Hawi Things to Do
Things to Do near Hawi Town on Big Island
Nestled at the end of Hawaii’s scenic Kohala Mountain Road (Highway 250) lies the town of Hawi. No matter who you ask or where you look, the words that are always used to describe Hawi are “charming” and “quaint.” This little town on the northwest tip of the Big Island was once close to becoming abandoned but has since become a vibrant center for visitors and locals alike.
The island’s tropical climate allows lush rainforests to grace every hillside leading up to Hawi, allowing the region perfect growing conditions for ample produce such as Kalo (taro), Mai’a (banana), ‘Uala (sweet potato), and Kava (root). The beautiful scenery glimpsed from your window when driving over the Kohala Mountains opens up to a place full of vibrant life and spirit.
The scenery when you arrive at Hawi doesn’t stop. Nearby North Kohala coast viewpoints, small beaches, and hiking routes add ocean drama to the town’s gallery-and-shop feel. Check current access and ocean conditions before planning any coastal hike or snorkel stop.
Directions to Hawi
The town of Hawi can be accessed either through Highway 270 (Kawaihae to Hawi) and Highway 250 (Waimea to Hawi), but more on that later. When you reach Hawi, you are minutes from the North Kohala coast and its well-known Pololu Valley Overlook farther east. Hawi is the perfect way to end your journey through the North Kohala region and is a must-see on your trip to Hawaii.
A Brief History of Hawi
Hawi, now a small community on the northern edge of the Big Island, began as the Kohala Sugar Mill, and after being abandoned, it has since been revived into a vibrant center for unique shops, restaurants, and quaint island life.
Even before the Kohala Sugar Mill, the site was one of the largest centers during the pre-contact era. North Kohala, a region that Hawi is a part of, was home to Kamehameha I. Kamehameha I was the founder and first ruler of what is now the entirety of Hawaii. You can find a statue of King Kamehameha I just beyond Hawi in the town of Kapaau.
As a result of the town’s idyllic, eclectic boutiques and restaurants, the town has quickly become a must-see destination for many visitors to Hawaii. The town is even a stop along the annual IRONMAN™ World Championship’s bike route!
Even though Hawi is one of North Kohala’s main town stops, it still feels small and relaxed. The town’s modest scale makes for a laid-back experience that fits the slower pace of this part of the island.
While there are countless places to visit in the townsite of Hawi, below are just the starting points and a few of our very favorites for your exploration of the quaint island spot.
Kohala Mountain Road (Hwy 250)
Many stops along your Hawaii trip may include destinations, but with this particular must-see, it’s the journey that is so unmissable.
Kohala Mountain Road (Highway 250) is a picturesque gateway through cattle ranches and countryside, allowing any traveler to take in the stunning landscape with minimal interruptions in the natural views.
Beginning at Waimea, the drive along the Kohala Mountain Road connects you to the towns of Hawi and Kohala, winding directly over the mountain. The road not only offers a scenic route to your destination of Hawi but is also less trafficked than many other roads in the area.
Hawi Farmers Market
With lush ranches and farms, Hawaii offers an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce at the Hawi Farmers’ Market.
The Hawi Farmers Market runs on Saturdays, with vendors from North Kohala and nearby Big Island communities. Recent listings place the market at Kohala Village Hub, 55-514 Hawi Road, with morning hours that typically wrap up around midday. Check current hours before you go.
Pick up some treats for the road, ingredients for dinner, or keepsake crafts to take home with you at the Hawi Farmers’ Market.
Tiffany's Art Agency
One of the best ways to experience a new place is to explore some local art spaces that showcase local talent like Tiffany’s Art Agency.
Tiffany’s Art Agency focuses on curating pieces by local artists that touch every one of your senses. Find quality and beauty in every piece within Tiffany’s collection, showcasing mastery among many artists local to Hawi and the greater area.
Check current gallery details before you go, then pair the stop with a scenic drive on Kohala Mountain Road or a stroll through Hawi’s small downtown blocks.
Hawi Dining & Galleries
Hawi's compact town center is a good place to pair gallery browsing with a casual meal, coffee, or snack before continuing along the North Kohala coast.
Restaurant and gallery lineups can change in a small town, so check current hours before you go. The best plan is to leave time for a slow walk through the main blocks, then choose whatever local cafe, shop, or gallery is open when you arrive.
Your trip to Hawaii's Big Island wouldn't be complete without a stop in the eccentric town of Hawi! The eclectic destination is home to many opportunities to pick up unique items while shopping, browsing galleries, or enjoying a relaxed North Kohala meal. As they say in Hawaii, A ‘o ia!
