10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Hawaii

Oahu’s most beautiful small town is a place worth visiting. Located along the northern shore of Oahu, Haleiwa is home to the beautiful Waialua Bay. This beach is popular for surfers because of its big barrels, but it also has plenty of sun, sandy shores, and cultural activities for everyone else.

Naalehu has the distinction of being the southernmost town in all of the United States. Its population is around 1000, making it big enough to be interesting but small enough to be a small community. The volcanic black sand beaches are a draw for tourists from within Oahu and around the world.

The Big Island has two sides: the Hilo side and the Kona side. Hilo is the more popular of the two as far as vacation destinations go, and it is one of the most gorgeous places in the Pacific. The town of Hilo, located on the Hilo side, of course, has plenty of things to do and see within its borders. Wailuku State Park, Rainbow Falls, and the Boiling Pots are all in the environs of the town. Hilo is also a great place to stay when you’re exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park!

Hawi is known as the spot where you turn around during the Ironman World Championship that’s held on the island each year. However, there’s more to do here than just bike (although biking is an awesome activity choice). The main street of the little town is lined with picturesque shops, restaurants, and galleries. Don’t forget to check out the statue of King Kamehameha!

Hanalei sits on the shore of Hanalei Bay, a while sand beach with a green mountain backdrop. This town is popular with surfers, since the waves are often ideal here. Locals love this town as much as the tourists do—it has a strong sense of heritage and features much traditional art and local cuisine.

Lahaina is packed full of interesting history. And you can go discover it while you’re there! There is an 1831 fort that stands on the edge of the sea, and it still contains its original cannons. There’s also a whaling ship from the 1800s that was sunk a little ways from shore, which you can explore if you go diving at Lahaina. Many of the buildings date back many decades, and visitors can stay the night in a historic home. Of course, like every other coastal town in Hawaii, there is also plenty to do in the sun and sea.

Paia was built around a sugar plantation that was in operation from 1880 to 2000. This town attracted mostly plantation workers until the mid-20th Century, and in the 1970s it became famous as the “Wind Surf Capital of the World.” Today, pro wind surfers still travel from around the world to practice and compete in Paia’s waters. This, of course, makes it a wonderful place for visitors to relax on the sand and watch the windsurf show.

Did you know Hawaii has a ranching and rodeo culture? It is technically in the west, after all. If you want to see the best of it, head to Honokaa on Western Weekend. On other days of the year, you can still ride horses through the beautiful valley, marveling at waterfalls and enjoying majestic ocean views.

Lanai City is the center of the island of Lanai and was built as a pineapple plantation town. Dole Park is the most important location in Lanai City; it’s a grassy park around which all the businesses in the town are built.

Step back in time when you enter Kaunakakai. You’ll experience life as it once was in all of Molokai: meet Hawaiian cowboys, see people fish for their dinner, visit the last royal coconut grove, and view the house where King Kamehameha V once lived.