Stepping away from the hustle and bustle, pausing to appreciate your surroundings and savor the present moment – this is the essence of the Hawaiian way of life that locals have long cherished. Whether it's sharing a cup of coffee with neighbors in Lanai City or dipping your toes into the green sands of Naalehu Beach, these are the cherished blessings known as "island time" in Hawaii. Here are 10 small Hawaiian towns where you can embrace this slower pace, soaking in the beautiful scenery, friendly locals, and unhurried way of life, just like the kama'aina (local people).
1. Haleiwa, Oahu
Nestled on the North Shore of Oahu, Haleiwa is a quintessential spot for unwinding. The iconic double-arched Anahulu Stream Bridge, affectionately known as the "Rainbow Bridge," is a must-see landmark for anyone visiting this charming town. It's a welcoming sign, a piece of living history, and a fantastic photo opportunity. Crossing the bridge reveals picturesque views of the Anahulu River meeting the ocean, with a delightful array of local eateries lining both sides.
Haleiwa's residents have a particular fondness for food trucks, a dining alternative that perfectly embodies the town's relaxed vibe. Here, you can enjoy unpretentious and delicious meals outdoors. At Khan & Phim Thai, savor authentic Thai flavors with their papaya salad and panang curry, while Surf N Salsa offers hearty Mexican fare like fish tacos and yucca fries. Dining at an outdoor picnic table under the shade of an umbrella, with the cool island breeze, is an experience that rivals any fancy restaurant.
For a peaceful afternoon in Haleiwa, a visit to Haleiwa Beach Park is highly recommended. The calm waters are perfect for swimming, and the expansive sandy beach invites you to engage in various beach activities or simply lay down a towel and relax. Facing west, it's also an ideal spot to witness a stunning Hawaiian sunset. The nearby Haleiwa Boat Harbor adds to the picturesque scene with its bobbing fishing boats.
2. Lanai City, Lanai
With just a few paved roads and not a single traffic light, the island of Lanai itself is a haven of tranquility. And its only town, Lanai City, amplifies this feeling. Here, you won't find touristy commercialism or bustling sidewalks, only a close-knit community of locals who cherish a simple life.
A great way to immerse yourself in this atmosphere is by visiting Coffee Works. More than just a coffee shop, it serves as a local gathering spot where neighbors catch up and every visitor is treated like a regular. Moreover, many of the coffee beans sold here are locally grown, making for a fragrant start to your morning or a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
Another leisurely activity to enjoy in Lanai City is a round of golf at the Cavendish Golf Course, one of the few remaining free golf courses in the United States. Its nine holes are well-maintained and offer enjoyment for golfers of all skill levels.
To delve deeper into Lanai's rich and intricate history, a visit to the Lanai Culture & Heritage Center is highly recommended. This center focuses on preserving the island's enduring legacy, offering visitors a glimpse into Hawaiian traditions, cultural practices, and artistic expressions.
3. Makawao, Maui
The small town of Makawao is well-known for its abundance of natural beauty. For this reason, visitors adore The Sacred Garden, a meditative sanctuary. This special place welcomes guests to find creative inspiration in the kukui nut forest, enjoy a picnic lunch, or simply sit in peaceful contemplation. The garden also features two labyrinths designed to help release stress and clear the mind.
Getting lost amidst the lush canopy of the 2,093-acre Makawao Forest Reserve is another rewarding experience. Among its various hiking and mountain biking trails, the Kahakapao Loop Trail is a relatively easy option with a high likelihood of spotting beautiful wildflowers.
No trip to Makawao is complete without a stop at Komoda Store and Bakery, a local institution where people line up for their delicious morning pastries. From cream puffs to stick donuts, cinnamon rolls to guava malasadas, the offerings are tempting, but be sure to arrive early as they tend to sell out quickly.
4. Naalehu, The Big Island
With just over 800 residents, Naalehu may be small, but its aloha spirit is mighty. While some might consider this tiny town a mere stopover between more frequently visited Big Island attractions, Naalehu's lush vegetation and unhurried pace make it well worth a longer stay in paradise.
Start with Papakolea Beach, one of only four green sand beaches in the world. Its secluded location makes it a favorite among locals. Since vehicle access is prohibited, the only way to reach the beach is via a 4.5-mile hike, highlighting just how untouched this area remains. This unique beach is perfect for discovering seashells and sea glass, capturing stunning photographs, or simply soaking up the sun by the water's edge.
Spending an afternoon at the Paradise Meadows Orchard & Bee Farm in Naalehu is also highly recommended. The farm owners offer tours of their banana and papaya orchards, and you can also sample Hawaiian honey, macadamia nuts, and Ka'u coffee. You might even have the chance to meet the farm's various animal residents, including pigs, horses, goats, parrots, and ducks – all enjoying their happy haven in this peaceful setting.
5. Kaunakakai, Molokai
As the least visited of the main Hawaiian Islands, much of Molokai remains untouched, giving its main town, Kaunakakai, a distinctly remote feel. A short flight from Maui, this largely undiscovered island promises an exceptionally peaceful retreat far from the crowds. You'll even find signs along the road reminding you to "Slow Down, This is Molokai."
If your visit falls on a Saturday, a trip to the weekly market is a must. Here, local farmers, craft vendors, and live musicians create a festive atmosphere. Locals treat every Saturday morning like a neighborhood celebration, offering a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Kaunakakai's laid-back lifestyle.
Notable attractions include Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove, named after King Kamehameha V. It's one of the last royal coconut groves in the state and is considered a sacred place by many. Across the street, you'll also find Church Row, an interesting area with a string of seven churches dating back to the 19th century.
Before turning in for the night, be sure to stop by Kanemitsu’s Bakery, which sells hot, delicious bread out of its back door at night. Their bread is practically a delicacy in Kaunakakai.
6. Princeville, Kauai
Once a sugar plantation and then a cattle ranch, Princeville transformed into a highly sought-after travel destination in the 1960s with global commercial development. However, much of the land remains untouched, and with its sweeping views of Hanalei Bay, Princeville offers vacationers the slower pace they crave.
Start your mornings on the "Garden Isle" of Kauai at Saenz Ohana Breakfast, a mobile food truck serving a variety of sandwiches made with sweet Hawaiian bread. The fried Spam sandwich, a local staple, is a must-try.
No time in Princeville is complete without a visit to Queen's Bath, an aquamarine-tiled natural tide pool. During the summer months, the calm waters are perfect for swimming amidst the rugged lava rocks. In the winter, the waves can be treacherous, so be sure to check the weather before hiking to this ocean retreat.
Opened to the public in 2010, the Princeville Botanical Gardens is a sprawling area where exotic flowers, medicinal plants, and even cacao trees thrive. Booking a guided tour allows you to explore every corner of the gardens and culminates in an organic chocolate tasting, with the owners sharing the history of chocolate making.
7. Hawi, The Big Island
Nestled beneath the Kohala Mountains, Hawi welcomes visitors to unwind in a vibrant Big Island community.
Start your exploration with a meal at the iconic Bamboo Restaurant. Housed in a restored plantation building, this award-winning eatery serves delicious Pacific Rim cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. The colorful decor and cheerful staff often treat diners to impromptu hula performances. Upstairs, you'll find a gallery brimming with gifts, souvenirs, and impressive handcrafted art.
A short drive down Akoni Pule Highway to the end of the road will bring you to the Pololu Valley Lookout, an absolute feast for the eyes. Be sure to pause and soak in the breathtaking views and the refreshing ocean breeze.
To round out your time in Hawi, head to the Lokahi Garden Sanctuary. This botanical haven offers a variety of relaxation activities. True to its name, which means "harmony" in Hawaiian, Lokahi embraces this spirit in every aspect, from wellness programs and farm walks to by-appointment spa and massage treatments.
8. Paia, Maui
Surfers, yogis, hippies, and beach lovers flock to Paia for its bohemian vibe. Easily recognizable by the photo-worthy row of rainbow-colored surfboards lining the outside of the Aloha Surf Hostel, the town offers much more colorful charm.
Paia's trio of beaches offers vastly different experiences depending on your mood for the day. Ho'okipa Beach Park boasts some of the best surfing conditions on the island, and you might even spot sea turtles basking on the shore. Baldwin Beach, with its white sands, is family-friendly with lifeguards on duty and picnic tables and restrooms available. In between lies Tavares Beach, a local favorite and a great spot for swimming and snorkeling in the calm waters.
Despite its small size, Paia's food scene is thriving. Restaurants offer a diverse range of cuisines, but fresh seafood is a constant on most menus. Paia Fishmarket & Restaurant, a past stop for President Barack Obama, is a must-visit. Alternatively, grab some fresh poke and Hawaiian shave ice at Tobi’s Poke & Shaved Ice, a locally-focused eatery dedicated to supporting local farmers and fishermen.
9. Koloa, Kauai
Located on the south side of Kauai, Koloa was once the bustling center of a thriving sugar mill. Consequently, enterprising laborers from around the globe flocked to Koloa in search of work. Generations later, Koloa remains a melting pot of cultures, a fact its residents proudly celebrate.
If your visit falls in July, you'll have the chance to experience Koloa Plantation Days, a ten-day festival celebrating the town's diverse heritage. As part of the festivities, the Southside Music & Art Fest takes place in charming Old Town Koloa, a family-friendly event featuring live music, food vendors, and handcrafted artisan goods.
One of Koloa's main attractions is Spouting Horn, a natural geyser formed when waves surge through a lava tube. Visiting during high tide offers the best chance to witness the dramatic spectacle, with water sometimes shooting up to 50 feet into the air.
For thrill-seekers, booking a Koloa Zipline tour offers a unique experience soaring high above the jungle, mountains, and reservoirs. Opting for a later time slot in the day allows you to soak in the sunset views over Koloa and its surrounding lush landscapes from a fantastic bird's-eye perspective.
10. Waialua, Oahu
A welcoming wooden sign in Waialua proudly proclaims it as the "Home of the World's Finest Sugar." Indeed, many day-trippers escape the hustle of Honolulu to visit this charming North Shore town for a taste of its sweet delights.
History buffs will appreciate a visit to the historic Waialua Sugar Mill, now a collection of casual markets housing various shops. Though no longer operational, the mill's former owner, Bob Martin, is often on hand to give tours and offer samples of his diverse coffee roasts and chocolates. His wife Reva's shave ice stand is another must-stop.
For an even sweeter treat, head to Paalaa Kai Bakery, famous for its Snow Puffies – custard-filled pastries dipped in chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar. While this bakery is a popular stop for this renowned pastry, you can also order turnovers, donuts, and fruit jello cups.
To balance out the sweetness, check out Kaala Kitchen Grill and Greens, a newer eatery serving brunch, lunch, and dinner. Located inside a repurposed bank vault, this food truck offers healthy fusion cuisine, including acai bowls, stir-fries, and locally caught white fish. With a strong emphasis on community, Kaala Kitchen is another shining gem in the laid-back town of Waialua.
If you're seeking a genuine escape from the frenetic pace of life, a visit to any of these 10 small Hawaiian towns is sure to offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Time in Hawaii doesn't exactly stop, but it certainly flows at a much slower, more deliberate pace. So, whether you're soaking in the tide pools of Princeville, savoring a fresh poke bowl in Paia, or marveling at the coconut grove in Kaunakakai, finding a way to slow down in paradise is never a difficult task. You just have to decide where to go first.
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