A huge aloha from Hawi
Sugarcane once swayed in the plantations of Hawi, the birthplace of the revered King Kamehameha the Great. These days, this small town on the Big Island's northern tip is more about charming Hawaiian bars and boutique art galleries. The result is a place steeped in history that is laid back and relaxing. It's packed with homey islander eateries, charming cafes and pretty Hawi vacation rentals that range from tranquil farm stays to hidden cabins ensconced in the tropical woods.
Ukes and adventures in Hawi
You could start your trip to Hawi by getting into the islander rhythm at the Hawi Gallery and Ukulele emporium – it's the best place to strum along with the slow beats of Polynesian folk music and get a big aloha welcome from the locals. When it's time to set your heart racing again, the Kohala Zipline is sure to do the trick with its swinging rope bridges and canopy rides. Then there are the folks over at Flumin' Kohala, ready to guide groups through the old sugar canals in order to encounter the rainforests and historical hotspots of greater Kohala.
Pineapples and parks in Hawi
Hawi's farming culture isn't limited to its sugar industry. There are still fruit orchards aplenty in the surrounding region, bursting with magenta cacao pods, spiny pineapples and more. While a picking session or botanical tour is sure to keep the whole family happy, you might be after something a little more dramatic. Cue the wiggling roadways that shoot eastwards into the Pololu Valley, offering breathtaking panoramas over Big Island's salt-washed cliffs, sandy beaches and Pacific swells.
Spring into Hawi
The blooming months of April and May could just be the perfect time to go in search of a Hawi vacation rental. This is when rainfall slows down after the wetter months of winter. Not only is this the start of the official dry season across the archipelago, there also tends to be less competition for the top stays before the summer rush. The end of summer is another great choice. There's loads of fruit picking opportunities around the September harvest, and the annual Ironman Triathlon competition brings real life to the town come October
Hawi on the flatlands
Hawi vacation rentals sit on the flats of the northern Big Island. The landscapes are largely level as they drop down to the Pacific Ocean coast just north of the town proper. That said, you won't have to go far from the old sugar plantation areas to catch a glimpse of the Hawaii of the travel brochures. To the east, where the road meanders to a dead end, you'll find the majestic Pololu Valley where the cliffs drop vertically into a wild sea. To the south are the Kohala Mountains, edging upwards to the million-year-old Kohala Volcano.
Transportation to and around Hawi
The nearest airport is in Kona Intl. Airport (KOA), located 37.4 mi (60.2 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could book a flight to Kamuela, HI (MUE-Waimea-Kohala), which is 19.7 mi (31.7 km) away.
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