The Best Islands in Hawaiʻi in 2026
Our take
There is something genuinely exciting about a readers' choice award in Hawaiʻi — not because it crowns a winner, but because it reflects the collective voice of people who have actually walked the shores, tasted the food, and felt the aloha of each island. HAWAIʻI Magazine's annual Readers' Choice Awards has arrived once again, and the results are in. If you have not yet picked up a copy, you will want to grab the Spring/Summer 2026 issue to see the full list of winners across categories from best beaches to top poke spots. For a closer look at where to stay, revisit our coverage of the Best of Kauaʻi 2019 Hotels and Resorts and The Best Hotels on Kauaʻi According to Our Editors — both pieces that capture the spirit of an island that consistently rises to the top.
What makes this particular category — best islands — so compelling is that it asks something deeper than "which island has the prettiest beach." It asks people how an island made them feel. Each of Hawaiʻi's major islands carries its own personality, its own rhythm. Oʻahu pulses with urban energy and cultural depth. Maui wraps you in resort luxury and sweeping coastal vistas. Kauaʻi whispers with ancient valleys and unhurried authenticity. Hawaiʻi Island grounds you in raw volcanic power and an almost primal connection to the earth. When thousands of readers cast their votes, they are not just picking a favorite postcard. They are honoring a relationship, a memory, a feeling that stayed with them long after the flight home.
For the seasoned traveler, these awards serve as a curated guide — not to the most marketed or most Instagrammed destinations, but to the places that genuinely resonate with real people. They remind us that the best experiences in Hawaiʻi are not always the most obvious ones. It is the tucked-away farm-to-table dinner in Kapaʻa. It is the predawn hike to a summit that rewards you with a sunrise no photograph can truly capture. It is the conversation with a local fisherman who shares the story behind the catch on your plate. The islands reward curiosity, and this list reflects that truth beautifully.
What will be worth watching in the years ahead is how these preferences shift as travelers increasingly seek experiences rooted in sustainability, cultural preservation, and community connection. Will the smaller, less commercialized islands and regions gain more recognition as visitors look beyond the familiar? Will the conversation around "best" evolve to include not just beauty and luxury but also ecological responsibility and cultural integrity? One thing is certain — Hawaiʻi has a way of surprising those who arrive with open hearts and willing feet. The islands are not just destinations to be visited. They are living places to be experienced, respected, and carried with you long after you leave.
The wait is over! HAWAIʻI Magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards is out and on newsstands. (Get your copy here.)
From the best beaches and hiking trails to romantic resorts and top poke spots, our list celebrates the best of the best in Hawaiʻi.
Over the next few weeks, you’ll get a snapshot of the winners, as we share stories about them—including the best islands in Hawaiʻi, one of the most exciting categories every year.
Talking about your favorite island is often a contentious topic among locals in Hawaiʻi—and even travelers. Each island is unique and distinct. From emerald sea cliffs and volcanic landscapes to surf breaks and local restaurants, there’s a lot to love about every island.
As for which island is the best? That’s why we asked you, our readers.
Here is a ranked list of the best Hawaiian Islands in 2026.
1. Maui
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
The Valley Isle returns to the top!
Maui was ranked third in our 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards—a big drop from being voted number one for years.
The island is loved for its golden beaches, scenic road to Hāna—which is dotted with some of the roadside banana bread stands—and colorful towns. Maui is a dream destination for all types of travelers, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, relaxation, or a mix of both. You can spend one day hiking through Haleakalā National Park and then the next lounging on the golden sands of Kāʻanapali Beach. You can also explore the streets of Makawao to learn more about its paniolo heritage or visit Wailuku, an old-school town filled with charming businesses.
READ MORE: 15 of Our Favorite Things to Do on Maui
2. Kauaʻi
Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Vincent Lim
The Garden Isle takes silver in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Kauaʻi was voted number one in 2025 but remains a favorite among our readers. As the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, Kauaʻi exudes a natural and untamed energy with its fabled Nāpali Coast and verdant valleys. The island has long been a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking to slow down. From hiking the Kalalau Trail to lounging on the sunny shores of Poʻipū to finding bliss at the heavenly 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Kauaʻi provides a serene getaway for visitors and local travelers alike.
READ MORE: 48 Things We Love About Kauaʻi
3. Oʻahu
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
This year, Oʻahu is coming in third place for the best island. Nicknamed the Gathering Place, Oʻahu is the most-visited island in Hawaiʻi. Here, you can explore historic Chinatown, learn to surf in iconic Waikīkī, dine at award-winning restaurants and shop at the world’s largest open-air shopping center. But if you venture outside of the visitor hubs, you’ll find even more reasons to love Oʻahu. On the island’s Windward Side, Kailua is home to some of the best beaches in Hawaiʻi as well as old-school shave ice stands and charming restaurants. You can also head to Oʻahu’s famous North Shore. During the winter months, you can witness the best surfers in the world charge some of the most well-known surf breaks on the planet. And in the summer—when the conditions are calmer and safer—you can snorkel at spots like Shark’s Cover or just relax on the serene beaches.
4. Hawaiʻi Island
Photo: NPS Photo/J.Wei
Spanning 4,028 square miles and comprising 63% of the archipelago’s combined land mass, the Big Island earns its nickname. And across this massive island, there is no shortage of unbelievable natural wonders.
The eruption at Kīlauea has been drawing travelers from neighboring islands and around the world. Since 2024, there have been more than 45 eruptive episodes. During some, lava fountains have been recorded to reach heights of more than 1,000 feet in the air.
Beyond the volcanic action, you can also hike to massive waterfalls, swim with manta rays, ride horses in paniolo country or just lounge on the picturesque Hāpuna Beach.
READ MORE: 5 Record-Breaking Wonders You Need to Witness on Hawaiʻi Island
See all of the winners of our 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards in our latest issue, which you can buy here. Better yet, subscribe and get HAWAIʻI Magazine delivered right to your mailbox.
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience
Related Articles
- Our Annual Readers’ Choice Issue Has ArrivedOur readers voted—and the results are in! We received thousands of votes in our annual Readers’ Choice Award, from the best beaches and hiking trails to shave ice spots and more. You can find out the winners in our 2026 SPRING/SUMMER issue, which is available now. Lookout for the latest issue on newsstands or purchase a copy from our online […]
- Best of Kauai 2019: Hotels & Resorts - HAWAIʻI MagazineBest of Kauai 2019: Hotels & Resorts HAWAIʻI Magazine
- The Best Hotels on Kauaʻi, According to our Editors - HAWAIʻI MagazineThe Best Hotels on Kauaʻi, According to our Editors HAWAIʻI Magazine