By Sarah Schmalbruch, INSIDER
The INSIDER Summary:
The INSIDER Summary:
- Hawaii has a total of eight islands.
- We found out what island is best for each kind of traveler.
- Maui is best for beach bums, Lanai is ideal for honeymooners, the Big Island is good for families, Kauai is best for outdoorsy types, Molokai is ideal for divers, Oahu is good for history buffs, Niihau is ideal for adventurers.
Summer is on its way, and if you're looking to do some traveling during the season, now is a good time to start planning your vacation.
For those looking to venture to more tropical climates, Hawaii is a great destination.
The Aloha State's eight islands offer something for every type of traveler, from beach bums to golfers to adventurers.
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Best for beach bums: Maui
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Maui is known for its beaches. Their bright, soft white sand and crystal clear aquamarine waters attract both sunbathers and water sport aficionados.
Some of the top beaches include Kapalua, Kaanapali, Wailea, Waianapanapa State Park (which has black sand), and Maluaka (also known as Makena).
Some of the top beaches include Kapalua, Kaanapali, Wailea, Waianapanapa State Park (which has black sand), and Maluaka (also known as Makena).
Best for honeymooners: Lanai
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Besides its two well known golf courses, most of Lanai remains remote and undeveloped. And that makes it a perfect destination for honeymooners who are seeking privacy and seclusion.
Honeymooners can explore the island's countryside and hidden beaches by 4-wheel drive or on horseback.
There's also the Hotel Lanai, a tiny 11-room hotel perfect for couples looking for an upscale, intimate experience.
Honeymooners can explore the island's countryside and hidden beaches by 4-wheel drive or on horseback.
There's also the Hotel Lanai, a tiny 11-room hotel perfect for couples looking for an upscale, intimate experience.
Best for families: Hawaii (The Big Island)
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Hawaii's Big Island has a large variety of attractions, from volcanoes to parks to beaches to museums to restaurants, so it's perfect for a family looking to please a number of travelers.
Kids will love the Ellison S. Onizuka Center for International Astronomy and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, both of which are open year-round. The astronomy center provides stargazing programs.
For families hoping to interact with wildlife, Kona's coast offers sheltered and calm waters for snorkeling, dolphin and turtle spotting, and manta ray boat tours.
Best for outdoorsy types: Kauai
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Since Kauai is located farthest away from the hot spot that formed the Hawaiian Islands, its mountains are more eroded. The island is known for its steep cliffs and rugged coastline.
Those who enjoy spending time outside can visit Kauai's Na Pali Coast State Parks and the spectacular Waimea Canyon. It's also a great place for honeymooners: Couples can spend the day hiking and then retreat to their luxury resort for some relaxation at the end of the day.
Those who enjoy spending time outside can visit Kauai's Na Pali Coast State Parks and the spectacular Waimea Canyon. It's also a great place for honeymooners: Couples can spend the day hiking and then retreat to their luxury resort for some relaxation at the end of the day.
Best for divers: Molokai
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Molokai's beautiful coral reefs are great for snorkelers and scuba divers.
The island also has the world's longest fringing reef, a reef that grows near the coastline, but is separated by the shore by a narrow, shallow lagoon.
The island also has the world's longest fringing reef, a reef that grows near the coastline, but is separated by the shore by a narrow, shallow lagoon.
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Best for history buffs: Oahu
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Oahu is not only the capital of Hawaii but also home to Pearl Harbor.
A complete tour of the harbor includes visits to the USS Arizona Memorial, the museum, and multiple battle ships.
Besides Pearl Harbor, there's the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the Koolau Mountain Range. The lookout was the site of the Battle of Nuuanu, which was the battle that united all of the Hawain Islands under one king — King Kamehameha — back in 1795. The king's statue still stands today in Honolulu.
History buffs will also want to pay a visit to Honolulu's Iolani Palace. It's the only official state residence of royalty in the US.
A complete tour of the harbor includes visits to the USS Arizona Memorial, the museum, and multiple battle ships.
Besides Pearl Harbor, there's the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the Koolau Mountain Range. The lookout was the site of the Battle of Nuuanu, which was the battle that united all of the Hawain Islands under one king — King Kamehameha — back in 1795. The king's statue still stands today in Honolulu.
History buffs will also want to pay a visit to Honolulu's Iolani Palace. It's the only official state residence of royalty in the US.
Best for adventurers: Niihau
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Niihau is one of two Hawaiian islands — the other is Kaho'olawe — that remains closed to tourists in an effort to preserve the island's landscape and wildlife. No commercial development is permitted on either island.
Known as the Forbidden Island, Niihau in particular is home to many endangered plants and animals. Although it's extremely hard for tourists to access the island, they can take a helicopter tour over it, which can provide great views of humpback whales.
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