6 Hawaii Towns That Rival Europe's Best

Hawaii, also known as The Aloha State, is known for its diverse natural scenery, beautiful beaches, towering volcanoes, and unique environment. Unlike most of the contiguous United States, Hawaii’s unique vibe sets it apart, from its 137 volcanic islands to the bustling hub of Honolulu. These unique sights are often compared to the verdant charm of Europe, just replacing tiny hamlets along the Amalfi Coast with beach communities against the Pacific’s waves. Tourists can check out these six scenic towns for the best of Hawaii. Whether surfing near the Hanalei Pavilion or visiting the swinging bridge in Hanapepe, these towns rival Europe’s best.

Hanalei

Set along the coast of Kauai with views of Hanalei Bay, Hanalei is the perfect town for a slice of the Aloha State. Most tourists come here for the watersports, and Hanalei Beach is the ideal place to start. One can spend hours sunbathing along the sandy shoreline, surfing from the pavilion with its perfect waves, or walking along the lively coastline. With quaint buildings creating a contrasting vibe to the beach, it is just like a scene from a movie. If this isn’t enough, one can head out to Hanalei Pier to swim, picnic, and enjoy being surrounded by water.

Inland, Hanalei has plenty more things to experience. Those here for nature will not want to miss a visit to the Limahuli Garden and Preserve. With a combined area of 1,000 acres, the area abounds with fauna, whether it is the sugarcane plant or the white flowers of the iliau. Moreover, Makana Mountain and the Limahuli Stream’s 800-foot waterfall are enough for anyone to fall in love with Hanalei. That said, if you’re more for the historic side of town, Wai’oli Hui’ia Church is a great option. Built in the 1830s, this church stands out with its green facade and spire, providing a beautiful place to join in on a Sunday service.

Kailua

Extreme experiences await in Kailua, one of Hawaii’s top windsurfing and kitesurfing communities. Located just 20 minutes from Honolulu on the other side of the island, Kailua’s 40,000 residents may seem like a lot, but the town is a relaxing alternative to the capital. Those here for adventure should head straight to Kailua Beach, spread out for 2.5 miles in a crescent shape. From stand-up paddleboarding to sea kayaking and windsurfing, all types of watersports are possible here. If you’re not planning on getting wet, hike along the Lanikai Pillbox Trail instead. While it's less than a mile long, the trail is quite steep and opens up to a panoramic viewpoint reminiscent of Switzerland’s mountaintops.

Back on paved streets, Kailua’s bustling community spirit shines during the local Farmers Market on Thursdays. From Aloha WasaBee to Hawaiian-style chili, over a dozen vendors bring interesting and delicious dishes. Last but not least, stroll along the downtown area, where streets like Hahani Street and Hamakua Drive are full of life. Businesses line the streets, such as the Lanikai Brewing Company, a great place to grab a drink with friends.

Hanapepe

While beaches and watersports are always fun, Europe’s charm is also linked to its culture, as in Hanapepe. Located in Kauai, this town has an ideal mix of nature, history, and culture for all kinds of travelers. For example, those interested in art have many options, such as the Troy Carney Art Gallery and Amy Lauren’s A Gallery. The former is known for his hand-cutting painting style, which uses Japanese knives to carve textures into wood, while the latter houses art from various artists. That said, there is no better time to experience art in Hanapepe than on Friday. This is thanks to the town’s evening Art Night on Friday, wherein art galleries stay open, musicians play music downtown, and restaurants come to life.

Afterward, look at rustic art with your eyes by walking across the historic Swinging Bridge. Initially built in 1911 and then rebuilt in 1992, this wood-and-cable suspension bridge crosses the Hanepepe River, and its rocking motion is sure to scare even the bravest of souls. Of course, no trip to Hawaii is complete without dipping your feet in the water, so a stop at the nearby Salt Pond Beach Park is a must. With six miles of rocky coastline and over 20 miles of hiking trails, it is an ideal place to enjoy the charming Pacific views.

Volcano Village

As the name suggests, Volcano Village rests along the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park border in Hawaii County. To this end, the town offers a similar yet stark contrast to the Alps, with towering magma shoots nearby. The national park is the top draw here, bringing in over a million visitors annually to witness Mauna Loa, the world's largest shield volcano, and Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Encompassing 350,000 acres, adventurous souls can explore the park via the Crater Rim Trail, which runs along the summit of Kīlauea. That said, eruptions and volcanic ash can lead to temporary closures, and some parts are closed as of August 2025. Nearby, the visitor center is a great place to visit, providing detailed information on the area's volcanoes, activities, and history.

As you come down from the volcano, the vibe shifts from magma and ash to friendly faces and verdant greenery. The best way to take it all in is at Volcano Garden Arts, a working art studio and gallery. Spanning three acres and part of a 1908 estate, it abounds with nature trails, art studios, greenhouses, and even a “Secret Garden” walking loop. After exploring all the town has to offer, wind down at the Volcano Winery with a glass of Macadamia Nut Honey Wine. With volcano views and an exquisite vibe, it is the best place for a soothing drink.

Pāʻia

While Volcano Village might differ slightly from what you expect in Hawaii, Pāʻia is part of the status quo, known as the “World Capital of Windsurfing.” Like Kailua, watersports here are top class, with people from all over flocking to Ho’okipa Beach Park and H.A. Baldwin Beach Park for some activities. The former is perfect for wind and kite surfing with the occasional turtle sighting, while the latter offers significant boogie boarding and sunbathing areas.

A short walk from the beach transforms the town's vibe, from a fun-filled activity hub to a cultural wellspring with many landmarks. Those who want to learn more about religion will surely enjoy some time at the Mantokuji Temple Mission of Pāʻia and Maui Dharma Center, showcasing intricate architecture with Japanese, Buddhist, and other influences. End the day with a waterfront meal at Mama’s Fish House for a great time in Hawaii’s Maui County.

Pāhoa

Home to fewer than 1,000 people, Pāhoa is a quaint commune reminiscent of secluded hamlets in the European countryside. A short drive from Volcano Village, it sits within reach of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park but carries its own distinct charm. Here, the black sands of Kehena Beach replace volcanic ash, their origins traced to basalt from nearby eruptions. The striking contrast of turquoise waves rolling over dark shoreline creates one of the most photogenic scenes on the island. Just down the coast, Isaac Hale Beach Park offers equally vivid scenery, with swimming areas, snorkeling spots, and lush greenery that invite hours of exploration.

Also in Pahoa, a must-see landmark is the Lava Tree State Monument, just southeast of town. Stroll the 0.7-mile loop trail to see towering lava casts where molten flows molded entire tree trunks, now frozen in time. Another favorite nearby is Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar and Farmers Market, a lively gathering place with a kava bar, food stalls, and live music, especially vibrant on Wednesday evenings.

From Hanalei’s bay backed by emerald mountains to Hanapepe’s historic bridge and Pāhoa’s volcanic black sands, these six scenic towns reveal a side of Hawaii that often slips past most travelers. They offer history, culture, natural beauty, and a sense of everyday life that feels both authentic and timeless. Just like wandering through a small town on the Amalfi Coast or the quiet alleys of a French village, each place has its own rhythm and story to share. They remind visitors that Hawaii is not only about its famous beaches and resorts, but also about the communities that keep its traditions and landscapes alive.