What is the Big Island of Hawaii like? Can I go there from Oahu? Thorough Comparison of Hawaii Island and Oahu

Attractions and sights on the islands of Hawaii and Oahu.

The Hawaiian Islands are made up of approximately 130 islands, both large and small, that were created by ancient undersea eruptions.

The six main islands are, in order of oldest to youngest from the north: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, Lanai, and Hawaii.

Oahu is home to Waikiki, a city visited by many tourists.

Other popular destinations include the remote islands of Hawaii and Maui, commonly known as "Neighbor" islands.

Hawaii Island is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, and visitors will enjoy touring the still-active Kilauea volcano, the specialty Kona coffee farms, and visiting historical sites of the dynasties.

Oahu, which should be considered a staple of Hawaiian tourism, is home to the world-famous city of Honolulu and is the third largest island in the Hawaiian Islands.

There are plenty of stores, restaurants, and activities to choose from, so find the perfect way to spend your time.

 

Distance between Hawaii Island and Oahu

The distance between Hawaii and Oahu is about 200 miles (320 km).

It is about 40-50 minutes by plane.

 

Access from Oahu to the Big Island of Hawaii

To get to the Big Island of Hawaii from Oahu, travelers can use two airports on the Big Island of Hawaii: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport, both located on the Big Island of Hawaii, from Honolulu International Airport on Oahu.

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport is located on the west coast of Hawaii Island, where there is a concentration of resort areas, and is the airport serving Hilo International Airport and the second largest city in the Hawaiian Islands.

Both airports are served by one or two hourly flights from Honolulu on Oahu, which take 40-50 minutes.

Since hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii are concentrated in the Kona area on the west coast, general tours that include the Big Island of Hawaii often use the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, which is more convenient than the Hilo International Airport.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

Hawaii Island, nicknamed "the Big Island," is the southernmost of the six main Hawaiian Islands and is the largest island in the Hawaiian Archipelago.

The island of Hawaii is not as well served by transportation as Oahu, so the main mode of transportation is by car.

A rental car is recommended for sightseeing on the island if possible.

For those who cannot drive, it is best to take a tour.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

The most attractive thing about the Big Island of Hawaii is that it is an island on a grand scale, with lava plateaus created by five volcanoes.

It is also the birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great, allowing visitors to enjoy nature and history at the same time.

Let's take a closer look at the charms of the Big Island of Hawaii.

If you are considering a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, please refer to this page!

 

The powerful and spectacular view is inevitable to be impressed.

From the ocean to the mountains to the green jungle, the Big Island of Hawaii is full of spectacular spots where you can enjoy the dynamic nature.

Kilauea, an active volcano that opens its crater to the sky, and Mauna Kea, a 4,205-meter-high mountain known as a sacred place for astronomical observation, are impressive sightseeing spots where you can experience the breath of the earth and the mystery of the universe up close and personal.

 

Wide variety of activities

The Big Island of Hawaii is known for its wide variety of activities.

Kilauea volcano and island sightseeing, snorkeling, dolphin swims with wild dolphins, zip-lining, and stargazing at the summit of Mauna Kea are just a few examples.

 

Vast wilderness

The first time visitors to the Big Island of Hawaii are surprised to see the island's pitch black land.

This is a true testament to the fact that this island was created by the workings of nature in the form of lava.

And it is this vast wilderness that is the main attraction of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots on the Big Island of Hawaii

Here are some of the best places to visit on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Kilauea volcano has been erupting since time immemorial.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where the volcanoes are located, has huge craters left all over the park, including Halemaumau Crater, where the goddess Pele is believed to reside.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was also registered as a World Heritage site in 1987.

 

Recommendations

Kilauea volcano continues to be volcanically active and experienced a major eruption in May 2018.

The most important attraction is the Halemaumau Crater, which exists in the huge caldera of Kilauea Volcano.

You can also feel the pulse of the earth by visiting the park's hiking trails, museums, and lava tubes.

 

Access

Access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is approximately a two and a half hour drive from Kailua-Kona, the commercial and tourist center of the western Hawaii Island.

 

summit of Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea, meaning "white mountain" in Hawaiian, is the highest mountain in Hawaii at 4,205 meters above sea level.

The mountain is said to be the home of many gods, including the goddess Poliahu, and has been considered sacred by the local people.

It is also known for its stable climate, which has led to the establishment of observatories around the world.

 

Recommendations

One of the best places to see the summit of Mauna Kea is from the top of the mountain, where a sea of clouds spreads out.

Other beautiful sunsets, stargazing, and sunrises are also worth seeing.

 

Access

Climbing to the summit requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle and cannot be reached by a regular rental car.

Generally, it is easy to take a tour, and sunset and sunrise tours (with stargazing) are available.

 

Quabay (breed of fish)

Qua Bay is also known as Maniniowali Beach.

It is a beautiful beach with blue ocean and white sand, which is rare in Hawaii.

 

Recommendations

The contrast between the blue sea and the white sandy beach is beautiful, and it is one of the most accessible beaches.

This beach is equipped with toilets and showers, making it easy to enjoy swimming.

 

Access

Kua Bay is easily accessible from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.

By car, take Hwy 19 (Queen Kaʻahumanu Hwy) north for about 10 minutes, then take a left onto Kua Bay Access Rd.

When you see the sign for Kekaha Kai State Park, follow the road for a while until you reach the parking lot.

 

Waipio Valley

Waipio means "winding water" in Hawaiian, and is derived from the Waipio River that flows through the valley floor.

With sheer mountains and countless waterfalls falling from the cliffs, this is one of the most dynamic scenic spots on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Waipio Valley is also known as the "Valley of the Kings," a sacred place where King Kamehameha the Great, the founder of the Kingdom of Hawaii, is said to have lived as a child, and ancient kings are buried in caves on the cliff.

Incidentally, Hawaii was first unified as the Kingdom of Hawaii by King Kamehameha I in 1975.

 

Recommendations

The Waipio Valley is a great place to experience the overwhelming natural beauty of the area.

A must-visit in the valley is the Waipio Valley Lookout, a popular spot with spectacular views.

This observatory is located by the sea, so it offers a view not only of the majestic mountains, but also of the endless beautiful coastline.

 

Access

Waipio Valley is accessible by car from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport in about 80 minutes and from Hilo International Airport in about 75 minutes.

 

hero

Hilo is the largest town on the island and the hub of tourism on the east side of Hawaii Island.

The town has a laid-back, rustic atmosphere and retains a nostalgic old-fashioned atmosphere.

 

Recommendations

Hilo is said to have been founded by Japanese Americans who came here as sugar cane farmers in the olden days.

Along Kamehameha Avenue facing Hilo Bay, there are many buildings that are more than 100 years old, such as those listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the colorful townscape of pastel pink, blue, and red against the blue sky is very impressive.

The statue of King Kamehameha the Great in Hilo was erected in 1997 and is the newest statue in the state of Hawaii, making it a great photo spot.

Another must-see in Hilo is the Hilo Grand Shrine, said to be the oldest shrine outside of Japan.

The shrine, built in 1898, enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, the deity of the Ise Jingu Shrine, as well as the deity of the Inner Shrine, and has served as a spiritual center for the Nikkei people.

Enjoy walking around town in this retro town with local restaurants, boutiques, and fashionable cafes scattered here and there.

 

Access

It takes about 40 minutes by domestic flight from Honolulu International Airport on Oahu Island to Hilo International Airport.

From Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, it is approximately a two-hour drive.

 

Oahu is the most popular resort on the Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii is a tourist destination that attracts people from all over the world.

The most popular of these resorts is Oahu.

Generally, the word "Hawaii" refers to the island of Oahu.

Oahu is home to many classic spots that everyone has heard of, such as Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and the Ala Moana Center.

 

What is Oahu like?

Oahu is the gateway to Hawaii, with Honolulu-Waikiki as the center of Hawaii's tourism.

Its nickname is "Gathering Island.

The population is the largest in the state of Hawaii, with 80% of the state's total population living on Oahu.

The Hawaii State Office is also located on this island, making it the political, economic, and tourist center of the state.

Major facilities are concentrated in Honolulu on the southeastern coast of the island.

The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and harbor are also located here, serving as a hub for connections to the Big Island of Hawaii and other outlying islands.

Waikiki, in the eastern part of the city, is one of the world's leading resort areas, with a forest of hotels, condominiums, and shopping centers.

 

How to get to Oahu

A direct flight from Japan to Oahu takes about 7 hours for the outbound flight and about 9 hours for the inbound flight due to air currents.

Many flights depart Japan at night and arrive on Oahu in the morning, so try to get as much sleep as possible on the outbound flight.

The time difference between Japan and Hawaii is minus 19 hours.

Japan is 19 hours ahead.

Think of Hawaii time as adding five hours to Japan time, and then moving it back one day.

 

Attractions of Oahu

The charm of Oahu can be summed up in the fact that it is a perfect blend of beautiful nature and modern urban interest.

Not only are the views of the ocean and beaches from the verandas of resort hotels beautiful, but there are also many places where visitors can enjoy easy trekking and hiking in the mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and other natural wonders, making it a popular tourist destination visited by over 1 million Japanese tourists each year.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

Oahu has many beautiful beaches, and each beach you visit will give you a different look at the island.

The vast, untouched wilderness has also been used as a filming location for Hollywood movies and American TV dramas.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

Oahu is one of the world's premier resort islands, with a pleasant year-round climate, endless blue ocean, dynamic volcanoes, fine hotels, and numerous golf courses.

It is no exaggeration to say that this is the only place in the world that can accommodate any type of travel, including marine sports, golf, sightseeing, company trips, honeymoons, family vacations, and more.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

Oahu has large shopping centers such as Ala Moana Center and Royal Hawaiian Center.

Hawaii's shopping centers are an attractive collection of stores, including brand-name stores from Hawaii and stores selling the latest fashions from around the world.

Check the store's features and accessibility to make an efficient tour.

Also, on the last day of a trip or a special anniversary, you want to have a memorable meal.

What more can you ask for when you get a great view in addition to delicious food?

There is a wide variety of restaurants where you can also enjoy such views, so check them out in advance.

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots on Oahu

Here are some of the best places to visit on Oahu.

If you visit Oahu, you should check out all of these tourist attractions!

 

diamond head

Diamond Head is the symbol of Honolulu, a 232-meter-high mountain formed by an eruption 300,000 years ago.

 

Recommendations

Diamond Head has a 1.1-km hiking trail, so even those who are not confident in their physical strength can climb the peak relatively easily in about 40 minutes.

The view of the beach and town from the top is exceptional.

 

Access

To get to Diamond Head, take the Waikiki Trolley Green Line to Diamond Head Crater (inside) or take The Bus 2 or 23.
It is a 15-20 minute walk from the bus stop to the trailhead.

 

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is located right in front of Kalakaua Avenue, which is lined with large shopping centers and fashionable stores, and is one of the most popular beaches in Hawaii, attracting tourists from all over the world.

Not only can you bathe in the sea, but simply taking a leisurely stroll and enjoying the scenery will fill your heart with contentment.

 

Recommendations

Waikiki Beach is a great place to visit because of its white sandy shoreline, palm trees, and the view of Diamond Head in the distance, which is arguably one of the most iconic views in Hawaii.

Other marine activities such as sunbathing and surfing can be enjoyed in the crystal clear waters.

At night, torches along Kalakaua Avenue are lit, creating an exotic tropical mood different from that of the daytime.

It is a place where you can enjoy marine sports during the day and shopping at night for a whole day.

 

Access

Located on the ocean side of Kalakaua Avenue, it is within walking distance from Waikiki hotels.

To get there by The Bus, from Hilton Hawaiian Village or Ala Moana direction, take the bus heading to Waikiki, such as No. 8, 19, or 20, get off at the intersection of Kuhio Street and Kaiulani Avenue, and walk a few minutes to the ocean side.

 

Ala Moana Center

Ala Moana Center is the largest shopping center in Hawaii, with approximately 350 stores of various kinds.

 

Recommendations

Ala Moana Center, which offers a wide variety of stores, has many attractions other than shopping, such as restaurants and events, so be sure to check out an overview of the facility in advance.

There is also a floor map in Japanese, so be sure to get it first when you arrive.

 

Access

On the Waikiki Trolley, the Pink Line conveniently connects Waikiki and Ala Moana Center.

The bus stops on the Ala Moana Avenue side (ocean side) and the Kona Avenue side (mountain side / drop-off only).

If using The Bus, take The Bus E, 8, 13, 20, 23, or 42 from Waikiki.

 

Kualoa Ranch

Surrounded by lush green mountains in the northeastern part of Oahu, Kualoa Ranch is an activity center that boasts an expansive site about 450 times the size of the Tokyo Dome.

Because of its magnificent scenery, the area is often used as a filming location for Hollywood movies and commercials, and location tours to filming sites are very popular among movie fans.

 

Recommendations

At Kualoa Ranch, a horseback riding tour is recommended to enjoy the dynamic nature while swaying on the back of a horse.

Other unique tours that take advantage of the rugged terrain include the Raptor Tour, which takes visitors on a six-passenger, four-wheel-drive vehicle ride through Ka'aava Valley, movie locations, and other highlights of Kualoa Ranch.

 

Access

About 50 minutes drive from Waikiki.

Shuttle bus service available twice daily from major hotels in Waikiki.

 

Moanalua Garden

Moanalua Gardens, familiar from the "Kono Ki Nani no Ki" commercials, is an oasis of lush greenery in Waikiki.

Originally owned by the Kamehameha royal family, it is also a power spot filled with their sacred power.

 

Recommended Spots

The monkeypod, a familiar name since its appearance in commercials, also blooms beautifully around May and November.

The park is home to a variety of plants from all over the world, not only those native to Hawaii, making it a relaxing place for locals as well as tourists.

 

Access

It is difficult to reach by bus, so it is recommended to visit by car or tour.

It is about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki.

 

Recommended Activities on Hawaii Island and Oahu

Here are some of the best activities you can enjoy on the islands of Hawaii and Oahu.

These are all activities that can only be enjoyed here, so please experience them for yourself!

 

snorkeling

Kealakekua Bay is known as one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island of Hawaii, boasting the highest clarity in the Hawaiian Islands.

On the other hand, Hanauma Bay is considered the best snorkeling spot on Oahu.

 

How to enjoy

Snorkeling in Hawaii is a great way to enjoy swimming in the ocean with colorful tropical fish.

If you are lucky, you may see wild dolphins or sea turtles.

 

SUP

SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) became a boom among Hawaii's loco surfers and is now a standard marine sport.

 

How to enjoy

One of the reasons SUP is so popular is that even beginners can try it easily.

The tours will provide instruction appropriate to the level and experience of the participants.

Generally, before going out to sea, there is a lesson on how to use a paddle on the beach, followed by a lesson offshore where the waves are calmer.

Gradually get the hang of it and paddle freely.

 

Canoe/Kayak

Canoes and kayaks are closer to the water's surface, so you can feel more at one with the sea.

Canoeing and kayaking are very popular marine activities in Hawaii, which is also a center for the promotion of canoe culture.

Outrigger canoes, which are equipped with a main canoe and a float to prevent capsizing, are a marine sport with a long history, and were once enjoyed by Hawaiian royalty in the swampy Waikiki area.

 

How to enjoy

The activities mainly use small one- and two-person canoes and kayaks.

Paddling with our own hands, we can enjoy both the view from the water and the world below the surface in the crystal clear waters of Hawaii.

Canoe/kayak and feel the breeze across the ocean and enjoy Hawaii's unique landscape in direct contact with nature.

 

riding horse

While marine sports are the most famous activities in Hawaii, horseback riding is another popular activity that allows visitors to experience the spectacular nature of Hawaii.

 

How to enjoy

Kahua Ranch in North Kohala on Hawaii Island and Kualoa Ranch on Oahu.

There are spots where you can enjoy horseback riding while viewing the beautiful ocean.

The horses are well trained, so even beginners will feel comfortable with the ride experience.

You will have a dreamy time running along the beach or in the forest with the Hawaiian winds blowing.

 

trekking

In Hawaii, we recommend trekking not only to the ocean, but also to beautiful green spots where you can refresh your body and soul while soaking up the negative ions.

 

How to enjoy

On the Big Island of Hawaii, trekking at the crater of Kilauea Volcano, where you can feel the heartbeat of the earth, and on Oahu, easy trekking to Diamond Head are famous.

Enjoy trekking on a course suited to your fitness level.

 

skydiving

You can also experience the thrill of skydiving in Hawaii.

When experiencing skydiving, you will practice in pairs with an instructor, so even first-timers can participate safely.

 

How to enjoy

The appeal of skydiving is the exhilaration of flying through the blue sky.

The gradual approach of the ground will be a fresh experience unlike anything you have ever experienced before.

Why don't you enjoy an extraordinary space by skydiving, which you can rarely experience in Japan?

 

parasailing

Parasailing is a popular marine sport recommended for active people, in which you are pulled by a motorboat or other craft with a large parachute on your back and fly high above the sea like flying a kite.

 

How to enjoy

The best part of parasailing is that you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the spectacular scenery while feeling like a bird in the air.

Depending on the tour, there are several altitude options to choose from, and the view of Hawaii's blue ocean from above is exhilarating.

You will surely forget your daily stress and feel a sense of freedom.

 

Recommended Tours

Here are three recommended tours that you can easily join.

All of these tours are a great way to enjoy Oahu, so be sure to check them out!

 

Experience Diving Departing from the Sandbar to the Phantom Island of Kaneo

This half-day tour offers two experience dives at the largest coral reef point on Oahu.

A sandbar (ahuolaka) is a sandbar formed by sand deposits.

At the edge of the sandbar, the water is so steeply deep that it appears to float in the azure sea.

The area around Sandbar, also known as the Phantom Island, is also an excellent diving site.

Depart from the sandbar to a coral reef point teeming with colorful tropical fish.

Instructors are Japanese, so first-timers can join with ease!

 

skydiving

This is the definitive skydiving tour, skydiving from 4,267 meters, the highest altitude you can ascend without oxygen.

The one-minute free fall is a thrilling adrenaline rush!

Once the parachute is open, the boat will move into the air for approximately five minutes.

You will be able to fully enjoy the spectacular views of Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

Japanese-language guidance is also available.

 

Kualoa Ranch Package (horseback riding, ATV, movie location tour, zip line, etc.) Tour

This package tour is to play to the fullest at Kualoa Ranch, a theme park that is also famous as the location for Jurassic Park.

Visitors can enjoy numerous activities at once, including horseback riding, ATVs, film location tours where filming sets are still intact, and ziplining.

Japanese-speaking guides will take you on a tour of movie locations, so you can superimpose scenes from the movie on your own!

If you want to enjoy Kualoa Ranch to the fullest, this is the tour for you.

 

summary

We hope you enjoyed our introduction to the attractions of Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii.

Hawaii is one of the world's leading resort destinations for both those who want to be active and those who want to take it easy.

The most representative tourist destination is Oahu, where Honolulu is located, but there are other islands that have a different look, as we have introduced here!

We invite you to visit the outlying islands, commonly known as "neighbor islands," to experience their charms.

Thank you for reading to the end.