7 Idyllic Small Towns In Hawaii To Visit In 2025
The Hawaii landscape is like nowhere else on Earth. Black sand beaches, rainforests, and active volcanoes share the same space. Locals and visitors can swim with sea turtles in sparkling blue water, and the northeast trade winds keep the temperatures pleasant year-round.The Aloha spirit is warm, and the culture is vibrant throughout the range of islands. Plus, life here is just slower and far more relaxed compared to the rest of the U.S.
The towns that dot the landscape offer incredible experiences too, whether one-of-a-kind sea views or roads that seem to lead to a fairytale. Specifically, the seven towns on this list are as idyllic as they come in 2025.
Princeville
Princeville is a small town on the north shore of Kauai, renowned for its ideal location that provides stunning views of Hanalei Bay. Its shores consist of pristine beaches with wonderful green mountains in the background. Princeville was named after Prince Albert, the son of King Kamehameha IV, who passed away at the age of four. The town is also home to luxury holiday rentals and resorts, ensuring visitors have all the amenities they need while exploring the surroundings. Over time, the town evolved from its roots in sugar plantations to a resort community that attracts visitors from around the world.
The most gorgeous natural attractions in Princeville include Queen’s Bath, a natural tidal pool between the rocks. There is also the Princeville Botanical Gardens, where tropical plants and flowers grow, creating a tranquil, yet exotic environment. Visitors can explore the Kalalau Trail and Okolehao Trail, which provide panoramic views of the coastline, waterfalls, and valleys. Plus, the calm Princeville waters are perfect for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
For a different perspective on the landscape, helicopter tours offer bird’s-eye views of the cliffs, beaches, and rugged terrain throughout the town, including the magnificent Na Pali Coast.
Kaunakakai
Molokai has the largest percentage of native Hawaiians in Hawaii, with more than 60% of residents having a native Hawaiian ancestry. The main town on the island is Kaunakakai, where the only gas stations and grocery stores are located.
Kaunakakai offers an authentic Hawaii experience, compared to the ‘touristy’ experiences on the other islands. It is the perfect destination for hiking adventures in the rainforest and around waterfalls. Nearby Halawa Bay Beach promises dramatic views of the dark waters and green landscapes.
The Kamakou Preserve is a pristine rainforest where a diverse array of thriving plants and animals can be found nowhere else on earth. The preserve sits in the mountains of East Molokai and is home to the largest continuous fringing reef in America, located four thousand feet below the water's edge.
For those who want to get up close to sea life, the Molokai Fish & Dive Shop, located on Ala Malama Avenue, offers diving tours that allow visitors to snorkel and swim with sea turtles and manta rays.
Kahuku
Kahuku is a North Shore town in Oahu and home to the famous Turtle Bay Resort. The town lies between Laie and Haleiwa and once experienced an agricultural boom due to its busy sugar mill.
There is a lot to do and see here, so most visitors opt to stay longer than a weekend. For instance, it is possible to hike to the northern-most tip of Oahu, known as Kahuku Point, which lies close to the Turtle Bay Resort. Along the way, there are several gorgeous swimming and resting spots. At the end of the hike, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Pacific.At the resort itself, there are pools and excellent food to enjoy. The Alaia Restaurant prepares the freshest meals, including vegetables from the resort’s on-site farm.
Other idyllic activities include beach hopping between Kahuku Beach and Malaekahana Beach. Intrepid visitors can stay at the Malaekahana Campground.
Paia
Another town with a strong sugar cane plantation history, Paia was once home to more than 20% of Maui’s population. Things changed when a fire destroyed most of the town in the 1930s, and it was hit again by a tsunami in the 1940s. While the town was rebuilt quickly both times, Paia lost the majority of its residents to Wailuku and Kahului. Still, as the years passed, the town became a draw for windsurfers, while maintaining its old-school Hawaiian charm.
Today, Paia is known for its Bohemian-Hippie vibe and excellent shopping experience. Visitors can find a wide range of establishments here, from ice cream parlors to upscale coffee shops and yoga studios.
Those who want to experience the wind and waves can head to Baby Beach, where a serene lagoon makes for a chilled day out. There are also turtles to see at Hookipa Beach. Hookipa Lookout is a short drive away, where people can watch the windsurfers in action while keeping an eye out for more sea turtles.
Honaunau-Napoopoo
Honaunau-Napoopoo lies on the western side of the Big Island. Although the Big Island is now mostly a ‘touristy’ destination, Honaunau-Napoopoo has managed to maintain its authentic Hawaiian vibe.
Visitors love immersing themselves in history via the a walking tour of Kona's Royal Grounds. During the tour, people learn more about Hawaiian folklore and traditions, as they are an integral part of Hawaiian history. Another popular tour is the Twilight Volcano Tour, which takes small groups to the island’s volcanic landscapes, providing fantastic stargazing opportunities.
The nearby Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park provides a glimpse into Hawaiian culture, while Two Step Beach offers some of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island. During the annual Pu'uhonua o Honaunau Cultural Festival, held in June, visitors can engage in Hawaiian games and ceremonies while learning more about the local culture.
Lanai City
Lanai City is the main town on the island of Lanai. During the early 1900s, the town produced up to 75% of the world's pineapples, and this heritage is celebrated during the annual Pineapple Festival.
Tourists love exploring Lanai City’s Art Center, where local artists display their stunning works. There is also ample space in Dole Park, where most businesses are centered, just to relax and enjoy a day under the Cook Pines. One of the most popular attractions is the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, which provides a home for rescue cats. Those seeking heart-pounding adventures can head to Lanai Adventure Park for aerial ropes courses or ziplining.
The local Lanai Guide App also provides directions to a hiking trail that extends to Puupehe. If there is enough time left in the day, visitors can also travel to the nearby Garden of the Gods. The garden is filled with dramatic spires and rock formations that ‘come to life’ when the setting sun drapes them in oranges, reds, and purples.
Hanalei
Hanalei is located west of Princeville on the north shore of Kauai. The green mountains here are often covered in thick mist, and the foot of the mountains gives way to thick green fields of taro (kalo). These distinctively shaped plants are used to make poi, which is a staple in the Hawaiian diet.
Visitors and locals often gather around the Hanalei Pier, where they enjoy fishing and swimming. The pier, built in 1892, was also featured in the musical film South Pacific.
At Hanalei Bay, the water is calm enough for fishing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. It is also the perfect vantage point to watch the sun set behind the sea cliffs. Other idyllic activities include snorkeling near Black Pot Beach, kayaking on the Hanalei River, and hiking the Okolehao Trail.
Those who wish to purchase mementos can do so at Hanalei Trading Company, renowned for its local art and gifts.
From wind-swept beaches to tranquil villages, these seven Hawaiian towns offer a diverse range of travel experiences. In each one, visitors will find glorious natural beauty, strong traditions, and colorful cultures, with opportunities to get to know each of Hawaii's unique islands. Any of these towns will suit beach lovers seeking their next adventure. And the best part is that massive crowds do not limit these town experiences, as they might in bigger towns and cities in Hawaii.
