8 Quirkiest Hawaii Towns You Didn't Know Existed
Hawaii is the most unique state in America, with so many interesting things that just make it worth the next flight. In addition to its isolated location in the Pacific Ocean, thousands of miles from the mainland US, this mysterious island state hides dozens of towns best classified as quirky. These towns are sparsely populated and also remotely located across the Aloha State, serving as launch pads to explore the archipelago’s outlandish natural features and peculiar culture. In these towns, you’ll find everything from dramatic-looking cliffs and beaches relentlessly pounded by the Pacific Ocean to numerous enchanting farms beautifully showcasing sustainable living. Step into these lesser-known towns today to discover the real Hawaii that most visitors miss out on.
Papaikou, Big Island
Papaikou is a hidden gem on the Big Island with a surprising list of pleasures to offer travelers. Home to about 1,200 living souls, this town was once a plantation town like many others in Hawaii. Today, it is best known for its interesting attractions, particularly the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens. This 17-acre garden is incredibly beautiful with over 2,000 plant species from tropical and subtropical places around the world, including Madagascar. The garden also has streams, waterfalls, a bird aviary, an orchid garden, a boardwalk, and a nature trail leading to breathtaking views of Onomea Bay.
Papaikou is also home to the Hamakua Chocolate Farm, where visitors will learn how to make chocolates and also taste the products and Cacao fruits. Plus, this is a great place to experience staying in a working chocolate farm as there are guest rooms onsite featuring ocean, cacao, and Hilo Bay views, as well as facilities like a lanai, complimentary WiFi and tea, and a fully equipped kitchen. Meanwhile, travelers are strongly recommended to visit the Ancient Leaf Tea to tour a tea farm and taste a variety of tea. This farm is mesmerizing, and the tours are inspiring and sure to leave everyone with more knowledge about sustainable farming. A visit to the Baumkuchen Farm is also recommended as it offers an immersion into the world of traditional German baking and Hawaiian flavors.
Kailua-Kona, Big Island
Located at the foot of Hualalai and along Kailua Bay, Kailua-Kona is a sleepy fishing town that promises pleasant experiences. History and culture lovers will particularly love this town as it was once the residence of Hawaiian royalty. Today, the Hulihee Palace stands as a testament to the town’s cultural and royal heritage and is stocked with artifacts, including koa wood furniture, Hawaiian quilts, portraits, and kapa from Hawaii’s royal past.
Kailua-Kona also has other interesting attractions like the Vanillerie, which offers vanilla-making and tasting tours, and the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm, where visitors can see seahorses, sea dragons, and over 20 other marine species. Moreover, the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is in town. It features sacred temples, fish ponds, and petroglyphs reflecting the resilience of Native Hawaiians. The park also has a beautiful beach, ancient footpaths, and interesting wildlife like green sea turtles and native birds.
Kaunakakai, Molokai
Kaunakakai is Molokai’s largest and most popular town, yet it remains laid-back and retains its authentic Hawaiian vibe. Located 15 minutes from Molokai Airport, this town invites visitors to come swim or snorkel at Murphy’s Beach or enjoy a guided hike on the 4-mile out-and-back Moaula Trail to see a 250-foot waterfall. Those who love art are welcome to check out artworks from local artists and crafters at the Molokai Art From the Heart. In the meantime, a visit to the Kanemitsu Bakery is always a strong recommendation for travelers in Kaunakakai. This bakery is famous for its baked goods, especially its hot bread, which is made with the finest local ingredients and zero preservatives.
Hanapepe, Kauai
Nicknamed Kauai’s biggest little town, Hanapepe is a paradise for art lovers. This quirky town is home to several galleries, including Hashi’s Fine Art Gallery and Island Art Gallery, both featuring interesting Hawaiian artworks. Additionally, visitors should not miss Talk Story Bookstore, the westernmost independent bookstore in the United States, which carries a charming mix of new and used books, rare finds, and Hawaiian titles. Hanapepe also hosts the Banana Patch Studio, where visitors can explore hand-painted ceramic tiles, pottery, and other fine art. As for beach lovers, the nearby Salt Pond Beach Park is an excellent place to swim, snorkel, explore tide pools, and observe birds while in town.
Makawao, Maui
Makawao is one of the towns that make Hawaii such a unique place. This town is where you can witness the peculiar Hawaiian cowboys known locally as Paniolo. Every Fourth of July weekend, this town hosts the unique Makawao Rodeo, featuring Hawaiian rodeo competitions and parades. This event is worth visiting Hawaii if you love rodeo, plus there’s much more to enjoy in the town. For starters, Makawao is home to Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center, where you can enjoy art classes, see art exhibitions, and explore a beautiful garden. The Makai Glass Maui is also in town and is worth visiting to witness glass production and see or buy glass art. Nearby, the 6-mile loop Kahakapao trail offers an exciting hike through the Makawao Forest Reserve, offering close-up views of Maui’s fauna and flora.
Paia, Maui
Paia is a charming town on the Hana Highway, with an area as small as its name. However, this lesser-known destination is a lush paradise for adventures and enriching cultural experiences. For starters, this town is home to Mama’s Fish House, arguably the best restaurant in Hawaii, featuring freshly prepared seafood with traditional Hawaiian sauces and a variety of desserts. Paia also accommodates Maui Hands, home to a wide variety of artworks made by local artists, including paintings, glass, woodwork, jewelry, and pottery.
Moreover, the town is near several beautiful beaches, like Baldwin Beach, which is ideal for swimming and surfing. Even more exciting, Hookipa Beach Park is nearby and considered the windsurfing capital of the world, with its consistent waves and strong winds. The beach park also has an overlook and picnic pavilions from where visitors can just relax and watch professionals battle the waves.
Honokaa, Big Island
Honokaa is a gorgeous little town tucked away on the northern part of Hawaii’s Big Island with rich history and exciting natural attractions. Just a few minutes' drive from its downtown, dramatic scenery unveils itself at the Waipio Valley Lookout. Historically, this valley was once home to Hawaiian royalty and is now an impressive sight characterized by stunning cliffs, lush vegetation, and the serene ocean. Honokaa invites visitors to the Kahi Ola Mau Farm, which offers chocolate-making and tasting tours. Those who prefer tea are welcome to Mauna Kea Tea to enjoy a relaxing farm tour and taste delicious tea.
For nature lovers, the Kolopa State Recreation Area is nearby and has a short nature trail that winds through a lush native forest featuring unique plant species, including old-growth koa and ohia lehua trees. The park also has cabins and restrooms.
Koloa, Kauai
Koloa is significant for being the first place where a thriving sugarcane plantation was established in Hawaii in 1835. Today, the town has come a long way from its role in kickstarting Hawaii’s commercial sugar production. It is now a laid-back, naturally endowed destination near some of Hawaii’s best beaches, like Poipu Beach and Shipwreck Beach, both offering opportunities for surfing and swimming. From Shipwreck Beach, the 4-mile out-and-back Mahaulepu Heritage Trail offers an exciting hike with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coast.
Koloa is also home to McBryde Garden and Allerton Garden, both located in the Lawai Valley and containing a wealth of Hawaiian plants. Notably, Allerton Garden features pools, waterfalls, and sculptures, while McBryde Garden has the world’s largest collection of native Hawaiian species outside the wild. Furthermore, the famous Tree Tunnel can be found in Koloa. This is a mile-long stretch through a canopy of Eucalyptus trees that feels like a natural path to Alice’s Wonderland. In reality, and even more exciting, the tunnel leads to the island’s mesmerizing south shore, including some of the beaches mentioned earlier.
These Towns Are Gateways To Hawaii’s Deepest Secrets
It is amazing how a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, 2,000 miles from the mainland United States, can be unique and intriguing. Hawaii is a box full of surprises that’s best seen, touched, smelled, and tasted to be appreciated and understood. Visit these quirky towns today to discover a great deal of what the Aloha State is all about. Although lesser-known, you’ll be surprised by the list of things these towns have under their sleeves, many of which are not even mentioned here. While exploring, be respectful of the landscape, culture, and people; avoid trespassing, and don’t forget to spend some time learning how to pronounce Hawaiian place names and words.
