Best Maps for Hawaii

by Christopher O'Keeffe August 22, 2026

Hawaii is not one destination connected by one road system. It is an island chain in the central Pacific, and every journey has several geographical layers: the archipelago, the island being visited, the local road network, the volcanic landscape and the live conditions that can change access. This guide compares the best Hawaii road, touring, adventure, wall and historical maps for Australian travellers, educators, collectors and anyone with a lasting connection to the islands.

By Christopher O’Keeffe, Managing Director of Mapworld

Hawaii looks compact on a map of the Pacific, but it is not a place where a single city plan or a national United States map is enough.

A Hawaii holiday may involve:

• an international flight from Australia;

• one or more inter-island flights;

• a separate hire car on each island;

• Honolulu and Waikīkī streets;

• coastal roads and mountain roads;

• active volcanic landscapes;

• national parks and hiking areas;

• beaches, reefs and marine reserves;

• weather that differs sharply between windward and leeward districts;

• roads whose status can change after storms, volcanic activity or maintenance; and

• places whose cultural meaning cannot be understood from road directions alone.

That is why the best Hawaii map kit normally combines several kinds of mapping rather than asking one sheet to do everything.

For most travellers, the strongest starting combination is:

1. the Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map for waterproof, island-wide road and recreation coverage;

2. the Hawaiian Islands Borch Folded Laminated Map for compact touring use and detailed Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Hilo, Kīlauea, Wailuku and Kahului insets;

3. offline digital navigation for turn-by-turn directions; and

4. current official road, weather, park and volcanic information.

For planning at home or displaying the islands, choose between the geological emphasis of the Hawaii National Geographic 883 × 575 mm Wall Map, the clean political reference of the Hawaiʻi Atlas of the World Wall Map, or one of Mapworld’s island-specific Franko relief maps.

Historical-map collectors have an unusually rich selection. Mapworld offers National Geographic Hawaii maps from 1960, 1976 and 1995, as well as a striking four-sheet pictorial series originally published in 1931.

Explore Mapworld’s complete North America maps, guides and road atlases, wall maps of countries, continents and regions, Vintage National Geographic maps and the broader historical wall maps collection.

For the wider national context, also read Best Maps for the United States. That guide compares national, state and city maps across the United States; this article concentrates specifically on Hawaii.

A paper map makes the scale and structure of a Hawaiian journey visible before the first road is driven. Illustrative AI-generated image; not a reproduction of any map product discussed in this article.

A Note on Hawaiian Names

The Hawaiian-language spelling Hawaiʻi uses the ʻokina, a letter representing a glottal stop. This guide uses Hawaiian spellings such as Hawaiʻi, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi where practical. Product names and links are reproduced as they appear in Mapworld’s catalogue, where conventional spellings may also be used.

The islands are the ancestral homeland of Native Hawaiians. Visitors should approach their maps as aids to respectful travel—not as permission to enter closed, private, sacred or environmentally sensitive places. The official GoHawaii responsible-travel guide is a useful companion to route planning.

The Best Maps for Hawaii: Quick Recommendations

Purpose	Best place to begin	Why it stands out
Best overall Hawaii travel map	Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map	Waterproof, tear-resistant coverage of all eight main islands with roads, parks, recreation and a full index
Best compact laminated Hawaii map	Hawaiian Islands Borch Map	Compact, wipe-clean format with multiple island and city insets
Best map of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor	Hawaiian Islands Borch Map	Honolulu and Pearl Harbor at 1:26,000 plus central Honolulu at 1:15,500
Best map for the Big Island and outdoor travel	Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map	Strong road, park and recreation context for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea and the wider island
Best compact Big Island detail	Hawaiian Islands Borch Map	Big Island mapping at 1:400,000 with dedicated Hilo and Kīlauea insets
Best map for Maui and the Road to Hāna	Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map	Waterproof regional context for Maui, Haleakalā and the Road to Hāna
Best map for a mainland USA extension	USA Michelin Map 761	National road overview with an inset of Hawaii; useful for context, not local navigation
Best modern Hawaii wall map	Hawaii National Geographic Wall Map	All eight major islands, full-archipelago inset and Hawaiian Ridge context
Best political Hawaii wall map	Hawaiʻi Atlas of the World Wall Map	Clean, readable overview of islands, settlements and political geography
Best Big Island relief wall map	Hawaii Big Island Wall Map by Franko	Island-wide shaded relief, hypsometric tinting and recreation information
Best Oʻahu relief wall map	Hawaii Oahu Wall Map by Franko	Terrain, coastal form, recreation, golf and island-wide reference
Best Maui relief wall map	Hawaii Maui Wall Map by Franko	Strong visual treatment of Maui’s volcanic terrain, coast and recreation
Best Kauaʻi relief wall map	Hawaii Kauai Wall Map by Franko	Shaded relief brings the Garden Isle’s mountains, valleys and coastline into focus
Best Molokaʻi marine and relief wall map	Hawaii Molokai Wall Map by Franko	Relief plus dive, snorkel and reef-life information
Best Lānaʻi wall map	Hawaii Lanai Wall Map by Franko	Complete island view with terrain, recreation, golf and points of interest
Most historically significant Hawaii map	Hawaii National Geographic Wall Map from 1960	Published shortly after Hawaii became the fiftieth US state
Best vintage travel-era Hawaii map	Close-up USA: Hawaii from 1976	Parks, volcanoes, visitor highlights and classic National Geographic design
Best vintage geological Hawaii map	Hawaii National Geographic Wall Map from 1995	Exceptional ocean-floor relief and volcanic context
Best decorative historical Hawaii series	1931 Hawaiian Islands Pictorial Wall Maps	Four coordinated sheets for Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui and the Big Island
Best all-round Hawaii map kit	National Geographic folded map + Borch map + official live information	Broad outdoor coverage, detailed city insets and current conditions

The Short Answer: Which Hawaii Map Should I Buy?

If you want one map for a multi-island holiday, buy the Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map. It gives the best balance of complete island-chain coverage, roads, parks, visitor sites, outdoor recreation and waterproof durability.

If Honolulu, Waikīkī, Pearl Harbor or compact city reference is the priority, add the Hawaiian Islands Borch Folded Laminated Map. Its detailed urban and regional insets make it the stronger companion in developed areas.

If you are buying a wall map, the best choice depends on purpose:

• choose the Hawaii National Geographic 883 × 575 mm Wall Map for physical geography and the full island chain;

• choose the Hawaiʻi Atlas of the World Wall Map for a clean political reference;

• choose an island-specific Franko wall map for terrain, recreation and decorative relief; or

• choose a Vintage National Geographic Hawaii map when history, collecting or wall art matters most.

The right answer is therefore not “paper or digital”. It is a layered system:

• a paper map for the overview;

• offline mapping for turn-by-turn navigation;

• a wall map for shared planning or display; and

• official live information for conditions that a printed map cannot predict.

Why Hawaii Needs More Than One Kind of Map

1. The Archipelago Problem

The Hawaiian Islands form a chain rather than a single continuous destination. A good overview map should show the relationship between the eight principal islands:

• Hawaiʻi, commonly called the Big Island;

• Maui;

• Oʻahu;

• Kauaʻi;

• Molokaʻi;

• Lānaʻi;

• Niʻihau; and

• Kahoʻolawe.

That overview helps answer questions that a turn-by-turn app does not present naturally:

• Which islands sit close together?

• Which island contains Honolulu?

• How large is the Big Island compared with Oʻahu?

• Where do Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe sit in relation to one another?

• Which destinations require a separate flight or transport plan?

2. The Road and City Problem

Hawaii combines dense urban travel with remote scenic roads.

The map needed for central Honolulu is not the same map needed for:

• the Road to Hāna;

• the slopes of Haleakalā;

• the Kona and Hilo sides of the Big Island;

• the road around much of Oʻahu;

• Waimea Canyon on Kauaʻi; or

• the limited road networks of Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.

A regional map supplies geographic context. A detailed city inset supplies street-scale orientation. Carrying both is more useful than forcing either one to cover the other’s job.

3. The Terrain and Weather Problem

Hawaii’s islands rise steeply from the Pacific. Volcanic peaks and deeply cut valleys create major differences in elevation, rainfall, temperature and accessibility over relatively short distances.

A road that looks close on a screen may involve:

• a long route around mountainous terrain;

• narrow or winding sections;

• rapidly changing weather;

• limited services;

• temporary closures;

• park restrictions; or

• volcanic hazards.

Relief mapping makes these relationships easier to understand, but even the best printed map is not a live conditions service.

4. The Outdoor-Recreation Problem

Many travellers come to Hawaii for places outside the urban road network:

• national parks;

• walking tracks;

• volcano viewpoints;

• waterfalls;

• beaches;

• campsites;

• surfing locations;

• snorkelling and diving areas; and

• wildlife and conservation areas.

A general road map may show the route to a park entrance without providing the recreation information that helps explain the wider destination. This is one reason the National Geographic Adventure Map is such a strong all-round choice.

5. The Wall-Map Problem

A folded map is designed to travel. A wall map is designed to remain visible.

A Hawaii wall map can support:

• family holiday planning;

• marking islands already visited;

• travel-agency consultation;

• classroom geography;

• hospitality and tourism displays;

• geological study;

• family-history conversations; and

• decorative connection to a favourite place.

The strongest wall map is therefore not necessarily the same product as the strongest road map.

6. The Historical Problem

Hawaii has been represented very differently across the twentieth century. Maps published in 1931, 1960, 1976 and 1995 reveal changes in:

• political context;

• roads and settlements;

• tourism;

• place-name treatment;

• scientific knowledge;

• printing style; and

• the relationship between the islands and the surrounding ocean.

Historical maps should not be used for current navigation, but they are powerful documents for comparison, research and display.

1. Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map

The Best Overall Travel Map of Hawaii

The Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map is the best single physical map for most Hawaii holidays.

It is a double-sided adventure map covering all eight main islands. At approximately 1:220,000, it is broad enough to show each island in context while retaining practical road and recreation information.

The unfolded sheet measures approximately 959 × 648 mm and is printed on waterproof, tear-resistant synthetic material. That construction is particularly useful in Hawaii, where maps may be repeatedly folded in a hire car, handled at beaches or lookouts, or exposed to tropical rain and humidity.

What It Covers

The map includes:

Hawaiʻi — the Big Island

• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park;

• Mauna Kea;

• Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau;

• major roads;

• towns and regional centres;

• recreation areas; and

• coastal attractions.

Maui

• Haleakalā National Park;

• the Road to Hāna;

• coastal roads;

• beaches;

• recreation areas; and

• principal settlements.

Oʻahu

• Honolulu;

• Waikīkī;

• Pearl Harbor;

• Hanauma Bay;

• major roads;

• recreation sites; and

• cultural destinations.

Kauaʻi

• Waimea Canyon;

• the Nā Pali Coast;

• hiking areas;

• beaches;

• parklands; and

• the island road network.

Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe and Niʻihau are also represented, giving the traveller a genuine archipelago-wide reference rather than a map limited to the four most visited islands.

Recreation Information

The map identifies a broad range of features useful to active travellers, including:

• national parks and monuments;

• hiking trails;

• campsites;

• scenic viewpoints;

• waterfalls, caves and springs;

• surfing locations;

• snorkelling and diving areas;

• golf courses;

• wildlife refuges;

• protected areas; and

• cultural and historical sites.

It also includes an index of cities and towns, road classifications, mile markers and transport information.

Strengths

• The best balance of roads and outdoor recreation.

• Covers the complete principal island group.

• Waterproof and tear resistant.

• Large enough to understand each island as a whole.

• Useful before travel and robust enough for the journey.

• Strongest one-map option for a multi-island itinerary.

Limitations

At 1:220,000, this is not a street-by-street plan of central Honolulu and it is not a substitute for current, detailed hiking mapping. It should be combined with the Borch map where city detail is important and with current official information for parks, trails, roads, weather and volcanic activity.

Best For

Choose the National Geographic Hawaii map when:

• you are visiting more than one island;

• hiking, parks or outdoor recreation are important;

• waterproof construction matters;

• the Big Island, Road to Hāna, Haleakalā or Kauaʻi’s natural landscapes are central to the trip;

• you want one map that remains useful from the planning table to the hire car; or

• you prefer a map that explains destinations rather than merely listing roads.

2. Hawaiian Islands Borch Folded Laminated Map

The Best Compact Map for Honolulu and Island Touring

The Hawaiian Islands Borch Folded Laminated Map is the strongest compact companion to the National Geographic map.

The current Mapworld listing is the thirteenth edition, published in 2024. It unfolds to approximately 990 × 494 mm and uses a soft-laminated, water-repellent, tear-resistant and wipe-clean format designed for repeated folding.

Maps and Insets

Its greatest strength is the range of scales contained in one compact product:

Area	Scale
Hawaiʻi — the Big Island	1:400,000
Kīlauea Caldera	1:150,000
Hilo	1:70,000
Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe	1:200,000
Wailuku and Kahului	1:35,000
Hawaiian Islands overview	1:4,000,000
Niʻihau	1:400,000
Kauaʻi and Oʻahu	1:200,000
Honolulu and Pearl Harbor	1:26,000
Central Honolulu	1:15,500

The map also contains tourist and transport information, including hotels, museums, monuments, markets, airports, ferry terminals and other points of interest. Climate charts and conversion information make it a practical compact travel reference.

Strengths

• The best physical map in this selection for Honolulu and Pearl Harbor.

• Excellent range of island, regional and city scales.

• Dedicated Hilo, Kīlauea, Wailuku and Kahului insets.

• Compact and easy to carry in a day bag.

• Water repellent and wipe clean.

• Strong for resort, city and conventional touring use.

Limitations

The Borch map is less recreation-focused than the National Geographic Adventure Map. It is an excellent urban and touring map, but it should not be treated as a detailed hiking map or live park-conditions source.

Best For

Choose the Borch map when:

• Honolulu, Waikīkī or Pearl Harbor is a major part of the trip;

• you want a compact map that can be carried every day;

• city and resort orientation matters more than extensive outdoor detail;

• Hilo, Kīlauea, Wailuku or Kahului insets will be useful;

• you want a durable map that tolerates frequent handling; or

• you are pairing it with the broader National Geographic map.

National Geographic vs Borch: Which Hawaii Map Is Better?

Feature	National Geographic Hawaii	Hawaiian Islands Borch
Primary purpose	Roads, parks and outdoor adventure	Compact touring and city reference
Main scale	Approximately 1:220,000	Multiple scales from 1:15,500 to 1:4,000,000
Material	Waterproof, tear-resistant synthetic sheet	Soft-laminated, water-repellent and wipe-clean sheet
All eight main islands	Yes	Yes
Honolulu detail	General	Major strength
Pearl Harbor detail	General	Dedicated 1:26,000 inset
Hilo and Kīlauea insets	Regional coverage	Dedicated insets
Outdoor recreation	Major strength	General visitor information
Hiking and camping context	Stronger	Useful but secondary
Pocket and day-bag convenience	Good	Stronger
Best for a multi-island active holiday	National Geographic	Excellent companion
Best for Honolulu and resort travel	Useful	Borch
Best overall solution	Carry both	Carry both

The choice is not really one or the other.

The National Geographic map explains the islands as outdoor destinations. The Borch map brings selected towns and urban areas into closer view. Together they create a far more complete physical navigation system than either map on its own.

Read GPS vs Paper Maps: Why Paper Maps Still Matter and How to Read a Map Without the Sat Nav for more on combining overview mapping with digital navigation.

3. USA Michelin Map 761

The Best Mainland USA Context Map

The USA Michelin Map 761 is not a practical local map of Hawaii. Its Hawaii inset is too small for island driving.

It is included here for a different reason: many Australian trips combine Hawaii with the continental United States.

At approximately 1:3,450,000, the Michelin map provides a national road overview of the lower 48 states and separate insets for Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. It is useful when Hawaii is:

• a stopover before California;

• one stage of a wider US holiday;

• combined with a cross-country road trip;

• being discussed in a national geography context; or

• part of a travel-planning wall or table display.

Use the Michelin map to understand the United States as a whole. Use a dedicated Hawaii map to navigate the islands.

Browse the wider North America collection when a journey continues to California, Alaska, Canada, Mexico or the mainland United States.

A broad paper map helps travellers compare a scenic route with safer alternatives and the wider island geography. Always stop in a safe, legal place before consulting a map. Illustrative AI-generated image; not a reproduction of any map product discussed in this article.

Choosing a Hawaii Map by Island

Oʻahu and Honolulu

Oʻahu combines Hawaii’s largest urban area with mountain ridges, military and historical sites, surf coasts, beaches and busy highways.

The best physical combination is:

• Hawaiian Islands Borch Map for Honolulu, Pearl Harbor and central-city detail;

• Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map for the island-wide road and recreation context; and

• current GoAkamai traffic information for live conditions.

For a permanent island reference or decorative display, the Hawaii Oahu Wall Map by Franko shows the full island in shaded relief.

The Borch map is the strongest choice when the holiday is based in Waikīkī and includes central Honolulu, museums, Pearl Harbor and urban travel. The National Geographic map becomes more important when the itinerary expands to the North Shore, windward Oʻahu, outdoor recreation and the complete island circuit.

Hawaiʻi — the Big Island

The Big Island requires a genuine island-wide map. Its scale, volcanic terrain and contrast between the Hilo and Kona sides can be difficult to grasp from isolated directions.

Choose:

• Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map for the strongest overall road, park and recreation coverage;

• Hawaiian Islands Borch Map for the dedicated Hilo and Kīlauea insets;

• Hawaii Big Island Wall Map by Franko for terrain visualisation and display; and

• official Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park conditions and USGS Kīlauea updates immediately before travel.

A printed map can show where the volcano, park roads and surrounding districts are. It cannot confirm whether a viewpoint, track, road or park area is open today.

Maui

Maui itineraries often combine resort areas, Kahului, Wailuku, Haleakalā, the Road to Hāna and the Kīpahulu coast.

Choose:

• Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map for road and recreation context;

• Hawaiian Islands Borch Map for Wailuku and Kahului detail;

• Hawaii Maui Wall Map by Franko for a relief overview; and

• official Haleakalā National Park conditions for current access and alerts.

The Road to Hāna is not simply a line between two points. Its curves, bridges, rainfall, stopping places, traffic and limited turnaround opportunities make advance route understanding valuable. A broad paper map helps place the drive within the whole island, while live official information supplies the conditions the map cannot.

Kauaʻi

Kauaʻi’s road system does not form a complete coastal ring. Terrain, valleys and the Nā Pali Coast shape where roads can go.

The Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map is the strongest travel choice because it connects roads with Waimea Canyon, parks, beaches and outdoor destinations.

The Hawaii Kauai Wall Map by Franko is particularly effective for understanding the relationship between coastline, mountains and valleys. For historical or decorative display, the Kauai Pictorial Wall Map from 1931 adds an entirely different visual interpretation of the Garden Isle.

Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi

Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi have less extensive road networks and fewer visitor services than the principal resort islands. A physical overview remains valuable, but current local advice is essential.

The Borch and National Geographic folded maps both provide island context. For wall display:

• the Hawaii Molokai Wall Map by Franko combines relief with dive, snorkel and reef information; and

• the Hawaii Lanai Wall Map by Franko shows the complete island, recreation areas, golf courses and points of interest.

Do not assume that a mapped road, coast or attraction guarantees public access. Respect closures, private land, cultural sites and environmental restrictions.

A Multi-Island Holiday

For a journey covering two or more islands, use:

• Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map;

• Hawaiian Islands Borch Map;

• a wall map at home if several people are planning together;

• offline digital maps for each island; and

• live airline, transport, road, weather and park information.

The wall map answers “how does the journey fit together?” The folded maps answer “what does this island contain?” Digital navigation answers “which turn is next?” Official live sources answer “what is open and safe now?”

4. Hawaii National Geographic 883 × 575 mm Wall Map

The Best Modern Wall Map of the Complete Island Chain

The Hawaii National Geographic 883 × 575 mm Wall Map is the strongest modern all-round Hawaii wall map.

It shows all eight major islands and includes an inset of the wider Hawaiian archipelago—the chain of reefs, islands and islets extending for nearly 3,000 miles across the central Pacific.

Its shaded relief and treatment of the Hawaiian Ridge make it more than a political locator map. It helps explain that the familiar islands are the exposed summits of an immense volcanic mountain system rising from the Pacific floor.

Specifications

Feature	Detail
Publisher	National Geographic
Scale	1:819,000
Size	883 × 575 mm
Coverage	All eight major islands plus full-archipelago inset
Emphasis	Physical geography, shaded relief and Hawaiian Ridge
Finishes	Paper, laminated, canvas and selected timber hang-railed options
Production	Printed in Australia by Mapworld

Best For

• planning a multi-island holiday;

• classrooms and libraries;

• physical geography and volcanic education;

• travel agencies;

• recording islands already visited;

• homes with a strong connection to Hawaii; and

• anyone wanting the complete island chain rather than a single-island map.

5. Hawaiʻi Atlas of the World Wall Map

The Best Clean Political Wall Map

The Hawaiʻi Atlas of the World, 10th Edition Wall Map offers a cleaner political and settlement-focused alternative.

Derived from Plate 46 of National Geographic’s Atlas of the World, 10th Edition, it measures 711 × 559 mm and was published in 2015. It shows the major islands, cities, towns and political geography in a balanced landscape format.

Choose this version when the priority is:

• clear island identification;

• cities and settlements;

• classroom reference;

• a compact home-office wall map;

• restrained visual design; or

• an atlas-style political overview.

Choose the 883 × 575 mm National Geographic wall map instead when physical relief, the Hawaiian Ridge and the extended archipelago are more important.

6. Franko’s Island-Specific Hawaii Wall Maps

The Best Maps for Relief, Recreation and a Single-Island Focus

Mapworld’s Franko island maps solve a problem that no archipelago-wide map can: they give one island almost the entire sheet.

The series uses dramatic shaded relief and hypsometric tinting to visualise land elevation and surrounding water depth. Most titles also identify recreation opportunities, golf courses, points of interest and important places.

Each modern Franko map in this selection is a 2024 edition measuring 914 × 610 mm. Mapworld prints the maps in Australia and offers paper, laminated and canvas finishes, with selected timber hang-rail options.

Island map	Distinguishing strength	Best for
Hawaii Big Island Wall Map	Volcanic scale, high plateaus, coast and island-wide recreation	Big Island travellers, classrooms, homes and geology-minded displays
Hawaii Oahu Wall Map	Volcanic ridges, coastal plains, recreation and golf	Oʻahu residents, repeat visitors, clubs and office reference
Hawaii Maui Wall Map	Volcanic summits, valleys, coast and recreation	Maui itinerary planning and statement wall display
Hawaii Kauai Wall Map	Mountains, valleys and dramatic coastal relief	Kauaʻi travellers, outdoor enthusiasts and decorative display
Hawaii Molokai Wall Map	Relief, dive and snorkel sites, reef-life illustrations	Marine enthusiasts, divers, island visitors and classrooms
Hawaii Lanai Wall Map	Complete island, terrain, recreation and golf	Lānaʻi travellers, golfers and focused island displays

Big Island Franko Map

The Big Island map is arguably the most useful title in the series for terrain visualisation. The island’s immense volcanic mass can be difficult to comprehend on a compact archipelago map. The larger relief treatment makes the relationship between summits, plateaus, rainforests and coastlines immediately visible.

It is a wall/reference map rather than a current trail or hazard map. Combine it with official park and volcanic information.

Oʻahu Franko Map

The Oahu map shows the whole island rather than concentrating only on Honolulu. That makes it useful for understanding the relationship between the urban south, the Waiʻanae and Koʻolau ranges, the windward coast and the North Shore.

Maui Franko Map

The Maui map gives visual weight to the island’s two major volcanic landforms and the low-lying connection between them. It is well suited to planning discussions, travel memories and hospitality interiors.

Kauaʻi Franko Map

The Kauai map is particularly attractive because shaded relief suits the island’s deeply cut valleys, central uplands and dramatic coastal cliffs.

Molokaʻi Franko Map

The Molokai map differs from the other titles by giving additional attention to dive and snorkel sites, reefs, fish and coral. It works as both a terrain map and a marine-themed display, but it is not a substitute for a nautical chart, dive operator guidance or current safety information.

Lānaʻi Franko Map

The Lanai map provides a complete island view with terrain, recreation, golf and points of interest. It is the clearest wall-scale option for a destination that often receives only a small inset on general Hawaii maps.

Browse the complete wall maps of countries, continents and regions for these and other international display maps.

A wall map turns a multi-island itinerary into a shared planning surface. The map depicted is intentionally out of focus and generic. Illustrative AI-generated image; not a reproduction of any map product discussed in this article.

Which Modern Hawaii Wall Map Is Best?

Map	Coverage	Visual emphasis	Best use
National Geographic Hawaii 883 × 575 mm	Eight major islands plus extended archipelago	Physical relief and Hawaiian Ridge	Best overall Hawaii wall map
National Geographic Atlas map 711 × 559 mm	Principal islands and settlements	Political and atlas-style clarity	Classrooms, offices and compact spaces
Franko Big Island 914 × 610 mm	Entire Big Island	Relief, elevation and recreation	Big Island focus
Franko Oʻahu 914 × 610 mm	Entire Oʻahu	Relief, recreation and golf	Oʻahu focus beyond Honolulu
Franko Maui 914 × 610 mm	Entire Maui	Relief, terrain and recreation	Maui focus
Franko Kauaʻi 914 × 610 mm	Entire Kauaʻi	Mountains, valleys and coast	Kauaʻi focus
Franko Molokaʻi 914 × 610 mm	Entire Molokaʻi	Relief, reefs and marine recreation	Molokaʻi and diving interest
Franko Lānaʻi 914 × 610 mm	Entire Lānaʻi	Relief, recreation and golf	Lānaʻi focus

The National Geographic map is the best complete-chain reference. The Atlas map is the cleanest political reference. The Franko maps are the best choices when one island deserves the whole wall.

For more help, read How to Choose a Wall Map, What Size Wall Map Do I Need? and How to Choose the Perfect Wall Map for Your Home.

Paper, Laminated, Canvas or Timber Hang Rails?

Many Mapworld Hawaii wall maps are available in several finishes. The cartography may be the same, but the best finish depends on how the map will be used.

Paper

Mapworld’s locally printed Hawaii wall maps commonly use heavyweight 160 gsm matte paper.

Choose paper when:

• the map will be framed under glass;

• a traditional print presentation is preferred;

• the lowest-cost wall option is wanted;

• permanent pencil annotations are acceptable; or

• the map will be mounted on a board.

Paper offers excellent colour and line definition, but it has no wipe-clean protection.

Laminated

Mapworld’s laminated wall maps use true encapsulation between two 80-micron gloss laminate sheets on relevant products.

Choose laminated when:

• routes or islands will be marked repeatedly;

• a family or travel team will use the map for planning;

• the map is going into a classroom, office or high-traffic space;

• moisture and handling resistance matter; or

• a durable wipe-clean surface is required.

Use suitable whiteboard or map markers and test them in an inconspicuous corner. Remove markings regularly rather than leaving them for long periods.

Read Why Laminated Maps Are Ideal for Business Use for more on write-on/wipe-off planning.

Canvas

Selected Hawaii wall maps are printed on 395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas using pigment-based, fade-resistant inks.

Choose canvas when:

• the map is primarily decorative;

• glare reduction matters;

• the relief and ocean colour should have a softer, textured appearance;

• the map is a gift; or

• it will be displayed in a home, hospitality venue or executive office.

Canvas is not the best choice for write-on planning, but it is often the most attractive display finish.

Timber Hang Rails

Selected laminated and canvas maps can be fitted with natural timber rails at the top and bottom and supplied with a hanging cord.

Hang rails suit:

• large maps that need a clean frameless presentation;

• rental spaces where simple installation matters;

• travel agencies and hospitality interiors;

• maps that may be moved between rooms; and

• customers who want a ready-to-hang finish without conventional framing.

Allow up to 10 working days for professionally mounted hang-railed maps. See How to Frame and Display a Large Wall Map for a fuller comparison.

7. Hawaii National Geographic Wall Map from 1960

The Best Historical Map for Hawaii’s Early Statehood Era

The Hawaii National Geographic Wall Map from 1960 was published in July 1960, less than a year after Hawaii became the fiftieth US state.

That timing gives the map unusual historical significance. It presents the islands at a moment of profound political, economic and cultural change.

The map measures approximately 631 × 480 mm and is produced at 1:5,068,800. It shows:

• the principal islands;

• period settlements and political geography;

• ocean bathymetry;

• reefs;

• currents; and

• classic mid-century National Geographic cartography.

Choose it for:

• twentieth-century history;

• statehood-era study;

• National Geographic collecting;

• compact historical wall display;

• comparative geography; or

• a meaningful gift for someone with a long connection to Hawaii.

It is a historical document, not a current road map.

8. Close-up USA: Hawaii from 1976

The Best Vintage Hawaii Travel Map

The Close-up USA: Hawaii Map from 1976 captures the islands during a period when Hawaii had become one of America’s best-known holiday destinations.

Published in April 1976, it measures approximately 890 × 571 mm and belongs to National Geographic’s Close-up: U.S.A. series.

The map emphasises:

• national and state parks;

• volcanoes;

• visitor attractions;

• recreational activities;

• towns and regional geography; and

• the visual language of 1970s travel cartography.

It is the strongest choice for someone who wants a vintage Hawaii map that still feels strongly connected to travel, holidays and outdoor exploration.

9. Hawaii National Geographic Wall Map from 1995

The Best Vintage Map for Ocean-Floor Relief

The Hawaii National Geographic Wall Map from 1995 is the most visually geological of the historical National Geographic options.

Published in September 1995, it measures approximately 794 × 513 mm and is produced at 1:5,000,000. Its defining feature is the detailed ocean-floor relief surrounding the islands.

The map helps viewers appreciate:

• the islands’ volcanic origins;

• the scale of the surrounding seabed;

• underwater ridges and contours;

• coastlines and volcanic features; and

• how the visible islands relate to a much larger submarine landscape.

It is especially suitable for:

• geology and physical-geography enthusiasts;

• classrooms and libraries;

• National Geographic collectors;

• ocean-themed interiors; and

• comparison with the 1960 and modern Hawaii maps.

10. The 1931 Hawaiian Islands Pictorial Wall Map Series

The Best Decorative Historical Hawaii Maps

Mapworld’s 1931 pictorial series consists of four coordinated sheets covering Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island.

Unlike a conventional road or political map, pictorial cartography uses illustration to build a sense of landscape, place and journey. These maps reflect the visual culture and tourism language of the interwar period.

Island	Mapworld map	Reproduction size
Kauaʻi	Kauai Pictorial Wall Map	1000 × 781 mm
Oʻahu	Oahu Pictorial Wall Map	1000 × 715 mm
Maui	Maui Pictorial Wall Map	1000 × 715 mm
Hawaiʻi Island	Hawaii Pictorial Wall Map	715 × 1000 mm

The sheets depict coastlines, towns, landmarks and pictorial relief in strong colour. Each map can stand alone, but the complete set creates a distinctive gallery-style display.

Best For

• collectors of pictorial cartography;

• Hawaiian-themed hospitality spaces;

• living rooms, libraries and studios;

• comparative study of tourism imagery;

• designers looking for coordinated historical wall art; and

• travellers wanting a decorative record of a favourite island.

Mapworld offers the series in paper, laminated and canvas formats, with selected timber hang-rail options. The maps are printed in Australia with pigment-based inks.

Browse Vintage National Geographic maps for the 1960, 1976 and 1995 editions, and the broader historical wall maps collection for pictorial and heritage mapping from Hawaii and around the world.

Read Why Historical Maps Make Beautiful and Meaningful Wall Art and Vintage Maps as Wall Art for display ideas.

Historical maps reward comparison: what they emphasise, omit and rename can be as revealing as the geography they show. The maps depicted are intentionally generic. Illustrative AI-generated image; not a reproduction of any map product discussed in this article.

How to Read Historical Hawaii Maps Responsibly

Historical maps are never neutral windows onto the past. They reflect the knowledge, institutions, politics, commercial priorities and cultural assumptions of their publishers.

When reading an older Hawaii map, ask:

• Which language and place names are used?

• Are Hawaiian names preserved, simplified or omitted?

• What political status is assumed?

• Which roads, resorts, military sites or industries are emphasised?

• Are Native Hawaiian communities and relationships with land visible?

• Does the map present Hawaii chiefly as a homeland, a strategic location, a US state or a tourism product?

• What environmental knowledge was available at the time?

• Which places appear accessible on the map but are private, sacred, changed or closed today?

The 1931 pictorial series should be understood within territorial-era tourism and design. The 1960 map reflects the immediate post-statehood period. The 1976 map shows the growth of mass tourism and recreation. The 1995 map reflects later scientific and environmental interests.

None should be used for current navigation. Their value lies in comparison, interpretation and connection.

What a Printed Hawaii Map Does Not Replace

A physical map is a powerful planning tool, but Hawaii’s roads, parks, trails and volcanic landscapes can change.

Before travelling, check:

• Hawaii Department of Transportation for state transport and road information;

• GoAkamai for live Oʻahu and Maui traffic information;

• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park alerts and conditions;

• Haleakalā National Park alerts and conditions;

• USGS Kīlauea volcano updates;

• National Weather Service Honolulu for forecasts and warnings; and

• GoHawaii trip-planning information for official visitor guidance.

Live sources matter because:

• volcanic activity can affect air quality, viewing areas and roads;

• storms can cause flooding, debris and closures;

• park access and reservation requirements can change;

• roadworks and crashes affect journey times;

• surf and coastal conditions can be hazardous;

• a trail or viewpoint shown on a map may be temporarily or permanently closed; and

• mapped land is not automatically public land.

Use paper maps to understand geography and alternatives. Use official live information to decide what is safe, legal and available today.

Building the Ideal Hawaii Map Kit

First Hawaii Holiday — Oʻahu Only

Take:

• Hawaiian Islands Borch Map;

• Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map if exploring beyond Honolulu;

• offline Honolulu and Oʻahu navigation; and

• current traffic and attraction information.

Big Island Volcano and Road Journey

Take:

• Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map;

• Hawaiian Islands Borch Map for Hilo and Kīlauea insets;

• offline road mapping;

• National Park Service conditions; and

• USGS volcano updates.

Add the Big Island Franko Wall Map at home if terrain visualisation or a permanent trip record is important.

Maui Road Trip

Take:

• Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map;

• Hawaiian Islands Borch Map;

• offline mapping;

• current road and weather information; and

• Haleakalā National Park conditions.

Kauaʻi Outdoor Holiday

Take:

• Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map;

• current park and trail information;

• appropriate detailed route mapping for planned walks; and

• offline navigation.

The Kauai Franko Wall Map is an excellent pre-trip terrain overview but is not a detailed trail-navigation sheet.

Multi-Island Family Holiday

Use:

• Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map;

• Hawaiian Islands Borch Map;

• Hawaii National Geographic Wall Map for shared planning;

• a separate itinerary for every flight, car hire and accommodation change;

• offline maps for each island; and

• current official information.

Classroom or Home Geography Display

Choose:

• Hawaii National Geographic 883 × 575 mm Wall Map for physical geography; or

• Hawaiʻi Atlas of the World Wall Map for political reference.

Choose laminated for a working classroom map or canvas for a decorative home display.

Historical Map Collector

Begin with:

• Hawaii 1960 for statehood-era significance;

• Close-up USA: Hawaii 1976 for travel history;

• Hawaii 1995 for ocean-floor relief; or

• the 1931 Oʻahu pictorial map as an entry into the four-sheet illustrated series.

Which Hawaii Map Should You Choose?

If your main question is…	Choose…
“What is the best single map for a Hawaii holiday?”	Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map
“What gives me the best Honolulu detail?”	Hawaiian Islands Borch Map
“Which map is easiest to carry every day?”	Hawaiian Islands Borch Map
“Which map is best for parks and outdoor travel?”	Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map
“Which wall map shows all the islands and their volcanic setting?”	Hawaii National Geographic Wall Map
“Which wall map is the cleanest political reference?”	Hawaiʻi Atlas of the World Wall Map
“Which map gives one island the greatest visual attention?”	The relevant Franko island wall map
“Which old map has the strongest historical significance?”	Hawaii National Geographic 1960
“Which vintage map is most travel oriented?”	Close-up USA: Hawaii 1976
“Which historical map best shows the ocean floor?”	Hawaii National Geographic 1995
“Which maps make the strongest coordinated decorative set?”	The four 1931 Hawaiian pictorial maps

Why Buy a Hawaii Map from Mapworld?

Mapworld brings travel maps, wall maps and historical maps together in one specialist range.

That matters because a customer planning Hawaii may need more than a folded road map. They may also want:

• a waterproof outdoor map;

• a compact laminated city reference;

• a physical-geography wall map;

• an island-specific relief map;

• a historical National Geographic reproduction;

• a coordinated pictorial-map set;

• paper, laminated or canvas finishes;

• timber hang rails; or

• advice on which map actually fits the journey.

After more than 25 years in the map industry, I have learned that the best map is not simply the newest or largest. It is the map whose scale, coverage, content and format match the job.

Browse North America maps, international country and regional wall maps, Vintage National Geographic maps and historical wall maps.

Complete Featured Hawaii Map Directory

Folded Travel Maps

• Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map

• Hawaiian Islands Borch Folded Laminated Map

• USA Michelin Map 761

Modern Hawaii Wall Maps

• Hawaii National Geographic 883 × 575 mm Wall Map

• Hawaiʻi Atlas of the World, 10th Edition Wall Map

• Hawaii Big Island Wall Map by Franko

• Hawaii Oahu Wall Map by Franko

• Hawaii Maui Wall Map by Franko

• Hawaii Kauai Wall Map by Franko

• Hawaii Molokai Wall Map by Franko

• Hawaii Lanai Wall Map by Franko

Historical Hawaii Wall Maps

• Hawaii National Geographic Wall Map from 1960

• Close-up USA: Hawaii National Geographic Map from 1976

• Hawaii National Geographic Wall Map from 1995

• Kauai Pictorial Wall Map from 1931

• Oahu Pictorial Wall Map from 1931

• Maui Pictorial Wall Map from 1931

• Hawaii Big Island Pictorial Wall Map from 1931

Relevant Mapworld Collections

• North America maps, guides and road atlases

• Wall maps of countries, continents and regions

• Vintage National Geographic maps

• Historical wall maps

Final Verdict

For most travellers, the Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map is the best overall physical map of Hawaii. It covers all eight main islands, combines roads with outdoor recreation and is printed on waterproof, tear-resistant material.

The Hawaiian Islands Borch Map is the best compact companion and the strongest choice for Honolulu, Pearl Harbor and selected urban insets.

For the wall, choose the National Geographic 883 × 575 mm map for the complete archipelago and physical geography, or the appropriate Franko island map when one island is the focus.

For history, begin with the 1960 National Geographic map, then add the 1976 and 1995 maps or the 1931 pictorial series according to whether political history, travel culture, geology or decorative art matters most.

The best Hawaii map kit is not a replacement for GPS or official alerts. It is the framework that makes every digital direction and live update easier to understand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best overall map of Hawaii?

The Hawaii National Geographic Folded Map is the best overall choice. It covers all eight main islands at approximately 1:220,000 and combines roads, parks, trails, campsites, recreation and visitor information on waterproof, tear-resistant material.

Is the National Geographic Hawaii map waterproof?

Yes. It is printed on durable waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic material, making it well suited to tropical weather, outdoor use and repeated handling.

What is the best map of Honolulu?

The Hawaiian Islands Borch Folded Laminated Map is the strongest physical map in this range for Honolulu. It includes Honolulu and Pearl Harbor at 1:26,000 and central Honolulu at 1:15,500.

What is the best map for Waikīkī and Oʻahu?

Use the Borch map for detailed Honolulu-area orientation and the National Geographic folded map for the wider Oʻahu road and recreation context.

What is the best map for the Big Island?

The National Geographic folded map is the best all-round travel map for the Big Island. Add the Borch map for Hilo and Kīlauea insets and the Franko Big Island Wall Map for large-format terrain visualisation.

What is the best map for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?

The National Geographic Hawaii map provides the strongest broad physical overview. It must be combined with current National Park Service conditions, USGS volcano updates and any detailed route information required for the planned activity.

What is the best map for Maui and the Road to Hāna?

The National Geographic folded map is the best broad travel and recreation choice. The Borch map adds Wailuku and Kahului detail, while the Franko Maui map provides a strong wall-scale terrain overview.

What is the best map for Kauaʻi?

The National Geographic folded map is the best travel choice because it connects roads with Waimea Canyon, the Nā Pali Coast, parks, beaches and recreation. The Franko Kauaʻi map is the best wall-scale relief option.

Does one Hawaii map cover all the islands?

Yes. Both the National Geographic and Borch folded maps cover the principal island chain. They use different scales and emphases, so carrying both provides a better combination of outdoor context and city detail.

Do I need a paper map if I have Google Maps or a hire-car GPS?

A paper map is still valuable for seeing the whole island, comparing alternatives, understanding terrain and planning when several people are involved. Use it with offline digital navigation and current official information rather than treating either format as a complete replacement for the other.

What is the best Hawaii wall map?

The Hawaii National Geographic 883 × 575 mm Wall Map is the best modern overview because it shows all eight major islands, the extended archipelago and the Hawaiian Ridge.

Which Hawaii wall map is best for a classroom?

Choose the National Geographic 883 × 575 mm map for physical geography or the 711 × 559 mm Atlas of the World map for a clean political reference. A laminated finish is best when students or teachers will mark the map.

Are the Franko Hawaii wall maps suitable for navigation?

They are wall and reference maps designed for island-wide visualisation, recreation context and display. They should not replace current detailed road, trail, marine or hazard information.

Can a laminated Hawaii wall map be written on?

Mapworld’s gloss-encapsulated laminated wall maps can be marked with suitable whiteboard or map markers and wiped clean. Test the marker first and remove markings regularly.

What is the best historical map of Hawaii?

The 1960 National Geographic Hawaii map has the strongest political-historical significance because it was published shortly after statehood. The 1976 map is best for travel history, while the 1995 map is best for ocean-floor relief.

Which vintage Hawaii maps make the best wall-art set?

The four 1931 pictorial maps of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui and the Big Island form the strongest coordinated decorative set. They are available separately, allowing buyers to choose one favourite island or build a complete display.

Are historical Hawaii maps accurate enough for travel?

No. They show the geography, knowledge and priorities of their publication era. Roads, access, names, boundaries and visitor facilities may have changed substantially.

Where can I buy Hawaii maps in Australia?

Mapworld stocks folded travel maps, modern wall maps, island-specific relief maps and historical Hawaii reproductions with Australia-wide delivery. Start with the North America maps collection.

Related Mapworld Articles

• Best Maps for the United States

• Best Maps for Alaska

• Best Maps for Cruising

• GPS vs Paper Maps: Why Paper Maps Still Matter

• How to Read a Map Without the Sat Nav

• How Tourism Organisations Use Maps to Shape Destinations

• How to Choose a Wall Map: The Complete Guide

• What Size Wall Map Do I Need?

• How to Choose the Perfect Wall Map for Your Home

• How to Frame and Display a Large Wall Map

• Why Laminated Maps Are Ideal for Business Use

• Why Historical Maps Make Beautiful and Meaningful Wall Art

• Vintage Maps as Wall Art

• Where to Buy Maps in Australia

 

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