Hawaii draws millions of travelers from around the world, and within this group of paradise seekers are those who desire one-of-a-kind experiences. Here are eight Hawaiian towns that are perfect for such visitors. Kapaʻau, for example, celebrates its rich history with a statue honoring the legendary ancient ruler, King Kamehameha. The town also hosts an annual festival honoring the king in spring. Laupāhoehoe is a beautiful town where adventurers can explore dense native rainforests, watch rare Hawaiian birds, and admire dramatic volcanic formations. Captain Cook is another offbeat destination famous for its association with Captain James Cook and Kona coffee plantations. Read on to learn more about 8 off-the-beaten-path towns In Hawaii.
Kapaʻau
Original bronze statue of Hawaiian King Kamehameha I in Kapaʻau, Hawaii.
Kapaʻau, located at the Big Island's northern tip, has a history tied to the sugar industry and the first ruler of the historical Kingdom of Hawaii. A stop at the original King Kamehameha Statue is a must. The statue is located on the front lawn of the historic North Kohala Civic Center. Here, the town's residents go to pay homage to the legendary king. According to local beliefs, the king's actual birthplace is part of the Kohala Historical Sites State Monument located in Kohala on a remote island near Kapaʻau. Every year on June 11 on King Kamehameha Day, Kapa'au honors the king and his statue with a parade and festivities, including a lei-draping ceremony. Kapanaiʻa Bay Beach is another attraction and offers a secluded setting with rugged coastal views and public beach access.
Honokaʻa
A church in Honokaa, Hawaii.
This small community of less than 2,000 sits on the edge of the Hāmākua Coast and serves as the primary entry point for travelers heading down into the steep cliffs of the Waipiʻo Valley. Honokaʻa’s main street, or specifically Māmane Street, retains its early 20th-century plantation architecture, as is the case with the Honokaa People's Theater, a community fixture since 1930. The surrounding region contains the Waipio Valley Lookout, providing panoramic views of cliffs and black sand shorelines. For a more laid-back day, grab your clubs and visit the Hamakua Country Club, a public nine-hole golf course founded in 1926.
Hāwī
Downtown Hawi, Hawaii. Image credit: J. Stephen Conn via Flickr.com.
Hāwī is located on the northernmost tip of the Big Island. The town developed as a prominent hub during the height of the sugar cane industry and now features historic storefronts in the town center containing local art galleries and small businesses. For an outdoor adventure, Pololū Valley offers a stunning trail that descends along the coast with views of sea cliffs and a black sand beach. Return to the town center to grab dinner at Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery, where you can view local art throughout the dining area or visit the upstairs main gallery.
Laupāhoehoe
Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park offers scenic views of the coast in Laupahoehoe, Hawaii.
Formed by ancient, smooth lava flows that created its distinct peninsula shape, Laupāhoehoe’s name originates from the Hawaiian phrase meaning "leaf of lava" and sits directly along the cliffs of the Hāmākua Coast. The close-knit community is rooted in natural and civic history. Laupāhoehoe Train Museum houses a prized collection of photographs documenting the history of the sugar era and the Hawaii Consolidated Railroad. Laupāhoehoe Point Beach Park is a coastal reserve marked by volcanic rock formations and a historic monument dedicated to the victims of the devastating 1946 tsunami. For more outdoor exploration, the nearby Laupāhoehoe Forest Reserve gives visitors an all-access pass to thousands of acres of native rainforests filled with rare Hawaiian birds and dense trees.
Honomū
The beautiful natural world of the Akaka Falls State Park, Hawaii.
The former sugar plantation settlement has evolved into a quiet, scenic getaway for its permanent population of 370 residents. Like most of the Hawaiian communities off the beaten path, Honomū’s main street consists of boardwalk-lined, plantation-era wooden buildings that have now become local bakeries, antique shops, and galleries. Akaka Falls State Park features a paved path that leads to the beautiful Kahuna Falls and its very tall neighbor, Akaka Falls, towering at 422 feet. Before ascending or descending the falls, quench your thirst by stopping along the delicious fruit stands to try fresh local fruit from the area.
Nāʻālehu
The gorgeous Papakōlea Beach in Hawaii.
The town of just under 900 holds the distinction of being the southernmost town in the United States. Visitors frequent the Punalu‘u Bake Shop, famous for its traditional Hawaiian sweetbread. Beyond the bakery, the rugged landscape features the green sand terrain of Papakōlea Beach and the wide stretch of black volcanic sand of Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach to the north. Travelers looking for a deep dive into local traditions can time their visit to the annual Nāʻālehu Rodeo every July 4th to watch amateur bull riders, or attend the Labor Day Hawaiian Hula Festival at Nāʻālehu Park for regional music, food, and dance.
Pāhoa
Lava Tree State Monument Park in Hawaii.
Tucked away in the dense rainforests of the Puna District, Pāhoa offers an ideal escape for travelers seeking an authentic, less-traveled side of the Big Island. You won’t find large resorts or commercial hotel chains here; instead, visitors can easily immerse themselves in the raw, ever-changing volcanic landscape. Just outside the main residential community, travelers can walk the short loop trail at Lava Tree State Monument Park to view unusual basalt molds—hollow stone cylinders left behind after ancient lava flows encased, cooled around, and incinerated indigenous trees. Heading toward the coast along the scenic Red Road leads to Pohoiki at Isaac Hale Beach Park, which features a newly formed black sand beach and hot water lagoons created by recent lava flows.
Captain Cook
The Captain Cook Monument Trail, Captain Cook, Hawaii.
Perched 1,300 feet above sea level on the elevated slopes of the South Kona district, Captain Cook is a spectacular Hawaiian town. This laid-back town features a lush, tropical landscape of trees and rainforest that sets it apart from the extremely dry northern coastlines. The area is famous for growing coffee on its mountain slopes, with the historic Greenwell Farms leading the way. which has cultivated Kona coffee since 1850. Down the slope, the community serves as the access point for Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, a protected marine sanctuary and outdoor recreation hotspot where a white stone monument marks the site where British explorer Captain James Cook met his violent end in 1779.
From the dramatic northern cliffs of Hāwī down to the volcanic shorelines of Nāʻālehu, Hawaii's eight lesser-known communities offer an unmatched glimpse into true Hawaiian lifestyle. By bypassing the large resorts and exploring these hidden gems, travelers gain more than just beautiful photographs; they experience an authentic connection to the island’s living history and natural wonders. Whether you are walking through the historic plantation towns of the Hāmākua Coast, tasting freshly harvested coffee on the slopes of Captain Cook, or witnessing the raw power of nature in Pāhoa, these towns prove that the best adventures are found far beyond the beaten path.
