Sunrise over the Anahulu Stream Bridge in Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii. Image credit Shane Myers Photography via Shutterstock.

The Best Small Towns in Hawaii to Chill Out

Whether to find a nice, quiet beach to read a favorite book, a quaint restaurant to taste some local seafood and produce, or the most exhilarating surfing or snorkeling to be experienced in America, Hawaii is a place that can make that happen. Hawaii can accommodate travelers with some of the most beautiful waters, allowing everyday stress to melt away. Here are some of the best towns in Hawaii to do just that, to be able to chill out, alone or with family and friends, to relax and recharge. 

MetropolisesTake a trip to one of the 10 Largest Cities in Hawaii

Lanai City

A white Jeep parked at Garden of the Gods on Lanai, Hawaii, next to the Polihua Trail, a volcanic red dirt road
Lanai City on the Polihua Trail. Image credit Wirestock Creators via Shutterstock.

Situated in the center of the island of Lanai, Lanai City possesses a quaint charm that makes it the perfect spot for getting away from the hustle and bustle. Downtown Lanai offers a variety of activities, while not being like some of the more touristy places found in Hawaii. Dole Park may perhaps be the most common visiting spot in town, as it is surrounded by several restaurants and shops, like the Blue Ginger Café and the Lanai Culture and Heritage Center. There are also some beaches near Lanai, offering swimming, fishing, boating, snorkeling, and surfing. Hulopoe Beach is south of town, Polihua Beach can be found at the far northeast end of the island, and Shipwreck Beach is straight north.

Makawao

Located on the slope of the Haleakala volcano, the town of Makawao, home to paniolo cowboys, is the capital of the upcountry region of Maui and a haven for artists.
Makawao street with museum. Image credit EQRoy via Shutterstock.

Makawao is a quaint town located on the northwest slope of Haleakala, or the East Maui Volcano, on the northeastern side of Maui. As it only has a population of around seven thousand people, Makawao is a great place to chill out and relax for the day. There are several opportunities to accommodate this, like visiting the Sacred Garden of Maliko, checking out Makai Glass, famous for glass sculptures inspired by the sea and volcanic formations, or taking a walk through Makawao Park. Another relaxation from the anxieties of big-city life would be the several Mountain Bike tours, including the Haleakala Downhill Self-Guided tour, the Haleakala Day tour from 6500 feet to sea level, and the Haleakala Sunrise tour.

Haleiwa

Traditional wooden building at Haleiwa, Oahu Hawaii. Contains restaurants and shops.
Traditional shops in Haleiwa. Image credit Marvin Minder via Shutterstock.

Haleiwa is located on the island of Oahu, on Waialua Bay, at the mouth of Anahulu Stream. With two prominent parks, Haleiwa Beach Park and Haleiwa Alii Beach Park, there are several options for chilling out in Haleiwa, whether visitors plan to stay for the weekend or the entire summer. Haleiwa Beach Park offers the Aloha Circle Island tour, a full-day adventure of snorkeling and swimming, and GLOW Stand-Up Paddle at Twilight, which is a great way to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles in their natural habitat. At Haleiwa Alii Beach Park, the Luxury Convertible tour and the Jeep tour are there to check out. If exercise is a preferred choice of leisure, the Ke Ala Pupukea bike path runs from north to south, through the entirety of downtown Haleiwa.

Kapaa

Wailua River and Valley on The Wailua Heritage Trail, Kapa'a, Kauai, Hawai
Wailua River and Valley on The Wailua Heritage Trail, Kapa'a, Kauai, Hawaii. Image credit Billy McDonald via Shutterstock.

Located on the far western side of the scenic island of Kauai, the town of Kapaa offers several great opportunities to relax and unwind. Downtown Kapaa offers visitors and residents alike access to the Kauai Path, which is about four miles in length and runs from one end of town to the other, with restaurants along the way to be able to grab some lunch. Also, with Kealia Beach north of town and Wailua Falls to the south, there are a variety of natural attractions to see in the area. Wailua Falls, a two-tiered, eighty-foot tall waterfall, and famous for being featured on Fantasy Island—easily accessible and a spectacular sight to share with friends and family.

Beautiful PlacesVisit One the 10 Most Beautiful Places in Hawaii

Hana

Road to Hana, Black Sand Beach, Waianapanapa State Park, Maui. Blue water and small lush island.
Road to Hana, Black Sand Beach, Waianapanapa State Park, Maui. Image credit Adam Springer via Shutterstock.

Hana is situated on the far western side of the island of Maui, past the Haleakala National Park and abutting the south Pacific Ocean. While Hana Bay, Pailoa Bay, and Honokalani Black Sand Beach are all within traveling distance, downtown Hana also offers several opportunities for being able to chill out for the weekend, the week, or even the entire summer! There is the Hana Cultural Center and Museum and the Hana Coast Gallery to visit. If outside adventure is more your cup of tea, Hana also has the Red Sand Beach, Hana Bay Beach Park, Twin Falls, Upper Waikani Falls, and the Pipiwai Trail. The Pipiwai Trail is a four-mile-long hike that passes the Makahiku Falls and Waimoku Falls.

Hanalei

Aerial view of Hanalei Valley Kauai, Hawaii. Lush green grass and volcanos.
Hanalei Valley Kauai, Hawaii. Image credit Wolfos via Shutterstock.

Just northeast of Kapaa, on the island of Kauai, Hanalei boasts a population of less than five hundred people. While this signifies an ability to get away from the bustle of the big cities, it doesn’t mean there aren’t several opportunities for exciting adventure as well. Along with the typical breathtaking sights offered in many parts of Hanalei, like sight-seeing tours, airplane and helicopter tours, and bike tours, there are also several opportunities to chill out and grab something to eat with the family, including a variety of restaurants offering ultra-fresh seafood. To meet tourists’ surfing and swimming needs, visitors are welcome to visit the Hanalei Beach and Hanalei Bay, whose crescent-shape is one of the reasons the town was named Hanalei.

Hawi

A statue to King Kamehameha in the small town of Hawi on the island of Hawaii (Big island)
A statue of King Kamehameha in the small town of Hawi. Image credit Mystic Stock Photography via Shutterstock.

There are several must-see attractions in the town of Hawi. Situated to the west of the community of Kapaau, in the district of North Kohala, on the island of Hawaii, Hawi provides access to Keokea Beach Park, which offers snorkeling, swimming, and surfing, Lapakahi State Park (constructed from the ruins of an ancient village), and the Original King Kamehameha Statue, which is located in Kapaau. Along with these spectacular sights, Hawi also offers visitors opportunities to check out the Pololu Valley Lookout, which has a stunning view of the valley and the ocean, as well as stop in at the Hawi Farmers Market, which boasts local produce from Hawi as well as other villages nearby.

Volcano Village

The Volcano Art Center, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, was the original Volcano Hotel in 1877
Volcano Hawaii, with gallery and center. Image credit Phillip B. Espinasse via Shutterstock.

Almost due south of Hawi, at the southern end of the island of Hawaii, lies Volcano Village. With a population of less than three thousand people, Volcano Village is a great place to unwind and relax, either for the weekend or longer. There are several stunning natural attractions in and near Volcano Village, as it is surrounded by the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which covers over five hundred square miles of land. Along with the National Park and the famous Kilauea volcano, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and photographic experiences, there is the rustic village and its accommodations and restaurant choices, far away from the traffic, crowds, and the hectic confusion found elsewhere.

Summer VacationsDiscover the 8 Coolest Small Towns in Hawaii for a Summer Vacation

Conclusion

So, whether the idea of chilling out entails relaxing on the sand, experiencing the latest culinary dish, surfing a gnarly wave, or exploring the crater of a volcano, these towns of Hawaii may be a good option. Offering peace, quiet, a quaint outlook on the detriments of societal stress, along with a keen sense of adventure and excitement, they are each a secluded piece of heaven in a world of chaos and calamity.

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Crys McAllister May 17 2023 in Places

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