Honokaa

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Honokaa
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau

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.

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

5 out of 5
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Kamuela, HI
The price is P27,066 per night from Aug 23 to Aug 24
P27,066
P35,961 total
Aug 23 - Aug 24
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kamuela. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Beautiful resort - peaceful beach, quiet rooms, multiple options for relaxing in the sun and/or shade and accessing water for a cool dip. The Canoe restaurant is absurdly overpriced. A glass of cab wine for $38 and standard cocktails at $27? We easily hit $450 after tip for two people. Good luck ..."

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Fairmont Orchid

Fairmont Orchid

4.5 out of 5
1 N Kaniku Drive Kohala, Kamuela, HI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P30,206 per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
P30,206
P38,858 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Kamuela. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"On a beautiful cove for swimming and snorkeling"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Fairmont Orchid
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

4 out of 5
62-100 Kauna'oa Drive, Kohala Coast, Kamuela, HI
The price is P31,434 per night from Aug 23 to Aug 24
P31,434
P39,568 total
Aug 23 - Aug 24
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury resort in Kamuela. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Beautiful property with perfect beach location. Nice pool, friendly staff and we also liked the evening shuttle for dinner to Mauna Kea hotel."

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
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.
Aston Kaanapali Shores

Aston Kaanapali Shores

3.5 out of 5
3445 Lower Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Kaanapali. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
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Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Aston Kaanapali Shores
Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas

3 out of 5
45 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina, HI
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Kaanapali. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,441 reviews)
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Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
Skyline Island Colony Hotel

Skyline Island Colony Hotel

3 out of 5
445 Seaside Avenue, Honolulu, HI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,043 reviews)
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Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Skyline Island Colony Hotel
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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