9 Of The Most Eccentric Towns In Hawaii

Hawaii might be synonymous with breathtaking beaches, lush rainforests, and laid-back island vibes, but tucked between the volcanic peaks and turquoise waters are towns that break the mold of traditional tourism in the most fascinating ways. Unlike your typical vacation destinations, these eccentric enclaves embrace their personality, creativity, and quirks to give tourists a novel experience. From hippie havens filled with artists and free spirits to historic villages where ancient traditions blend with modern oddities, Hawaii’s peculiar destinations are full of surprises.

From a UFO portal in Pahoa to a green beach in Naalehu, the most eccentric towns in Hawaii are a gift that keeps on giving. Whether you're drawn to the offbeat, the spiritual, or the downright weird, these towns offer a different kind of aloha, designed for those who respond to the eerily enticing and strangely satisfying.

Wahiawa

Sandwiched between two volcanic mountains, Wahiawa is a tranquil village in Oahu, known for its rich natural surroundings and fun outdoor adventures in the vicinity of Honolulu. While the Wahiawa Botanical Garden is the epitome of the town's unequalled allure, it is also the subject of a chilling urban legend that keeps some visitors at bay. According to local folklore, the area is haunted by the Green Lady, the disturbed spirit of a mother who lost her child and wanders the pathways searching. Children exploring the garden alone have reported getting a weird feeling of being watched and pursued by something they can't explain.

Meanwhile, the Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area allows visitors to admire its diverse ecosystem without worrying about ghosts on the back. For a change of scenery, try out delicious locally baked goods at Kilani Bakery from a menu featuring brownies, pies, donuts, and cakes.

Wailuku

Wailuku is a gem on Maui island, celebrated for its vibrant theater scene, spectacular outdoor scenery, and a captivating backstory. It is home to the 'Iao Theater, which has been operating since 1928. The iconic venue has been a subject of paranormal occurrences that have caused some performers to forget their lines on stage. Some of the strange activities experienced included a friendly ghost of a woman that wanders the stage and different corners of the building. Furthermore, the basement is said to host ghosts of soldiers and shadowy figures, with people hearing unexplained whispers while there.

Wailuku's rich history is best told by the Maui Historical Society, which stocks a vast collection of related artifacts and archives. Meanwhile, the lovely outdoors invites leisurely strolls through the tranquil green spaces of Kepaniwai Park.

Eleele

Eleele's pristine beaches need no introduction, but one that causes tourists to stop and stare longer than the others. Glass Beach is a unique piece of waterfront real estate, distinguished by its glass-covered shoreline, which sparkles and glistens as it reflects the sun's rays. The phenomenon is the result of years of maritime trash and pollutants that have washed up on the shore, leaving the beach with a mass of tiny pieces of glass.

Opportunities abound for those planning to venture into the open sea, including booking a trip with Nemesis Sportfishing for unparalleled fishing and sightseeing experiences. After an adventurous day in the great outdoors, you can spend the evening unwinding with a glass of craft beer at Kauai Island Brewing Company to relax your body and mind.

Pepeekeo

Thirteen minutes north of Hilo, this tiny village in Hawaii County is the site of an unusual spectacle featuring a unique fish species native to the area. When it's time to reproduce, the goby fish uses a special sucker on its underbelly to latch onto the slippery rocks of Akaka Falls State Park and make its way up in an attempt to reach their spawning grounds. The unusual behavior draws a crowd of curious locals and tourists looking to witness and record it on their phones.

When not marveling at the climbing fish, visitors can soak in the amazing natural scenery in Pepeekeo from above during a heart-stopping excursion by Hawaii Zipline Tours. Another excellent way to do this is from the comfort of your car as you hit the tarmac for a drive along the Pepeekeo Scenic Drive.

Lanai City

It's not only humans that feel welcomed in Lanai City; this beautiful destination on the island of Lanai offers a haven for cats seeking a soft life. The Lanai Cat Sanctuary is an interesting stop for cat lovers, where you can encounter at least 700 felines lying around nonchalantly in the 25,000-square-foot chill zone. This quirky property cares for rescued feral cats, who enjoy all the creature comforts they can dream of, from good food and medical care to round-the-clock TLC.

Away from its pampered cats, Lanai City is awash with undisturbed beaches where you can find serenity. Shipwreck Beach is an excellent escape and treats beachcombers to rare views of over a dozen shipwrecks along its shores. Elsewhere, indoorsy guests can use the opportunity to sample the local arts landscape at the Mike Carroll Gallery.

Naalehu

Naalehu harbors a fair share of unusual beaches that make it one of the most eccentric towns in Hawaii. Tourists come to this southern community for a unique beach experience at Papakolea Green Sand Beach. Instead of the powdery white sands that you come across throughout the islands of Hawaii, this special beach has conspicuously green sand granules. These result from mineral olivine, a silicate mineral containing iron and magnesium, which are found in the remnants of an ancient volcanic eruption that formed the cinder cone surrounding the beach

Furthermore, Kamilo Beach is a powerful site for witnessing the impact of plastic pollution and participating in beach cleanups. It has been christened "Trash Beach" due to extensive marine pollution in the Pacific Ocean, which has caused a mass of logs, plastics, bottles, and carcasses to cover the shores, resulting in an unfortunate sea of debris next to the water. After exploring, caffeinate with rich island coffee at Ka Lae Coffee in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Makawao

While the Hawaiian islands are known to draw tourists with their deeply rooted Polynesian culture, Makawao's biggest annual spectacle features cowboy boots, hats, and buckles. The Makawao Rodeo is a well-attended annual festival that showcases Hawaii's paniolo culture. Townsfolk turn up in large numbers, joined by tourists, to celebrate a 60-year tradition. Participants compete in various rodeo events, from calf roping and bronco riding to barrel racing, treating first-timers to a unique side of Hawaiian heritage.

The Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center serves as the local arts and culture hub by hosting art exhibitions of works by homegrown artists. Meanwhile, those who feel the need to step outside can admire a wonderful scene unraveling along the Kahakapao Loop Trail.

Pahoa

Pahoa boasts a series of odd locations and otherworldly natural formations that promise to leave vacationers with many unanswered questions. It is home to the Raelian UFO Peace Park, an alleged galactic embassy as proposed by followers of the Raelian religion. This society credits aliens as the creators of life and the brains behind Earth. A tour of the site reveals an eccentric collection of sculptures, including native birds, chameleons, a naked woman, a sea turtle, and more, with many stamped with Raelian symbols.

Meanwhile, the Pohoiki Black Sand Beach stands out for its black sands instead of the usual white, which originates from volcanic material. Furthermore, the Lava Tree State Monument looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, with trees of lava sticking from the earth, culminating in weird rock formations.

Waikoloa

For more than three decades, Waikoloa has hosted the Great Hawaiian Rubber Duckie Race annually, highlighted by a quirky race pitting toy ducks against one another. The festival sees over 20,000 rubber ducks in an exciting race to the finish on the waters of Ala Wai Canal. Crowds of people gather to spectate and cheer, with the top 50 ducks winning a variety of prizes, as well as the last one. Besides watching, attendees also get a chance to adopt a rubber duck.

Souvenir collectors and art lovers can stop by Genesis Galleries to check out an intimate exhibition of fine art paintings, baskets, metal art, glassware, sculptures, and wood art inspired by Hawaiian culture. Elsewhere, shopaholics can shop till they drop at The Kings' Shops, which houses a collection of brand-name retail stores.

Final Thought

Whether watching Hawaiian cowboys in Makawao or chilling on black sand beaches in Pahoa, these eccentric towns in Hawaii reveal a side of the islands few tourists see. Vibrant, quirky, and deeply rooted in culture and creativity, each town offers a unique twist on island life in the United States. From offbeat art scenes to spiritual retreats and unexpected traditions, they invite you to explore beyond the postcards to discover the weird, the wonderful, and the wildly authentic spirit of Hawaii.