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 P27,098 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
P27,098
P36,004 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
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! (1,001 reviews)
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Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Fairmont Orchid

Fairmont Orchid

4.5 out of 5
1 N Kaniku Drive Kohala, Kamuela, HI
The price is P26,155 per night from Aug 15 to Aug 16
P26,155
P34,086 total
Aug 15 - Aug 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! (1,004 reviews)
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Reviewed on Aug 11, 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 P31,471 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P31,471
P39,614 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Amazing property and staff. Couldnt rate this hotel any better. Amazing rooms and hotels. Highly recommend this to anyone staying on the Kona side"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,656 reviews)
"It was the best"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 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! (2,436 reviews)
Great little condo hotel right on the beach
"Great condo hotel on Maui right on Kaanapali Beach. First time here and we liked the spacious comfort of the unit we got, ocean view but no lanai or balcony that was large enough to sit out on. Would book again, maybe ocean front unit with a lanai or balcony. Fairly close to Whalers Village, close ..."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
The Whaler Resort Kaanapali Beach

The Whaler Resort Kaanapali Beach

4 out of 5
2481 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Kaanapali. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (216 reviews)
Highly recommend!!!
"LOVED the cleanliness, friendliness, and view! Close to all of the activities and restaurants."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

The Whaler Resort Kaanapali Beach
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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