These 7 Towns In Hawaii Feel Like Home
Island time in Hawaii is as real as the rush in New York City. That sense of missing out if you do not move fast enough is nowhere to be felt in the Hawaiian Islands. In its place is a strong connection to nature and the wonderfully warm aloha spirit. The tropical climate and friendly locals create a relaxed atmosphere, so visitors from around the world often find it difficult to leave. Travelers build real friendships here and become part of tight-knit communities, no matter how short their stay. When you visit the following seven towns, you can (and will) experience the same, as they exude a home-away-from-home vibe.
Hawi, Big Island
Hawi is the birthplace of King Kamehameha I and is full of friendly faces that will point you to the nearest Hawaii adventure. Start with the Kohala Zipline, which features different lines and six sky bridges that stretch over the Kohala forest. You will soon build a fun rapport with your guide as they show you how to ‘zip’ through the air. If you go with a friend, you can try the dual option and see who reaches the end of the 1,200-foot line first.
You can also go on a seven-hour tour with Hawaii Forest and Trail, which includes a hike past seven waterfalls and the chance to swim beneath the last waterfall. When you have your fill of adrenaline, go in search of that homey feeling that is abundant across Hawaii. You can get to know the locals while exploring the Kohala Grown Market or admiring the valley views at the end of Akoni Pule Highway. Or learn more about the area’s history at the nearby Lapakahi State Historical Park and walk through an authentic, partially restored 600-year-old Hawaiian fishing village.
Waianae, Oahu
The Waianae Coast is a special place. The Polynesians settled in the area to build their lives around the abundance of mullet fish and named Waianae for this same abundance. Residents call the region ‘Country’ and are exceptionally proud of the volcanic mountains, white-sand beaches, and dramatic valleys that form part of the fantastically beautiful landscape.
The beaches are particularly attractive, and you will want to spend hours at Maili Beach Park and Pokai Bay. There are also great golf courses here, if you want to get in a round or two. When you are done with golf, you can make some local friends while hiking in the Waianae Mountains, including the Kaena Point Trail. At the end of a glorious day, make your way to Yokohama Beach to watch the sun set over the water.
Kula, Maui
Kula is one of the most peaceful towns in Maui’s Upcountry. If you have never visited before, start with a short trip to Ali’I Kula Lavender Farm. The gardens here are perfect for strolling while you look out over the ocean. You can also enjoy some lavender tea and buy lavender gifts for friends and family. From here, you can drive to Makawao, Maui’s own unique cowboy town. Baldwin Avenue is filled with shops where you can buy local artwork and handmade jewelry. As you explore the Paniolo culture, stop by the Komoda Store for a delicious pastry and stay for the annual rodeo if you happen to visit over July 4th.
Other things to do include visiting the Seven Sacred Pools (Ohe’o Gulch Pools), which expand to around twenty pools when it rains. The pools are around 30 miles from Kula via the Hana Highway. The Pipiwai Trail is situated above the pools and is a must-hike for avid hikers. If you have some time, visit the Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, around 30 minutes from central town. Here, you can hike some more while admiring the gorgeous wattle, tropical ash, plum, and eucalyptus trees.
Hanapepe, Kauai
Kauai is home to the lovely Hanapepe, where you can join residents for Hanapepe Art Night, a lively art walk every Friday, during which galleries stay open late, and live music plays. While you walk, keep an eye out for the colorful Lilo and Stitch mural welcoming you to Hawaii’s ‘Biggest Little Town.’ If you tour the town during the day, stop by Japanese Grandma’s Café for lunch before taking a drive to the stunning Hanapepe Valley, which is one of the filming locations for the movie Jurassic Park.
On the southern side of the island, you will find the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge that crosses the Hanapepe River. The bridge also links Hanapepe to other nearby villages. The original bridge was built in 1911 and destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. It was rebuilt the same year and is just wide enough for a single file of up to fifteen people to cross together. If heights are not for you, you can go snorkeling or picnicking at Salt Pond Beach Park.
Lanai City, Lanai
The aloha spirit is palpable in Lanai City, which was founded in the early 1900s. In its heyday, the town produced 75% of the world’s pineapples, and this history is celebrated every year during the Pineapple Festival. Throughout the year, especially in summer, people gather at Dole Park to relax under the pine trees and eat from picnic baskets. You can join them with your own picnic basket and chat the hours away until sunset.
If you plan to stay a few days, you can visit the Lanai Art Center and join an art class or workshop. You can also stop by the Lanai Cultural & Heritage Center for guidance on touring the historical sites in and around town. And, if you are an animal lover, you can visit the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, where you can find more than 700 rescued cats enjoying a massive outdoor, cageless, green space.
Kaunakakai, Molokai
Kaunakakai is the largest town of Molokai in Maui County. There are no traffic lights in this Paniolo town, and it also serves as Molokai’s main harbor. When you walk along the pier, you will see locals fishing and boats moving in and out of the water. As you move towards the inland part of the town, you will find a collection of small shops, including Kanemitsu’s Bakery, where you can eat onion-and-cheese bread hot out of the oven.
If you want adventure in Kaunakakai, head east to the only barrier reef in Hawaii for snorkeling and scuba diving. There is a lot to see underwater, including turtles and brightly colored corals. On the surface, you can go sailing with tours through the Molokai Sailing Chapter, including whale watching and sunset trips. And, if you just want to immerse yourself in the unique Hawaii atmosphere, you can go beachcombing on the sparsely populated beaches in the area.
Mountain View, Big Island
Coming back full circle to the Big Island, the friendly town of Mountain View lies around 1,400 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the Mauna Kea volcano. Mountain View is a rural town, yet it boasts the Hilo Coffee Mill, which produces award-winning coffee blends. If you prefer tea, you can visit Big Island Tea to tour the tea garden. There are also several flower farms in Mountain View, including the Hawaiian Flower Gardens Nursery.
For a one-of-a-kind experience, you can travel to the Ohana Ranch, where you can bottle-feed baby goats and see other farm animals. Afterward, you can relax at Kvasir’s Mead, where you can enjoy Polish-inspired meads made with Hawaii-sourced honey, fruit, and spices. You can do a tasting and learn more about how the meads are made.
A Hawaii Small Town Trip is a Personal Experience
A trip to Hawaii does not always have to be about taking selfies in the water or sending pictures of black sand beaches and volcanoes to family and friends back home. The experience of Hawaii lies within its small town communities, which welcome visitors warmly and teach them how to respect nature and the sea. These communities are shaped by their landscapes and their histories, and they love sharing both with visitors who want to know more about this part of the world. And, when you experience these homey towns once, you will want to come back again and again.
