Hawi

Hawi is a charming and historic town located on the northern tip of the Big Island of Hawaii. With its picturesque streets, colorful buildings, and rich cultural heritage, Hawi is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the area.

Founded in the late 19th century, Hawi quickly became a thriving plantation town, thanks to its fertile soil and ideal climate. Today, the town’s rich history is still evident in its well-preserved architecture, which blends Hawaiian, Asian, and European influences. Visitors can stroll along the town’s main street, which is lined with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes, and take in the vibrant colors and textures of the buildings, which are adorned with murals, mosaics, and other works of art.

One of the town’s most notable landmarks is the historic Hawi Plantation House, which was built in 1910 and is now home to the Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. The site is dedicated to the memory of King Kamehameha I, who united the Hawaiian Islands under his rule in the late 18th century. Visitors can explore the site’s exhibits, which tell the story of the king’s life and legacy, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

In addition to its rich history, Hawi is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The town is home to a thriving community of artists, musicians, and writers, who are drawn to the area’s natural beauty and creative energy. Visitors can browse the town’s many art galleries, which showcase the work of local and international artists, or attend one of the town’s many cultural events, such as the annual Hawi Arts and Cultural Festival.

Whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply soaking up the natural beauty of the area, Hawi is a destination that is sure to delight and inspire. Hawi’s warm and welcoming community, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural surroundings will leave a lasting impression.

Flights To Hawi

Tip For Booking Cheap Flights To Hawi

  • Book in advance: Flight prices tend to go up as the departure date approaches, so it’s best to book your flight several months in advance.
  • Use flight comparison websites: Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, Earlytrips, Ticketsaway, Mycityflights and Google Flights can help you compare prices from different airlines and find the best deal.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates: If you have flexible travel dates, you may be able to find cheaper flights by traveling during the week or at off-peak times of the year.
  • Consider alternative airports: Flights to KOA may be cheaper if you fly into an alternative airport, such as the Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the east side of the Big Island.
  • Sign up for airline newsletters: Many airlines offer special deals and discounts to their newsletter subscribers, so it’s worth signing up for the newsletters of airlines that fly to KOA.
  • Use travel rewards credit cards: If you have a travel rewards credit card, you may be able to earn points or miles that can be used to offset the cost of your flight.
  • Book a flight and hotel package: Some travel websites offer flight and hotel packages that can be cheaper than booking flights and accommodations separately.

Places To Visit

Beaches
  1. Spencer Beach Park: This beach park features a white sand beach, calm waters, and a picnic area. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and relax on the beach.
  2. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area: This state park features a white sand beach, crystal-clear waters, and a picnic area. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and surf.
Nature and Wildlife
  1. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: This botanical garden features a variety of tropical plants, including orchids, ferns, and palms. Visitors can take a self-guided tour and learn about the different plant species.
  2. Kohala Zipline: This zipline adventure company offers a variety of tours that allow visitors to soar above the treetops and take in the stunning views of the countryside.
Historical Sites
  1. Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site: This historic site is dedicated to the memory of King Kamehameha I and features exhibits that tell the story of the king’s life and legacy. Visitors can explore the site’s exhibits and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
  2. Kohala Historical Sites State Monument: This state monument features the remains of two ancient temples, including the largest heiau (temple) on the Big Island. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of the ancient Hawaiians and take in the stunning views of the coastline.
Art Galleries
  1. Hawi Art Gallery: This art gallery features the work of local and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. Visitors can browse the gallery’s collections and purchase unique and meaningful works of art.
  2. Firehouse Gallery: This art gallery is located in a historic firehouse and features the work of local artists, including paintings, photography, and jewelry. Visitors can meet the artists and learn about their creative process.
Outdoor Activities
  1. Pololu Valley Lookout: This scenic lookout offers stunning views of the coastline and the valley below. Visitors can hike down to the valley floor and explore the black sand beach and lush vegetation.
  2. Kohala Mountain Road: This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the countryside and the coastline. Visitors can stop at the many lookout points and take in the natural beauty of the area.
Shopping

Hawi Town Shops: This shopping district features a variety of boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. Visitors can find unique gifts, clothing, and artwork.

Best Vacation Spots

  1. Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site: This historic site is dedicated to the memory of King Kamehameha I and features exhibits that tell the story of the king’s life and legacy. Visitors can explore the site’s exhibits and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
  2. Pololu Valley Lookout: This scenic lookout offers stunning views of the coastline and the valley below. Visitors can hike down to the valley floor and explore the black sand beach and lush vegetation.
  3. Hawi Art Gallery: This art gallery features the work of local and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. Visitors can browse the gallery’s collections and purchase unique and meaningful works of art.
  4. Spencer Beach Park: This beach park features a white sand beach, calm waters, and a picnic area. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and relax on the beach.
  5. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: This botanical garden features a variety of tropical plants, including orchids, ferns, and palms. Visitors can take a self-guided tour and learn about the different plant species.
  6. Puakea Ranch: This ranch-style resort features a variety of accommodations, including cottages, suites, and villas. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and take part in activities such as horseback riding and stargazing.
  7. Kohala Zipline: This zipline adventure company offers a variety of tours that allow visitors to soar above the treetops and take in the stunning views of the countryside.
  8. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area: This state park features a white sand beach, crystal-clear waters, and a picnic area. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and surf.

Hotels

Top Hotels

  1. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: This 5-star resort is located on the Kohala Coast, about 25 miles south of Hawi. The resort features elegant guest rooms and suites, as well as a variety of amenities, including a private beach, a swimming pool, a spa, and several dining options.
  2. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection: This 5-star resort is located on the Kohala Coast, about 20 miles south of Hawi. The resort features spacious guest rooms and suites, as well as a variety of amenities, including a private beach, a swimming pool, a spa, and several dining options.
  3. Fairmont Orchid: This 5-star resort is located on the Kohala Coast, about 25 miles south of Hawi. The resort features elegant guest rooms and suites, as well as a variety of amenities, including a private beach, a swimming pool, a spa, and several dining options.
  4. Hilton Waikoloa Village: This 4-star resort is located on the Kohala Coast, about 20 miles south of Hawi. The resort features spacious guest rooms, suites, and villas, as well as a variety of amenities, including multiple swimming pools, a spa, a golf course, and several dining options.
  5. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort: This 4.5-star resort is located on the Kohala Coast, about 20 miles south of Hawi. The resort features spacious guest rooms and suites, as well as a variety of amenities, including a private beach, a swimming pool, a spa, and several dining options.

Budget Friendly Hotels

  1. Hawi Plantation Inn: This bed and breakfast inn is located in Hawi and offers affordable rooms and cottages, as well as a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a communal kitchen.
  2. Uncle Roberts’ Awa Club and Farmers Market: This budget-friendly inn is located in Kalopa, about 30 minutes from Hawi. The inn offers affordable rooms and cottages, as well as a variety of amenities, including a communal kitchen, a picnic area, and a farmers market.
  3. Kohala Village Inn: This budget-friendly inn is located in Hawi and offers affordable rooms and suites, as well as a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a restaurant.
  4. Waipio Wayside Inn: This budget-friendly inn is located in Honokaa, about 30 minutes from Hawi. The inn offers affordable rooms and suites, as well as a variety of amenities, including a communal kitchen, a picnic area, and a game room.
  5. Hilo Bay Hostel: This budget-friendly hostel is located in Hilo, about an hour’s drive from Hawi. The hostel offers affordable dormitory-style rooms and private rooms, as well as a variety of amenities, including a communal kitchen, a lounge area, and a tour desk.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Hawi, Hawaii is typically from April to October, during the dry season, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 24-30 degrees Celsius). This is an ideal time for outdoor activities and attending events such as the Hawi International Kite Festival in April and the Hawi Hoolaulea and Craft Fair in October. However, it is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. For a quieter and more budget-friendly experience, consider visiting during the shoulder season of November to March, when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds are smaller.

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