9 Overlooked Towns In Hawaii Worth Visiting

Most trips to Hawaii revolve around popular tourist hotspots like Waikiki Beach and Volcanoes National Park. While these destinations draw scores of excited visitors with their gorgeous natural scenery, they can get too crowded for comfort, keeping you from having a satisfying experience. Fortunately, the Aloha State has no shortage of magnificent places, including hidden gems that promise a similarly gratifying getaway without the unnecessary competition.

Scattered across the islands are charming towns rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, where you can experience authentic Hawaiian life away from the crowds. From the coastal scenery and stunning sunsets in Hanalei to the serene settings and lush forests of Hawi, these overlooked towns in Hawaii are worth visiting and should feature on your next travel itinerary in the United States.

Naalehu

About 65 miles from Hilo, Naalehu is a hidden gem on the southwestern tip of the Big Island that often gets overlooked for the nearby Volcanoes National Park. Despite this, you can't understate the wealth of natural treasures it harbors, highlighted by Papakolea Green Sand Beach. This awe-inspiring location turns heads with its green sand granules, a rarity originating from the silica in the lava after a past volcanic eruption.

A mix of secluded serenity and spell-binding ocean views makes Haleokane Lookout one of the most popular outdoor spots in the town. Perched on a dramatic cliffside, the site overlooks a rugged coastline against the backdrop of the shimmering Pacific waters. Naalehu is also home to the Mark Twain Monkey Pod Tree, a noteworthy historical marker which the legendary author allegedly planted during his 1866 visit to the region.

Kaunakakai

Molokai is one of the least visited islands in Hawaii, and it's a shame that even its most popular communities don't get the many tourists they deserve. This is the case for Kaunakakai, a pleasant rural town with pristine natural beauty. Its rugged shoreline harbors serene and secluded beaches, including Murphy's Beach, which is perfect for swimmers, beachcombers, and sunbathers who appreciate a sense of privacy. Kaunakakai is a thriving habitat for diverse island wildlife, inviting animal lovers to stake out colorful species at Kakahaia National Wildlife Refuge.

Beyond the outdoors, guests can sample local flavors in the various diners and joints around downtown. Those with a sweet tooth can pop by Kamoi Snack-n-Go for a delicious ice cream treat. Meanwhile, Paddlers Restaurant and Bar serves tasty burgers and artisanal cocktails.

Kapa'a

Kapa'a is an unpretentious community on the eastern edge of Kauai, known for its breathtaking coastal scenery and a genuine sense of hospitality. Beaches are a significant lure for the handful of travelers visiting the town, with many choosing to loosen up and chill on the powdery sands of Kealia Beach. This half-mile beach features gentle waves that are ideal for amateur surfers. Away from the coasts, vacationers can discover an untouched gem at Wailua River State Park. This stunning oasis straddles the Wailua River Valley and a picture-perfect waterfall amid lush jungle landscapes.

But Kapa'a is more than its exceptional outdoors; it houses friendly locals with whom you can interact at the Coconut Marketplace. This open-air shopping hub has a delightful mix of stores, kiosks, and casual diners, resulting in a popular gathering spot with the optimal atmosphere for hearty conversations.

Hanalei

Despite being quieter than resort hubs, Hanalei impresses those who chance upon it with its relaxed rural atmosphere, lush forest surroundings, and historical sites. Stepping outside is every tourist's itinerary in Hanalei, with Hanalei Beach spoiling them with a sandy stretch, gentle waves, and bewitching vistas of Hanalei Bay, shadowed by imposing mountains. The historic Hanalei Pier, constructed in the 1890s, presents the perfect platform to lazily stroll and take in the surrounding scenery, including the Hanalei River.

Hanalei is also known to be a welcoming community. When you shop at the Hanalei Farmers Market, you will experience typical Hawaiian hospitality. This neighborhood gathering place sees dozens of local vendors come together to create fun mingling opportunities.

Lanai City

Lanai City is a rural town in the heart of the untouched Lanai Island, which is known for its scarcity of paved roads and lack of crowds. However, this lovely destination attracts some attention with its cultural and historic sites. The Lanai Culture and Heritage Center welcomes guests to explore the region's heritage by displaying related artifacts and events centered around local traditions. Meanwhile, the Lanai Cat Sanctuary is a must-see for newcomers. This quirky cat refuge provides a home for over 600 felines, providing them with ready medical care, food, and warmth.

The "Garden of the Gods" is another highlight for first-timers in Lanai City. This wind-swept rock garden features an unusual formation of rocks and boulders, with a fascinating folklore that tries to explain its backstory. It is perfect for hikers and sightseers seeking outdoor opportunities.

Hawi

Hawi's remote location on the northern edge of the Big Island and modest population contribute to its being one of the most underrated towns in Hawaii, which is worth visiting. Nevertheless, it offers a pleasant selection of attractions that will impress even the most skeptical tourists. You can get a taste of island hospitality at the Hawi Farmers Market, where neighborly vendors welcome newcomers to sample locally produced fruits, baked goods, souvenirs, crafts, and other wares. Also, art enthusiasts will entertain the idea of inspecting handmade jewelry and other art forms at Olena Gallery.

Thrill seekers can discover the lush outdoor scenery with a zipline tour courtesy of Kohala Zipline. This action-packed adventure allows guests to swing from one tree to another over the dense canopy of Hawi's jungle at heart-stopping speeds.

Koloa

This sleepy village in southern Kauai has an enduring heritage intertwined with sugarcane farming. It has a well-preserved Old Koloa Town, which depicts the plantation days with an assemblage of Victorian storefronts, restaurants, and dwellings. The conveniently walkable district allows guests to discover valuable landmarks and artifacts. Koloa pays tribute to its rich culture with a lineup of annual events, and the highlight for many townsfolk is the Kauai Poke Fest at Koloa Landing Resort.

Those who crave the outdoors can take a guided tour of Allerton Garden to experience the town's idyllic nature. This 80-acre oasis displays a colorful array of Hawaiian flowers and native shrubs, with meandering walkways.

Hana

Hana is located on the east end of Maui, discouraging many tourists from enduring the long trip to this lovely community. It boasts rugged natural allure, with dramatic volcanic formations dominating its outdoor scenery. The Hana Lava Tube is an excellent example, inviting an hour-long underground trek into a volcanic cave with exquisite lava river views. First-timers also left marvelling at the black color of Black Sand Beach. This magnificent site is part of the larger Waianapanapa State Park, a regional recreational hub.

But when you feel like inspecting indoor attractions, you check out intimate works by revered Hawaiian artists at the Hana Coast Gallery. The studio also features pieces by Herb Kane, popularly recognized as the "Father of the Hawaiian Renaissance."

Wahiawa

While Honolulu is by far the most popular destination on the island of Oahu, tourists often forget the several other gems in the region, including Wahiawa. This quaint agricultural town is known for its thriving pineapple industry, and a tour of Dole Plantation lets you explore the world's largest pineapple maze. Outdoor adventurers find their way to Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area for an array of recreation. The space supports everything from boating and fishing to picnicking in a tranquil environment.

Retail therapy fans can wisely spend their pocket change on cute items at the Wahiawa Shopping Center. This lifestyle hub has a selection of restaurants, retail stores, nail salons, and other locations you can visit.

Hidden Gems In Hawaii

Hawaii is so much more than its postcard-famous beaches and bustling tourist hubs such as Pearl City. By venturing beyond the usual stops to secluded countryside in Hana and Kaunakakai, you open yourself up to the heart of the islands. Here, local traditions thrive, natural wonders remain unspoiled, and the pace invites you to slow down and truly soak it all in. These overlooked towns in Hawaii are worth visiting, offering a more peaceful and personal experience and giving you a chance to connect with the authentic spirit of aloha.