Hawaii’s Lesser-Known Islands

Island hopping is at the top of all Hawai’i to-do lists. Each island is unique in its way, from the shrimp truck culture of O’ahu’s North Shore to the Island of Hawai’i with its eight different climate zones. The four biggest islands (Hawai’i, O’ahu, Maui, and Kauai) are most widely visited due to the developed resorts and infrastructure, but to get the most authentic Hawai’i Island experience, lesser-known Hawai’i is where you want to go. The Hawai’ian archipelago is much larger than most people imagine. Despite appearing to be floating independently of each other, the islands are all joined under the surface of the water, created by violent volcanic activity thousands of years ago. In total, there are 137 islands, islets, and atolls. Here we reveal the four lesser-known islands of Hawai’i.

Molokaʻi “The Friendly Isle” of Hawai’i

Molokaʻi “The Friendly Isle” of Hawai’i

Long and thin, The Friendly Isle measures 61-kilometres by 16-kilometres. Hawaii’s fifth biggest island has a fascinating history; over the years it has played host to sugar refineries, cattle ranches, and leper colonies. Perhaps the island’s most well-known legacy is the invention of the Hula, an iconic Hawai’ian dance performed by islanders. Island hopping to Molokaʻi is easy and there is a range of rental apartments available as well as a hotel on the island. Plus there are daily direct flights from O’ahu and Maui.

Lānaʻi “The Pineapple Isle” of Hawai’i

Lānaʻi “The Pineapple Isle” of Hawai’i

Famed for being the place where Bill Gates was wedded, Lānaʻi is the smallest of the public islands of Hawai’i. Stretching just 29 kilometres at its widest point and hosting a population of approximately 3,100 people, Lānaʻi is entirely exclusive, with just two luxury hotels on the island. Named The Pineapple Island for its former life as a pineapple plantation, the island is easy to reach with daily direct flights to and from O’ahu and Molokaʻi.

Niʻihau “The Forbidden Isle” of Hawai’i

Niʻihau “The Forbidden Isle” of Hawai’i

The Forbidden Isle has a population of just 170 people. It received its name due to only allowing family members of residents and US Navy Officials to visit. Privately owned since 1864, the island has been passed down through the Robertson family from generation to generation. Although you can’t stay on the island, you can go on a snorkelling day trip to Niʻihau from Kauai.

Kahoʻolawe “The Target Isle” of Hawai’i

Kahoʻolawe “The Target Isle” of Hawai’i

Although no longer inhabited, due to the tough living conditions with limited fresh water, this island once had a community of roughly 170 people living on it. Used at one stage as a training ground and bomb site for the US armed forces, the island has now been reclaimed as a nature reserve by the indigenous Hawai’ian people.

Getting to Hawai’i

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