Honokaa, HI

Travel Guide
Kukuihaele featuring landscape views, tropical scenes and rocky coastline
Scenic drives and picturesque lookouts, local art galleries, golf and theater welcome travelers to the northeast coast of Hawai’i, the state’s scenic Big Island.

Honokaa is a community village situated on the northeast coast of Hawai’i Island, which is also known as Big Island. The friendly village faces the Pacific Ocean and is a gateway to the island’s Hamakua Coast, a region famous for its breathtaking scenery, postcard-perfect waterfalls and green valleys.

A good place to start your visit is in Honokaa’s historic downtown. Stroll along Mamane Street, where annual horse races were once held. Today the street has cafés and restaurants in addition to a handful of interesting antique stores and galleries. Visit the Big Island Glass Gallery to watch glass-blowing demonstrations and see local art exhibitions. On a Saturday morning, browse the farmers market for fresh, local produce.

Watch a movie, attend a concert or take part in dance and theater workshops at the Honokaa People’s Theater. It’s the biggest theater on the island and dates back to 1930. Play golf at the Hamakua Country Club, a short walk from Honokaa’s town center.

A highlight of visiting Honokaa is seeing the Waipio Valley. Rent a car and drive to the Waipio Valley Lookout, which presents uninterrupted views of the valley, cliffs and coastline. Hike, ride on horseback or join a four-wheel drive tour to beaches and waterfalls, including 1,450-feet (442-meter) tall Hiilawe Falls. Tours run from Honokaa and knowledgeable guides will share the stories and legends of the valley. On your way to the valley, stop by Neptune’s Garden Gallery and Waipio Valley Artworks to see displays of local arts and crafts.

Honokaa is about a 1-hour drive north from Hilo, the largest village on Hawai’i Island. Hilo has an international airport. You can catch a bus from Hilo to Honokaa, but most people rent a car because of the freedom it gives to explore the island at your own pace. Don’t miss the Hamakua Heritage Corridor, a coastal route between Hilo and Waipo Valley that includes waterfalls, rainforests, botanical gardens, beaches and picnic areas.

Forest Retreat Eco-Lodge - 24 acres of private land.
Forest Retreat Eco-Lodge - 24 acres of private land.
Honokaa
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Honokaa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Kalopa State Recreation Area ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Ahu Lani Sanctuary
"A stunning and beautiful situation and location. The hosts Garrett and Kaia were so pleasant to deal with and very helpful. They made suggestions as to sights to see and good places to eat, going so far as to even picking up a meal for us. There was plenty of room at this location for all of our ..."

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2024

Forest Retreat Eco-Lodge - 24 acres of private land.
"The land of Sunshine" - fantastic ocean views, peaceful, romantic getaway
"The land of Sunshine" - fantastic ocean views, peaceful, romantic getaway
Honokaa
Stay at this cottage in Honokaa. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Kalōpā and Hamakua Country Club are located nearby. Discover genuine ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (162 reviews)
Relaxing view and spot for cooking on the patio
"We thoroughly enjoyed watching in the morning on the porch and cooking meals at sunset. Cozy little cabin feel with all the amemnities. Host was very communicative."

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2024

"The land of Sunshine" - fantastic ocean views, peaceful, romantic getaway
Serene, Restored House from Sugar Days with Sweeping Ocean Views
Serene, Restored House from Sugar Days with Sweeping Ocean Views
Honokaa
Stay at this vacation home in Honokaa. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Hamakua Heritage Corridor and Katsu Goto Memorial are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (168 reviews)
A Retreat
"Comfortable stay, clean home with all that is needed. Hot tub was nice and clean. Sauna available, but we did not use. Overall would recommend to stay. Very nice and quiet. Peaceful retreat!"

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024

Serene, Restored House from Sugar Days with Sweeping Ocean Views
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Serene, Restored House from Sugar Days with Sweeping Ocean Views
Serene, Restored House from Sugar Days with Sweeping Ocean Views
Honokaa
Stay at this vacation home in Honokaa. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Hamakua Heritage Corridor and Katsu Goto Memorial are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (168 reviews)
A Retreat
"Comfortable stay, clean home with all that is needed. Hot tub was nice and clean. Sauna available, but we did not use. Overall would recommend to stay. Very nice and quiet. Peaceful retreat!"

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024

Serene, Restored House from Sugar Days with Sweeping Ocean Views
"The land of Sunshine" - fantastic ocean views, peaceful, romantic getaway
"The land of Sunshine" - fantastic ocean views, peaceful, romantic getaway
Honokaa
Stay at this cottage in Honokaa. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Kalōpā and Hamakua Country Club are located nearby. Discover genuine ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (162 reviews)
Relaxing view and spot for cooking on the patio
"We thoroughly enjoyed watching in the morning on the porch and cooking meals at sunset. Cozy little cabin feel with all the amemnities. Host was very communicative."

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2024

"The land of Sunshine" - fantastic ocean views, peaceful, romantic getaway
Forest Retreat Eco-Lodge - 24 acres of private land.
Forest Retreat Eco-Lodge - 24 acres of private land.
Honokaa
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Honokaa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Kalopa State Recreation Area ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Ahu Lani Sanctuary
"A stunning and beautiful situation and location. The hosts Garrett and Kaia were so pleasant to deal with and very helpful. They made suggestions as to sights to see and good places to eat, going so far as to even picking up a meal for us. There was plenty of room at this location for all of our ..."

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2024

Forest Retreat Eco-Lodge - 24 acres of private land.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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