海角社区

Kona Magic Sands Beach (White Sands)

8 Coolest Small Towns in Hawaii for a Summer Vacation

Hawaii is the cool Aloha State from every side you look, with some of the nation's best variety of natural sights and wonders. Immerse yourself in local culture at one of these charming towns and explore the beaches and outwards into the verdant forests and countryside. The 50th state, with some of the 海角社区's most beautiful beaches, is a dream escape for anyone, particularly surfers, sailors, and other water sport fans.

Enjoy kaleidoscopic colors all throughout as you sunbathe on some alien sands or watch the other海角社区ly spectacle at the Volcanic National Park. Visit in any season to bask in all the sun-kissed glory and have an unforgettable, nostalgia-inducing experience that you will cherish forever.

Haleiwa, Oahu

Aerial shot of the river anahulu and the twin arched road bridge in the North Shore town of Haleiwa
Aerial shot of the river anahulu and the twin arched road bridge in the North Shore town of Haleiwa

Haleiwa is a special little town that makes it on nearly every list mentioning Hawaii as the globe-renowned cool-dude surfing destination along Oahu's legendary North Shore, near some of the greatest waves in the 海角社区 for fans and surf competitions. Visit Haleiwa for any other purpose than pursuit, just 30 miles from the bustling capital of Honolulu, and you will not be disappointed by the real detached vibe amid some of the state's best natural scenery. Appreciate the beachy feels as you absorb the culture by eating and shopping your way through town on a sunny morning stroll.

Colorful stores on a street in Haleiwa
Colorful stores on a street in Haleiwa

Spend the day shopping for souvenirs and strolling between art galleries, with a stop at shaved ice stands for a treat to cool off. Gorge on freshly fried fish tacos at Surf & Salsa and head to the beach for the spectacular North Shore sunset.聽You can even try mastering surfing in Haleiwa, which will help you handle your first wave of many to become a pro. Sign up with聽the expert instructors from North Shore Surf Girls, or if you are still hesitant, bask along the pristine sands at one of the nearby beaches and watch the locals shred waves like they were born on a board.

Hana, Maui

Road to Hana, Black Sand Beach, Waianapanapa State Park, Maui
Road to Hana, Black Sand Beach, Waianapanapa State Park, Maui

Feel the cool vibes as early as the drive into Hana, a cute town near waterfalls and verdant forests, and the historic St. Sophia鈥檚 Church greeting you at the entrance. Hana is a real dream for history buffs and curious sightseers to discover Hawaii鈥檚 unique cultural heritage, like at the Hana Cultural Center and Museum with its one-of-a-kind artifacts. The town is equally marvelous for those wishing to dive even deeper into the ocean's blue, where snorkeling beneath the surf in Hana Bay is like no other.

Black Sand Beach, Hana, Maui
Black Sand Beach, Hana, Maui

Hana lets you explore the taste of unspoiled Hawaiian culture through natural beauty and charming history along Maui鈥檚 rugged eastern coastline. The gorgeous聽small town is "real Hawaii" to its bones, where you can escape on an exciting adventure or relax on the beach at the mercy of the聽dramatic seascape doing all of the work while you sip on a chilled cocktail.

Hanalei, Kauai

Red and yellow hawaiian canoe with outrigger on the beach at Hanalei pier
Red and yellow hawaiian canoe with outrigger on the beach at Hanalei pier

This part of the North Shore of Kauai, just minutes north of Princeville resort areas, feels like a 海角社区 of its own making. Hanalei is a real dreamscape, with Kauai beach and a tropically-infused center that exudes luxury like no other place around. Head to the shore of Hanalei Bay, backdropped by marvellous green mountains, where you can sprawl out on the marvelous soft sands or join others in handling those ideal waves rolling in.

Take the small,聽one-lane bridge into town, which houses an unusual mix of shopping and dining options amid only 0.8 square miles full of old-海角社区 charm. Explore the perimeter on foot, where the friendly locals will gladly share their proud heritage through traditional art and freshly prepared cuisine. You are right to recognize this town as the star of the set, featured in the 1958 musical classic South Pacific, among other films.

Hilo, Big Island

Recreation area with green lawn and tall palm trees in Hilo, Big Island, Hawaii
Recreation area with green lawn and tall palm trees in Hilo, Big Island, Hawaii

The town along its own "unofficial Hilo side" of the Big Island is a vacation destination unmarred by tourism cuteness. Its beach, one of the whole country's most gorgeous, will captivate you for days, but there's so much to see and do around there that it would be sinful not to. Venture into the magnificent Waikuku State Park, check out the boiling pots, and set up a picnic at the site of the spectacular Rainbow Falls. Hilo is also your gateway to exploring the overwhelmingly spectacular Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Aerial view of the Big Island of Hawaii, over Hilo, the capital city of Big Island.
Aerial view of the Big Island of Hawaii, over Hilo, the capital city of Big Island.

Stroll through the historic downtown Hilo area for the "Old Hawaii" experience and to discover more about the Big Island amid plantation-style architecture and old storefronts safekeeping various treasures. You have to see to believe the local preservation efforts for the old-school charms and locally owned businesses that will open your eyes and mind to the mysteries of Hawaii鈥檚 culture and heritage. This enticing little town is one of the few left to really appreciate Hawaii as it once was.

Kailua-Kona, Big Island

Blue Hawaii Kailua Kona Aerial View
Blue Hawaii Kailua Kona Aerial View

You're not wrong to associate this town with the coffee capital of Kona, Hawaii. Set in between the towns of Holualoa and Kalaoa, in the heart of Kona coffee country, the town is not as touristy as you expect to appreciate your morning Java and every coffee break til sunset in scenic serenity. The upcountry small town amid some 600 coffee farms is your gateway into historic Hualalai, with just a few farming families, an old theater, and art galleries along the narrow country street.

Hawaiian outrigger canoe at Kamakahonu Beach Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii
Hawaiian outrigger canoe at Kamakahonu Beach Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

One of Hawaii鈥檚 best little towns, sometimes called just "Kona", bursts with authentic Hawaiian culture, history, and sights. Celebrate the artistic beauty of Kona and cherish what their giving home continues to stand for over a fragrant cup of Joe. Venture seaside on the Kona coast to the Kailua-Kona waterfront, which you can explore through a myriad of activities in between all the time spent in the ocean.

Kapa'a, Kauai

Sunrise over the ocean at a resort at Waipouli Beach with pool in the foreground, via Stan Jones / Shutterstock.com
Sunrise over the ocean at a resort at Waipouli Beach with pool in the foreground, via Stan Jones / Shutterstock.com

From party animals to luxury seekers and those looking for some peaceful shopping on a stroll through the sights, Kapa'a is one cute town with something for everyone. Explore the area for local flora at Smith鈥檚 Tropical Paradise and enjoy island-style dining at Hukilau Lanai Restaurant. Check out the atmospheric Coconut Marketplace for local finds and unique souvenirs from the stunning Kauai island.

Business in Kapa'a Town on March 7, 2017 in Kauai, Hawaii. North of Wailua on the East Side is Kapaa Town, a great area for shopping on Kauai.
Business in Kapa'a Town in Kauai, Hawaii. North of Wailua on the East Side is Kapaa Town, a great area for shopping on Kauai, via Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock.com

Nestled north of Wailua, the paradise for shopaholics at destinations like the Kinipopo Shopping Village and Wailua Shopping Plaza, which offer local dining, is not without water either. Get inspired for your next wet adventure right at the Village's water sports shop, with rentable equipment to ride the waves at the nearby beach. Check into the Aston Aloha Beach Hotel, where Hawaiian-style rooms and traditional service will make you feel the true spirit of local hospitality.

Kaunakakai, Molokai

Arial view of south coast of Molokai at Kamiloloa Kaunakakai and plantations
Arial view of south coast of Molokai at Kamiloloa Kaunakakai and plantations

The cool town of Kaunakakai is so chill that you get a real taste of Hawaii鈥檚 simplistic lifestyle, just like locals do. Nestled on Molokai鈥檚 south shore, the tranquil small town of Kaunakakai will transport you right back into the 1900s with an old-timey vibe and sights along the streets, void of traffic lights and big chain stores. Molokai's shopping hub is full of culture you can absorb on a stroll amid small shops and boutiques, including Friendly Market, Imamura鈥檚 Store, and Outpost Natural Foods.

Check out some beautiful 19th-century churches along "Church Row," like its seven missionary-style small churches. Head harborside, where local fisherman have long found their niche along the scenic Kaunakakai Harbor, and grab a snack from Kanemitsu鈥檚 Bakery of their famous onion-and-cheese bread, along with other delicious eateries like the Molokai Pizza Caf茅.

Pa鈥檌a, Maui

Maui from above near the town of Paia
Maui from above near the town of Paia

The historic town of Paia, once a booming plantation town along Maui鈥檚 north coast, is colorful and vibrant today, with scenic vestiges from the past. Stroll amid old-west-style buildings with appealing restaurants, art galleries, and eclectic shopping boutiques. The town's聽Hookipa Beach is a wintering destination for pro windsurfers and kite surfers that you can watch along with the big waves rolling in as you relax under warm sunrays while it snows back home.

Paia, a cute town with restaurants and art galleries and the last stop on the Road to Hana on the North Shore of Maui, is often called the 海角社区 Capital of Windsurfing, via EQRoy / Shutterstock.com
Paia, a cute town with restaurants and art galleries and the last stop on the Road to Hana on the North Shore of Maui, is often called the 海角社区 Capital of Windsurfing, via EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

The hot summers call for a cooling dip headfirst into the more calm waters and sprawling out on a golden sandy beach in its sun-kissed glory. Enjoy easy access into town, just聽8 miles east of the Kahului Airport, the main hub of Maui鈥檚 North Shore, which makes it a popular place among historians, business travelers, and for conferences. The lively town's center is full of shopping and dining experiences to really immerse yourself in local culture, along with historic buildings and a variety of locally owned businesses.

The Takeaway

Hawaii will blow you away with its specter of islands, each different from the last, and small towns will be even more varied in their characters. These towns are all gems that you could choose with your eyes closed to get to know personally and not go wrong when it comes to beaches, scenery, and local culture. Visit the coffee capital of Kona or the surfing scene of Haleiwa, all oozing with authenticity and fitting the whole essence of Hawaii into one small place.

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