Should you take an O’ahu tour, or drive around Maui instead? Here’s what makes each of them unique… and why you should consider going to both!
What’s on O’ahu?
If you’re a big city person, you might prefer to tour O’ahu. It’s home to Honolulu, Hawaii’s state capital and massive trading port. Check out magnificent constructions like Aloha Tower, Iolani Palace, and the Bishop Museum. The waterfront is always busy, and In fact, two-thirds of the population of the entire Hawaiian archipelago reside on this one island!
But that doesn’t mean O’ahu doesn’t have a natural side as well. After all, just a short drive from Honolulu is Diamond Head Crater. This volcano exploded several hundred thousand years ago, and left behind an amazing stone caldera that lets you see the whole city from above. The calcite from the explosion has rendered the beach below particularly sparkly, making the whole place seem even more magical.
How about Maui?
A Maui tour is more low-key than O’ahu. This island dials down the number of people and dials up the natural beauty. If you want to meditate by a waterfall, sit in a grove of Rainbow Eucalyptus trees, or sunbathe on a black sand beach, this is the place you want to be. It makes a great relaxing vacation after the hustle-and-bustle of Honolulu.
In my opinion, neither of these islands is to be missed. Luckily, it’s super easy to travel between Hawaiian islands.
How do I get between O’ahu and Maui?
Hop on a plane! There are multiple interisland flights departing from Honolulu every hour. It takes just a half an hour by air to get from O’ahu to Maui. Then you’re ready to explore!
How can I learn about both O’ahu and Maui?
Download the Hawaiian Tours bundle! You receive four app tours for half the price. Each self-guided driving tour gives you turn-by-turn directions through both islands, hitting all the best sightseeing stops. In between destinations, the tours tell the thrilling story of Hawaiian history, from its ancient monarchs to its induction as the fiftieth U.S. state.
Should I go to Oahu or Kauai?
excerpt: Do I HAVE to choose? Both islands are incredible in totally unique ways! Let’s look at what separates a Kauai tour from an O’ahu tour.
Do I HAVE to choose? Both islands are incredible in totally unique ways! Let’s look at what separates a Kauai tour from an O’ahu tour.
What is O’ahu like?
As home to the state capital Honolulu, O’ahu is the busiest of the islands. In fact, two-thirds of all Hawaiian residents live on this one island! Enjoy popular sites like Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Aloha Tower, and the Honolulu waterfront.
This tour also tells the history of King Kamehameha the Great, a Hawaiian monarch. The fascinating tale of his rise to power and eventual reign is worth a trip all by itself! On the O’ahu tour you’ll even pass by Kamehameha’s home: the breathtakingly beautiful Iolani Palace.
Why should I visit Kauai?
If O’ahu is the big city, then Kauai is the countryside. It’s known as the “Garden Isle,” and when you take a Kauai tour, you will see exactly why. Tropical wildflowers cover every inch of this magnificent island, from Poipu Beach to the jungles of Nā Pali Wilderness Park.
The crown jewel of Kauai is Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Unlike the Grand Canyon in Arizona, this ravine is filled with lush greenery and plant life. This view has to be seen to be believed!
Kauai has its share of wacky stories to tell too. Learn about Rocky the celebrity monk seal, the arrival of 19th-century sugar barons, and… a failed Russian invasion of Hawaii? These are the tales you DIDN’T learn in history class!
How do I get between O’ahu and Kauai?
Hawaii knows that you’re going to want to see both O’ahu and Kauai during your vacation. That’s why Honolulu has multiple airline departures per hour specifically for interisland flights. You can be on a completely different island in less than half an hour!
How can I learn about both O’ahu and Kauai?
Download the Hawaiian Tours bundle! You receive four app tours for half the price. Each self-guided driving tour gives you turn-by-turn directions through both islands, hitting all the best sightseeing stops. The narration is triggered by GPS, which automatically detects landmarks in your area to tell you about them. While you drive between destinations, the tour guide tells the thrilling story of Hawaiian history, from its ancient monarchs to its induction as the fiftieth U.S. state.
No matter where you decide to go, you are sure to have a fantastic tropical trip!
