8 Offbeat Hawaii Towns To Visit In 2025
The Hawaii islands are a uniquely beautiful destination. The state is comprised of 137 individual islands formed at the end of a chain of volcanoes. The volcanoes that make these islands are over 70 million years old, and each island is made of one or multiple of these volcanoes. Currently, six of those volcanoes are still active, making Hawaii one of the few states that contain active volcanoes. If you get the chance to make it to this exquisite destination, visit as many islands as you can; some are just a hop, skip and jump (or plane ride) away. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path, you never know what you might find. These eight towns all offer something quirky to differentiate them from any other getaway.
Paia
For roughly 50 years Paia has had a reputation as being a laidback, surfer, hippie town. So, if you’re looking to find the best beaches, this is the place to go. Located on Maui, Paia has a not-so-secret Secret Beach. A clothing-optional beach between Paia Bay and Baldwin Cove, this beach is usually frequented by locals and has no vehicle access, so it is relatively private. If you prefer to keep your clothes on at the beach and ditch the laidback hippie atmosphere, head to Baldwin Beach. Venture to the Cove at Baldwin Beach for ideal swimming since the waves there don’t get as big as on other beaches. The Cove is also a great spot to possibly encounter sea turtles. Another enticing aspect of Paia is that it is notably a preferred spot to start the Road to Hana. The entire drive is 64.4 miles and features waterfalls, beaches, and state parks along the way.
Volcano
This town’s name is fitting as it also has one of the state’s biggest (literally and figurately) attractions. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is unique because it still houses active volcanoes. With an eruption as recent as December 2024 and molten lava still visible as of March 2025, you never know what you might get to witness with a visit to this park. Less than a mile from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the Volcano Garden Arts, a gallery that sells local ceramics, sculptures, paintings and much more. They also recently added a walking trail dubbed the “Secret Garden” for self-guided tours of the grounds. Another exceptional stop to make in Volcano is the Volcano Winery. Located at 4,000 ft, at the summit of the Kilauea Volcano, is the vineyard for this local winery. The specific location and environment of this vineyard make it ideal for consistent grape growth.
Hawi
Once a major importer of sugar, Hawi was known for its remarkable sugar plantations. The Hawi Mill was a major supplier almost 100 years ago before being absorbed by Kohala Sugar. Today, the plantations are gone, but the history remains. Visit one of the most sacred places of worship of all the islands, Mo’okini Heiau. It is Considered one of the first luakini heiau on the island. A luakini heiau is a sacred temple where human and animal sacrifices were offered during rituals. The site where the temple sat is open for self-guided tours six days a week. Experience a different kind of activity at the Kohala Zipline. With eight total zip lines and six sky bridges, this is the only full canopy tour on the Big Island. After ziplining, take the time to relax under a private waterfall. For another local experience, visit the Hawi Farmers’ Market. Pick up fresh local produce and handmade native crafts and experience the community. The market is on Saturdays at the Kohala Village Hub.
Waimea
For a tranquil day trip, visit Spencer Beach Park. Spend the day in the calm, shallow waters, and if you’re up for more adventure, spend the night listening to the waves crash at one of the park’s campsites. Considered one of the safest public campgrounds on the beachfront, you won’t want to miss an opportunity to sleep under the stars on the sand. Another favorite beach in this small town is Waialea Bay. Access to the bay is not quite easily traversable, but worth the effort. The pristine beach has the best reef in the Hawaii Marine Life Conservation District, with multiple coral communities that make for great snorkeling and SCUBA. From underneath the surface to above it, don’t skip a stop at the W.M. Keck Observatory in Waimea. The observatory is a big part of the community and hosts multiple events throughout the year including science nights at the library, the Solar Systems Walk in Waimea, a Christmas Parade, and more.
Kapaau
Kapaau honors the birth of Hawaii’s greatest king, King Kamehameha. A warrior, leader and diplomat, King Kamehameha unified all the Hawaii islands into one grand empire in 1810. Visit the taller-than-life statue dedicated to him, located in front of the North Kohala Civic Center. After visiting the King who made the islands great, head over to one of his unique beaches and take in the picturesque sites at Keokea Beach Park. The beach isn’t your typical sandy beach designed for lounging in the sun but is located in a protected tidepool area that keeps the waves from breaking too hard. For a rare activity, visit Hot Glass Hawaii and experience the opportunity to make your own glasswork. The workshop offers hands-on experiences, demonstrations, classes, camps and more. Book a session and come home with your own homemade Hawaii souvenir.
Hilo
The largest town in Hawaii, yet still smaller than some average populated towns, Hilo has an assortment of unique sites to offer visitors. The town provides a hidden gem that boasts an unforgettable beach experience. Carlsmith Beach Park is a coastal haven with clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling. Experience the colorful coral reef and an assortment of marine life in the bay. Back on the beach, relax under a palm tree and soak up the sun. Nestled in the Hawaii State Parks system is Rainbow Falls. An easily accessible waterfall cascading 80 feet over a lava cave. The cave is believed to be the home of the Hawaiian moon goddess, Hina. The reflection, refraction and dispersion of light in water droplets causes a rainbow at the base of the falls, thus giving it its name. Another stop to make in Hilo that is not only enriching but also knowledgeable is the Pacific Tsunami Museum. The purpose of the museum is to educate and bring awareness of tsunamis to help save as many lives as possible. The museum also acts as a memorial to those who perished in previous tsunami disasters.
Koloa
Make your first stop in Koloa at the Allerton Garden. Since 1964 this land has been continuing the growth of tropical plants, ecosystems and cultural heritage. Thousands of different species of flora have been gathered from the tropics and brought here to form a living collection of vegetation. Book a tour of the gardens and witness native Hawaiian plant species up close. Another exciting stop in Koloa is the Spouting Horn blowhole. According to legend, this scenic blowhole is the breath of an ancient giant lizard named Kaikapu. Kaikapu was chasing a young boy who outsmarted the lizard by swimming in the ocean, under the lava shelf and escaping through a small hole. The lizard followed him into the hole and got stuck in the lava tube and is today what visitors see at Spouting Horn. One more enticing stop in Koloa is Poipu Beach Park. Popular for bodyboarding, surfing, fishing and snorkeling, this crescent-shaped beach is also a hot spot for spotting Hawaiian monk seals. Enjoy the bodyboarding area and coral reef at this crystal-clear beach.
Hanapepe
Built in the 20th century to enable access workers to cross between the town of Hanapepe and the nearby fields, the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge was built, symbolizing the island’s rich history. Built of thick cables and wooden planks, the bridge sways and bounces for anyone who is brave enough to cross it. However, this experience is not just about crossing a bridge, it is an opportunity to connect with the island’s rich history. Another rich historic spot to visit is the Kauai Soto Zen Temple. The temple puts on multiple community events but also invites visitors to come and enjoy tea and talking. Everyone is welcome at Sitting and Sutra chanting. Hanapepe translates to “Crushed Bay” due to its previous landslides in the valley. View the picturesque scenery these natural disasters caused at the Hanapepe Valley Lookout. At Mile Marker 14, the scenic overlook will provide views of Mount Waialeale, as well as a surrounding valley that was used for filming the Jurassic Park movie!
The islands of Hawaii are famous for their beaches, surfing, coffee, volcanic activity and more. So why not take advantage of all that there is to offer by visiting as many beautiful landscapes or historical landmarks as you can? These offbeat towns are home to some of the most unique and picturesque sights and attractions in the US. So, cross the swinging bridge, look for dinosaurs, and surf the big wave. Just make sure to watch out for any molten lava on your journeys.
