8 Slow-Paced Towns to Visit in Hawaii
For many, a Hawaiian adventure sounds like the vacation of a lifetime. With ideas of relaxing on endless white sand beaches, touring volcano sites, swimming in turquoise waters, and sipping never-ending tropical drinks running through their heads. Of course, Hawaii sounds like a good idea. However, the Big Island can feel overwhelming, with countless individuals looking for their slice of aloha. Even though Hawaii is a popular destination spot, several towns follow a more laid-back vibe. So you, too, can get your rest and relaxation.
Waimea
Known as paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country, Waimea is a mix of history, green pastures, cowboys, ranches, and beautiful beaches. Located east of the volcanic Kohala Coast, Waimea is unlike any other place on the island. On the west coast of the town, visitors can check out the temple of Pu’ukohola Heiau of the legendary King Kamehameha.
Head to Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area for sunbathing on the vast sandy shores where lava rocks dot the shoreline. You may spot dolphins or humpback whales breaching just outside the Waialea Bay waters. The Mau’umae Beach also offers a relaxing setting, with its calm waters due to its placement inland between the Samuel M. Spencer Beach Park and the Mauna Kea Resort. To learn more about Waimea’s cowboy culture, venture north of Mau’umae Beach to a working sheep and cattle ranch, Kahuā Ranch. You can learn about the paniolo way of life while exploring the breathtaking views of Waimea by ATV or horseback.
Hanalei
On the north shore of Kaua’i lies the charming town of Hanalei. This small Hawaiian town offers an abundance of water-based activities and opportunities to participate in the culture.
Head to the historic 1892 Hanalei Pier for fishing and swimming, or step back at the Wai’oli Mission House. Initially built in 1836, the home is now a museum, with everything left as though the former inhabitants, the Wilcox family, still reside there. Check out made-in-Kauai art and carvings made from native Hawaiian woods at galleries like the Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art and the Hanalei Art Gallery. After spending a day in Hanalei, relax by watching a breathtaking sunset over Hanalei Bay.
Molokai
Molokaʻi provides a slower, simpler way to experience Hawaii. One of its greatest attractions is its absence of many commercial attractions, leading to an unspoiled wilderness with plenty of natural beauty to explore.
In Molokaʻi, you can find one of the island’s largest white sand beaches, Pāpōhaku Beach Park. About 100 yards wide, the beach provides an abundance of space for camping. Embark on a hiking journey through the Hālawa Valley and witness the splendor of the Moʻoula Falls, multi-tiered 250-foot waterfalls. On the other hand, one can discover the history of the Kalaupapa National Historical Park for an insight into the vast natural landscape of Hawaii.
Kahului
Kahului sits on the northern coast of Maui island, Hawaii, two miles east of Wailuku. In the 19th century, it was the destination for sugar and pineapple production. Between Kahului Bay and Sprecklesville Beach, Kanahâ Beach Park is a coastal gem with 40 acres of green-glass water and notched sea cliffs. This beach is also home to the Na Kai Ewalu Canoe Club and offers wide tree coverage to maximize rest in the shade. If you feel like getting out in the water, enroll in a kiteboarding course at the Kiteboarding School of Maui.
Kicking back and taking in the scenic views of Kahului does not get much easier than helicopter tours, which begin at the Kahului Airport and can take you on an adventure from above to explore the Maui Mountains. Revel in local performances at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, featuring dozens of monthly events, including symphony concerts, hula, films, and more.
Lānaʻi
Featuring more than 89,000 acres of countryside and 400 miles of 4-wheel-drive trails, the quiet island of Lānaʻi offers a slow-paced atmosphere and outdoor adventures. Go on a self-guided driving tour or hike and discover the landscape of Keahiakawelo, a rock garden on the island's northwest side. Immerse yourself in the scenery while e-biking or ziplining in the Lānaʻi Adventure Park.
Check out the largest surviving ruins of a prehistoric Hawaiian Village at Kaunolū Fishing Village or peek inside the ground nests of the native and endangered wedgetail sheerwaters or uaʻu kani at the islet of Pu‘upehe. Lānaʻi offers something unique for animal lovers: the Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary, a home to hundreds of cats living on four acres of paradise.
Honoka’a
Often considered a gateway to the Hamakua Coast, Honoka’a provides a complete view of the Pacific Ocean while traveling from Waimea. While its population is small, totaling less than 3,000 people, it is full of history.
Amongst the local boutiques and restaurants on Mamane Street, you’ll find the historic Honokaʻa People's Theatre, constructed in the 1920s to 1930s. Visit the Honoka’a Heritage Center, located less than half a mile west, and learn about the peak of sugar production in Hawaii and the Shigematsu family.
Walk through Mauna Key Tea Farm and have a cup of tea out in the fields surrounded by the native Ohia forest and fruit trees. Located on the Hāmākua Coast, Waipiʻo Valley offers dramatic tropical beauty to explore, over five miles deep and surrounded by cliffs reaching up to 2,000 feet.
Hawi
Hawi is a charming town at the end of Hawaii's scenic Kohala Mountain Road (Highway 250). While the population is small, with less than 2,500 people calling the town home, Hawi is not insignificant, as it is an official stop along the annual IRONMAN World Championship's bike route.
When in Hawi, take advantage of the Hawi Farmers' Market for fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, and crafts. Traverse to the northernmost point on the Big Island to get to the Upolu Point, which overlooks the Mahukona Beach and Alenuihaha Channel. An eruption of the Kohala volcano created Upolu Point's landscape. End your adventure in Hawi with classic Hawaiian cuisine at the Bamboo Restaurant, featuring fresh island seafood.
Kaunakakai
Check in for a weekend getaway at Hotel Moloka’i, a Kaunakakai landmark located on the beach of Kamiloloa. Do as the locals do and line up for famously good loaves of fresh bread from Kanemitsu's Bakery. One can also head to the Iliiliopae Heiau in Molokai, an ancient rocky temple site, for an additional dose of Kaunakakai history.
Nestled in the heart of Moloka’i is Kaunakakai. It is home to Hawaii's main harbor, where many residents still fish for their meals, and the state's longest pier, which extends far past the reef. This city's unique features, such as a lack of traffic lights, take visitors back to simpler times, much of which remains unchanged since the 1900s.
Wrapping Up
Hawaii offers a range of towns perfect for those seeking a quieter escape. From Waimea’s paniolo culture to Moloka’i’s unspoiled wilderness, each destination provides a unique way to experience the islands. Hanalei’s historic charm, Kahului’s vibrant arts scene, and Lānaʻi’s outdoor adventures add to the appeal. Honoka’a captivates with its rich history, Hawi delights with its local flair, and Kaunakakai offers a glimpse into simpler times. These laid-back havens invite visitors to relax, explore, and embrace Hawaii's serene beauty beyond the bustling resorts.
