8 Most Unconventional Towns In Hawaii
The entire state of Hawaii is one big unconventional destination, considering that it is made up of islands and abides by certain strict rules and practices. For instance, it is forbidden to take rocks or sand from its beaches, shoes are not worn inside homes, and certain days known as kapu are considered sacred. The rules aside, this state is home to several towns that often cross the line of what is considered normal. Whether it’s their rare natural features or interesting histories, these towns shed more light on the uniqueness of the Aloha State. From a town hosting the Grand Canyon of the Pacific to one considered the southernmost town in the United States, find eight communities in Hawaii that will leave you scratching your head in bewilderment.
Kaneohe, Oahu
Kaneohe is one of the more eccentric places on the Island of Oahu, preserving some of Hawaii’s natural endowments and history. This town is said to have been home to the early kings of Hawaii and had about 30 royal fishponds. Today, it is a vast expanse of greenery fenced by jagged mountains that features the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. This slice of rainforest paradise covers a 400-acre area and contains a lake, walking trails, campgrounds, and a large collection of plants from tropical regions around the world.
The town also has a fine replica of an 11th-century Japanese Buddhist temple and the Haiku Stairs, one of Hawaii’s most iconic attractions, which, unfortunately, has been permanently closed and is currently being demolished. Visit this town today, and don’t forget to witness the sheer beauty of the Kaneohe Bay Sandbar and indulge in Hawaiian cuisine at the Waiahole Poi Factory.
Waimea, Kauai
Waimea in Kauai island steals the heart of visitors from a striking feature in its landscape, the Waimea Canyon, regarded as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. This 14-mile-long canyon is a must-visit destination in the town, with its 3,600-foot-deep gorge and enchanting colors. Even more extraordinary, Waimea hosts Kikiaola, an ancient irrigation ditch also known as the Menehune Ditch. According to Hawaiian mythology, the ditch was built by Menehune, a race of dwarfs that avoids the rest of humanity by living secluded lifestyles in valleys and forests. The ditch was so uniquely designed that it continues to puzzle archaeologists today and has even been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Besides its iconic geological trademark and interesting history, the town also has quintessential Hawaiian attractions like The West Kauai Technology & Visitor Center, which preserves and interprets the history of Kauai. Notably, the Waimea River is the site where Captain James Cook initially landed as the first European to ever step foot on Hawaiian soil. Today, Hofgaard Park in Waimea commemorates the historic event and even has a statue of Captain Cook.
Makawao, Maui
Makawao is a small town that easily stands out for its Hawaiian cowboy heritage and thriving art scene. On the Fourth of July every year, this pretty town on the slopes of Haleakala volcano hosts Makawao Rodeo, the largest Paniolo competition in Hawaii, featuring rodeo highlights like calf roping and barrel racing.
Find out more about the Paniolo traditions and the town at the Makawao History Museum through artifacts, exhibits, and stories. Besides its iconic Paniolo, the town hosts the Hui No’eau Visual Art Center, where art lovers can take classes and browse free exhibits. Meanwhile, the Makawao Forest Preserve invites thrillseekers to hike or bike through its lush greenery to better appreciate the island’s topography.
Hawi, Big Island
Hawi sits on a bluff overlooking the Kohala Coast and the Pacific Ocean on Hawaii’s Big Island. Historically, the area is considered the birthplace of King Kamehameha I, Hawaii’s most influential ruler who unified all of the Hawaiian Islands. Today, the king's original statue can be found in the nearby town of Kapaau. In Hawi, visitors will be thrilled by the Mo'okini Heiau, one of the most sacred and oldest worship sites in Hawaii. Legend tells that the site's first temple was built in the 5th century by a priest named Mookini. However, between the 12th and 14th, another priest from Tahiti or Samoa brought a new religion that included human sacrifices and built the current temple. This site is now a National Historic Landmark and is just 2,000 feet from the birthplace of King Kamehameha I, which together form the Kohala Historical Sites Monument.
Hawi is also home to the Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery, which was once rated as the island’s best restaurant. This restaurant is one of the oldest of its kind on the island and offers authentic Hawaiian cuisine. It also has a gallery complete with local artwork. Olena Gallery and the Hawi Gallery are more of the town’s incredible attractions worth visiting.
Naalehu, Big Island
Naalehu on Big Island is famous as the southernmost town in the United States. The actual southernmost point in the town is a place known as Ka Lae, which presents incredible ocean views. Just a few minutes' drive from the town lies a black sand beach, which is a distinctive attraction made possible as lava flowing into the ocean cools and explodes onto the shore.
The beach is known as Punalu'u Beach and should be on every visitor's bucket list. In the nearby South Point, there is another unique beach known as Papakolea Beach. This geological wonder is made up of Olivine Crystals and is one of four green sand beaches in the world.
Hana, Maui
Hana is a majestic town on Maui’s eastern end with a spellbinding coastline and coves. This town is famous for retaining the rural character of Old Hawaii even as the rest of Hawaii undergoes massive development. Hana is one of the state’s most isolated settlements and can be reached via the 52-mile Highway, one of the country’s most spectacular road trips. Travelers here will love the town’s laid-back atmosphere and its beautiful beaches, such as Hana Beach Park and Hamoa Beach. Also, the town hosts the Fagan’s Cross, a religious attraction accessible on a hike, and the Hana Lava Tube, which is a large cave with staggering and breathtaking geological interiors. Meanwhile, art lovers can always explore the incredible artworks at Laura Mango Art Gallery.
Notably, Hana is home to the beautiful Kahanu Garden, which hosts Pi’ilanihale Heiau, the largest ancient temple in Hawaii.
Haleiwa, Oahu
Haleiwa is a charming town in Oahu’s North Shore best known for its beaches and their iconic waves that attract surfers year-round. In winter, especially, powerful waves pound the town’s shores, setting the stage for big-wave surfing. Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach are the town’s top spots to ride the incredible swells or watch as brave surfers ride them. During the warmer months, these beaches become calmer, making them perfect for laid-back activities like swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The Haleiwa Beach Park is another fun spot for beach fun in town, and it hosts a war memorial that honors those who lost their lives during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. For incredible snorkeling, the Shark's Cove is the best place to be.
Besides its surfing appeal and beautiful beaches, Haleiwa is also historic. It was once a plantation settlement dating back to the 1800s. Today, the town is filled with structures built in the plantation architecture style, and just walking through is like traveling back in time.
Hanalei, Kauai
Hanalei is arguably the most beautiful town in Hawaii. Located on the lush island of Kauai, this town has enchanted people since ancient times. Several Hawaiian royals including King Kamehameha IV and King Kalakaua loved and visited this area. Today, it remains a place of spectacular natural beauty and the most beautiful views can be seen from the Hanalei Valley Overlook. The town is also home to the captivating Limahuli Garden and Preserve, one of Hawaii’s most beautiful and biodiverse valleys.
Meanwhile, visitors here will be enthralled by Hanalei Bay, its majestic pier, and its spectacular white sand beach, which is perfect for swimming, surfing, and fishing. History lovers will enjoy a visit to the Waoli Mission House, as it was built in 1837 and now serves as a museum offering a glimpse into the area’s missionary history.
Hawaii remains one of the best destinations for those seeking an escape from a mundane, regular life. With its magical landscapes, unique cultures, and rich history, there is so much to discover in this island state in the Pacific Ocean. These towns, in particular, from Waimea to Hanalei, are some of the most unconventional communities to visit. From fascinating histories to rare natural attractions, they are all worth visiting individually.
