Tropical mixed drink in a short glass on a bar counter, garnished with a pineapple wedge, cocktail umbrella, and red cherry. A black straw sits in the drink, which fades from bright yellow at the bottom to dark amber at the top. The glass rests on a white napkin, with a softly blurred bar background and colorful containers visible behind it.

Hawaii: Still the Vacation to Beat?

The other day I mentioned that I was trying to decide what my favorite vacation was. At the time, I happened to be looking through photos from Wyoming when I asked that question. Well, I’m back to it again, and I’m still trying to decide.

If we’re talking about places I’ve returned to multiple times, Hawaii would have to be number one by far. There’s just something about Hawaii. Even the air smells different. I feel lighter as soon as I step off the plane. I’ve visited the Big Island, Oahu, and Maui, and each one has left me with memories I wouldn’t trade for anything.

The Big Island: Volcanoes and Manta Rays

Bright orange glow from Kīlauea's summit lava lake illuminates a plume of volcanic gas rising above the crater rim at night. Hawaii was where I saw an active volcano for the first time. I almost wrote “my first active volcano,” but that would be misleading because Kīlauea is the only active volcano I’ve ever seen. I’ve just been fortunate enough to see it twice.

I’d love to visit again today. Kīlauea has really been putting on a show in recent years.

The Big Island was also where I went swimming with manta rays. That was one of the most memorable wildlife encounters I’ve ever had. I don’t imagine swimming with giant, graceful rays is a typical vacation activity for most people, but it was an incredible experience. If I ever had the chance to do it again, I wouldn’t hesitate.

Oahu: History, Culture, and Island Life

Oahu is the main island, home to Hawaii’s capital city and the largest population. It has a lot to offer, but if I were planning another trip, it The white USS Arizona Memorial stretches across the waters of Pearl Harbor beneath a bright blue sky. An American flag flies from a tall flagpole above the memorial, with a floating dock and railing in the foreground and a green shoreline visible in the background. probably wouldn’t be my first choice.

I went primarily to visit Pearl Harbor, and I can honestly say it was worth the trip. Everyone should visit the Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial at least once. I still get choked up thinking about it. The site is beautiful, but the scale of the loss and sacrifice remains overwhelming.

Oahu is also home to Waikiki Beach. It’s certainly beautiful, but I’ve never been much of a beach person. I love the ocean, but lounging on the sand has never been my thing. I walked down to the beach, put my feet in the sand, and checked Waikiki off my list.

For swimming, I preferred Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. I could have spent all day there. The reef was filled with colorful fish and fascinating marine life, and there always seemed to be another creature to discover.

A wide view of Hanauma Bay on Oahu showing turquoise water, a curved sandy beach filled with visitors, and coral visible beneath the shallow shoreline. Rocky hills with sparse vegetation surround the bay, and dry grass in the foreground frames the scene from an elevated lookout.

More Than Just Beaches

Five Easter Island-style Moai statues stand in a tropical garden display at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The stone figures are arranged in a row on a landscaped mound surrounded by palm trees, lush greenery, and a wooden fence, with a grassy lawn in the foreground. Oahu also has the Polynesian Cultural Center. We spent an entire day there, ending with a luau. It was both entertaining and educational, making it one of the highlights of the trip.

We visited the Pali Lookout and experienced the famous trade winds firsthand. We also spent some time shopping at Hilo Hattie’s, which offered some of the best souvenir shopping on the islands.

At the right time of year, Oahu is also the place to see the massive surf that attracts wave riders from around the world. If you’re interested in nightlife, it’s probably the best island choice as well. That’s not really my scene, though, so I can’t claim to be much of an authority on it.

Maui: My Most-Visited Island

I’ve returned to Maui more than any of the other islands. Part of that is because I loved the resort where I usually stayed. Underwater photo of a SNUBA diver gliding through crystal-clear Caribbean water while a sea turtle swims nearby over the sandy seabed.

All of the accommodations through my timeshare were excellent, but I always preferred Ka’anapali Beach Resort. Of course, things have changed since then. My timeshare was eventually acquired by Hilton Vacations, and I’ve heard from other owners that the experience isn’t quite the same.

Maui provided some of my favorite ocean adventures. I tried SNUBA diving with sea turtles, spent plenty of time snorkeling, and even got an up-close look at an octopus. Then there were the whales.

A whale watch became part of every Maui vacation. Even on days when I wasn’t on a boat, I could often watch whales from shore. For a wildlife lover, that never got old.

So Was Hawaii My Favorite?

A surfer rides along the face of a deep blue ocean wave as white water crashes behind. The surfer is positioned near the center of the image, with another surfer visible farther back in the water. Sunlight reflects across the rippled surface, creating shimmering patterns on the sea. A small "Dusty Roads Photos" watermark appears in the lower-left corner. That’s the question, isn’t it?

I loved every trip I’ve taken to Hawaii, and I wouldn’t hesitate to return tomorrow if the opportunity presented itself. At one point, I even dreamed about moving there.

But was it my favorite vacation?

Honestly, I still don’t know.

There are a few other destinations that deserve a chance to make their case before I make a final decision. So before I crown Hawaii the winner, let’s talk about some of those other unforgettable adventures.

A performer dressed in traditional Hawaiian-inspired attire dances on stage, wearing a yellow floral top, white flower leis, and a green leaf skirt made of broad leaves. The performer holds a wooden paddle as the skirt swirls outward in motion. Warm stage lights cast a golden glow against a gray wood-paneled backdrop, capturing the energy and movement of the dance.