Devin Jacobs
Life looks a little different when your town has only a handful of residents. Some places in Hawaii feel almost hidden, where locals know every face and empty roads are the norm. These aren’t the usual tourist hotspots, and that’s their beauty. Here’s a look at twenty places where small communities keep things simple.
Kapalua
Kapalua is peaceful, with only a handful of people living there. It’s famous for its golf courses, but that’s not the whole story. The beaches are quiet, with waters that are perfect for spotting sea turtles and humpback whales. It’s the kind of place where time slows down.
Kawela Bay
Hidden away and mostly forgotten, Kawela Bay feels like your own private beach. With calm waters that are home to beautiful reefs, it’s perfect for a day of snorkeling or to kayak quietly. There’s an old Hawaiian fishpond nearby that adds a quaint specialty to this quiet spot.
Honomu
Located near Akaka Falls, it’s a small town with a few old plantation buildings. It’s often overlooked, but if you stay for a while, you’ll get a taste of a slow-paced, easy-going life on the Big Island. Honomu’s charm is in its simplicity.
Kukuihaele
This Hawaiian village is perched at the edge of Waipi‘o Valley and has a history of sugarcane and hard work. Now, just a few dozen people call Kukuihaele home. With misty fields and tall, rugged cliffs, the past still lingers in the air.
Tiki Gardens
Tiki Gardens grew out of lava fields and tough times. It’s a small neighborhood on the Big Island, where volcanic activity and storms make the lives of its dwellers a little unpredictable. But for those who live here, it is also home—a quirky little spot with a lot of character.
Wainiha
It’s the kind of place you can easily miss, but those who find it love its peacefulness and beauty. Wainiha is located on Kauai’s north shore. The rainforests and cliffs feel untouched, and it’s easy to see why people choose to stay here for the long run.
Puako
Puako’s coastline is full of tide pools. It is the ideal place for sea-life lovers. It’s dry and sunny, unlike much of the Big Island, which keeps it a quiet spot. Only about 350 people are known to live here, and they love their peaceful life by the ocean.
Pakala Village
What you find here is a small surf community on Kauai’s west side, with waves that draw in the locals. It’s a place where the water sets the rhythm of life, and only the surfers know the secret. Pakala Village is all about the ocean.
Kaunakakai
Molokai’s largest town still feels like a secret. Kaunakakai has no traffic lights and few visitors, but plenty of fishing boats, mom-and-pop stores, and community pride. Even the wharf stretches long and quietly into the sea, welcoming solitude over spectacle.
Maalaea
At the southern tip of Maui, Maalaea is where discreet living meets the waves. With its small harbor, it offers the kind of peace tourists often miss. If you’re lucky enough to visit, you’ll find whale watching and calm, slow days to be the real draw.
Maunaloa
Maunaloa on Molokai is like a forgotten town. Once a crowded place during the pineapple days, it’s now mostly quiet streets and wide-open spaces. Those who stay here enjoy the silence and solitude, where the land stretches out, and life is slower.
Hanalei
Imagine walking into a small, picturesque town located by the ocean. That’s Hanalei on Kauai’s north shore. Amidst towering mountains and lush valleys, the town’s small shops and stunning bay provide the escape you need, where life feels a little more effortless.
Black Sands
Here, the sand is darker than anywhere else, contrasting against the turquoise sea. Black Sands Beach on the Big Island isn’t just about its impressive beauty, though. The isolation here makes it feel as though time is still a locality for anyone seeking the rawness of nature’s power.
Kalihiwai
On Kauai’s north shore, Kalihiwai is a secluded beach found away from the crowds. The shoreline offers surfers a few waves and locals the peace of an undisturbed hideaway. Nature is the highlight here, with the only sound being the crash of waves against the rocks.
Makaha Valley
What will you find between the rugged hills of Oahu? It is the Makaha Valley! Known for its surf spots and hiking trails, the valley offers a peaceful alternative to Oahu’s busier towns. It’s a true escape for those who appreciate natural beauty away from people.
Pahala
Pahala sits quietly between volcanic slopes and sugarcane memories. Once a plantation town, it now offers peaceful views of hills and the distant ocean. Residents enjoy a slow, grounded lifestyle, surrounded by farms, coffee orchards, and the ever-present hum of nature in Kaʻū District.
Lanai City
Built in the 1920s for pineapple workers, Lanai City still holds its vintage charm. The streets are lined with plantation-style homes, and Dole Park sits at the center of everything. You won’t find traffic here—just friendly waves and open skies on Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island.
Makena
The lack of large hotels and development gives this place a serene, untouched vibe. For beach lovers and nature enthusiasts, it’s a rare spot where you can enjoy a peaceful day without the usual crowds. On Maui’s southern coast, Makena feels like a place frozen in time.
Kalapana
Kalapana is where the earth continually reshapes itself. Once a flourishing community, it now sits near the inconsistent lava flow of the Big Island. The black sand beaches tell a story of destruction and rebirth to draw those who appreciate nature’s force and beauty.
Olowalu
Often overlooked, Olowalu on Maui’s coastline offers a secluded escape from the tourist-filled spots. Known for its colorful coral reefs and clear waters, it’s the diamond in the rough for those who prefer an authentic Hawaiian experience. Here, time seems to move at its own relaxed pace.