Travel Weekly just honored the winners of its 23rd annual Readers Choice Awards across nearly 100 different categories, representing the best of the best as voted by its audience of travel professionals. Hawaii was a standout, in that not only was it named the best state to travel to in the U.S., but the Hawaiian Islands were given the Sustainability Leadership Award, recognizing its long-standing commitment to sustainable practices.
Within Hawaii, it was Maui that came out on top as the very best travel destination in the Aloha State. Having traveled to all the major islands multiple times, it’s the one I’ve returned to the most, but there’s a reason to visit each one depending on your travel style, interests, and other factors.
Maui
While there are many reasons to love Maui, for whale lovers, it can’t be beat. Roughly 80 percent of the humpback whales that migrate to Hawaii in the winter head to the Auau channel, lying between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. It’s impossible not to see them—in fact, if you have an ocean-view balcony, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to watch right from your room. Closer encounters can be enjoyed by booking a whale-watch boat tour, available in everything from smaller Zodiacs to large vessels.
Maui also boasts many stunning beaches like Makena, one of the world’s most scenic drives (the Road to Hana), countless fine dining restaurants, and numerous luxury resorts that make it popular among honeymooners and all types of romance-seekers. The adventurous can also head to the over 10,000-foot-high summit of Haleakala crater to take in one of the world’s most epic sunrises. After dark, it becomes a stargazer’s dream.
Oahu
Oahu is Hawaii’s most-visited island. It’s often recommended for first-time visitors due to its mix of vibrant urban experiences, breathtaking natural beauty, and world-class surfing. It also offers the widest range of restaurants and accommodations, from more budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious.
Some of the most famous attractions can be found on this island, from Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor. There are plenty of places for surfing lessons, including right at Waikiki Beach, while the North Shore is renowned for its massive waves, hosting international surfing competitions that draw experts from across the globe.
Kauai
Kauai is arguably the most romantic of the islands. It’s incredibly lush, home to numerous waterfalls, colorful botanic gardens, and idyllic beaches. The south coast, particularly around Poipu, can get busy, but it’s where you’ll find many high-end resorts, upscale shops, and restaurants.
For a more serene setting away from the crowds, head to Princeville or Hanalei. Hiking is popular throughout the island, from the trek along the dramatic Na Pali Coast to the Canyon Trail in Waimea Canyon.
The Big Island
The Big Island covers over 4,000 square miles – not only is it big, but it’s quite diverse, with everything from black volcanic sand beaches where sea turtles like to bask in the sun, to Kilauea Crater in Volcanoes National Park, one of the best places to see active lava. There are 150 miles of hiking trails in the park for viewing everything from rainforest to volcanic craters and desert terrain. There’s even a walk-in lava tube and petroglyphs.
The island is also home to Mauna Kea, rising nearly 14,000 feet, with an often snow-capped summit. Visitors can enjoy 80-degree temperatures on the beach only to ascend the mountain and find that it’s below freezing.
