9 Of The Friendliest Little Towns In Hawaii
In the land of Aloha, it is not uncommon to be greeted by smiling faces. The Hawaiian culture centers around respect for the land, self, and others, all rolled up in a decidedly laid-back attitude. Add in lush green mountains, endless beaches, and swaying palm trees, and you have a recipe for one of the friendliest places on earth. Even non-native Hawaiians who choose to call the islands their home are referred to as kama驶膩ina, which roughly translates to 鈥渃hild of the land.鈥� The best place to experience the warm nature of Hawaiian culture is in the often-overlooked smaller towns. Time your visit right, and you may get the opportunity to join in on a local event celebrating the music, crafts, and customs of the Hawaiian people.
Hanapepe, Kauai
Known as Kauai鈥檚 Biggest Little Town, Hanapepe is renowned for its thriving arts community. Every Friday night, the town residents and visitors alike gather for 鈥淎rt Night.鈥� During this weekly event, you are invited to visit the town galleries, such as the Island Art Gallery, Pu鈥檜wai Gallery, or Hashi鈥檚 Fine Art Gallery, to name a few. Between stops, you will be greeted by street vendors, musicians, and local artists.
Hanapepe is one of four places on the island of Kauai where you can try Paco鈥檚 Taco's authentic Mexican Food. The fish tacos are a local favorite. If you have more of a sweet tooth, stop by Longies Shaved Ice and Treats. Before you leave, don鈥檛 forget to check out the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge. This suspension bridge is a local landmark and offers a great photo op looking out over the Hanapepe River.
Waimea, Big Island
British Captain George Vancouver presented King Kamehameha I with several cows as a gift to the Hawaiian ruler. Over the years, the cows flourished and spread over the countryside. John Palmer Parker was given permission by the King to oversee the cattle, and in time, the unique Hawaiian cowboy 鈥淧aniolo,鈥� culture was born. Waimea offers visitors the opportunity to experience this rich history at the Parker Ranch, Hawaii鈥檚 oldest working ranch. Here, you can take in the annual Fourth of July Rodeo or book a self-guided tour of the historic homes that can still be found on the Parker Ranch grounds and exhibit several historical artifacts, such as clothing and furniture from a bygone era.
Visitors looking to make their nuptial vows can head over to the Anna Ranch Heritage Center, another historic ranch house that can be booked as a popular wedding venue. On the first Saturday of each February, Church Row Park comes to life with the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival. In addition to the beauty of the blooming cherry trees, the event highlights Japanese culture with a variety of activities and performances.
Kapa'au, Big Island
King Kamehameha I, was born in North Kohala on the Big Island and is revered for having united the Hawaiian Islands in 1795. Every year, on June 11th, the state celebrates Kamehameha Day as a public holiday. Though small, the North Kohala community of Kapa'au serves as the epicenter of these festivities. Visitors are welcome to join in on the celebration of the King's legacy by joining the floral parade between Hawi and Kapa'au or witnessing the lei ceremony at the bronze statue of the King located in front of the Kapa'au community center.
To take home a souvenir or create a unique one of your own, book a class at Hot Glass Hawaii. This local business will teach you how to make a glass craft of your own, or if you prefer, you can purchase one of their creations at the gift shop. If you are looking for something a little more active, North Kohala Golf Park has a nine-hole, par three course for traditional golfers and an 18-hole course for disc golf enthusiasts.
Koloa, Kauai
Kauai鈥檚 South Shore has some incredible beaches, Kiahuna, Poipu, and Mahaulepu, to name a few. However, to reach any of them, you will inevitably find yourself passing through the small town of Koloa. This plantation town fully embraces its past and should not be overlooked. The Old Koloa Town shopping village was established in 1835. Its rustic red clapboard buildings house a variety of shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Grab the obligatory shave ice over at The Fresh Shave or Southern California and Mexico-inspired food at the Mucho Aloha Brewhouse. The Koloa Fish Market serves up a wide variety of fresh Seafood Poke bowls, while the Koloa Rum Company offers samples at its Tasting Room Monday through Saturday. July brings the Annual Koloa Plantation Days Festival. This event celebrates the sugar plantations and the people who worked them with outdoor activities, music, costumes, and dancing.
L膩na驶i City, L膩na驶i
In the 1900鈥檚, L膩na驶i City was developed into a plantation town. At that time, the region accounted for 75 percent of the pineapple production across the entire planet. The influence that pineapples had on the area can still be seen today during the Annual Pineapple Festival held at Dole Park in July. The festival brings the community and visitors together with live performances, crafts, and every kind of pineapple-themed food imaginable. Stay at the Hotel L膩na驶i, a plantation-inspired getaway. The Hotel has 10 available rooms, each mixing rustic materials with a modern design aesthetic.
For a better sense of the history and customs of the area, the L膩na鈥榠 Culture & Heritage Center offers programs for local schools and a museum for visiting guests. Museum displays honor the traditions of the local people through artifacts and photographs. If you are a coffee aficionado, include a stop at Coffee Works in your itinerary. It is hard to miss this vibrant green building and the aroma of local Hawaiian coffee blends. Voted one of Hawaii鈥檚 five best coffee shops, it is also a great place to grab a freshly baked pastry and a light lunch.
Makawao, Maui
The Paniolo Cowboy culture is alive and well in Makawao. Plan your visit for the fourth of July, and you can catch the Makawao Rodeo. This event is Hawaii鈥檚 largest rodeo competition, complete with bronco riding, calf roping, and barrel racing. Younger Paniolos can compete as well in the crowd-favorite sheep-riding event. The rodeo offers many food options, but for a sit-down experience surrounded by western-themed paintings and wooden decor, head over to Casanova Makawao for some savory Italian cuisine.
Located on the expansive Kauanui Estate, Hui No鈥榚au Visual Arts Center offers a wide variety of art classes. From painting and photography to glass-blowing and traditional Hawaiian arts, the center has professional teachers who can provide expert guidance in your medium of choice.
Haleiwa, Oahu
Haleiwa is one of the 海角社区鈥檚 top surf destinations. The renowned Seven-Mile Miracle, a surfer's paradise of waves and terrain, starts at Haleiwa Alii Beach Park. Surf culture bonds the residents of this town and attracts visitors from all over the 海角社区. The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational surfing contest runs late winter in Waimea Bay and brings the top-rated surfers in the 海角社区 together to compete against 40-foot waves. The town is also home to the Haleiwa Arts Festival. In June, this festival provides a platform for local artists in painting, photography, music, sculpting, and dance. It is an opportunity to meet the artists, purchase their creations, and mingle with other like-minded art enthusiasts.
Afterward, stop by Matsumoto Shave Ice for a refreshing treat or Haleiwa Joe鈥檚 for some fresh seafood straight off the grill. North Shore Surf Shop is a great local establishment where you can grab surf-inspired attire to help you remember your visit.
Waimea, Kauai
Waimea in Kauai is a quiet plantation coastal town and serves as the gateway to the Waimea Canyon State Park, often known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The community hosts a weeklong celebration every February, aptly named the Waimea town celebration. The event features marathons of various lengths, canoe races, performers, and rodeo acts.
While visiting, plan to stay at the Waimea Plantation cottages. These self-contained cottages range in size depending on your needs, and all have well-equipped kitchens, providing a home away from home. The accommodations are located on the site of the old Sugar Mill Company plantation and provide a lush green backdrop to your stay.
Waikoloa Village, Big Island
Historically, Waikoloa is best known for the discovery of petroglyphs in what is now known as the Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve. Today, this little village offers big opportunities to pamper yourself, play, and enjoy local shopping. The Hilton Waikoloa Village is a family-friendly resort situated on an ocean-fed lagoon complete with sea turtles, tropical fish, and water slides.
Golf enthusiasts will enjoy a day at the Village Course at Waikoloa. Award-winning Robert Trent Jones II Architects designed this 18-hole course and driving range. With Johnny鈥檚 Restaurant on-site and professional lessons available at the pro shop, the Village Course makes for a great outing with friends. The King鈥檚 Shops is a shopping and dining destination located in Waikoloa and home to the Big Island Motorcycle Company, where you can rent motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles for a novel way to explore the Village. On the second and fourth Friday of each month, the King鈥檚 shop hosts the local Night Market Event, where locals and visitors can hang out together and enjoy local musicians, vendors, and food options with a variety of food trucks.
The Beauty and Hospitality of Hawaii Awaits
Hawaii often plays the backdrop in films such as Jurassic Park and Mighty Joe Young. Testament to the fact that it takes Industrial Light and Magic to make these islands seem unwelcoming. The reality is quite the opposite. As one of the most welcoming states, the Hawaiian archipelago consists of some of the friendliest people on earth, all happy to share their culture and festivities with you. So what are you waiting for?
