāpali coast cliffs as seen from a helicopter

Maui or Kauaʻi, which is better?

Island Comparisons Kauaʻi Maui Trip Planning
people hiking in Iao Valley

Big Island or Maui, which is better?

Big Island Island Comparisons Maui Trip Planning
Caldera of the Haleakala volcano

Oʻahu or Maui, which is better?

Island Comparisons Maui Oʻahu Trip Planning
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Love Maui

1: Maui Overview
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The second-biggest island in the chain, much of Maui’s appeal comes from its natural landscape and biodiversity, including its two massive volcanoes, whale watching and marine ecosystems

Love Oʻahu

1: Oʻahu Overview
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3: Where to Stay
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6: Oʻahu Itinerary
7: Oʻahu blog posts

Oʻahu is the busiest and most visited of the Hawaiian Islands, with the widest range of things to do: nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals.

Love Kauaʻi

1: Kauaʻi Overview
2: Things to Do
3: Where to Stay
4: Popular Sights and Destinations
5: The Nāpali Coast
6: Kauaʻi Itinerary
7: Kauaʻi blog posts

With a population of less than 75,000, Kauaʻi is truly a small-town island, littered with open space, protected preserves, and old plantation history.

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