These Small Towns in Hawaii Come Alive in Fall
Hawaii is a volcanic archipelago comprising 137 islands that span approximately 1,500 miles. Popularly renowned for being a top tourist destination, the 50th state in the U.S. boasts the fourth-longest coastline in the country, harboring numerous pristine beaches and luxurious seaside resorts. Add this to the delightfully warm weather around the year and magical natural scenery featuring majestic mountains, gorgeous waterfalls, and lush valley landscapes, and you can look forward to a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
Interestingly, Hawaii is the only U.S. state outside North America and the only one in the tropics. Although a prime summer hotspot, the state is home to charming small towns, devoid of rowdy crowds and bustling with unique culture, that promise an excellent fall vacation. Below are small cities in Hawaii that come alive in the fall.
Hana, Maui
Hana is an isolated community on the eastern shore of Maui Island and one of the best places to experience Hawaii’s unspoiled natural beauty. Despite its remote location and a modest population of just over 657 residents, it should easily feature on any Maui bucket list for visitors who fancy off-the-beaten-path adventures. The 52-mile-long Hana Highway is one of the most scenic drives in Hawaii. It is surrounded by lush forests that come to life in the fall as the foliage transforms into gorgeous red and orange hues.
Besides the calm environment, numerous stops allow you to admire gorgeous waterfalls and other natural wonders. Once in Hana, the sprawling Waiʻānapanapa State Park is an excellent spot to relax and take in dramatic coastal views against the backdrop of native forests.
Hawi, Big Island
Discover one of the Big Island’s most sought-after gems in this idyllic town on the slopes of Kohala Mountain. Once a hub of the bustling Kohala Sugar Mill, Hawi is a popular tourist spot that will charm with its simple island life, tranquil setting, and rich history. With plenty of sunshine throughout the year, Hawi beckons visitors to sample its diverse fall attractions. Upon arrival, stop by Lokahi Garden Satuary, the perfect spot to shake off jet lag and rejuvenate with a soothing massage.
However, the best experience awaits at Kohala Zipline Tours, which presents an adventurous way to admire the magical fall scenery in Hawi. Choose one of the eight zip lines to get a birds-eye perspective of the changing colors in the Kohala forest canopy from high above the forest floor before enjoying an easygoing picnic in the serene Pololu Valley.
Naalehu, Big Island
Naalehu, which translates to “the volcanic ashes,” might be overlooked for its more famous Big Island neighbors like Kailua-Kona. Still, it boasts the most popular attraction in the region, Volcanoes National Park. Endowed with numerous natural wonders, one of its must-see attractions is the stunning green sand of Papakolea Beach, which draws visitors from around the state, leaving them in awe of its remarkable green crystals.
Fall inside Volcanoes National Park, particularly in the Kahuku Unit, offers a fantastic opportunity to admire the changing leaves of the rainforest. With numerous trails snaking through the rolling landscape, visitors can choose an adventurous hike along the Grover Trail, which ends at the edge of a massive pit crater punctuated by pristine Hawaiian forests. Another scenic path is the Pali o Ka‘eo Trail, which features woodland meadows and grassy slopes.
Hanalei, Kauai
Hanalei, the gateway to Kauai’s north shore, is a charming town surrounded by timeless natural beauty and panoramic views. One of the first places to check out is the historic Hanalei Pier, which was opened in the late 1800s and serves as the perfect spot to hang out while enjoying sweeping views of Hanalei Bay. Hanalei also hosts rare tropical plant and bird species that come to life in autumn. Partake in a remarkable fall experience in Hanalei at the 17-acre Limahuli Garden and Preserve, one of Hawaii's most ecologically diverse valleys. A laid-back walk along the ¾-mile loop trail in the garden offers the opportunity to witness the lovely fall colors of dozens of plant species and rare island birds in a serene environment. Alternatively, travelers can grab a camera and head to the famous Hanalei River Valley Lookout to snap away at storybook views of the lush taro fields.
Kalapana, Big Island
For those who want to experience the sheer might of Mother Nature, Kalapana, in Puna District, is the perfect example of its destructive power. This deserted town takes guests away from the sandy shores Hawaii is most famous for to a sprawling sea of black lava. Here, you will witness the remains of the catastrophic events from 1990 when a thick layer of flowing lava from a volcanic eruption enveloped the once bustling fisherman village.
Today, the town has a modest population of less than a hundred, leaving visitors enough room to roam for a unique sightseeing session. A day hike to Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube) offers a unique opportunity to venture deep into the rainforest and discover the richly diverse ecosystem in the area. The thick, colorful foliage of tropical plants and melodious calls of native birds add a touch of fantasy to the experience before finally reaching the historic lava tube. However, when exploring the site, be wary of hazards such as low ceilings, rockfall, and low illumination.
Haleiwa, Oahu
Haleiwa is not only Oahu’s historic hub and arts epicenter but also one of Hawaii's most sought-after small towns. It is a renowned surfing spot that draws everyone from advanced to novice boarders looking to experience the majestic waves synonymous with Hawaii. Visitors can sit back, relax, and enjoy the lovely beach scenery in numerous open spaces, including Haleiwa Beach Park, Laniakea Beach, and Pupukea Beach Park.
The fall season comes with particular charm in Haleiwa, and one of the best places to experience this is at Waimea Valley. The ¾-mile trail to Waimea Falls allows you to explore colorful greenery scenes in the botanical gardens. The setting is spiritually peaceful, with native Hawaiian birds alae’ula playing on the ponds, and you can cap off the experience with a refreshing dip in the falls. If you fancy a slight physical challenge, a trek along the climbing 2.3-mile Ehukai Pillbox Trail will reward you with panoramic views of the North Shore upon reaching the summit.
Honokaa, Island Of Hawaii
Although it is among the lesser-known spots in the region, Honokaa impresses with a charming atmosphere full of scenic views of Waipio Valley. Stroll around the vibrant Mamane Street if interested in the town’s urban delights, and explore the quaint gift shops, boutiques, and restaurants. However, for a trip down memory lane, step into the historic Honokaa People’s Theater, built in the 1930s.
The great outdoors await you at the Kalopa State Recreation area and the Mauna Kea Tea Farm, which are excellent options to experience the presence of nature. With diverse plant species in the arboretum area, including rare native hibiscus, this a nice spot to experience fall in the town, with blooming flowering and breathing life and coloring the surroundings. Alternatively, cruise along the scenic Honokaa-Waipio Road, stopping at the Waipio Valley Lookout, where breathtaking views of imposing cliffs and lush, colorful landscapes will leave everyone in awe.
Koloa, Kauai
Another Hawaiian town that would be a shame to miss in the fall is Koloa, Kauai County. The community of just over 2,000 residents traces its origins to the 1800s, when it hosted the first successful sugarcane farm in Hawaii. This rich past can be uncovered at the Koloa History Center. Today, it has become a gorgeous locale teeming with local gift stores and old-fashioned shop fronts that you can explore along Koloa Road. But its main draw lies in the backcountry, with the Koloa Heritage Trail proving to be a prime spot for hikers, bikers, and even motorists.
Exploring this scenic 10-mile path is an excellent way to admire the town’s changing leaves, thanks to the thick vegetation on either side of the trail. Several natural marvels along the way add to the experience, including the mythical Spouting Horn geyser and Keoneloa Bay’s archeological sites. Another piece of fall paradise worth exploring is the Allerton Botanical Garden, where, apart from the crisp air, visitors will be in awe of the swaying golden bamboo, tropical fruit trees, and other plant species.
Paia, Maui
Once a bustling sugarcane plantation hub on Maui’s north coast, Paia has undergone an impressive transformation, becoming a colorful destination with an eclectic mix of quaint art galleries, chic shopping boutiques, and popular restaurants like Mama’s Fish House. Water lovers will be in awe at the multiple pristine beach options in the town, such as Hookipa Beach Park, Baldwin Beach Park, Paia Secret Beach, and Lower Paia Park.
However, if you want a satisfying fall experience, the highlight has to be the hike to Twin Falls, located on the rustic side of the island. This jungly path impresses with kaleidoscopic fall foliage and a serene atmosphere as you go to the gorgeous natural marvel. Also, the Ho’okipa Lookout is an epic spot where folks can chill out and admire daring windsurfers and surfers while reveling in the tranquil coastal setting.
Makawao, Maui
For those planning a Maui fall itinerary, this small town on the northwestern slope of Haleakala is a must-visit. Renowned as a hub of the “Upcountry,” it is a sweet escape to the island's rural side, allowing visitors to witness the area’s agricultural prowess. The Makawao Forest Reserve spans over 2,000 acres and is a beautiful natural space where guests can savor a magical autumn experience.
Numerous picturesque trails inside the forest are an explorer’s paradise, and you can enjoy a pleasant walk into the thick woods, with the changing hues of pine and eucalyptus trees transforming the forest into a picture-book setting. Meanwhile, the Secret Garden of Maliko is the perfect space to unwind and meditate. The various colors of tropical plants and garden flowers attract beautiful island birds, culminating in a storybook atmosphere.
Wrapping Up
Even as famous destinations like Honolulu dominate headlines about traveling to Hawaii, the small, often overlooked towns remain a remarkable prospect for tourists looking for a rural experience. They offer a unique cultural vibe with fun adventures that folks rarely find in the more urban locations. These charming small towns in Hawaii come alive in fall and deserve to be a top destination on any trip to breathtaking Hawaii.
