2025's Most Underrated Towns In Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the most visited places in the United States, and this is a credit to its winning mix of sunny, tropical weather, unprecedented natural beauty, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals with a rich culture. While most travelers picture the crowded beaches of Honolulu when thinking about the Aloha State, there are numerous island locations on the archipelago, many of which don't get the attention they deserve.

These are the perfect getaway for a laid-back holiday experience, and 2025 presents the ideal opportunity to explore what they have in store. Whether an outdoor adventurer, beachgoer, culture connoisseur or history lover, there is something to tickle your fancy. This post highlights the most underrated towns in Hawaii, from Hanapepe to Makawao.

Kaunakakai

This delightful rural community in Molokai receives way fewer visitors compared to other destinations in the state, allowing those who chance upon to explore its virgin natural spaces and rugged shoreline at a comfortable pace. Kaunakakai invites newcomers to relax on the powdery sands of Murphy's Beach and take in the soothing panoramas of its surrounding waters. The peaceful atmosphere draws sunbathers, strollers, and swimmers. While exploring the island's nature, use the opportunity to stake out native wildlife at Kakahaia National Wildlife Refuge. The protected wetland area provides a habitat for various pieces of waterbirds and shorebirds.

Meanwhile, downtown Kaunakakai hosts a delectable mix of eateries worth stopping by. Paddlers Restaurant and Bar is popular in the district and is known for serving delicious burgers and craft cocktails.

Waikoloa

About two hours from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Waikoloa is an exciting resort village in Hawaii County, reputed for its spectacular beaches and shopping opportunities. Retail therapy enthusiasts can look forward to a great time at Kings' Shops, which sells a mix of jewelry, apparel, gift items, and fashion accessories in its picturesque lakeside location. Waikoloa is famously home to the Waikoloa Beach Resort, where art lovers can browse traditional Hawaii artwork at Genesis Galleries. Alternatively, a trip to the beautiful shores of 49 Black Sand Beach is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoor scenery.

Meanwhile, history enthusiasts will fancy a tour of the Waikoloa Petroglyph Reserve. This living history site presents a unique perspective of ancient Hawaiian life through thousands of ancient images and abstract shapes inscribed into lava rock. Finally, remember to attend the Big Island Chocolate Festival at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort from April 10 to 12, 2025, for a taste of sweet local culture.

Haleiwa

Haleiwa lies on the northern shores of Oahu, an area famous for picturesque beaches and lush natural spaces. It is an excellent destination for outdoorsy tourists, who can find the most impressive stretches of sand at Laniakea Beach. Its rocky shoreline draws tourists looking to witness the Hawaiian green turtles basking on the sand. One of the best sights in Haleiwa awaits at the Waimea Botanical Garden. This dreamy oasis boasts a colorful display of tropical species against the backdrop of a 45-foot cascade.

Elsewhere, Haleiwa Town Center offers exciting shopping opportunities for those who prefer to explore the downtown area. You can walk through a string of retailers and eateries serving mouth-watering flavors. If you appreciate the arts, target the Haleiwa Arts Festival in June 2025 to experience the creativity of local artists.

Wahiawa

Wahiawa's concealed location, sandwiched by two volcanic mountains, contributes to it being one of the most overlooked towns in Hawaii. It has picturesque natural landscapes with fertile soils that have allowed the growing of pineapples to thrive in the area. The outdoors is the best place to be in Wahiawa, offering visitors a chance to discover the beauty of Wahiawa Botanical Garden. Spread over 27 acres, this quaint oasis impresses with its showcase of native flora.

Meanwhile, Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area offers a grassy playground with access to Lake Wilson, where adventurers come to indulge in fishing, boating, picnicking, and other activities. Away from the great outdoors, shopaholics can check out the latest fashion and dining trends at Wahiawa Shopping Center. The mall features a blend of brand-name stores, gourmet restaurants, a nail salon, and more.

Makawao

This unique community in Upcountry Maui stands out for its welcoming locals, thriving art scene, and ranching heritage. Many people visit Makawao to experience its famous arts community at the Hui Noeau Arts Center. Housed in a 1917 mansion, this quaint visual arts venue invites guests for tours to browse its colorful exhibitions and classes to improve their technique. The popular Maui Pineapple Tour takes visitors on exciting excursions exploring Makawao's agricultural heritage, where they can learn intriguing facts about pineapples.

But if you want to see animals, consider visiting Maui Alpaca. This 8-acre facility provides a family-friendly escape where tourists go picnics and lazy hikes, highlighted by exotic interactions with the resident alpacas. Finally, those who enjoy craft beers can pass by Mahalo Aleworks to sample tasty local beers.

Lanai City

Lanai City is a stunning getaway on the island of Lanai, where tourists visit to experience authentic Hawaiian culture. This is possible at the Lanai Culture and Heritage Center, which provides a unique perspective of local heritage using public workshops, exhibitions, and events. But if you want a more immersive experience, you can plan your trip to coincide with the Kupulau Festival in April 2025. This annual extravaganza invites tourists to learn about local flora and fauna, explore authentic art pieces, and visit educational booths.

Lanai City presents lovely outdoor spaces for those who crave open spaces. If you fancy a hiking escape, wear comfortable shoes for an excursion along the 5-mile Koloiki Ridge Trailhead. This scenic route cuts through open fields and woodlands with spectacular vistas.

Koloa

Koloa is a historic village in Kauai County with a heritage steeped in sugarcane farming. Tracing its planting heydays to the 1830s, the town preserves memories of the bygone eras throughout Old Koloa Town. This rustic neighborhood features a cluster of Victorian homes, restaurants, and storefronts showcasing artifacts about the area's sugary past. The 80-acre Allerton Garden best represents Koloa's storybook natural scenery, boasting a colorful display of native Hawaiian flowers and shrubs. It is the perfect escape for those who simply want to relax and meditate in a peaceful oasis.

The Koloa Zipline invites thrill seekers for an adrenaline-inducing trip over the local jungle and water, featuring three of the island's longest ziplines. For festival enthusiasts, consider attending the Kauai Poke Fest in June 2025 to sample Koloa's dining culture.

Kailua

Kailua is a hidden gem on the island of Oahu, famed for its miles of stunning sandy beaches and windsurfing opportunities. It presents an array of pleasant options for beachgoers, starting with Lanikai Beach. A combination of powdery white sands, toasty turquoise waters, and exquisite panoramas of the Mokulua Islands make it one of the best outdoor spaces on the island. This also calls on visitors to stretch their legs along Lanikai Pillbox Trail and make the most of the soothing breeze and amazing water views.

The Kailua Farmers' Market breathes life into the community every Sunday as local farmers and vendors gather to showcase their wares. This is a prime opportunity to interact with the townspeople and learn about their culture while shopping for fresh-from-the-farm produce. However, the experience is more immersive during the Kailua Fall Festival, scheduled for September 2025. This annual spectacle breathes life into the town as local food vendors, live music, craft exhibitions, and more take over the streets, headlined by the "I Love Kailua" Party.

While they don't receive as many visitors as they should, the most underrated towns in Hawaii present the perfect opportunity for tourists looking to escape the crowds and explore an undisturbed section of the archipelago. Here, nature is as raw as it gets, and the locals demonstrate authentic Hawaiian culture, culminating in an immersive and fulfilling experience. Whether you want to attend a traditional festival in Lanai City or take it easy on the secluded shores of Haleiwa, you can look forward to making lasting memories.