The Surprising Hawaiʻi Town That Makes An Excellent Weekend Getaway

Megan Shute for Only In Your State on Hawi, a charming town an hour north of the Kona Airport. Join us on one of our luxury Tours to learn about the culture of the Big Island and experience the natural beauty in comfort.

Island fever is real, and despite living in a tropical island paradise, sometimes we need to get away for a while. Unfortunately, when you live in the world’s most isolated population center, vacations are tricky to plan — and don’t seem worth it when you only have a single weekend. Unless that is, you hop on an hour-long flight to one of the neighboring Hawaiʻian Islands and choose one town or geographic area to explore. Nestled on the northern tip of Hawaiʻi Island just an hour from the Kona International Airport is Hawi, a funky little town you’ll love.

Steal away to Hawi, a town often described as one of Hawaiʻi’s best-kept secrets. Perched along the northern Kohala coast, Hawi is full of small-town charm, natural beauty, history, and so much more.

With a population of little more than 1,000 residents, Hawi is a funky little town that offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of life in a bigger city.

The birthplace of Kamehameha I, Hawi made a name for itself as the home of the Kohala Sugar Mill. Open from 1863 to 1973, the Kohala Sugar Mill was one of Hawaiʻi’s most famous sugar mills.

Long after the sugarcane industry declined, a new generation of entrepreneurs and artists flocked to the former plantation village and, with the help of longtime residents, moved bookstores, galleries, boutiques, and restaurants into the town’s decaying storefronts.

From culturally significant historic sites to family-friendly adventures, there’s something for everyone in Hawi, and there’s truly no better place to spend a weekend.

For a small town, the restaurant offerings are quite impressive as well. Find cafes, ice cream parlors, food trucks, and sushi joints as well as restaurants that specialize in Pacific Rim cuisine, burgers, BBQ, and Hawaiʻian food.

Shopping options are nearly endless, with places to find antiques, ukuleles, local art, souvenirs, unique gifts, and more.

Hawi is not only known as the turnaround point for the Ironman World Championship Triathlon, but is home to incredible skydiving, ziplining, farm tours, and plenty of natural beauty.

Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, the small town of Hawi is perfect for your next weekend getaway.