The Most Underrated Towns In Hawaii
In 2025, more travelers are looking for quieter places where they can savor local cuisine, browse small shops, and enjoy nature without heavy crowds. That is why underrated towns matter. These spots stay out of the spotlight yet still have personality, scenery, and simple things to explore.
To choose these towns, we reviewed reports from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, recent U.S. Census estimates, local county guides, chamber sites, and travel articles published between 2023 and 2025. The focus stayed on towns that are easy to access, comfortable to walk through, and rich in natural areas, historic sites, and small businesses. Only places with a clear sense of local life were included. With that, here are some of the most underrated towns in Hawaii that you can visit.
Hilo
Hilo is quieter and more local than Kona, which makes it a good stop for travelers who prefer a slower pace. The town gets more rain, and that is what keeps it green and peaceful. A walk through Liliuokalani Gardens and along the Hilo Bay shoreline gives a clear sense of its calm setting. The Imiloa Astronomy Center provides insight into Hawaiian navigation and the island’s volcanic history. Hilo Farmers Market is another highlight where you can try fresh fruit, taro snacks, handmade soaps, and small crafts from local vendors.
Kailua
Kailua is a quiet beach town on Oahu with a population of just under 40,000. It often stays underrated because most visitors focus on Honolulu, even though Kailua has calm neighborhoods, good food, and beautiful beaches.
Kailua Beach Park is the main draw, a place where visitors can swim, rent a kayak, or paddle out to Flat Island. Food plays a steady role in the town’s appeal. Boots & Kimo’s Homestyle Kitchen is well known for its pancakes, and Over Easy serves simple, fresh breakfast plates. For short hikes, the Lanikai Pillbox trail provides wide ocean views, especially during sunrise.
Makawao
Makawao is a quiet upcountry town on Maui with a population of about 7,800. It is often overlooked because most visitors stay near the beaches, yet the town has a strong paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboy, history and a cooler climate that feels different from the coast. A walk along Makawao Main Street gives you access to small art galleries and local studios.
The Kula Botanical Garden is a short drive away and is a calm place to see Maui’s upland plants. Before leaving, many visitors stop at Komoda Store and Bakery, where the cream puffs are a well-known local treat and often sell out early.
Pā‘ia
Pā‘ia stays underrated because most visitors rush to bigger resort areas, while this town keeps a relaxed surf-town feel. The main strip is an easy place to begin, with small galleries such as Maui Hands and cafés like Paia Bay Coffee & Bar where you can pause and settle in.
Ho‘okipa Beach Park is a short drive away and is known for strong waves and sea turtles that often rest on the shore. Paia Fish Market Restaurant is a steady option for simple, fresh meals. If you have more time, a drive toward the windward side of Haleakala includes green slopes, scenic views, and quiet pull-off spots.
Waimea
Waimea, also known as Kamuela, is a quiet upland town that works well for a slow visit. This is paniolo country, with wide ranchlands, cool breezes, and open views. A walk through the Pā‘ū Museum gives a clear look at the region’s cowboy history. The town center is small and easy to navigate, and the Anna Ranch Heritage Center provides a closer view of local family stories and historic buildings.
Merriman’s Waimea is a popular restaurant, and reservations are helpful. Before leaving, visitors often stop at the W. M. Keck Observatory Headquarters, a site used for astronomy research.
Kapa‘a
Kapa‘a is a small town on the east side of Kaua‘i with a little over 10,800 residents. A bike ride on the Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal path is a simple way to take in the shoreline. Visitors can also kayak or paddle on the Wailua River, then stop at the nearby Opaeka‘a Falls viewpoint for a clear and easy lookout.
Kapa‘a town center has small shops and local food spots that serve island-style breakfasts and American classics. For water time, Lydgate Beach Park has a sheltered swimming area that makes snorkeling comfortable even for new swimmers.
Hanapēpē
Hanapēpē is a small town with a population of about 2,000 residents. A walk across the Hanapēpē Swinging Bridge gives a simple view of the river and town as the boards move slightly under your feet. If you visit on a Friday, Hanapēpē Art Night adds energy to the main streets, with local artists opening their galleries and food trucks lining the area.
Many visitors also stop at the Kauai Coffee Visitor Center, which is only a short drive away. For a quick meal, Ku’uleis Gourmet serves lunches made by local families.
Kōloa
Kōloa is a small town on Kaua‘i with about 2,300 residents. It often stays underrated because many visitors head straight to Po‘ipū. The town grew during the sugar plantation era, and signs of that period remain in the central streets. Kōloa Landing and the nearby Po‘ipū beaches are close enough for easy snorkeling in clear, calm water. The town center has small cafés such as Eden Coffee Koloa, where you can try local snacks. For a simple sightseeing stop, Spouting Horn is an easy drive away, and the coastal viewpoints around it are good for photos and short walks.
Why These Hawaii Towns Stand Out
These towns sit outside the busy tourist zones, which makes them easier to explore at your own pace. You can walk through small historic areas, try local food, visit calm beaches, or take short drives to scenic viewpoints. None of these towns requires a packed schedule. They work well for travelers who enjoy simple plans, friendly communities, and short, easy activities.
