10 Hawaii Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life
The people of Hawaii have long known something important about time: There’s a beauty in slowing down to appreciate the moment, in rebelling against the pressures of constant work and stress. Whether that means having a communal coffee in Lanai City or sinking your toes in the green sand of a Naalehu beach, it is always a blessing to be on “island time.” These 10 Hawaii towns with a slower pace of life are the perfect places to slow down and appreciate the idyllic surroundings, the friendly people, and the languid lifestyle — just like the locals do.
Haleiwa, Oahu
Located on the north shore of Oahu, Haleiwa is an exceptional place to unwind. The double-arched Anahulu Stream Bridge, nicknamed the Rainbow Bridge, is a can’t-miss landmark for anyone visiting this small town. It’s a welcome sign, history lesson, and prime photo op all in one. You can walk across the bridge for stunning views of the Anahulu River and ocean, and your journey will lead you to a plethora of local eateries on either side.
It’s true that the people of Haleiwa love their food trucks, dining alternatives that capture the town’s laid-back vibes. They are great for a casual, no-frills meal, but that doesn’t mean the food isn’t delicious. You can try authentic Thai dishes like papaya salad and panang curry at Khan & Phim Thai or generous portions of Mexican favorites like fish tacos and yuca fries at Surf N Salsa. Somehow, it’s all made tastier with a picnic table, a shade umbrella, and an island breeze.
Another way to spend a tranquil day in Haleiwa is at Haleiwa Beach Park. Its calm waters are perfect for swimming, and its spacious sand leaves plenty of room to play games or just kick back on a beach towel. The park faces west, making it a fantastic spot to watch a vibrant Hawaiian sunset. And with the Haleiwa Harbor nearby, the gorgeous views are amplified by the chug of fishing boats on the water, creating a landscape worthy of a museum wall.
Lanai City, Lanai
With only a few paved roads and no stoplights at all, the island of Lanai is the definition of ease. And Lanai City, the only city on the island, takes that feeling to a new level. There are no tourist traps or crowded sidewalks here — only locals who cherish the simple life.
A great way to slip into this mindset is a trip to Coffee Works. As much a hangout space as it is a coffee shop, this community hub is where neighbors meet up, conversations flow, and every customer is treated like a regular. What’s more, many coffee beans are locally grown and make for some delectable morning wakeups and afternoon breaks.
Another leisurely activity in Lanai City is hitting the links at Cavendish Golf Course, one of the only free-to-play courses remaining in the US. The nine fairways are well-maintained and offer challenges to players of all skill levels.
And, if you’re curious about Lanai’s rich and complex history, the Lanai Culture and Heritage Center is an incredible place to visit. The Center focuses on preserving Lanai’s lasting legacy and provides guests with a peek into Hawaiian heritage, cultural practices, and artistic expression.
Makawao, Maui
The small town of Makawao is well-known for its ample natural beauty. For this, vacationers love the meditative haven called The Sacred Garden. This special place welcomes visitors to find creative inspiration in the kukui forest, enjoy a picnic lunch, or simply sit in peace and think. The Garden also features two labyrinths meant to be walked for contemplating and letting go of stress.
You could also get lost in the 2,093-acre Makawao Forest Reserve under the tall tree canopy’s soothing shade. Among the many hiking and mountain biking trails, you will love the easy-to-follow Kahakapao Loop Trail where you’re likely to stumble upon some of the area’s prettiest wildflowers.
A trip to Makawao is not complete without a trip to the Komoda Store and Bakery where people line up for the store’s famous breakfast pastries. You can pick among cream puffs, stick donuts, cinnamon snails, and guava malasadas — but get there early because they sell out quickly.
Naalehu, The Big Island
With a little over 800 residents, Naalehu might be small, but its aloha spirit is mighty. While some might view the tiny town as a stopping point between more frequented Hawaiian attractions, Naalehu’s lush vegetation and slow-paced lifestyle is worth a layover in paradise.
Start with Papakolea Beach, only one of four green sand beaches in the world. It is a favorite destination for locals who love its tucked-away seclusion. Since vehicular traffic is not allowed, the only way to get to the beach is a 4.5-mile hike, which speaks to how undisturbed the area is. This unique beach is perfect for discovering shells and sea glass, photographing the gorgeous scenery, or sunbathing near the water.
You should also spend an afternoon at Paradise Meadows Orchard & Bee Farm in Naalehu. There, the owners will give you a behind-the-scenes tour through the banana and papaya crops, and you can even sample their Hawaiian honey, macadamia nuts, and Ka'u coffee. You’re bound to run into some of the farm’s resident pets including a pig, horse, goat, parrots, and ducks, all lucky to have a home in this serene setting.
Kaunakakai, Molokai
Molokai is the least visited Hawaiian island; with mostly untouched landscape, its main town Kaunakakai feels incredibly remote. A quick plane ride from Maui, a visit to this rather unknown island promises a blissful escape from anything resembling hustle and bustle. There are even roadside signs cautioning you: “Slow down, this is Molokai.”
If you’re visiting on a Saturday, a trip to the weekly market is a must. There, you’ll find a community gathering of local farmers, arts and crafts vendors, and live music that contributes to a celebratory mood. The locals treat each Saturday morning like a neighborhood block party, and it’s a nice way to immerse yourself into the mellow Kaunakakai lifestyle.
A fantastic spot for sightseeing is the Kapuāiwa Coconut Grove, named after King Kamehameha V and one of the only royal groves remaining in the state. This 10-acre grove is considered sacred ground by many. Across the way is another interesting parcel of land you’ll want to see called Church Row, a string of seven houses of worship, some dating back to the 19th century.
Before your head hits your pillow, make sure to stop by Kanemitsu’s Bakery where hot, delicious bread is sold out of the back door at night. It’s pretty much considered a delicacy in Kaunakakai.
Princeville, Kauai
Once a sugar plantation then a cattle ranch, world-class commercial development in the 1960s has led Princeville to be a highly sought-after travel destination. However, much of the land remains untouched, and Princeville, with its sweeping views of Hanalei Bay, provides vacationers with the effortless pace they crave.
Start your morning on the Garden Island with Saenz Ohana Breakfast, a stationary food truck with a menu that features a variety of sandwiches all made on sweet Hawaiian bread. You have to try the fried spam sandwich, an island classic.
Time in Princeville demands a trip to Queen’s Bath, a natural tidal pool with aquamarine waters. In the summer, the waves are few and the tidal pool is great for a dip amidst the craggy lava rock. In winter, the surf can be dangerous, so visitors must check the conditions before hiking to this ocean retreat.
Open to the public since 2010, the Princeville Botanical Gardens is an expansive area of exotic flowers, medicinal plants, and even cacao trees. Book a guided tour that will let you explore every inch of the gardens and will culminate in an organic chocolate tasting, where the owners will teach you about the history of making the sweet stuff.
Hawi, The Big Island
Sitting at the bottom of the Kohala Mountain, Hawi welcomes visitors to unwind in a vibrant Big Island community.
First, have a meal at Bamboo Restaurant, a Hawi institution. Housed in a revived plantation building, the award-winning restaurant offers delicious Pacific Rim cuisine in a carefree atmosphere. The decor is colorful, and the servers are playful, stopping to hula for diners on a whim. Upstairs is a gallery where you can find gifts, souvenirs, and impressive handmade art pieces.
If you follow the Akoni Pule Highway through town, at the end you’ll find the Pololu Valley Lookout, an absolute treat for the eyes. Be sure to relish in the breathtaking views and ocean air for a few extra moments.
Wrap up your Hawi escape at the Lokahi Garden Sanctuary, a botanical wonderland that offers many relaxing activities for guests. Lokahi translates to “living in harmony,” and this sentiment is evident in all aspects of the wellness program, strolls through the onsite farm, and by-appointment spa and massage treatments.
Paia, Maui
Surfers, yogis, hippies, and beach bums alike flock to Paia for its bohemian vibes. You’ll recognize Paia from its photo-worthy rainbow row of surfboards outside the Aloha Surf Hostel, and the town just gets more colorful from there.
Each of Paia’s three beaches offers a very different experience, depending on what you’re in the mood for that day. Ho'okipa Beach Park boasts some of the best surfing conditions on the entire island — plus, you might get a glimpse of sea turtles hanging out on the shore. The white-sand Baldwin Beach is much more family-friendly with on-duty lifeguards, picnic tables, and restrooms available. Somewhere in the middle is Tavares Beach, a local favorite and a great place for swimming and snorkeling in the tranquil waters.
For such a small town, Paia’s foodie culture is strong. The restaurants vary in cuisine, but the menus all feature fresh seafood in one way or another. A must try is the Paia Fishmarket & Restaurant, where President Barack Obama famously dined years ago. Or try Tobi’s Poke & Shaved Ice in Paia-town, a community-oriented spot committed to supporting local farmers and fishermen.
Koloa, Kauai
Koloa lies on the southside of Kauai, and its epicenter was once an active sugar mill. Thus, enterprising workers from around the world came to Koloa for employment. Generations later, Koloa is still a melting pot of those cultures, and its residents take pride in that fact.
If you’re visiting the town in July, you will love celebrating Koloa Plantation Days, a ten-day festival that honors the town’s diversity. Also part of the festival is the Southside Music & Art Fest, a family-friendly event in the adorable Old Town Koloa with live music, food vendors, and artisans.
A top Koloa attraction is Spouting Horn, a natural blowhole formed from the pounding ocean waves forced through a volcanic tube. Best experienced during high tide, it’s a geological phenomenon that will leave you in awe; sometimes the water can reach up to 50 feet in the air!
For the thrill seekers, book a ziplining tour though Koloa Zipline, a unique experience that will send you flying high over a jungle, mountains, and reservoir. And, if you book the last slot of the day, you can watch the sunset from your amazing bird’s-eye view of Koloa and its lush surroundings.
Waialua, Oahu
The wooden sign welcoming you to Waialua reads: “Home to the World’s Best Sugar.” And it’s true; daytrippers love visiting this sweet North Shore town to avoid the Honolulu crowds — and for its many ways to get a sugar fix.
History buffs will be enthralled with a visit to the now-defunct Waialua Sugar Mill, a historic sugar plantation redeveloped into a casual market with a variety of vendor stalls. If you’d like a tour, the owner Bob Martin will be happy to take you around and let you sample different coffee roasts and chocolates. And not to be missed is his wife Reba’s shaved ice stand.
For more sugary fun, head to Paalaa Kai Bakery for snow puffies, a layered dessert filled with custard, covered with chocolate, and finally dusted with powdered sugar. The bakery has gained quite a following thanks to this famous pastry, but you can also order turnovers, donuts, and fruity jello cups.
To balance out all that sugar, head to Kaala Kitchen Grill and Greens, a brand-new eatery open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Located inside a reconverted bank vault, the food truck serves healthy fusion fare like acai bowls, stir-fried veggies, and locally caught white fish. Kaala Kitchen values unity in the Waialua community and is another bright spot in this laidback town.
If what you need is a literal time out from life’s hectic pace, any one of these 10 Hawaii towns with a slower pace of life would welcome you to relax and recharge. Time doesn’t stand still in Hawaii, but it sure does move at a luxuriously slow crawl. So, float in a Princeville tidal pool, savor a fresh Paia poke bowl, or stare in wonder at a Kaunakakai coconut grove. In paradise, finding ways to take your foot off the gas is never difficult. You just have to decide where to go first.
