A Guide to Hawaii: Choosing the Right Island for Your Amazing Eco Vacation

There are six major islands to visit in Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii! Each has its own distinct personality, adventures, activities and sights. When planning your Hawaii vacation, you first must choose what island you would like to visit.

Kauai

The “Garden Isle” is home to some of the most dramatic scenery in the South Pacific.

Relax and unwind in Kauai, the fourth largest island along with being the oldest and northernmost island. Kauai is the top honeymoon & wedding spot. Centuries of growth have formed tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading waterfalls! 80% of the island is inaccessable by car.

Things to Do

• Wailua River: The 20-mile long river, that once wove through the settings of seven different heiau (temples), flows from the 5,148-foot Mount Waialeale in the center of the island. The Wailua River feeds two popular and accessible waterfalls: Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls. The scenic river itself can be explored by kayak, SUP or outrigger canoe, and a boat tour is also available. Open-air boats also offer guided tours of the Fern Grotto, a natural lava rock cave sheltered by draping ferns. 
• Lydgate Beach park: Located on the shoreline near the mouth of the Wailua River, Lydgate Beach is one of the most popular beach parks on Kauai and attracts many swimmers, picnickers, campers, fishermen, surfers, divers, snorkelers and beachcombers. Protected from the open ocean by a lava-rock wall, Lydgate Beach Park uniquely hosts a variety of tropical fish in protected calm waters, ideal for keiki (children) and beginner snorkelers. 
• Opaeka’a Falls: Cascading down into a hidden pool, this 151-foot-tall, 40-foot-wide waterfall is easily one of the island’s most accessible major waterfalls. Walk uphill from the Opaekaa lookout and across the road for another great view of the Wailua River valley and interior plains beyond.
• Nounoa Mountain: On Kauai’s East Side, between Wailua and Kapaa, is the Nounou Mountain range—more famously known as Sleeping Giant. The Sleeping Giant Trail is one of three Nounou Mountain Trails. Enjoy a stunning hike through a shaded forest of ironwood, guava and silk oak. It’s less than a 2-mile hike to the top where you’ll discover breathtaking views.
• Koke’e State Park: North of Waimea Canyon on Kauai’s West Side is Kokee State Park. Spread over 4,345 acres on a plateau 3,200 to 4,200 feet above sea level, Kokee State Park is covered in forest, wild flowers and hiking trails making it an excellent spot to see native plants and colorful endemic Hawaiian forest birds like the apapane, iwi and moa. The park also offers roughly 45 miles of the state’s finest hiking trails.
• Po’ipu  Beach: The most popular beach on the South Shore is Poipu Beach, which is fronted by Poipu Beach Park, and a few resorts. Poipu Beach was named America’s Best Beach by The Travel Channel, ranking top among the 10 “best” beaches selected nationwide. This beach is a series of golden sand crescents, strung together where beach-goers will find snorkeling, swimming, a natural ocean wading pool, boogie-boarding and surfing.
• Alekoko Fish Pond: Built nearly 1,000 years ago, the Alekoko Fishpond, minutes from Lihue, has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. Ingenious ponds were built to catch fish, and this is one of the finest examples of ancient Hawaiian aquaculture.
• Allerton Garden: originally created by Robert Allerton and John Gregg Allerton, located on the south shore of Kauai, Hawaii. The garden covers an 80-acre area and is situated beside the Lāwaʻi Bay, in a valley transected by the Lāwaʻi Stream. It is one of the five gardens of the non-profit National Tropical Botanical Garden.

Celebrations

March: Prince Kuhio Celebration- Two week long celebration along Po’ipu coast.

September: Mokihana Celebration- A week-long celebration of Hawaiian culture, including educational lectures, music and hula competitions on the island of Kauai.

October: Coconut Festival- Celebrate all that is Coconut with unique coconut crafts, coconut games, delicious coconut foods and contests with some of the best crafters, artists and entertainers in Hawaii!

November: Slack Key guitar festival- Festival to perpetuate and preserve an indigenous art form that’s about 170 years old, started on the Big Island by the paniolos.

Green Lodging

North Country Fahttps://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/sGQBYPh/GetaQuoterms

Organic family farm with farm stay cottage in rural setting on lush north shore of kauai with easy access to beaches, restaurants and shops.

Kauai Country Inn

One of Hawaii’s premier bed and breakfasts and small boutique hotels, featuring 4 luxurious vacation suites with many amenities.

The Garden Hideaway

Organic Farming mixed with eco-friendly cottages and bamboo enclosed meditation garden. One of the owners, Lisa, also leads yoga classes.

O’ahu

The “Heart of Hawaii” is home to the capital city of Honolulu and legendary surf towns like Haleiwa.

The third largest Hawaiian island is home to the majority of Hawaii’s diverse population, a fusion of East and West cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people. The surfing mecca of the world is Oahu’s North Shore, and surfers flock there every winter to witness the best the world has to offer. History buffs will find their bliss among Honolulu’s cultural gems such as Pearl Harbor and Iolani Palace.

Things to Do

• Diamond Head: Diamond Head (Le‘ahi) Summit Trail is a 1.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Honolulu.
• Waikiki Beach: High-rise hotels line the shore in Waikiki, a vibrant neighborhood known for its popular surf beach.
• Banzai Pipeline: Simply Pipeline or Pipe, is a surf reef break located in Hawaii, off Ehukai Beach Park in Pupukea on O’ahu’s North Shore.
• Duke Kahanamoku Beach: Sandy, curved beach offers swimming, surfing, paddle-boarding & sunning.
• Waimanalo Bay: 1.2 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Waimea.
• Halona Blowhole: one of Hawai’i’s natural wonders, created thousands of years ago when molten lava tubes were formed from volcanic eruptions.

Green Lodging

Turtle Bay Resort

After creating an official Green Committee in 2009, Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore has been working hard to become leaders among Oahu’s sustainability movement. 

Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

Our eco-sustainable hotel is committed to continuously revising its processes in order to adopt more environmentally friendly methods of providing its guests with the best possible service.

Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club

Renovated bungalow-style guest rooms, in addition to spacious one, two, and three-bedroom suites. Plastic-free hotel and locally-sourced restaurant.

Maui

From its famous beaches to the peak of Haleakala, Maui offers a combination of adventure and history.

Maui, known also as “The Valley Isle,” is the second largest Hawaiian island. The island beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, views of migrating humpback whales (during winter months), farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala. It’s not surprising Maui has been voted “Best Island in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler readers for more than 20 years.

Things to do

• Haleakala National Park: At 10,023 feet above sea level, this dormant volcano is the stage for a breathtaking range of landscapes—and skyscapes.
• Molokini: Molokini is a small, crescent moon-shaped island located just 3 miles from Maui’s southwestern coast. The island stretches over 18 acres and rises 160 feet above reef-filled waters, offering visitors snorkeling and diving.
• Lahaina: The former Hawaiian capital, was the center of the global whaling trade, and its Historic District is a National Historic Landmark.
• Kohala: Nestled amongst the jet-black and rust-red lava rock fields, a result of eruptions from the island’s volcanos centuries ago, are green oases full of world-class accommodations, fine dining and some of Hawaii’s best golf courses.
• Makawao: The biggest little town in the region locally known as Upcountry Maui and is famous for its Hawaiian cowboys, or paniolo.
• Pa’ia Town: The laid back, surfer hippie town of Maui.
• Halawa Valley: One of the island’s top recreational areas. It has everything you may ever want in a travel spot: lush mountains, waterfalls and a nice beach park with two scenic coves.
• Hamoa Beach: Beautiful white sand beach in Hana and the best for swimming and body surfing.
  

Green Lodging

Maui Eco Retreat

The retreat offers guests a relaxing atmosphere with features on-site hikes, yoga classes, and several stunning nearby beaches. The retreat is dedicated to bettering the environment by conserving water through a specialized filtration system that collects and reuses rainwater, and the property runs on solar-powered energy.

Fairmont Kea Lani

All-suite resort that is established on the stunning Wailea beach, on 22 acres of lushness. There are a number of water slides, pools, and a separate kids’ friendly pool. An environmental leader on the island because of the passion and dedication of the hotel’s Green Team.

Maui Coast Hotel

​Focusing on solar energy and green living, emphasizing the importance of environmental preservation, they are committed to preserving the vital natural resources of Hawaii through an array of green-friendly programs and initiatives. 

Island of Hawaii

From active volcanoes to coffee farms and beautiful beaches to rich history.

The island of Hawaii is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined (hence, its nickname, “Big Island”), its sheer size is awe-inspiring. You can travel through all but four of the world’s different climate zones here, ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra, a result of the shielding effect and elevations of the massive volcanoes Maunakea and Maunaloa.

Things to Do

• Thurston Lava Tube: Tropical forest area featuring a long, subterranean cave formed by ancient flowing lava.
• Thomas Jaggar Museum: First park museum in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, sharing volcano science and Hawaiian culture.
• Hawaii tropical botanical garden: Nonprofit botanical garden and nature preserve located on the 4 mile scenic route.
• Akaka Falls State Park: Pleasant self-guided walk through lush tropical vegetation to scenic vista points overlooking the cascading Kahuna Falls and the free-falling ‘Akaka Falls.
• Kahua Ranch: Working sheep and cattle ranch in North Kohala at 3,000 feet above sea level.
• Stargazing– The Big Island is a world-renowned location for astronomical observation, and Mauna Kea Stargazing is an incredible opportunity to see the night sky.
• Lapakahi State Park: A large area of ruins from an Ancient Hawaiian fishing village.
• Pacific Tsunami Museum: Located in a tsunami zone itself, the museum aims to educate people about tsunamis and how they have and continue to affect Hawaiian culture.

Hawaii Island Retreat

This elegant property focuses on providing guests with experiences that will improve wellness and promote relaxation. The retreat is committed to living in balance with the land which can be seen through their sustainability efforts.

Rainforest Eco Cabin

Rainforest Eco Cabin is hidden in a leafy setting within easy reach of all the island’s top attractions. The cabin is compact but provides everything needed for a comfortable stay. Water is provided from a rainwater collection system and filtered for consumption, and electricity is solar-powered. 

Moloka’i & Lana’i

Molokai wants to be left alone. Lanai embraces restoration efforts and some development.

The smallest inhabited island travelers may visit in Hawaii, Lanai offers big enticements to its visitors. Only nine miles from Maui yet a world away, Lanai can feel like two places. The first is found in luxurious resorts where visitors can indulge in world-class amenities and championship-level golf. The other is found bouncing along the island’s rugged back roads in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to explore off-the-beaten-path treasures.

Hawaii’s fifth largest island, Molokai is only 38 miles long and 10 miles across at its widest point and is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world and the longest continuous fringing reef. Molokai remains true to its island roots, with a high percentage of its population being of Native Hawaiian ancestry who continue to preserve their rural lifestyle thanks to their love of the land. It’s the only island in the Hawaiian chain that practices the Hawaiian culture to its fullest. No traffic lights, no buildings taller than 30 feet and no chain stores or restaurant.

Green Lodging

Hotel Moloka’i

A genuine hideaway from all things mainstream. Located on Kamiloloa beach and adjacent to Hawaii’s only barrier reef, you’ll find our Polynesian-style village of bungalows. Take in a sunset at our Oceanside restaurant opened for dining experiences during lunch and dinner. 

Four Seasons Resort

Overlooks pristine Hulopoe Bay, a marine preserve with protected tide pools ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Spend your days lounging by our lagoon-style pools, strolling our botanical gardens, reconnecting body and spirit at Hawanawana Spa, and savouring Japanese cuisine