Overlooking Hanalei Bay near Hanalei.

8 Quirkiest Hawaii Towns To Visit In 2025

With its diverse natural landscape and warm tropical climate, Hawaii is often referred to as paradise. Located 2,400 miles from the mainland, the Aloha State comprises eight main islands and is the most isolated populated region in the world. It's the only state not connected to North America, and because of its proximity to the equator, it does not observe daylight savings. The region is home to six active volcanoes, and hundreds of impressive waterfalls, and the combination of sunshine, short rain showers, and clean air creates ideal conditions for viewing rainbows.

The stunning natural wonders of Hawaii, along with its laid-back lifestyle, embolden a unique and quirky way of life in the communities. Due to the state's geographical isolation, many towns have adopted local customs, featuring storied folk tales and unique yet delicious cuisine. The eccentric vibe and aloha spirit of these towns keep visitors coming back to explore more of the islands of Hawaii. For your next trip, discover the eight quirkiest Hawaiian towns to visit in 2025.

Pahoa

Pahoa, Hawaii
Pahoa, Hawaii. Editorial credit: Chris Allan / Shutterstock.com

Nestled on the eastern side of the Big Island, Pahoa is a quirky town known for its laid-back vibe and artsy atmosphere. There’s a counterculture attitude in this rural community and a strong sense of resilience. Residents surrounding the town have rebuilt after volcanic eruptions, such as the Pu‘u‘ō‘ō eruption that lasted 35 years.

The region is known for its volcanic activity and landscape with unique lava flows and black sand beaches. For a glimpse of it, tourists can visit the Lava Tree State Monument, a forest of lava trees that formed after lava flow covered the forest, leaving behind lava molds of the trees. Another unique stop is the Pahoa Lava Zone Museum, where tourists can learn about the active volcanoes of Hawaii and how they shaped the region.

A quirky and unusual roadside attraction on Highway 11 near Pahoa is the Raelian UFO Peace Park, a sculpture park created by a religious group that believes in alien life. The site was meant to be the location of an embassy for Raelianism.

Haleiwa

Haleiwa welcome sign.
Haleiwa sign. Image credit: abelena via Adobe Stock.

Located on the north shore of Oahu, Haleiwa is a historic town that's distinguished as the surfer's capital of the world. It's internationally known for its powerful waves and surf breaks along Waimea Bay. The community also has strong agricultural roots and started as a sugarcane plantation town in the late 1800s. Tourists can visit the Waialua Sugar Mill nearby, which played a significant role in the sugar industry.

Another historic treasure is the landmark Rainbow Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Hawaii. It's considered the gateway to town and is a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. A unique local tradition is to jump from it into the Anahulu River, one of the 10 longest rivers in Hawaii.

A quirky local tradition to indulge in is to eat shaved ice at Matsumoto Shave Ice, which is known for shaping the island's shaved ice culture. Visitors can enjoy the homemade syrups and uniquely textured ice while learning about how the popular spot started as a grocery store and evolved into a local destination.

Paia

Surfboards in bright colors in Paia, Maui.
Surfboards in bright colors in Paia, Maui. Image credit: EQRoy via Shutterstock.

Located on Maui's North Shore, Paia has a laid-back, bohemian vibe with colorful storefronts, eclectic art galleries, and unique street murals. Once a sugar mill town, Paia is now a popular windsurfing mecca. Ho'okipa Beach Park is a popular spot due to its reef system, which creates unique breaks, a reason professional windsurfing competitions take place here throughout the year.

The town's spiritual vibe has long attracted hippies and free spirits to live here, particularly in the 1960s. A unique spot for visitors to see is the Paia Peace Stupa, a Tibetan-style stupa. Alternatively, visitors can visit the Sacred Garden of Malikom, a Buddhist garden featuring labyrinths.

For a quirky day trip, visitors can take a 5-mile drive inland to one of the few remaining pineapple farms in Hawaii, the Maui Gold Pineapple Plantation. Visitors can see what a working pineapple plantation looks like. Pineapple was once one of the biggest industries in Hawaii.

Makawao

A shop in the town of Makawao.
A shop in the town of Makawao.

Located in what’s referred to as upcountry Maui on the slopes of Maui’s Haleakalā volcano, Makawao is a unique town that holds Hawaii cowboy culture with ranches, rodeos, and cowboy competitions. A community tradition is the Makawao Rodeo, which is held every Fourth of July and is the state’s largest paniolo (cowboy) competition. Visitors can see rodeo competitions such as barrel racing, calf roping, and bareback bronco riding.

The town is also renowned for having what some say is one of the best bakeries in the world. Lines wrap around the Komoda Store and Bakery in the morning as locals and visitors wait for the famous cream puffs. The bakery was established in the early 1900s by a Japanese plantation worker.

Artists tend to flock to Makawao, and many professional glassblowers, painters, and wood sculptors live here, adding to the quirky, eccentric vibe. Visitors can wander through the art galleries or head to the Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center, where they can take classes and explore the exhibits.

Koloa

Koloa Village in Koloa, Hawaii.
Koloa Village in Koloa, Hawaii. Image credit: bluestork via Shutterstock

Located on the island of Kauai’s south shore, Koloa is a town rich in history. It's the birthplace of Hawaii’s commercial sugar industry and the first sugar mill in Hawaii was established here. Although the sugar mill has been closed down, its legacy can still be seen through the town’s historic plantation-era buildings and landmarks in Old Koloa Town where visitors can see remnants of the Old Sugar Mill.

Koloa also holds several unique natural wonders. Visitors can head to the Spouting Horn, a natural blowhole where the water reaches 50 feet in the air as large waves crash into the lava tube. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Koloa. This is also a great spot to look for humpback whales from December to May when pods migrate to the area for the winter.

In the summer, the town comes alive with quirky and unique festivals. In July, Koloa Plantation Days takes place and celebrates the town’s history as a sugarcane plantation. Another unique event is the annual Bon Dance at the Koloa Jodo Mission, a Buddhist temple in town. It’s a Japanese Buddhist tradition that takes place in the summer with live music played on taiko drums and dance performances.

Kailua

Kailua-Kona on the west side of the island of Hawaii.
Kailua-Kona on the west side of the island of Hawaii.

Located about 11 miles northeast of Honolulu, Kailua is a charming town on Oahu with gorgeous white sand beaches. There are steady onshore trade winds here that make it an excellent spot for windsurfing.

To experience the stunning scenery, a popular trail is the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. Once visitors reach the top, they are treated to an incredible view of Lanikai Beach and the Mokolua Islands. The pillboxes themselves were installed during World War II.

The community takes pride in preserving its culture. For a unique experience, visitors can head to Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site, a Hawaiian temple dedicated to the Hawaiian god Kane, which represents the crossroad of spirituality and agriculture. The structure, made of lava rock, served as a ceremonial center and played a crucial role in managing taro fields.

The region is also remarkably known for Manoa chocolate, which is made from Hawaiian-grown cocoa. It's referred to as bean-to-bar chocolate. Visitors can learn about the process and see the delicacy made at Manoa Chocolate Hawaii.

Hanalei

Hawaiian canoe on Hanalei pier.
Hawaiian canoe on Hanalei pier. (Image credit: steheap via AdobeStock.)

Located on Kauai's north shore, Hanalei is the gateway to the rugged Napali Coast and is surrounded by cliffs, waterfalls, and lush vegetation. The stunning natural beauty makes for a perfect getaway, and the unique sites will keep visitors entertained. Visitors can stop at the Waiʻoli Mission House, a historic 1837 home that was used by early Christian missionaries.

To see exotic plants and terraced taro gardens that date back over 1,500 years, visitors can head to Limahuli Garden and Preserve. A looped trail in the preserve takes visitors around the park, with informative signs identifying different plants and flowers.

Another quirky stop with a mysterious legend that surrounds it is the Maniniholo Dry Cave, located near Ha'ena Beach. The deep caverns of the protected cave extend 150 feet back and are said to have been discovered by mythological dwarves believed to inhabit the valleys of Hawaii. Legend has it that Polynesian settlers became trapped in the cave while trying to capture the dwarves, who escaped on the other side.

Hawi

Bamboo Restaurant and Gallery in Hawi.
Bamboo Restaurant and Gallery in Hawi. Image credit: Chris Allan via Shutterstock

Resting on the slopes of the Kohala Mountains, Hawi is an eclectic town on the Big Island that's rich in history. The region was once one of Hawaii's most populous and thriving areas before becoming colonized by Europeans. The steep slopes of Kohala Mountain contain some of the island's richest soils, where taro, bananas, and sweet potatoes grow. Visitors can travel on Kohala Mountain Road and see stunning views of the rolling green hills, coastline, and agricultural land.

To see a glimpse of the past, visitors can explore Lapakahi State Historical Park and see the ruins of a historic Hawaiian fishing village that still has house sites, agricultural features, and old stone walls. Another unique site is Mo'okini Heiau, an ancient Hawaiian temple. It has historical significance in Hawaii's ancient and modern history and is believed to be the birthplace of King Kamehameha, the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii. It's one of the oldest and most sacred places of worship in the Hawaiian Islands, where human and animal sacrifices took place.

From the unique volcanic landscape that can be seen at Lava Tree State Monument to mysterious legends that surround natural wonders like the Maniniholo Dry Cave, the quirky towns of Hawaii have something for everyone. In Makawao, visitors can learn about the town's unique cowboy culture and go to a rodeo show, while in Haleiwa, tourists can learn about food traditions and visit Matusmoto to try the famous shaved ice. The geographically isolated location of Hawaii and its tropical climate have attracted repeat visitors and encouraged hippies, artists, and surfers to move here from afar. The rich native culture and aloha spirit are embraced in everyday life, which is prevalent in these quirky and unique towns.

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