Island Hopping in Hawaii

​Did you know that Hawaii, the 50th state to join the union, is comprised of 136 islands?  The amazing thing is that only 7 of those islands are inhabited by humans, and only 6 are considered travel destinations!  So, what are these islands and how do you know which of these to visit? 
The islands that are considered for our vacations are Lanai, Molokai, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii.  Each of these islands has its own vibe and distinct personality with unique history, topography, and unique activities.
Before discussing each of the islands and what each has to offer tourists, the topic that always comes to light when clients are asking about a trip to Hawaii is:  What is the difference between Honolulu, Waikiki, and Oahu?  Aren’t they one and the same and what do you call it when visiting? Very simply, Oahu is the island and Honolulu is the city and capital of Hawaii that is on that island.  Waikiki is an area of Honolulu on the island of Oahu. Now that we have that straight we can move on to see the differences of the touristy islands.
Do you dream of riding a bike down the side of a volcano, riding a helicopter over a waterfall, exploring World War II history, learning to hula at a luau, high end island shopping, or sipping a Blue Hawaiian cocktail at every happy hour?  All of these and more are fun choices of these gorgeous islands!   Let’s see where you can do these fabulous things!
Lanai, a hidden gem, is the smallest and least-visited island. If you are eager to get off the grid and enjoy some alone time, this is your haven. It has no traffic lights, no public transportation, and no real nightlife. Nicknamed “the Pineapple Isle,” it was once home to a plantation that produced 75% of the world’s pineapples. You will likely see more cats, fish, and birds than you will people. Today it is owned almost entirely by Oracle Founder Larry Ellison, who has been careful to preserve tiny Lanai’s off-the-beaten-path charm.
Lanai has empty golden beaches with aqua-blue waters teeming with fish, playful spinner dolphins and humpback whales that breach offshore in winter. Hulopoe Bay at the foot of the Four Seasons Resort is a protected marine preserve with tidepools and ideal snorkeling conditions. Lanai is beloved for its quick ferry to Maui, world-class golf courses, sunset boat cruises, fishing, the Garden of the Gods, archery, horseback riding and fine dining. And be prepared to enjoy a lot of pineapple.
Molokai is often called “the Friendly Isle, “and is known for its warm spirit and slow pace. “Aloha” is not just a word here, it’s a lifestyle. You can still find old Hawaii here — the Hawaii of 50 years ago — preserved in time. More native Hawaiians live here than on any other island.
With its rich cultural history, awe-inspiring natural beauty, the tallest sea cliffs in the world, massive volcanoes, rain forests and silky white-sand beaches, Molokai is a vacationer’s dream. You’ll see no traffic lights here either and no building taller than a palm tree. Once a leper colony, the stunning Kalapana Peninsula is often considered the prettiest place in all of Hawaii. It has abundant snorkeling, diving, surfing, fishing, whale watching, bird watching, golfing, and hiking. As the birthplace of the hula, the dance is celebrated regularly, so bring your grass skirt.
Kauai, “The Garden Isle” is named for its unbelievably lush and pristine natural splendor. The oldest of the islands by millions of years, Kauai is home to one of the wettest spots on earth. Mount Waialeale, that averages 450 inches of rain annually, creates an interior that is dense, misty, and mysterious. It’s no wonder Jurassic Park filmed many of its scenes here. Add in the red-rock splendor of Waimea Canyon — “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific”— and the spectacular Napali Coastline with its soaring emerald, green cliffs (accessible only by foot, boat, or helicopter) and you begin to understand just how unforgettable this island is. Waterfalls grace all corners; Hanalei Bay inspires awe and the only navigable river in Hawaii awaits you. There is no end to the activities: kayaking, hiking, tubing, helicopter tours, surfing, diving and the largest zipline in Hawaii. Oh, and South Shore: Sunny Poipu was once called the “Best Beach in America” by the Travel Channel. 
Oahu is known as the “Gathering Place”, for its spirit of ohana, Oahu is an exciting blend of big-city amenities and artistic culture surrounded by gorgeous tropical scenery. Home to Hawaii’s capital city of Honolulu — and most of the state’s population, it is an entertainment mecca with a vibrant restaurant and shopping scene. You’ll enjoy some of the finest dining in the state here and Japanese boutiques you won’t find anywhere on the mainland. Hit the town at night, and in the morning head to the world-famous North Shore to surf. Go parasailing over Waikiki Beach or swim with turtles. American history is everywhere on display at the Pearl Harbor Museum and other poignant World War II memorials, and if you’re in the market for a handcrafted ukulele they don’t get much more authentic than here on Oahu.
By far the most popular destination among tourists, Oahu attracts nearly twice as many visitors as Maui annually. This happy place is a great choice for families — though your kids may never want to leave.
Maui is a tropical playground created by two merging volcanoes. Towering at 10,000 feet, Maui’s Haleakala is the largest dormant volcano in the world, creating 75% of the island’s mass. Its valley is 21 miles wide and 4,000 feet deep, large enough to hold the entire island of Manhattan. Catch a ride to the top then bike back down, passing through more ecological zones than seems possible. Yours truly did this several years ago and I am still bragging about it!
Home to 120 miles of gorgeous coastline you will find white-, golden-, black-, or red-sand beaches. By law, no one can own a beach on Maui or has the right to keep people off of it (including resorts) so beachcombing is a way of life here. Tour the only working pineapple plantation in the country, go windsurfing at Ho’okipa Beach and scuba dive in the crescent shaped Molokini Crater. Maui’s Olowalu Reef is a haven for manta rays and sea turtles. If you brave the harrowing Road to Hana drive up the black-lava coast — crossing some 54 bridges — be sure to stop often to witness stunning waterfalls and hidden beaches along the way. 
The “Big Island” of Hawaii is the youngest and the largest of all — and it is still growing! More than 600 acres have been added since the Kilauea volcano erupted in 1983. When comparing the Hawaiian Islands this grandaddy is bigger than all the others combined! One of earth’s most ecologically diverse locales with 8 of the 13 different climate zones that exist in the world, you’ll find lush rainforest valleys, waterfalls, lava deserts and even snowy mountaintops. Sea mountain Mauna Kea is 4500 feet taller than Mount Everest and nature lovers will be wowed that 90% of Hawaii’s flora and fauna is native to the land.
The Big island’s coastline stretches 266 miles and features beaches of different sand colors from powdery-white, jet black, and even some with green sand from ancient volcanic rock. The coast’s coral reefs are rife with fish, sea turtles and eels. Here on the Big Island you can go hiking in search of red-hot lava, bathe under a thundering waterfall, read your book on a massive white-sand beach as whales breach off the coast and wander the quaint villages for handmade art.
The differences between the Hawaiian Islands are vast, but one thing is for certain, no matter which one you choose to visit you will find adventure and beauty at every turn. In fact, sometimes the amenities you hadn’t even anticipated turn out to be your favorites!
If you’d like more information about any of the islands or are ready to make a reservation, please reach out to us at Classy Destinations!  Aloha!