9 Playfully Peculiar Towns In Hawaii
The Aloha State grabs headlines with its pristine beaches, active volcanoes, the enigmatic Pearl City, and amazing Polynesian culture. However, there is another side to the state that not many visitors get to experience. A world of quirks, oddities, and idiosyncrasies that promise to delight the curious traveler and surprise even the most seasoned island hopper. Welcome to the weird communities of Hawaii, where hundreds of cats roam the grounds of Lanai City with impunity and Makawao residents celebrate their heritage with a rodeo takeover of the town.
These offbeat enclaves offer more than just scenic natural scenery; they invite you into Hawaii’s eccentric personality, where stories are strange and festivals are unlike what you are used to. So brace yourself for the unexpected and keep an open mind as you tour these playfully peculiar towns in Hawaii.
Lanai City
Lanai City is a commercial hub in Maui County, known for its beautiful nature, and was once dominated by pineapple plantations. However, what dazzles first-timers about the city is its feline paradise at Lanai City. At the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, you will encounter more than 700 rescued feral cats on a three-acre land. The cats are well cared for, enjoying access to food, medical care, and genuine TLC. Cat lovers can visit the island, interact with the gentle creatures, and pursue adoption opportunities.
Lanai City's magical outdoors beckon tourists with an adventurous hike along the Koloiki Ridge Trailhead, promising stunning vistas at every turn. Also, you can escape to the sun-baked, sand-swept shores of Polihua Beach for a romantic sunbath.
Wahiawa
This paradisiacal locality on the island of Oahu, positioned between volcanic mountains, stuns visitors with its lush greenery and picturesque natural scenery. It also earned a reputation for housing the World's Largest Plant Maze, which is a major draw for tourists. The Pineapple Garden Maze is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, spread over three acres with over a mile of pathways. Tourists are welcome to channel their inner child and run through the larger-than-life labyrinth and explore approximately 14,000 colorful native plants.
Wahiawa's natural allure is underscored by the Wahiawa Botanical Garden, a 27-acre oasis with a cool and relaxing atmosphere that provides an escape from the city noise. Beyond the outdoors, the quaint downtown allows guests to chill at romantic spots like Surfers Coffee and enjoy gourmet coffee while listening to live music.
Eleele
While the Hawaiian Islands are world-renowned for their appealing beaches, this charming town in Kauai draws attention with a unique stretch of shoreline where sand mingles with sea glass. Glass Beach, near Port Allen Harbor, is a popular local spot for beachcombers. Its sparkling surface is made up of colorful, wave-polished glass fragments created from decades-old discarded bottles and ceramics weathered by the ocean. The result is a glittering, photo-worthy shoreline unlike most in Hawaii.
Eleele's majestic landscapes, punctuated by jagged volcanic mountains and crystal-clear waters, invite fun ocean cruises courtesy of Blue Dolphin Charters. Meanwhile, beer enthusiasts can sample housemade Hawaiian bar grub at Kauai Island Brewing Company. This family-friendly spot is perfect for unwinding after a long day, surrounded by accommodating patrons.
Pahoa
19 miles from Hilo, this isolated and wild village in the District of Puna boasts a fair share of oddities that you can center a day-long itinerary around. You can start by discovering its extraterrestrial charm at the quirky Raelian UFO Peace Park. The park is the brainchild of the Raelianism religion, which believes in aliens as the source of life on Earth. It features a series of eccentric sculptures, from a naked woman and chameleons to native birds and a crop circle that represents a galactic embassy.
The Lava Tree State Monument leaves visitors marveling at its lava molds that stick out of the ground like trees, resulting in a bizarre visual spectacle. Pahoa is also home to the Pohoiki Black Sand Beach, which stands out for its unusual sand color, a consequence of volcanic activity. The site's allure is enhanced by its pristine surroundings, placing guests amidst nature's raw splendor.
Naalehu
Although Naalehu hosts a series of stunning beaches with colorful sands, it is also home to one that won't impress visitors but attracts much interest. Kamilo Beach was once a delightful piece of seaside real estate with white sands, but was transformed into a mass of trash, earning the unfortunate nickname "Trash Beach." Plastics, logs, carcasses, and other marine debris wash up on the shores from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, serving as a reminder of wanton marine pollution.
On the bright side, Naalehu boasts one of the handful of green sand beaches in the world. Papakolea Green Sand Beach is distinguished by its olivine sand granules resulting from the silica in the volcanic lava. Away from the beaches, consider stopping by Punalu’u Bake Shop for a bite of sweet Hawaiian cookies, sweetbreads, and other baked goods.
Waikoloa
The annual Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race makes Waikoloa one of the most peculiar towns in Hawaii. This lovely village in Hawaii County hosts a whimsical event where people race rubber ducks in July. The first 50 ducks to cross the finish line and the last ones win prizes, and attendees have an opportunity to adopt a duckie. The race originates from Canada and is held as a charity event to support children living with cerebral palsy.
The Waikoloa Petroglyph Reserve harbors archaeological treasures on two petroglyph fields, inviting guests to walk along trails and inspect the historical drawings and ruins. The site is a short distance from King's Shops, where high-end stores and high-quality restaurants beckon modern shopping and dining experiences.
Hana
Hana is one of the remote destinations in Hawaii. It is situated on the eastern end of Maui and is known for its stunning natural surroundings. The Hana Lava Tube feels worlds apart from any other place you've visited. It features a series of underground tunnels resulting from volcanic eruptions to form the area’s largest volcanic tube. The site attracts adventurers with eerie underground excursions of trails running up to half a mile and otherworldly geological wonders hidden inside.
Black Sand Beach is another noteworthy highlight in Hana. It is known for its volcanic black sands overlooking turquoise ocean waters against the backdrop of mountains. Meanwhile, visit Laura Mango Art Gallery for a change of scenery and admire intimate paintings and sculptures by homegrown artists.
Pepeekeo
This secluded getaway on the Big Island boasts magical natural landscapes that inspire awe in visitors and locals alike. One of its major attractions is Akaka Falls State Park, where a 442-foot waterfall tumbles into the depths of a rain forest. But what makes the cascade special is a queer species of goby fish with suckers that allow them to make their way up the slippery rock walls to access their spawning grounds. A visit to the park enables visitors to witness two wonders in one, which leaves a lasting impression.
Pepeekeo offers endless adventure opportunities, and thrill seekers will fancy an adrenaline-filled aerial trip near the stunning Kolekole Waterfall courtesy of Hawaii Zipline Tours. Alternatively, you can get behind the wheel and hit the open road along the Pepeekeo Scenic Drive.
Makawao
Although cowboys are usually associated with the state of Texas, Hawaii has a long heritage of ranching and horse riding that has endured in this Maui County destination. For over 60 years, Makawao has hosted the annual Makawao Rodeo, which pays tribute to the region's paniolo culture with an array of related activities. These range from a parade and rodeo contests like bareback bronco riding, barrel racing, and calf roping, attracting thousands of high-spirited attendees. The festival offers a unique look into a hidden side of Hawaiian culture.
Makawao boasts an active arts community, with several galleries throughout its downtown. You can interact with local artists and check out their creative works at the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center. Also, use the opportunity to discover the pristine outdoors with a trek along the Kahakapao Loop Trail and through a rainforest.
Final Thoughts
From Hana's mysterious volcanic tubes to Pahoa's galactic embassy, these peculiar towns in Hawaii reveal a side of the islands that goes far beyond the usual tourist brochure in the United States. They celebrate the strange, the spirited, and the deeply local, allowing century-old legends to thrive and creativity to run wild. Whether you're drawn by curiosity, adventure, or just a good story, these offbeat communities prove that the Aloha State's true magic often lies hidden in its most unexpected corners away from the likes of Honolulu.
