So you’ve made the decision to head to Hawaii. Lucky you.
Now comes the hard part: choosing which idyllic island to visit. Among the larger destinations, two finalists will quickly emerge: Oʻahu and Maui.
Which of these two stars should you choose for your time in paradise? We’ve asked two passionate writers to make the case for why the natural attractions, beaches, food scene, and overall vibe give their preferred island the edge.
Why I’m mad for Maui
Amy C Balfour has visited Maui regularly for the last 10 years, often bringing friends and family members from the mainland – and always reconnecting with the local friends she’s made over the years. The duration of her average visit to the island? Three to five weeks.
Have you seen the sun rise over Haleakalā? This luminous show is the stuff of myths, pilgrimages, and (of course) Instagram feeds. Maui wakes up gorgeous – and never lets up. Oʻahu? Well, we concede it does wake up.
The world’s largest dormant volcano, Haleakalā, is the marquee attraction at stunning Haleakalā National Park. Haleakalā also wins bragging rights with its dazzling silverswords, a rare and finicky plant that thrives in Maui’s soils.
Humpback whales prefer Maui, too. In winter, these leviathans will swim along the Oʻahu coast, yet the waters of western Maui are their preferred spot for mating and birthing. Most visitors can observe their graceful glory from the island’s condos, catamarans, and clifftops – and a lucky few from a kayak on Makena Bay.
Another bucket-list experience is driving the Road to Hana, where waterfalls tumble into sparkling pools mere steps from the road. Maui has no shortage of dazzling road trips. Hana itself offers a window into the Hawaii of old, where locals enjoy mahi-mahi tacos, tropical fruit popsicles, and warm banana bread from roadside food stands.
While Honolulu’s Bishop Museum might celebrate Polynesian culture and history with a glossy cool, this history packs a visceral punch on Maui. Hike over ancient lava rocks on the King’s Highway or stand in awe below Piʻilanihale Heiau, an immense Polynesian temple.
In Maui, fantastic meals are not confined to the big city, unlike Oʻahu. Deliciousness is a given at local favorites. And no one can resist a traditional Hawaiian feast complemented with storytelling and traditional hula. Maui creates a dining atmosphere that captivates the senses.
You should be agog over Oʻahu
Catherine Toth Fox grew up on Oʻahu, and has spent years as a travel writer reporting on the best things to see, do, and eat in her native state. Having traveled all over the Hawaiian archipelago, she’s an expert on which island is the best. Her pick? Oʻahu.
There’s a reason the majority of visitors to Hawaii – 60% in pre-Covid 2019 – come to Oʻahu. Quite simply, there’s more to do here than on any other island, including Maui.
It’s hard to knock Maui, with its gorgeous beaches. However, Oʻahu boasts more than 200 hiking trails, hundreds of restaurants and food trucks serving everything from birria tacos to Burmese cuisine, and some of the world’s top surfing breaks available year-round.
If you’re seeking adventure, to truly experience the Hawaiian Islands, and make the most of your vacation, Oʻahu should be your choice.
Let’s start outdoors. On Oʻahu, you can view the sunrise from the top of the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail, with stunning views of the rural town of Waimānalo and Hawaiian seabirds flying above. You’ll also have a front-row seat to playful North Pacific humpback whales in the warm waters.
Oʻahu has an extensive array of restaurants, ensuring that you’ll enjoy incredibly diverse dining options. Here, you’ll find everything from authentic Hawaiian fare to family-run shops and elevated culinary experiences.
If hiking’s your thing, Oʻahu has more trails than any other island, ranging from easy treks to epic climbs. The hiking variety on Oʻahu surpasses what Maui can offer.
Oʻahu is heaven for families, offering endless fun at various attractions. From aquariums and zoos to water parks, the possibilities for adventure never stop.
If you want to dive deep into the rich culture of Hawaii, Oʻahu’s museums boast extensive collections of Polynesian artifacts and art. History comes alive through exploration at various cultural sites.
Oʻahu has it all, and there’s no place like it.
