8 Old-World Towns to Visit in Hawaii

Hawaii is a place known for sandy beaches and a serene landscape. Considering the beautiful natural scenery, it's no wonder Hawaii is a popular tourist destination with more than 6 million visitors annually. However, beyond the green mountains and sandy beaches, Hawaii is full of old-town charm. This is most evident in the small towns. In Lahaina, for example, the town's past as a whaling village and Hawaiian royalty vacation destination is evident in the old-world architecture. In Haleiwa, there is still evidence of Hawaii's plantation days in the buildings on Main Street. Explore Hawaii's towns with old-world charm.

Lahaina

Lahaina has long been the can't-miss destination of Maui. The historic whaling village was once the original seat of Hawaiian royalty. The town's past is evident in the old-world architecture that still stands today. Enjoy the architecture in town with a walk along the historic Front Street. This Main Street is lined with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Wildfires in 2023 destroyed some of the town's iconic spots; however, there are monuments still standing. The iconic 150-year-old banyan tree on Front Street experienced damage from the wildfires but still stands today.

There are even a few beaches downtown to enjoy, such as Baby Beach and Kamehameha Iki Beach Park. Besides enjoying the beaches, appreciate the ocean views on a hike. There are many good hikes in Lahaina, but one of the best is the Kapalua Coastal Trail. The hike takes visitors to the edge of a lava field on the ocean.

Kailua-Kona

Kailu-Kona is a historic fishing village on Hawaii Island that attracts tourists every year. The town has Old-World architecture, including Hulihe’e Palace, the vacation palace for Hawaiian royalty. The palace is beige and teal, with a beautiful landscape, and is a great example of plantation-style architecture. Another interesting historic building in Kailu-Kona is the Moku’aikaua Church. This church is unique since it is the oldest church in the Hawaiian Islands. Built by missionaries, the church dates back to 1820. Today, visitors can tour the church and see the stunning interior made of Koa wood from the rainforest.

Kailu-Kona also has some old local temples that visitors can explore. These are the Kamakahonu and Anu’ena Heiau. Heiau is a Hawaiian word that translates to sacred temple.

Beyond Kailua-Kona's Old World historic charm, the town is known for its beautiful warm waters, making it a great place to go snorkeling or swimming. Just south of Kailu-Kona is Kealakekua Bay. This is the famed place where Captain Cook lost his life in a fight in 1779. A monument commemorates his memory.

Hanalei

Hanalei is a small town on the island of Kauai surrounded by untouched natural beauty. Around town, you can expect to see green mountains, golden sand beaches, and beautiful ocean views. There is a small one-lane bridge leading into town. The bridge is a historical landmark 113 feet in length that takes passengers over the grand Hanalei River. The bridge was originally built in 1912. However, a tsunami in 1957 destroyed it. The bridge was restored fully in 2003.

Hanalei is also within walking distance of the stunning Hanalei Bay. This is a great place to enjoy the beach fully with snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. The Hanalei River is another great spot for kayaking. Hanalei is also home to a National Wildlife Refuge that protects 900 acres of land. Enjoy the rare untouched beauty of the National Wildlife Refuge by hiking on the Okolehao Trail.

Haleiwa

Haleiwa is home to some of Hawaii's best beaches and has a rich history. The town's establishment dates back to 1898, when a businessman Benjamin Dillingham, opened a hotel in the area. Stroll along the main streets to admire the quaint wooden plantation-style buildings, which date back to the early 1900s, and the historic Waialua Courthouse. Haleiwa is also home to the North Shore Macadamia Nut Company. This is a must-stop where you can taste authentic local Macadamia Nuts. This is also unique since it is the only macadamia nut farm on Oahu Island in Hawaii.

An iconic landmark in Halwiwa is the Rainbow Bridge. Paddle on the Anahulu River, which flows beneath it, for a peaceful and scenic ride. At night, local companies such as Rainbow Watersports offer illuminated stand-up paddle boarding tours near the Rainbow Bridge.

Paia

Paia wasn't always a tourist destination. In 1880 the Paia Sugar Mill opened and drew in immigrants for work opportunities. People from around the globe were housed at the plantation camp. Today, Paia is a funky, hippy town located on Maui's North Shore, which is full of art galleries, surf shops, and beaches.

The Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center is a must-see for art lovers. The non-profit center has exhibitions and classes. Other interesting attractions in Paia include the peaceful Sacred Garden of Maliko and the historical Pauwela Cannery. A great spot to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Paia is Ho’okipa Lookout. This is a popular spot for sea turtles playing in the sand and surfers catching waves. Sometimes, there are artists and food vendors near the parking lot.

Kaunakakai

Visiting Kaunakakai is like stepping into Hawaii's past. The town, on the island of Molokai, is reminiscent of a simpler time in Hawaii. There are no big shopping centers or new developments in the area. The area is also not known to many tourists and only has a handful of souvenir shops. Kaunakakai is small, which makes hiking and biking in the region accessible. Stop at some of the historic sites, including Kapuāiwa Coconut Grove, Church Row, and the Aliʻi Fishpond.

Kaunakakai is also near Kalaupapa National Historical Park. This is a site with a rich history. In 1866 thousands of indigenous Hawaiian people developed Hansen’s disease. The government at the time forced the inflicted into isolation in the Kalaupapa peninsula since there was no cure at the time. These people went on to form communities. In the 1940s, a cure for the disease was discovered, and in 1969, the law was repealed. Today visitors can tour the preserved village.

Hilo

Hilo, on the Big Island, has a rich history. The earliest settlement dates back to 1100 CE, when the Polynesians first inhabited the area. Later, the town boomed as a site of sugar production. Pay a visit to the Lyman Museum to learn about Hawaii's natural history. Enjoy the beautiful, quiet beaches in Hilo by visiting Richardson Park, a great place to go snorkeling. Those who are more adventurous will enjoy checking out the Kaumana Caves. These are the caves that formed from the lava flow of Mauna Loa over 140 years ago. Hilo is also near one of Hawaii's most stunning waterfalls, Akaka Falls. The 442-foot waterfall is an amazing site to behold.

Kapa’a

Similar to other Hawaiian towns, Kapa'a, situated on the eastern shores of the island of Kauai, was built on sugar production. Pineapple production also played an important role in the town, and there are reminders of this in its buildings. There is an old pineapple cannery, for example, that is now the Pono Kai resort. Beyond the town's history, you can experience authentic Hawaiian food at the Pono Market. This is a great place to grab breakfast or lunch. They have traditional Hawaiian dishes, including Kalua Pork and Chicken Lau Lau, as well as Spicy Ahi Poke and Cucumber Kimchee.

For outdoor adventure, take a kayaking trip on the Wailua River. Paddle two miles upstream while enjoying the rainforest surroundings.

Hawaii's towns are full of old-town charm, making them great vacation destinations. In Kaunakakai, you can enjoy the setting of a simpler time and relax in nature. Towns such as Kailu-Kona and Lahaina have architecture from the old world, making the area's history come to life. Whether you are a history buff or a nature lover, discover great vacation spots. The combination of charm and stunning scenery will make for an unforgettable travel experience.