While we love Hawaii’s capital city of Honolulu, as well as the various cities and resort towns that populate the islands’ shores, we are slightly obsessed with the charming small towns that can be found across the islands — from Kauai’s western shores to the southern tip of Hawaii Island. This little town located on the remote Hamakua Coast of Hawaii Island at nearly 1,000 feet above sea level is one of our favorite rural towns in the state — and you're going to want to visit.
Honoka’a is located an hour north of Hilo and 25 minutes east of Waimea.
It was once the third largest town in Hawaii, but is now home to less than 2,300 residents.
Many tourists pass right through Honoka’a on their way to Waipio Valley, but this little town is 100 percent worth spending an afternoon.
Like many towns on this island of Hawaii, Honoka’a grew due to the prolific and profitable sugarcane industry. But the largest sugar company near Honoka’a closed in 1994, resulting in a charming, quiet town that will make you feel a million miles away from it all.
This tiny community is quintessentially reminiscent of Main Street U.S.A — one main street, lined with a post office, bank, schoolhouse, general store, police station, church… you get the charming picture, don’t you?
Take a stroll through the historic downtown district.
Honoka'a is home to various restaurants, boutiques, and gift shops lining the boardwalk, and is the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll, if only to stretch your legs for a bit.
The People's Theater is one of the main attractions in this sleeppy town. The art deco theater was built in 1930 and still features the occasional movie screening or musical performance.
The timber-framed buildings reminiscent of an old Western town —
with Japanese building names, of course — is the epitome of rural Hawaii.
This sleepy little town comes alive each May when it plays host to "Western Week," a lively celebration of the town’s ranching history complete with live music, a festival and rodeo events.
If you only stop one place while you’re in town, make it Tex Drive-In.
This local pit-stop is famous for their malasadas, burgers and Hawaiian cuisine. It may seem like an odd combination, but you can't discredit the convenience of picking up a dozen malasadas with your lunch.
Whether you have an hour or five to spare, Honoka'a is one charming rural Hawaiian town you won't want to pass up.
But don't take our word for it — why not plan a visit?
Have you visited Honoka'a — perhaps on your way to the nearby Waipio Valley? If you loved this historic little town, you're going to swoon over Makawao.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
