8 Coziest Hawaii Towns To Visit In 2025

Out of all the states, Hawaii is the most unique. For one, it's nearly 2,000 miles away from the mainland. For another, it's the only state that is a series of 137 volcanic islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is a favorite vacation spot for mainland Americans for its beautiful vistas and beaches. One can also find all sorts of cozy small towns in the Hawaiian islands. These towns have a king's birthplace, a volcanic paradise hidden away from civilization, the only rainforest zoo in the United States, and tropical farmer's markets. Find eight of the coziest small towns in Hawaii to visit in 2025.

Koloa

Located on the island of Kauai, Koloa was an old fishing town before it began a super plantation with the establishment of the Koloa Sugar Mill in 1835, the first successful one of its kind. Today, just over 2,300 people call this town home. The cozy town is filled to the brim with historic spots to see. There is the Old Sugar Mill itself, a monument to its legacy, and the Koloa Heritage Trail. This trail runs by many important places, such as the Prince Kūhiō Birthplace & Park, the 1930s Moir Gardens, Kihahouna Heiau, an old Hawaiian Temple, and even the Pu'uwanawana Volcanic Cone.

After a day of exploring this fascinating historic town, try out some of the local fish at the Koloa Fish Market or see some of the town's artifacts at the Koloa History Center. For hotels, consider staying at The Lodge at Kukuiula.

Kapaa

If you are looking for a beach town, look no further than Kapaa on the island of Kauai. The area was first settled by Polynesian people and initially served as a fishing community before transforming into a sugar plantation in the mid-1800s. Today, Kapaa is an ideal spot to explore historic places from both ancient and modern history. For example, at the Grove Farm Homestead Museum, you can explore a 19th-century plantation home owned by George N. Wilcox, a politician in Hawaii. There are also many temples (or Heiau) one can explore and learn about the spiritual history of Hawaii.

Lastly, visitors can take in the incredible views of Kapaa by enjoying the waters of Kapaa Beach Park or exploring the Ke Ala Hele Makalea coastal trail on foot or bike. For a cheap place to stay, consider staying at Kapaa Sands, right on the beach.

Hawi

This uniquely named town sits on the slopes of Kohala Mountain. Hawi has rich soil, which residents use to grow bananas, sweet potatoes, taro, Kava, and other crops. King Kamehameha was born close to Hawi in 1758 and was famous for unifying all of the Hawaiian islands under one banner. Today, the town of Hawi is a cozy destination with plenty of cute spots to visit. One such place is the Bamboo Restaurant, a spot that offers food along with an art gallery and boutique store. Hawi itself is a mecca for boutique shops like As Hawi Turns, which sells cute jewelry, clothes, and other items.

For outdoor adventures, consider trying out one of 8 ziplining courses at the Big Island Kohala Canopy Zipline Adventure through the woods, or see a statue of King Kamehameha I in the nearby community of Kapaau. Enjoy the rustic pleasures of life by staying at Puakea Ranch.

Hilo

Hilo's population is larger than that of other towns in Hawaii, with just over 48,000 people. However, it maintains a fun, small-town vibe with beautiful scenery and a cute downtown area within the northeastern portion of the island of Hawai'i. One of the coziest places to go to in Hilo is the Lili'uokalani Gardens, which has 30 acres of Japanese fishponds, pagodas, and more. Visitors can also see a few waterfalls at the Wailuku River State Park, including Rainbow Falls, or visit the only rainforest zoo in the United States, Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo.

Downtown Hilo is also fantastic, with museums like the Lyman Museum, the Imiloa Astronomy Center, and the Hilo Farmers Market. Multiple places to stay in Hilo are available, including the Hamakua Guesthouse and Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.

Volcano Village

Volcanos are a cornerstone of what makes Hawaii special. One of the best ways to experience Hawaii's volcanoes is to go to the cozy town of Volcano Village on the island of Hawai'i. Located in the midst of a rainforest, it is a truly magnificent place. It is located in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which makes it an ideal spot to set up camp and see Kilauea, an active volcano with hot steam vents and visible lava. Visitors can also go stargazing near Mauna Kea.

Within the village itself, you can enjoy cozy comforts like the Akatsuka Orchid Gardens, the Volcano Winery, and the Volcano Art Center, which hosts the art and creativity of the native people. Lastly, the village has a farmer's market each Sunday morning. While staying there, soak in a hot tub at the Volcano Inn.

Haleiwa

This beach town sits on the shore of Oahu and is a favorite for anyone looking for an ocean getaway. Haleiwa was founded in 1898 when Benjamin Dillingham opened a hotel in the area. As a north shore town, there are several water-based activities to take part in. One is paddleboarding or kayaking on the Anahulu River, which will take you past the town's picturesque Rainbow Bridge. Another is to visit one of the four beaches that are close to Main Street, including Haleiwa Beach Park, Ali'I Beach Park, Pua'ena Point, and Kaiaka Bay Beach Park.

All of the Main Street businesses are built within early 1900s style plantation buildings such as North Shore Goodies, which sells local peanut butter, and 'Ukulele Site for handmade ukuleles. There is a bungalow you can stay at in Ke Iki Beach Bungalows.

Kihei

Nestled in the southwestern section of Maui is Kihei. This is a kingly destination, as Hawaiian royalty would often visit the six miles of beaches here. Kihei's beaches are renowned for relaxation, with Kalama Beach Park providing shade under the palm trees, along with a Cove for surfers. Kihei is also a favorite spot for bird watchers, as Kealia Pond is home to Hawaiian stilts and coots. Visitors can enjoy a game of golf at the Maui Nui Golf Club or grab a beer at the nearby Maui Brewing Co.

For those who want a traditional Hawaiian experience, Kihei regularly hosts luaus with music, hula dancing, and local food. Shoppers will want to look at handmade souvenirs, art, and other nick-nacks at the Azeka Shopping Center and Kihei Kalama Village. The Maui Coast Hotel is a good central spot to stay at during your trip.

Lanai City

Don't let the name fool you. Lanai City is one of the few inhabited spots on Lanai Island, which is famous for offering the best of the untouched Hawaiian landscape. There are only 30 miles of paved roads on the entire island. Its best feature is its secluded beaches, such as at Hulopoe Beach Park. This beach is known for its crystal blue water and tide pools. Within the city itself, there are a number of fun activities like the Lanai Adventure Park, which includes a tower, zip lines, and bike tours.

Visitors can enjoy local art at the Lanai Art Center or see historical artifacts at the Lanai Culture and Heritage Center. Cat lovers can visit the Lanai Cat Sanctuary for a fun, relaxing day with felines. For places to stay, consider Hotel Lanai.

There is a reason Hawaii is a favorite travel destination. It is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and thankfully, you don't have to visit busy locales to enjoy it. Within these cozy small towns, you can escape into a cat sanctuary, see local art by a volcano, escape into secluded beaches, or even try out a locally crafted ukulele. Lastly, there are plenty of places here to go for a lively or relaxing hike through the Pacific Coast. The next time you are in Hawaii, pay these eight cozy towns a visit.