Haleiwa and Kailua. Local towns on Oahu.
Oahu is the most populous of the Hawaiian islands and is also known as the "Gathering Place." There are many attractions on this island, including Waikiki, which has a perfect resort atmosphere, but there are also many charming towns where you can experience the "local feeling"! This time, we will introduce two special local towns that we have carefully selected from among them.
Haleiwa Town, visited by surfers from all over the world
When talking about local towns that represent Oahu, you can't miss the small town of Haleiwa on the North Shore. This town, which can be accessed from the center of Waikiki in about an hour by car (about 1.5 to 2.5 hours by bus), is a beautiful place that retains the atmosphere of good old Hawaii. This local town, beloved by surfers and artists from all over the world, has a nostalgic and laid-back atmosphere.
If you enjoy a stroll around Haleiwa, we recommend enjoying local delicacies such as shave ice, huli-huli chicken, and garlic shrimp while admiring the townscape that has preserved its retro scenery! Haleiwa Alii Beach Park, a beach popular with locals, is also within walking distance of the town, so be sure to check it out!
A spectacular view spot is close by. Kailua Town
Another recommended place on Oahu is the Kailua area in the northeast of Honolulu. This town, which can be reached in about 30 minutes by car (about 50 minutes by bus) from Waikiki, is famous for Kailua Beach, which faces Kailua Bay, and Lanikai Beach, which has been selected as the "most beautiful beach in the United States."
Visiting this area, one of Hawaii's most luxurious residential areas, will give you a glimpse of a slightly luxurious side of Hawaiian life surrounded by beautiful nature. Kailua Town is home to stylish select shops, cafes, pancake shops, and organic food stores frequented by locals. Why not rent a bicycle and explore the real face of Kailua Town as your curiosity takes you?
Lahaina and Paia. Local towns on Maui
Maui is the second largest island in Hawaii and offers a wide variety of natural beauty. Sometimes called the "Magic Island" for its beauty, the island is dotted with charming local towns with diverse personalities.
When visiting Maui, the best thing to do is watch the sunset in Lahaina.
One of the most representative towns on Maui is Lahaina, which once flourished as the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Located in the western part of Maui, the center of this town is Front Street, which stretches for about one kilometer along the coastline. This area once flourished as a whaling station, and even today, a row of historical buildings with a nostalgic atmosphere line the streets.
If you visit Lahaina, we recommend walking down Front Street and visiting seafood restaurants, galleries, sweet shops, and more. Lahaina is also known as a famous sunset spot, so be sure to choose a time to visit during the dramatic sunset. Also, in winter, be sure to check out the schools of whales that appear off the coast of Lahaina. If you're lucky, you can see the whales from the coastline around Lahaina, and you can also board a whale watching boat from Lahaina Harbor!
Maui's beloved surf town of Paia
Paia, located on the north coast of the island, is a recommended local town, about a 15-minute drive from Kahului Airport on Maui. This small town near Hookipa Beach Park, also known as the "holy land of windsurfing," is loved as one of Maui's leading surf towns. Walking down the main street lined with fashionable surf shops, restaurants, and organic food stores, you're sure to experience the free and open atmosphere that permeates this town.
Hilo and Honokaa, local towns on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Hilo, Hawaii's second largest city, retains a nostalgic atmosphere
The Big Island is the largest of the Hawaiian islands and is affectionately known as the "Big Island." If you want to enjoy the local atmosphere on this island with its magnificent natural scenery, start by visiting the town of Hilo on the east coast of the island. Hilo, which once flourished as the center of the sugar industry, is the second largest city in Hawaii after Honolulu on Oahu. However, the town still retains the atmosphere of good old Hawaii, with the easy-going air that is unique to the "Big Island."
If you want to walk around the town of Hilo in a local mood, we recommend visiting famous stores such as the bustling "Hilo Farmers Market" and the sweets store "Big Island Candies," which is very popular among locals! Another attraction of this town is that it is dotted with tourist attractions such as zoos and botanical gardens, making it a place that the whole family can enjoy!
Honokaa Town, where you can enjoy the townscape that appeared in the movie
If you're visiting a small local town on the Big Island, we recommend Honokaa Town in the Hamakua district in the northeast of the island. This town, also known as the setting for the movie "Honokaa Boy," once flourished as a sugar industry town. Retro buildings from the 1930s remain on the town's small main street, making you feel like you've wandered into the good old days of Hawaii.
Don't forget to visit spots related to movies, such as the Honokaa People's Theater, a movie theater built by Japanese Americans, and Tex Drive-In, popular for its Hawaiian sweet malasadas!
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In addition to the ones we introduced this time, there are many other charming local towns on the Hawaiian islands! We also recommend Kaimuki and Waialua on Oahu, Wailuku on Maui, and Honomu on the Big Island, so be sure to check them out!
*Some content was updated on July 22, 2019.
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
