10 Most Popular Islands, Beaches and Towns of Hawaii

Honolulu is home to an iconic crescent beach and a diverse urban sprawl backdropped by the Diamond Head volcanic crater. You’ll find just all sorts of accommodation options in Hawaii’s capital city, from boutique hotels to high-rises. Waikiki is the city’s busiest district, where you can find an assortment of restaurants, shops, nightclubs, and cafes overlooking the ocean.

Some of Honolulu’s most popular beaches are in Waikiki, but you can escape the crowds and go snorkelling at the quieter Hanauma Bay to the east of Honolulu. Be prepared to deal with congestion and pricey parking fees if you're travelling by car. The city is fairly walkable, with public buses offering inexpensive day passes.

Hilo experiences more rainfall than all other towns on Big Island, making it a top destination for forest trekking and nature escapes. If you’re a history buff, you’ll appreciate the historic storefronts and plantation-style architecture in the Downtown area. For dramatic natural landscapes, head to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or the Wailuku River State Park.

With its year-round tropical climate, Hilo is an ideal place to visit regardless of the season. You might want to book a hotel during winter when temperatures are comfortable and storms are rare. Visit in January or February if you want to spot humpback whales in the ocean.

Lahaina was Hawaii’s capital and royal playground During the early 19th century. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination with historic buildings, beautiful beaches, and art galleries overlooking the ocean. You’ll also find plenty of places to eat and shop.

Lahaina Beach is the town's busiest beach. You can find a quiet spot on the 3-mile-long Ka'anapali Beach, where water sports are popular pastimes. If you fancy scuba diving, head over to Baby Beach. Spend the evening in Napili Beach, where you can dine in several fine-dining establishments. 

Kailua is a small town on the windward side of Oahu. Popular with surfers and water sports enthusiasts, it boasts one of Hawaii’s most stunning coastlines at Kailua Beach Park. Lanakai Beach is a little quieter and offers views of the Mokulua Islands.

The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is popular with history buffs searching for old military bunkers. If you want to broaden your cultural horizons, visit the Kailua Farmers’ Market to browse local goods and produce. You can opt for a wine-tasting session at Winery Oeno as a way to unwind after a day of exploration.

Kapa’a is the most populous town on the island of Kauai, stretching from the base of Nounou Mountain (Sleeping Giant) to the eastern coast. Popular activities include kayaking and hiking through the town’s dense forests. In the town itself, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, hotels and shopping centres.

If you want to see the natural diversity of Kapa’a, we recommend hiking the 2.8-mile Makaleha Trailhead, where you’ll see forests, rivers and a waterfall as you head upstream. Those who prefer a relaxing day can grab a spot on the sand or lawn at Kapa’a Beach Park.

Kailua-Kona is one of the most popular beach resorts on Hawaii Big Island, with miles of bays and coastal strips to explore. The town is known for producing some of the world’s most sought-after coffee beans, which you can learn about at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm. Further inland in North Kona is Hualalai Volcano, which is loved by hikers.

You’ll find plenty of upscale and boutique accommodation options near Kailua-Kona's beaches. If you’re looking for something budget-friendly, you might want to set your sights on the guesthouses and B&Bs of South Kona. While you’re here, check out Mokuaikaua Church, Hawaii’s oldest church.

The small town of Paia is often overlooked by visitors in Maui. However, it’s actually one of the best places to find hidden gems that attract the locals, such as the clothing-optional Paia Secret Beach. If you prefer a day of snorkelling in a quiet area, head to Ho’okipa Beach Park. Retail outlets include shops, restaurants and surf stores.

Besides sunbathing and snorkelling, windsurfing is a popular activity in Paia. Many consider the town “The World Capital of Windsurfing”. If you want to put your windsurfing skills to the test, head to Ho’okipa or Spreckelsville.

Waimea is home to many of Hawaii’s most famous surfing beaches. Thanks to its awe-inspiring waves during winter, international competitions regularly take place at Sunset Beach, Ehukai Beach and Waimea Bay. Besides water sports, popular activities include hiking and wildlife watching at the Pu'u O Umi Natural Area Reserve.

You’ll find plenty of affordable accommodation options throughout Waimea. If you want to splash out on a bit of luxury, look for hotels near the seaside districts of Kawaihae and Puako, both of which are home to renowned golf resorts.

In the town of Poipu, you’ll find beautiful sandy beaches hidden in 3 sweeping crescents. Thanks to its calm waters and daily lifeguard service, Poipu is especially popular with families, but it’s also an ideal destination for snorkelers and novice surfers. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes with ocean views.

Accommodation options in Poipu consist mostly of high-end hotels and resorts that overlook Keoniloa Bay. For a day of relaxation without the crowds, we recommend heading to the beach at Makawehi Bluff. The nearby Makauwahi Cave Reserve promises an exciting day out.

Kapihua Bay is a sandy strip and one of the only 2 hotel resorts on the apostrophe-shaped island of Lanai. Despite its untouched beauty, Lanai attracts very few visitors compared to its island neighbours, making it an ideal destination to enjoy some peace and seclusion.

If you intend to spend the day in Lanai, we recommend planning your activities. The island consists of dirt roads and lacks traffic lights or facilities like shopping malls. However, the natural attractions make a visit to Kapihua Bay more than worthwhile.