Aloha and welcome! Here at Hawaiʻi Life, we thoroughly understand the attraction of Hawaiʻi's islands for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties.
With our deep roots and extensive experience in real estate, property management, and vacation rentals across Hawaiʻi, we're here to guide you in finding the best Hawaiʻi island for a second home. In this all-inclusive blog, we'll explore the unique characteristics of each major Hawaiʻi island—Oahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kauaʻi—to help you determine the perfect fit for you, your property needs, and your wants.
Whether buying a second home in Hawaiʻi or looking for help managing a vacation rental, Hawaiʻi Life has the insider perspective and trusted service to support you on your journey.
Oahu: The Heartbeat of Hawaiʻi
Best Places to Live on Oahu
Oahu is the most populous island and offers a diverse range of neighborhoods. Honolulu, the capital city, is vibrant and bustling, ideal for those who want a mix of urban and beach life. Waikiki is famous for its high-rise condos and tourist-friendly atmosphere. Consider the North Shore, known for its stunning beaches and surf culture, for a more laid-back vibe.
Manoa Valley is a lush, residential area with excellent schools and a family-friendly environment. Meanwhile, Kailua, on the windward side, provides beautiful beaches, a charming town center, and a strong sense of community. Each neighborhood offers unique benefits catering to various lifestyles and preferences.
Resort Areas & Major Attractions
Waikiki is the primary resort area, attracting tourists with its beautiful beaches, luxury hotels, and vibrant nightlife. Nearby major attractions include Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and Hanauma Bay. Oahu's urban core offers world-class shopping and dining, while the island's natural beauty provides endless outdoor activities.
Other notable resort areas include Ko Olina, which features luxury resorts, golf courses, and a marina, and Turtle Bay on the North Shore, also known for its resort and golf courses. Whether you are looking for high-energy entertainment or tranquil escapes, Oahu has something for everyone.
Proximity to Airports
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu is the main gateway to Oahu, just a short drive from downtown and Waikiki. The airport's central location makes it convenient for residents and visitors alike. Additionally, Oahu has smaller airfields like Kalaeloa Airport for inter-island travel and private flights, offering added convenience for frequent travelers.
Oahu's Unique Characteristics
Oahu blends cosmopolitan living with stunning natural beauty. It's the only island with a major international business district (Honolulu), making it ideal for those who need to balance work and play. Its diverse population and rich cultural scene provide endless opportunities for exploration. From the bustling streets of Chinatown to the serene shores of the North Shore, Oahu offers a dynamic living experience.
Maui: The Valley Isle
Best Places to Live on Maui
Maui is known for its upscale communities and luxurious resorts. Wailea and Kihei on the south shore offer beautiful beaches and a relaxed lifestyle. Upcountry Maui, including towns like Kula and Makawao, provides a cooler climate and stunning views. West Maui areas like Kaanapali are also popular, offering a mix of tourism, golf, and modern amenities.
Napili and Kapalua on the northwest coast offer quieter, more exclusive living options, beautiful beaches, and, yes, more golf courses.
Historic Paia Town and the Haiku area offer a quieter way of life, with the ocean and jungle providing a backdrop to a chill everyday life.
Each area of Maui has a unique appeal, from the golden beaches of Kihei to the lush, elevated landscapes of Upcountry.
Resort Areas & Major Attractions
Maui's resort areas are primarily in Wailea, Kaanapali, and Kapalua. Major attractions include the scenic Hana Highway, Haleakala National Park, and the historic town of Lahaina (currently being cleared for rebuilding in the wake of the August 2023 wildfires).
Maui is also famous for its world-class golf courses and whale watching, particularly during winter, when the North Pacific humpback whales migrate through West Maui waters.
The island's diverse landscapes provide opportunities for outdoor activities, from snorkeling in Molokini Crater to hiking through bamboo forests in the Kipahulu District. Maui's combination of natural beauty and luxury amenities makes it one of the top Hawaiʻi islands for vacation homes.
Proximity to Airports
Kahului Airport is the main airport on Maui, centrally located and within easy reach of major resort areas. Smaller airports in Kapalua and Hana are also available for more regional travel. These airports provide convenient access for residents and visitors, making exploring the island or traveling to other parts of Hawaiʻi easy.
Maui's Unique Characteristics
Maui is perfect for those seeking a tranquil environment with plenty of outdoor activities. Maui's beaches are some of the best in the world, and its upscale amenities cater to those looking for a refined lifestyle. The island's slower pace and stunning scenery make it ideal for a primary residence or a second home.
Big Island: The Island of Adventure
Best Places to Live on the Big Island
The Big Island offers diverse living options, from the sunny beaches of Kona to the lush landscapes of Hilo. The Kohala Coast is renowned for its luxury resorts and residential communities. Waimea offers a cooler climate and ranch-style living. The island's vast size means there are many unique areas to consider, each with its micro-climates and lifestyle.
In addition to Kona and Hilo, Puna and Pahoa offer more affordable living options with a laid-back, rural feel. With its dramatic cliffs and lush valleys, the Hamakua Coast provides a picturesque setting for those seeking a quieter life.
Resort Areas & Major Attractions
The Kohala Coast is the main resort area, with high-end resorts like Mauna Kea and Mauna Lani. Popular attractions include Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea Observatories, and Akaka Falls. The island's diverse climates allow for various activities, from snorkeling to hiking in volcanic landscapes.
The Big Island's unique geography includes everything from black sand beaches to snow-capped mountains, offering a wildly diverse living experience. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for adventure, from diving with manta rays to exploring lava tubes. Did you know that you can snowboard or ski on Mauna Kea?
Proximity to Airports
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport serves the island's west side, while Hilo International Airport serves the east. Both airports are well-connected to principal areas, making travel convenient. Additionally, smaller regional airports like Waimea-Kohala Airport provide additional travel options for inter-island and private flights.
Big Island's Unique Characteristics
The Big Island is known for its diverse environments, from volcanic fields to lush rainforests. It's ideal for those who love adventure and exploring the great outdoors. Its large size means plenty of space and a variety of climates, making it a versatile option for a second home. The island's unique blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage makes it a fascinating place to live, with many different cost brackets and real estate options.
Kauaʻi: The Garden Isle
Best Places to Live on Kauaʻi
Kauaʻi is world-renowned for its innate natural beauty, lush landscapes, fragrant flora, and slower pace of life. The North Shore, including Princeville and Hanalei, offers stunning scenery and a relaxed atmosphere. Poipu on the South Shore is another popular area with beautiful beaches and resort amenities. Lihue and Kapaʻa provide more central locations with convenient access to services and shopping.
The west side areas like Waimea and Kekaha offer a more remote, peaceful setting for those seeking seclusion. Each area of Kauaʻi has its charm, from the dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast to the sandy beaches of the south shore.
Resort Areas & Major Attractions
Kauaʻi's main resort areas are Poipu and Princeville. Major attractions include the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon (the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"), and Wailua Falls. Kauaʻi is perfect for those who love nature and a quieter, more secluded lifestyle. The island's natural beauty provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities, from kayaking on the Wailua River to hiking in Kokee State Park.
Proximity to Airports
Lihue Airport is the main airport on Kauaʻi, located on the southeast coast. It's within a reasonable drive to most major areas on the island, making it accessible for residents and visitors. The airport's convenient location ensures that every part of the island is just a short distance from the main gateway.
Kauaʻi's Unique Characteristics
Kauaʻi's lush landscapes and gorgeous scenery make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It's the best place for those seeking peace, tranquility, and a closer connection to nature—the island's small size and limited development help to preserve its charm and appeal. Kauaʻi's tight-knit community and slower pace make it an ideal retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
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Choosing the right Hawaiʻi island for a second home depends on your lifestyle and preferences. As you have read, each island offers unique characteristics, from the bustling urban life of Oahu to the tranquil beauty of Kauaʻi. Maui's luxury, natural splendor, and the Big Island's adventurous spirit provide many fantastic options for potential homeowners.
At Hawaiʻi Life, we are committed to helping you find the perfect second home in Hawaiʻi. Our local expertise and dedication to excellence make us the best choice for navigating the Hawaiʻi real estate market. Whether you're buying a second home, seeking property management, or exploring vacation rental opportunities, we are here to assist you every step of the way.
For detailed information about the vacation rentals offered by Hawaiʻi Life, situated closest to your desired vacation destinations, please don't hesitate to contact us today.
Contact us at vacations@hawaiilife.com | Call: 855.447.3685