Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit in 2025?

As British travellers plan their 2025 getaways, Hawai’i beckons with its sun-drenched beaches, world-famous landscapes, and unique cultural experiences.

But with six beautifully unique islands to choose from, how do you decide which Hawaiian paradise is perfect for you? This quick guide shares island highlights plus what’s new for 2025.

Maui, Molokai, and Lanai: The Perfect Trio

For travellers seeking diversity in one trip, Maui, Molokai, and Lanai offer a seamless blend of luxury, adventure, and authentic Hawaiian culture.Maui: Known as the “Valley Isle,” is ideal for families and honeymooners alike. In 2025, the much-anticipated reopening of the Wailea Beach Resort promises elevated luxury with newly renovated rooms and beach front villas. The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Kāʻanapali new Ocean Tower is designed with tranquility in mind and the new social hub with Topgolf Swing, Duckpin bowling & arcade games are perfect for families. Don’t miss the Road to Hana, whale watching tours (Nov-Mar), or the breathtaking sunrise at Haleakalā National Park; Unique Maui Tours offer a new private tour with a cultural practitioner for a truly local and authentic experience.

Molokai: A short ferry ride from Maui, Molokai offers an off-the-beaten-path experience. Known for its untouched beauty, it’s perfect for couples seeking tranquility. From the sacred Hālawa Valley to Pāpōhaku Beach Park—one of Hawaiʻi's largest beaches - ‘The Friendly Isle’ offers unforgettable experiences: hike to the remote Kalaupapa National Historical Park, explore Kapuāiwa Coconut Grove, and snorkel along Hawaiʻi’s longest continuous fringing reef.

Lanai: Lanai is a haven for exclusivity, with luxury resorts like the Four Seasons Resort Lanai. Golf enthusiasts can tee off with ocean views, while couples can enjoy secluded beaches, off-road adventures and the quaint charm of the harbour and up-country town with local restaurants and art galleries.

Oahu: Vibrant City Meets Island Charm - Oahu, also known as ‘The Gathering Place’ is home to Honolulu and Waikīkī beach and is the entertainment hub of Hawaii, making it ideal for families and cruise enthusiasts.For shopping and dining, head to Ala Moana Centre where the refreshing Hawaiian wind blows through the world’s largest open-air mall. Families can enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Bishop Museum or snorkel at Hanauma Bay State Park. Couples and honeymooners will love Waikiki Beach’s romantic sunsets and the North Shore’s serene beaches and cool surf town vibe. For history buffs, Pearl Harbor is a must, with immersive tours and new VR experiences bringing World War history to life. Movie buffs will love the new e-bike tours of Kualoa Ranch, home of iconic Jurassic Valley.Lovers of the arts can experience ʻAuana’, (opened Dec’24) Cirque du Soleil’s first resident production in Hawai‘i and its first show to be curated around its host destination under the guidance and vision of Native Hawaiian creatives. Broadway in Hawai‘i is returning in 2025 with three incredible productions to the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, which will reopen in early 2025 following renovations. The Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra has also announced a new collection of concerts for 2025 designed for audiences of all ages.

Island of Hawaii: A Volcanic Wonder - The Island of Hawaii, known as ‘The Big Island’, is a dream for adventurers and those who love the outdoors. Don’t miss Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can witness lava flows and hike through volcanic craters and tubes. Stargazing atop Mauna Kea is unparalleled for romance. A day out at Black Sand beach is truly unique and you might spot Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles basking.To celebrate its 60th anniversary, in early 2025 the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel will unveil its renovation, evolving for the modern traveller while preserving its heritage. Re-designed rooms, dining, a destination spa, infinity pool and unobstructed views of Kaunaʻoa Bay await.Couples and wellness enthusiasts can enjoy Kona Salt Farm’s new Bath Salt Making Station, crafting personalised salts from Hawaiian botanicals and hand-harvested salt sourced from deep ocean waters.

Kauai: The Garden Isle - Kauai’s charm lies in its unspoiled natural beauty, lush landscapes and a laid-back vibe make it a favourite for honeymooners and nature enthusiasts. Adventurers can explore the dramatic Na Pali Coast by boat or helicopter, while families can enjoy the Wailua River’s kayaking tours and Fern Grotto, a geological wonder filled with native Hawaiian tropical plants. The Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge’s new viewpoint site is now open, offering a self-guided visitor experience and safe access to beautiful views of the north shore.Kauai's newest sustainable luxury resort 1Hotel Hanalei Bay, opened its doors late summer 2024 and is their new flagship hotel. Wellness is key and it's fast becoming a celebrity favourite too.

Why Visit Hawaii in 2025? Hawaii’s allure lies in its diversity - each island offers something special and unique and with new hotels, attractions, and experiences, 2025 is a great year to immerse yourself in the magic of Hawaiʻi and feel the Aloha spirit. As fire hit Lahaina starts to re-open in Maui, the islanders welcome the support of tourists to help re-build the community and island.