The Best Neighboring Towns of Hawaii offer hidden gems that many travellers overlook, yet they are essential for a complete island experience.
While the popular destinations like Honolulu often steal the spotlight, these nearby towns boast unique cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and local flavours waiting to be explored.
Hawaii has faced many difficulties, and still the city survives and presents the enchanting views to the visitors. The neighbouring towns of Hawaii are also worth visiting, and you will enjoy roaming around Lahaina, Hilo, Kailua, and Hanalei.
This article will guide you through the most charming neighboring towns, providing insights into their attractions and why they deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Best Neighboring Towns of Hawaii
Here are the following best Hawaii cities that are neighbouring:
Hanalei, Kauai
Hanalei is located at the center of the north shore of Kauai. It is the land of mountains and aqua water. It is a small town with breathtaking views.
The Hanalei Bay is another beautiful place in the town that allows visitors to swim and snorkel. It was previously used to trade sugar, but now it is open for tourists to enjoy the view.
Limahuli Garden is another lovely place to visit that offers the unique fauna and flora of the area that has been preserved for centuries. You can also visit Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, which contains a variety of migratory birds.
As I like birds, I enjoy these kinds of places. An interesting thing is that some parts of the famous movies like Jurassic Park and Descendants were filmed here, so children will be particularly interested in this place.
Lahaina, Maui
Lahaina was the capital of Hawaii in the past, and it retains the town’s cultural heritage and also provides the modern touch of Hawaiian society. So, here you can find both history and modernism and enjoy both.
One of the greatest things about the town is its front street, which is fully covered with a banyan tree planted in 1873 that spreads over an area of two acres. It is a shady tree that is the main attraction for the tourists.
Moana Glass is an important art gallery that showcases the talent of the local people and also contains the cultural heritage. Annual art festivals are held in the town that attract people from various locations and enhance the vibrancy of the town. Lahaina Jodo Mission, with its Japanese-style pagoda, is also worth visiting.
Hilo, Big Island
Hilo is a lush green place because rain falls over the town throughout the year. It enhances the greenery and enchants the visitors. It is a land of botanical gardens, waterfalls and rainbows. You can enjoy the bright rainbows on sunny days that are hard to find elsewhere.
Lyman Museum is a great place for history lovers, which is full of local artefacts and depicts the true picture of the past of Hawaii. The Tsunami Museum is also a good place to visit to see the impact of the Tsunami on Hawaii.
If you are fond of Hawaiian dance, then the Merrie Monarch Festival is highly recommended. It offers big hula competitions, and people around the world participate in it.
You can find fresh food from the local farmers’ market in Hilo, and also roam around the Tropical Botanical Garden to see the tropical plants.
Kailua, Oahu
Kailua, Oahu, is one of the best places in Oahu and is located only 30 minutes away from Honolulu. It is one of my favourite places because there are various fun things to do at its beautiful beaches, islands, hiking spots, lush mountains, busy markets, local breweries, and multiple shopping spots.
If you are planning to go to Oahu, you must visit Kailua and keep this carefully curated list of activities with you for a fun-filled time.
Lanikai Beach is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful snorkeling spots! You can peacefully swim in the serene, turquoise water and see a lot of corals, tropical fish and other sea creatures.
Another interesting activity at Kailua is a 1.3-mile hike at Lanikai Pillbox Trail. The trail starts near Lanikai Beach, and you will get superb panoramic views of Lanikai Beach, Kailua, Ko’olau Mountains, and Mokulua Islands.
There is an awesome chocolate bar company in Kailua (Mānoa Chocolate Factory), and I came to know about it from a local friend. The company allows you to taste its chocolates freely, and believe me, this is ultimate fun!
There are a lot of shopping opportunities in Kailua; you will find various shops downtown and near Grace in Growlers. Whether you are looking for jewellery, souvenirs, trendy clothes, etc, you can easily find them in the local markets.
Waimanalo, Oahu
It is one of the hidden gems of Hawaii and a very ignored place by visitors. Those who visit this place enjoy its beauty. The beaches here are not very crowded, so nature’s true experience of serene water and golden sand can be found here.
It is a chief fishing site, and fresh fish can be easily found here that is very tasty. Local life of the town, handicrafts, and organic food can be spotted in the farmers market.
Makapu’u Point is the main attraction of the town, which looks like a lighthouse and presents the greatest view of Oahu’s southeastern coastline. Although it is located just 10 minutes away from the main city close to Hawaii, it is a much calmer place and offers tranquillity and peace.
Experience Hawaii’s Hidden Gems
The modest communities of Hawaii offer something other than charming views. They present guests a genuine feeling of local culture and a break from the hustle of routine life. Here, you will encounter a welcoming community along with the natural beauty and delicious cuisine. They are the sort of spots that welcome you to relish each experience, reconnect with nature, and embrace the mood of island life.
Conclusion
Best Neighboring Towns of Hawaii offer a unique blend of culture, natural beauty, and community spirit that enhances the overall experience of visiting the islands.
From the charming streets of Paia to the historic sites in Lahaina, each town has its distinct character and attractions that cater to various interests.
Visitors can explore local art galleries, indulge in delicious cuisine, or simply enjoy the stunning landscapes that surround these towns.
FAQs
What is the Prettiest Town in Hawaii?
The prettiest town in Hawaii is Hanalei, located on the north shore of Kauai. It is renowned for its breathtaking bay, surrounded by verdant mountains and lush tropical vegetation, creating a picturesque backdrop.
What is the Most Visited Town in Hawaii?
The most visited town in Hawaii is Honolulu, situated on the island of Oahu. As the state’s capital and largest city, it serves as a major hub for international travel, offering beautiful beaches like Waikiki and historic sites such as Pearl Harbour.
What is the Cheapest Place to Live in Hawaii?
Hilo on the Big Island is frequently considered one of the most affordable places. Other budget-friendly best places to live in Hawaii include parts of Maui and Oahu, though overall, living in Hawaii tends to be expensive compared to the mainland.
Is Hawaii a State?
Yes, Hawaii is indeed a state. It became the 50th state of the United States on August 21, 1959. Located in the central Pacific Ocean.