9 Of The Friendliest Towns In Hawaii
Hawaii is world-famous for its beaches, fiery sunsets, volcanoes, and surfing. But, while these things make Hawaii beautiful, the real magic of the Hawaiian Islands lies in the people who make the islands their home. Beyond the postcard views, in the towns that dot the landscape, you find neighbors waving to one another from their lanais. Strangers greet you with a smile when you walk down the road. Shop owners welcome you with warmth and kindness. If you want to experience the meaning of the aloha spirit, take a trip to one or all of the following gorgeous and friendly Hawaiian towns in the Aloha State.
Haleiwa
Haleiwa is a historic surf town on Oahu’s North Shore, just over an hour away from Waikiki. There is a warm community energy here among locals and visitors as they saunter past the historic plantation-inspired storefronts on the Kamehameha Highway or pop into one of the many surf shops. If you find yourself in this part of Hawaii, be sure to visit the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice for a delicious and colorful treat.
Head back to Waimea Bay Beach Park or Laniakea Beach to enjoy the sun and sand while looking out for green sea turtles. Or stop at the ‘Rainbow Bridge’ over the Anahulu River for paddle-boarding or kayaking with friends and family. Take your time lingering over a food-truck dinner at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck or taking a group art lesson at the beach. Haleiwa has tons of ways like this to bring people together.
Kapolei
On the west side of Oahu, Kapolei also offers a friendly vibe. You can spend many mornings relaxing at Ko Olina Lagoons and Paradise Cove Beach. These are both great options for tour groups or families to enjoy the calm waters and soak up the sun. The lagoons are a series of four crescent-shaped beaches perfect for swimming, while Paradise Cove offers ample space for sunset picnics.
If you are after something a little more energetic, catch the rides at the nearby Coral Crater Adventure Park or splash the day away at Wet’n’Wild Hawaii. End a fun day at the Ka Makana Ali’i shopping center, where you will find live music and outdoor dining options. If you want to experience the spirit of aloha first-hand, book a ticket for Germaine’s Luau. This is one of Oahu’s most popular culture gatherings during which guests share tables, feast on kalua pig and poi, and share stories and songs beneath the night sky.
Makawao
Makawao is a small town on the slopes of Haleakala. The locals' friendliness here stems from pride in their authentic paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) roots and artsy charm. If you take a stroll down Baldwin Avenue and the pretty side streets, you will pass working artist studios and glass-blowing galleries. Makai Glass Maui is seven minutes away in Haliimaile, and here you can watch molten glass being shaped into sculptures and vases in real time.
You can also get delicious, oversized cookies from Maui Cookie Lady and cream puffs or stick donuts from Komoda Store and Bakery. And in summer, check out the annual Makawao Stampede held over the July 4th weekend. It is a fun event that includes a parade, barrel racing, and bronco riding. This is an aspect of Hawaiian life many tourists never see, and a great chance to interact with local people.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona lies on the west coast of the Big Island. It is an idyllic seaside town that has not lost its warmth and friendliness over the years. Visitors love strolling along the scenic Ali’i Drive, stopping at Island Lava Java for a Kona coffee. You can also head to Hulihe’e Palace to learn more about Hawaiian royal history or Kona Inn Shopping Village to peruse art or fashion. There are lots of locals and other travelers to chat with here and throughout the town.
At this point, you might end a wonderful day by watching the sunset at Huggo’s On The Rocks, where people love to gather under the fading sun. But if you're adventurous, head over to Keauhou Bay for a manta-ray night snorkel, about 12 minutes south of town. There is nothing quite as bonding as spending a night in the water surrounded by friendly people and majestic marine creatures.
Waimea
Waimea, or Kamuela, is also a beloved destination on the Big Island. Here, you will find a strong ranch-town atmosphere mixed with a sense of devoted local community. At the heart of Waimea lies Parker Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the U.S. You can see historic homes here, Puu’opelu and Mana Hale, as well as exhibits on local culture.
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is a great place to relax and take in nature. You can also swim at the stunning beach here, just twenty minutes away from Waimea. Heading back to town, you will find fresh produce and baked goods at the Waimea Town Market. This market brings residents and visitors together with conversation and good food.
Hana
Hana lies on the far east side of Maui and is one of the remotest towns in Hawaii. The rainforest seems to envelop the landscape here, and the drive along the legendary Hana Highway is an invitation to lush scenery and magnificent views. One of the best stops on this route is Twin Falls, where you can take an easy route to the waterfall pools.
Deeper into Hana, you will find Wai’anapanapa State Park, home to a black-sand beach and lava-tube caves. This otherworldly place also features coastal walking trails that run along ancient pathways and rocky sea arches. In town, the Hana Cultural Center and Museum offers a glimpse into local heritage through artifacts like poi boards and quilts. There is also a replica traditional village to explore, known as Kauhale. This is a wonderful place to explore with friends or family as you learn more about Hana’s history.
Hanalei
Hanalei is located on Kauai’s North Shore between stunning mountains and the emerald waters of Hanalei Bay. The bay is perfect for surfing, paddleboarding, and swimming with family and friends. You can also kayak along the Hanalei River or join a guided paddleboarding tour for a shared adventure with other visitors.
If you are an art connoisseur, Hanalei does not disappoint. You will find extraordinary works in the art galleries here, including at the Hanalei Art Gallery. For more local flavor, visit Chocolat Hanalei for mouthwatering confections or the Hanalei Taro and Juice Company, where you can chat with artisans and farmers. And don't forget the Hanalei Community Center where there are fun ukulele concerts and hula classes, giving you a chance to truly celebrate with locals.
Princeville
Ten minutes away from Hanalei, you will find the small town of Princeville. There are some truly breathtaking landscapes here, especially along the roads, including the views from the Hanalei Valley Lookout. From this vantage point, you can see taro fields, rivers, and mountains. You can also take the trails at Princeville Botanical Gardens to connect with fellow travelers and share the organic chocolate made here. At Hideaways Beach, there is a secluded cove and calm waters, ideal for snorkeling or just relaxing on the sand with friends. If you want to mingle with more people, the Princeville Shopping Center is the ideal starting point.
Hilo
Hilo is a big town with around 44,000 people, situated on the east coast of the Big Island. The town offers dramatic beauty everywhere you look, particularly at the nearby Akaka Falls State Park. The park has a 442-foot waterfall that plunges through rainforest into a gorge. There is another waterfall, Rainbow Falls, a short 6-minute drive away from town. This waterfall is known for the brilliant rainbows that appear in its mist when the sun is bright.
In Hilo itself, you can stroll through Lili’uokalani Park and Gardens. This 24-acre Japanese-style garden is built on land donated by Queen Lili’uokalani. There are koi ponds, historical bridges, and even a small island park to see. At the Hilo Farmers’ Market on Kamehameha Avenue, you will meet local artisans and residents as you check out tropical fruit and crafts. If you visit Hilo during spring, you can take part in the week-long Merrie Monarch Festival. The festival includes hula dances and a hula competition, parades, and Hawaiian arts, inviting everyone to come together and celebrate the Hawaiian way of life.
Embrace the Aloha Spirit
Visiting Hawaii is not just about seeing one-of-a-kind natural wonders. It is about experiencing the Hawaiian culture and embracing the aloha spirit. Hawaii’s friendliest towns remind everyone that a close-knit community can be just as compelling and unforgettable as black-sand beaches and dramatic volcanoes. And any of these 9 towns is a great option for you to discover just how true that is for yourself.
