Well, when we talk about Hawaii, actually there is not much to say. It is one of the most visited archipelago in the world. There are more than 100 islands that form this archipelago but only six of them are populated, and open to tourists. These are Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Big Island of Hawaii respectively from west to east. Hawaii as we know is the Big Island of Hawaii. The location not only has breath-taking beaches but also has acres of untamed landscapes, waterfalls, and wild coastlines. Since all six island presents have unique and exotic experiences it is hard to answer “What island to stay on in Hawaii?
Kauai

Kauai is the northernmost and second oldest island of the archipelago. The island is also known as “The Garden Island” which is there is a reason behind this name. The island is also the most rural region of Hawaii. If you are looking for the best places to stay in Hawaii for couples you are in the right place.
Places to Visit in Kauai
Kauai is one of the best places for hikers because there is no road over 90% of this island. The island consists of five main regions, North, East, Lihue, South, West, and Na Pali. For nature lovers, Wailua River State Park, Lydgate Beach Park, National Tropical Botanical Garden, Spouting Horn, Polihale Beach Park, and Na Pali Coast State Park present a variety of hues of green. Waimea Canyon, named “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” by Mart Twain is also in Kauai. There are a lot of options for beach lovers too. Hanalei Beach Park & Pay, Makua “Tunnels” Beach, Ke’e Beach, Po’ipu Beach, Anini Beach, and remotely located Polihale Beach is among the best choices for visitors.
Where To Stay in Kauai?
Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort Lihue: Located next to the Kalapaki Bay, Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort Lihue is one of the best options in Kauai. With Hanalei Bay and Waimea Canyon State Park, the resort is not only a good option for beach visitors but also the logical choice for nature lovers.
Kauai Beach Resort & Spa: If you want to experience the exotic side of the Kauai, Kauai Beach Resort & Spa awaits with its all hospitality. With its location next to the airport, you will start to feel what is paradise as soon as reach the island.
Marriott Kauai Lagoons: Lush greens of lagoons meet oceanic blue in the Marriott Kauai Lagoons. After enjoying the Kauai’s rejuvenating nature Marriot’s villas are one of the best places to rest. After a joyful day, you can rest and relax in the spacious 2 or 3-bedroom villas of Marriott.
See also; Where to Stay in Kauai?
Oahu

Oahu is the gathering place of Hawaii. It’s because there is a reason for it. Oahu is the most populous island of Hawaii. The capital and the most populous city of Honolulu is also located in Oahu. To experience Hawaiian city life than Honolulu is the right place. But even if the Oahu is the most populous island that doesn’t mean the island didn’t have natural wonders. Waianae region has vastly undiscovered valleys and beaches.
Places to Visit in Oahu
First things first, if you visit Oahu, you should definitely see Honolulu. With white sands and turquoise water, Waikiki beach globally known place in Honolulu. The city’s Chinatown is also one of the most colorful places on the island. Nearly 30 min drive you can also visit the wineglass-shaped bay, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. But Oahu is also more than Honolulu. Pearl Harbor is also located in Oahu. After the Japanese attack in World War II, Pearl Harbor’s name was heard all over the world. You can visit the historical US naval ship USS Missouri and the submarine USS Bowfin. If you want to make hiking in an untamed nature then the Waianae region is the best place you can visit. Besides a couple of rural towns, there is nothing but green hills and scenery coastal side. It’s the exact opposite of Waikiki.
Where to Stay in Oahu?
As you might expect hotels and resorts are clustered Honolulu region of the island. But this is not to say that you can’t find luxurious places in North Shore or Waianae.
Trump International Hotel Waikiki: Waikiki’s one and only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel Trump International Hotel Waikiki hold this reputation for eight consecutive years. 24 hours spa and fitness service, easy access to Ala Wai Golf Course, Waikiki Aquarium, and a 3-minute walk to Trump Waikiki Beach, it’s one of the best places to stay in Oahu.
Turtle Bay Resort: Far away from the overcrowded places Turtle Bay Resort is located in the North Shore Oahu Region. From cuisine to activities in the resort you’ll deep dive into Hawaiian culture. Famous with nearly 10-meter waves you are at the right place to surf in the ocean.
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina: Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is like a sacred paradise in western Oahu. With tailored activities, you can both enjoy a picturesque resort and experience Hawaiian culture at every step. Different activities both at the heart of nature and the ocean are waiting for you in the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.
See also; Where to Stay in Oahu, The Gathering Place?
Molokai

The second biggest island of the eight major islands of Hawaii, Molokai is a place for those who looking for a tropical paradise. Molokai may not be as famous as the Big Island of Hawaii or Maui but this is not a loss for the island. You can walk in a true rainforest or post a coconut instead of a postcard to your friends in Molokai.
Places to Visit in Molokai
Molokai is small but packaged with many experiences. The island has west, east and central regions. Each region offers a different adventure. The west end of the island is famous for its serene beaches. To relax on the untouched beach west end is the right choice. The central region is the home of Kaunakakai. Late evening walks in the city is nothing but relaxation. You can watch the migration of more than 10000 Humpback Whales from Alaska to Molokai. Whales mate and give birth here from December to April.
Where to stay in Molokai?
Hotel Moloka’i Hawaii: Hotel Moloka’i Hawaii is one of the limited choices on the island but it definitely offers broad services. You can visit Kalaupapa Lookout in Palau State Park or play golf at Ironwood Hills Golf Club. Hotel Molokai also offers bungalows in the Kamiloloa beach.
Molokai is an untamed and untouched location in Hawaii. As a result of this, it is a lack of large resorts and hotels. But there are places to rent from the Association of Apartment Owners. Ke Nani Kai and Wavecrest Resort are some examples. You can rent available homes and enjoy your vacation in Molokai.
Lanai

Lanai is the pineapple island of Hawaii. You can have a remote but luxurious experience on this island. Lanai feels you like you’ve your own island. Because there are only 3000 residents on the island. With its unspoiled nature, you can have a vacation private yet unique. The history of pineapple farming on the island makes its name Pineapple Island of Hawaii.
Places to Visit in Lanai
You can visit Lanai with a ferry ride from Maui. One of the most preferred places in Lanai is the Garden of the Gods. This is the perfect spot to start exploring Lanai. It’s basically a huge rock garden. With its unearthly topography, you can trick your friends like you visited Mars on your vacation. Shipwreck Beach is another tourist spot on the island. You can see dozens of shipwrecks on the beach. Most of the vessels deteriorated due to strong winds and powerful tides. You can also visit Munro Trail, the reef at Hulopoe Bay, Puupehe trail, and Polihua Beach.
Where to stay in Lanai?
There are not many options to stay in Lanai like Molokai. You have only one resort option in Lanai.
Four Seasons Resort Lanai: You can have the usual Four Seasons experience in an unusual place. The Four Seasons only resort on the island. You can go 4×4 adventures without traffic lights. Just off-roading. The other option is the listening whistles of humpback whales while snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean. Hulopaoe Bay is not only surrounded by lava stones or dramatic cliffs but also has a Manele Golf Course.
Hotel Lanai: Located in Lanai City, Hotel Lanai offers a local experience for your vacation. You can feel you have a private island while sipping local drinks or tasting Hawaiian cuisine.
Sensei Lanai: A spa experience at the heart of the spiritual culture. You relax and unwind in Sensei Lanai. Hotel Lanai offers a spa and wellness in Hawaiian kind.
Maui

After the Big Island of Hawaii, Maui is the second biggest island of the archipelago. If you want to know where to stay in Hawaii then you should consider Maui because the island has some of the best beaches in the world. Maui – The Valley Isle – has offer something special to visitors. If you visit the island in the winter months Maui is one of the best places to watch majestic whales in the world.
Places to Visit in Maui
Maui has no difference from the other islands. You can see nearly every hue of green and mist of waterfalls on one side, and oceanic blue on the other side. To watch whales than the Lahaina Town is the best choice for you. Makena Beach State Park has one of Maui’s largest beaches. Iao Valley States Park with its iconic Iao Needle, Haleakala National Park which is home to Maui’s highest peak, and last but not least Hana Highway famous for its scenery roads.
Where to Stay in Maui
If you want to find the best places to stay in Hawaii, Maui offers some unique choices.
Montage Kapalua Bay: To experience the spirit of Aloha deeply Montage Kapalua Bay is one of the best hotels in Maui. Thanks to residential-style accommodations options you can make a great vacation as if at home. From SPA to Golf, everyone has a place to relax in Montage Kapalua Bay.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea: There is no limit in Four Season Resort Maui at Wailea. If you want to make your travel with a luxurious Gulfstream or a Bombardier private jet, call your hotel and let them arrange for you. Waking up to the ocean view will make you want to dive into a beautiful yet amazing day in Maui.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui: If you are looking for the best place to stay in Hawaii you should definitely consider The Ritz-Carlton Maui. Along the western shore of the island, you can learn everything about the nature of the island, and the ocean with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society.
Big Island of Hawaii

Here we are where the Hawaii dreams come true; The Big Island of Hawaii. The island itself is the best place to visit, and the best area to stay in Hawaii. Not only valleys, peaks, and forests are green you can also find a green sand beach in Hawaii. Even the beaches are unique in this paradise. But colors of Big Island Hawaii is not only limited to green and ocean blue. You can also find some blazing red lavas in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Places to Visit in Hawaii
Hawaii has an option for everyone. From diving with Mantas to walking through a lava tube. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the best place to go in Hawaii by far. For sky lovers, star gazing atop Mauna Kea is a must-see attraction. Visiting black and green sand beaches is also an exclusive experience on the big island. You can also find a helicopter tour over an active volcano, visit famous Kona coffee plantations, and kayak in Kealakekua Bay. The offerings of the big island seem limitless. If you started to make a list of where should I go in Hawaii it will become the longest list you ever made easily.
Where to Stay in Hawaii
Like places to visit, there are numbers of places to stay in Hawaii. Everyone has an option to step back and unwind a place on the big island.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: Villas, residentials, suits, and much more… Four Seasons Resort Hualalai delivers a unique experience for your vacation. At the Resort’s legendary King’s Pond saltwater aquarium you can take snorkel lessons around more than 98 different tropical fish species. You can also participate in the Resort’s private Hawaii tour.
Fairmont Orchid: Fairmont Orchid delivers an experience inspired by the local culture. You can even find a waterfall view in a room of Fairmont Orchid. A cultural and natural experience awaits you in the Fairmont Orchid.
Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts Collection: Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts Collection lies at the center of five huge mountains. To experience the spiritual side of Hawaii, Mauna Lani is one of the best places to stay in Hawaii. Circled by mountains and the ocean, Mauna Lani delivers exclusive experiences to visitors.