The Hawaiian islands have several beautiful, charming places to visit. But these small towns in Hawaii have something a little extra special. So if you’re planning your next trip, add some of these incredible small towns in Hawaii to your list of things you must see while on the islands!
- January: Hana, Kauai, Hawaii
Royce Bair / Moment Collection / Getty Images Located on the eastern part of Maui, Hana is a place built for nature lovers. Take the famous “Road to Hana,” which winds its way around the curvy mountainside, and pull over for some epic views, including countless waterfalls. The drive is 10-12 hours long, but it’s worth it. Make it a weekend trip and soak in the lush Waianapanapa State Park, and sandy beaches of Hamoa Beach, and drop by Hana Cultural Center and Museum while you’re there! Hana, HI 96713, USA
- February: Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii
M.M. Sweet / Moment Collection / Getty Images Views of this tiny town in northern Kauai bring to mind everything you think of when you think of “Hawaii.” Lush, tropical jungle forest reminiscent of Jurassic Park touches the white sand beaches and turquoise oceans. Hanalei is a dream to visit and not as busy as Kauai’s tourist-heavy southern shore. Book a trip to this gorgeous place as soon as possible! Hanalei, HI, USA
- March: Naalehu, Big Island, Hawaii
Damien VERRIER / iStock / Getty Images Plus Who wouldn’t want to see the Big Island’s famous Green Sand Beach up close? Well if you visit the tiny town of Naalehu, you’ll have the chance! The entire world only has four of these unique green sand beaches, and Papakolea Green Sand Beach is one of them! If you tire of the Green Sand Beach, head on over to Punaluu Black Sand Beach where you can snorkel with some sea turtles. Naalehu is home to some of the Big Island’s most amazing natural beauty! Naalehu, HI 96772, USA
- April: Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii
Shane Myers / 500px Prime / GETTY IMAGES This incredible small town on the island of Oahu is one of the most famous surfing spots in Hawaii. A true gem right on the North Shore, Haleiwa is an easy 30-40 minute drive from Honolulu, which is makes it pretty accessible. The vibe is laid back, even when a competition is in town. And beginners are welcome! Take lessons, hit the food trucks, and enjoy the scenery at this charming small town in Hawaii. Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
- May: Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
Jon Hicks / Stone / GETTY IMAGES Kick back and relax in Lahaina, a historic small town in Maui. Lahaina was actually the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom, and is home to many wonderful cultural and natural attractions. Visit the world’s oldest banyan tree, visit Hale Paahao (or the Lahaina Prison), or enjoy a meal at one of the many amazing beachfront restaurants. Lahaina, HI, USA
- June: Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii
Christopher Larson / EyeEm / GETTY IMAGES The charming small town Koloa is home to Brennecke’s Beach, a local’s beach located next to Poipu Beach Park. It’s the perfect small spot to take in some good boogie boarding before heading out to eat after. Koloa has a ton to recommend it, including being in a prime location for exploring Kauai’s gorgeous state parks. If you love to get out and hike, we love the Koloa Heritage Trail. Koloa, HI 96756, USA
- July: Pa’ia, Maui, Hawaii
John Elk / The Image Bank / GETTY IMAGES Who wouldn’t fall in love with Pa’ia? This charming small town in Hawaii is located on the North Shore of Maui, and is the place to go if you love art, great restaurants, and a laid-back, bohemian vibe. The culture of the town is eclectic and fun, and there is a lot to recommend it. Make Pa’ia a stop on your Maui adventure and you won’t regret it! Paia, HI 96779, USA
- August: He’eia, Oahu, Hawaii
Warren Ishii / 500px / Getty images Put He’eia on your list because you won’t want to miss this charming little spot; it’s a census-designated place outside Honolulu, and located nearby to the stunning He’eia State Park. Nestled between the mountains and the ocean, spot is peaceful and relaxing. Make sure you visit Heʻeia Fishpond, the largest remaining fishpond on Oʻahu while you’re in the area. Heeia, HI 96744, USA
- September: Hāwī, Big Island, Hawaii
Images by Steve Skinner Photography / Moment Open / GETTY IMAGES This small town makes its mark as the bicycle turnaround spot on the annual Ironman World Championship races each year, but it has so much to offer! Hāwī is a quaint little Hawaiian town with charm, and is home to art galleries, award-winning restaurants, and the northeastern coastline. Drive to the Pololū Valley Overlook to take in the view, or spend your day checking out all of the boutiques and stock up on handmade fudge and beautiful jewerly. Hawi, HI 96719, USA
- October: Kaunakakai, Molokai, Hawaii
Kevin Everhart / 500px / GETTY IMAGES This small paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town on the less touristy island of Molokai is a must-see. The town feels stuck in the 1900s, and offers a place to enjoy a slower, more peaceful pace. Known for its pier at Kaunakakai Harbor, and the largest one in the state, start your day early enjoying the sunrise before hitting Kanemitsu’s Bakery. You’ll line up with locals and visitors alike as you wait for their world-famous bread! Kaunakakai, HI, USA
- November: Honokaa, Big Island, Hawaii
Luis Jou Garcia / Moment / Getty Images Located on the North shore of the Big Island, Honokaa is the gateway to Hamakua Coast. One of the island’s most iconic images, you can see this this bright green valley meet a deep blue Pacific Ocean. The small town of Honokaa has much to offer, including Hiilawe Falls, a lively downtown, and plenty of delicious restaurants to dine in. Honokaa, HI 96727, USA
- December: Holualoa, Big Island, Hawaii
Peter Unger / Stone / GETTY IMAGES Holulaoa is right in the heart of Kona Coffee Country in Hawaii! This small town should be at the top of your bucket list of you love coffee in any shape or form. This mountain town offers coffee orchards and mills to visit, as well as the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. Come for the coffee, and stock up on the black liquid Kona gold before you go! Holualoa, HI, USA
Have you ever visited any of these small towns in Hawaii? Did your favorite make your list? If we missed it, drop it in the comments below!
Royce Bair / Moment Collection / Getty Images
Located on the eastern part of Maui, Hana is a place built for nature lovers. Take the famous “Road to Hana,” which winds its way around the curvy mountainside, and pull over for some epic views, including countless waterfalls. The drive is 10-12 hours long, but it’s worth it. Make it a weekend trip and soak in the lush Waianapanapa State Park, and sandy beaches of Hamoa Beach, and drop by Hana Cultural Center and Museum while you’re there!
Hana, HI 96713, USA
M.M. Sweet / Moment Collection / Getty Images
Views of this tiny town in northern Kauai bring to mind everything you think of when you think of “Hawaii.” Lush, tropical jungle forest reminiscent of Jurassic Park touches the white sand beaches and turquoise oceans. Hanalei is a dream to visit and not as busy as Kauai’s tourist-heavy southern shore. Book a trip to this gorgeous place as soon as possible!
Hanalei, HI, USA
Damien VERRIER / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Who wouldn’t want to see the Big Island’s famous Green Sand Beach up close? Well if you visit the tiny town of Naalehu, you’ll have the chance! The entire world only has four of these unique green sand beaches, and Papakolea Green Sand Beach is one of them! If you tire of the Green Sand Beach, head on over to Punaluu Black Sand Beach where you can snorkel with some sea turtles. Naalehu is home to some of the Big Island’s most amazing natural beauty!
Naalehu, HI 96772, USA
Shane Myers / 500px Prime / GETTY IMAGES
This incredible small town on the island of Oahu is one of the most famous surfing spots in Hawaii. A true gem right on the North Shore, Haleiwa is an easy 30-40 minute drive from Honolulu, which is makes it pretty accessible. The vibe is laid back, even when a competition is in town. And beginners are welcome! Take lessons, hit the food trucks, and enjoy the scenery at this charming small town in Hawaii.
Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Jon Hicks / Stone / GETTY IMAGES
Kick back and relax in Lahaina, a historic small town in Maui. Lahaina was actually the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom, and is home to many wonderful cultural and natural attractions. Visit the world’s oldest banyan tree, visit Hale Paahao (or the Lahaina Prison), or enjoy a meal at one of the many amazing beachfront restaurants.
Lahaina, HI, USA
Christopher Larson / EyeEm / GETTY IMAGES
The charming small town Koloa is home to Brennecke’s Beach, a local’s beach located next to Poipu Beach Park. It’s the perfect small spot to take in some good boogie boarding before heading out to eat after. Koloa has a ton to recommend it, including being in a prime location for exploring Kauai’s gorgeous state parks. If you love to get out and hike, we love the Koloa Heritage Trail.
Koloa, HI 96756, USA
John Elk / The Image Bank / GETTY IMAGES
Who wouldn’t fall in love with Pa’ia? This charming small town in Hawaii is located on the North Shore of Maui, and is the place to go if you love art, great restaurants, and a laid-back, bohemian vibe. The culture of the town is eclectic and fun, and there is a lot to recommend it. Make Pa’ia a stop on your Maui adventure and you won’t regret it!
Paia, HI 96779, USA
Warren Ishii / 500px / Getty images
Put He’eia on your list because you won’t want to miss this charming little spot; it’s a census-designated place outside Honolulu, and located nearby to the stunning He’eia State Park. Nestled between the mountains and the ocean, spot is peaceful and relaxing. Make sure you visit Heʻeia Fishpond, the largest remaining fishpond on Oʻahu while you’re in the area.
Heeia, HI 96744, USA
Images by Steve Skinner Photography / Moment Open / GETTY IMAGES
This small town makes its mark as the bicycle turnaround spot on the annual Ironman World Championship races each year, but it has so much to offer! Hāwī is a quaint little Hawaiian town with charm, and is home to art galleries, award-winning restaurants, and the northeastern coastline. Drive to the Pololū Valley Overlook to take in the view, or spend your day checking out all of the boutiques and stock up on handmade fudge and beautiful jewerly.
Hawi, HI 96719, USA
Kevin Everhart / 500px / GETTY IMAGES
This small paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town on the less touristy island of Molokai is a must-see. The town feels stuck in the 1900s, and offers a place to enjoy a slower, more peaceful pace. Known for its pier at Kaunakakai Harbor, and the largest one in the state, start your day early enjoying the sunrise before hitting Kanemitsu’s Bakery. You’ll line up with locals and visitors alike as you wait for their world-famous bread!
Kaunakakai, HI, USA
Luis Jou Garcia / Moment / Getty Images
Located on the North shore of the Big Island, Honokaa is the gateway to Hamakua Coast. One of the island’s most iconic images, you can see this this bright green valley meet a deep blue Pacific Ocean. The small town of Honokaa has much to offer, including Hiilawe Falls, a lively downtown, and plenty of delicious restaurants to dine in.
Honokaa, HI 96727, USA
Peter Unger / Stone / GETTY IMAGES
Holulaoa is right in the heart of Kona Coffee Country in Hawaii! This small town should be at the top of your bucket list of you love coffee in any shape or form. This mountain town offers coffee orchards and mills to visit, as well as the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. Come for the coffee, and stock up on the black liquid Kona gold before you go!
Holualoa, HI, USA
If you love small Hawaiian towns, go off the grid at Paia Town, a charming spot on the water.
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