This article is designed to help you choose which Hawaiian Islands to visit yew you have a particular activity in mind. Of course, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the 6 main islands of Hawaii have all of these activities in one form or form. We have used a mixture of popular opinion and our own research and personal experiences to compile these lists. A “(s)” indicates that it may only be available during certain seasons. Remember to always check the conditions and availability, especially for water activities.
Best night life
1. Oahu – Waikiki
2. Maui – Lahaina
3. Big Island – Kailua Kona
Best Hiking
1. Kauai – Na Pali Coast (s)
2. Kauai – Waimea Canyon
3. Big Island – Mount Kilauea
Best surfing (advanced) (s)
1. Oahu – North Shore
2. Kauai – Hanalei Bay
3. Maui – Honolua Bay
Best surfing (beginner) (s)
1. Oahu – Waikiki
2. Kauai – Kalapaki Beach
3. Maui – Launiupoko Park
Best diving
1. Maui – Molokini
2. Maui or Lanai – Lanai Coast
3. Big Island – West Coast
Best windsurfing / kitesurfing (s)
1. Maui – Hookipa Beach Park (advanced)
2. Maui – Kanaha Beach (beginner)
3. Oahu – Kailua Beach
Best snorkel
1. Oahu – Haunama Bay
2. Maui – Kaanapali (Black Rock)
3. Kauai – Lydgate Beach and Tunnels
Best Buys
1. Oahu: Aloha and Waikiki Market
2. Maui – Lahaina
3. Big Island – Kailua Kona
Better naked sunbathing
1. Maui – Small beach in Makena
2. Big Island: many places
3. Kauai – Secret Beach in Kilauea
Best Exotic Beaches
1. Maui – Red Sand Beach (Hana)
2. Big Island – Punaluu black sand beach
3. Big Island – Mahana Green Arena (s)
The best experiences in nature
1. Kauai – Na Pali Coast
2. Big Island – Kilauea Volcano
3. Maui or Lanai: whale watching
For even more “Best of Hawaii” lists, visit ==> http://www.gladtravel.com/HI-info/bestofhawaii.aspx