6 Bizarrely Named Towns In Hawaii

Every year, countless tourists flock to Hawaii to experience the stunning beauty of the area's islands. While people go to visit the beaches and volcanoes, Hawaii is also home to some unique towns worth visiting, particularly for wordsmiths and language lovers, as some of these towns have an alluring, even bizarre, name to foreigners. Captain Cook, for example, is a town with a captivating name, full of natural beauty and a unique monument to see. Volcano Village is another bizarrely named town that is a village for bohemians in the rainforest. These are only a few of Hawaii's bizarrely named towns, but here, we explore six and learn about the culture behind these quirky towns' names.

Captain Cook

The name of this town wasn't to honor the explorer Captain Cook, as many might believe. The town's name comes from the Captain Cook Coffee Company. In 2022, the town's name was changed to Ka'awaloa, which was the town's original name, meaning "long landing place." Located on the Big Island, the town is a popular tourist destination. Considering the roots of the town's original name, one of the most popular attractions in Ka'awaloa is to check out Greenwell Farms, a local coffee farm and processing facility. During the day, tours are available to see how coffee is harvested. Ka'awaloa is also full of natural beauty, with lush rainforests that are full of wildlife. Hike the easy Ka'awaloa Trail to enjoy the serene nature. At the trail's end is a Captain Cook Monument and a beach to swim and snorkel.

Haiku

When you hear haiku, you might first think of the type of Japanese poem. However, Haiku is also a town in Hawaii. The town gets its name from the ancient Hawaiian land known as Haʻikū. This is Hawaiian for "talk abruptly" or "sharp break." Hakiu is on the island of Maui. The rural community is known for its relaxed scenery and vibrant beauty. It is not unusual here to see waterfalls. Many of these waterfalls can be seen on the road to Hana. Make sure to look for rainbow eucalyptus trees on this road. These trees look like paintings and stand out due to their unique multi-colored bark. One of the area's most beautiful waterfalls to see is Twin Falls. Those who would rather enjoy a beach should check out Ho’okipa Beach Park. This is one of the area's top surfing spots. Not far from this beach is the famous Pe'ahi Jaws, which is known for having some of the biggest waves in the area.

Volcano Village

While Hawaii is home to several volcanoes, Volcano Village is not located on an actual volcano. However, the village is close to them. Just five minutes from the famous Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Volcano Village is a bohemian town for artists. The community of artists is hidden in the rainforest in the Puna District. People from all walks of life are attracted to the village, including farmers, artists, scientists, and those seeking rest in nature. Here, enjoy local farms in the heart of the rainforest such as Atasuka Orchid Farms or the Volcano Winery. See the work of local artists at the Volcano Arts Center or ask around to learn about private galleries. On Sunday mornings, visit the local Volcano Farmers Market and grab some tasty fresh produce or beautiful fresh-cut flowers.

Breadfruit Ripened on the Back

Ulupalakua is a Hawaiian town whose name translates to "Breadfruit Ripened on the Back." The name originates from an urban Hawaiian legend, that a Hawaiian chief would send his messengers to Hana Maui for breadfruit. Today, Ulupalakua is a rural community full of charming stores and pastures. The rolling hills make a great spot for meditation. They are also a popular spot to take scenic photographs and enjoy Hawaii's countryside. Ulupalakua's quaint general store is the go-to spot for snacks. Across the road is the famed Ulupalakua winery. This is a great spot to sample some local wine and enjoy beautiful vistas. The winery also has various keepsakes to purchase for those looking for souvenirs.

Hawi

Hawi is a town in Hawaii on the Big Island. The town's name looks a lot like the name of the state of Hawaii, minus a few letters. However, the name is pronounced differently. Hawi is pronounced haː'vi, whereas Hawaii is pronounced ha-WY-ee. Hawi is considered one of Big Island's hidden gems. The beach town is located on the far Northern coastline of the Big Island’s Kohala area. In Hawi, there is something for everyone, making for a great vacation spot. More adventurous thrill-seekers can enjoy skydiving or take a ziplining tour of the town. Those who are looking to unwind and relax can enjoy checking out the local farms and walking around town. There are lots of galleries, boutiques, and eateries around town. Stop in at one of the local restaurants, such as Bamboo or Sushi Rock and Trio, for a tasty meal. Hawi also has some unique landmarks. Some iconic spots to check out around town include Sacred Heart Church, Flumin’ Kohala, and Kohala Mountain Road.

Aiea

Aiea is uniquely named because the town name is entirely vowels. The town's name originally came from a land division ruled by a chief and managed by the aliʻi, the nobility of the Hawaiian islands. The town is famous for being one of the closest towns to the iconic Pearl Harbor. Visit The Pearl Harbor National Memorial to learn more about the history of Pearl Harbor and the surrounding area.

Aiea is also near the breathtaking Ko’olau Mountain Range. The area has plenty of natural features for visitors to enjoy. Avid hikers will love the Aiea Loop Trail, which takes hikers through eucalyptus trees and offers stunning mountain views. To learn more about Aiea's culture visit the famed landmark Aloha Stadium. This is where visitors will find the Rainbow Warriors. This location is also the spot of the community's Aloha Swap Meet and State Fair.

While foreigners may find these towns bizarrely named, this only adds to their charm and allure. Each town has a unique culture and story behind its name. Learning about each town's name and culture allows people to better appreciate the place.

Here, each of the towns explored has something different to offer visitors. Haiku offers visitors a natural oasis with waterfalls and stunning unique plants. Volcano Village gives visitors a taste of bohemian living in a village full of artists living sustainably. Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure or a unique community experience, consider visiting on of these Hawaiian towns on your next trip. The bizarre name only adds to the fun of the adventure.