Honoka’a

Many tourists pass through Honoka'a on their way to Waipio Valley, but this small town is well worth stopping in for an afternoon. Honoka'a, like many other towns on Hawaii's Big Island, grew as a result of the abundant and profitable sugarcane industry. However, the largest sugar company near Honoka'a closed in 1994, leaving a charming, quiet town that feels a million miles away from it all. This charming small town serves as the gateway to the Waipio Valley's dramatic scenery. The historic Honokaa People's Theatre, as well as a few local boutiques, an antique store, gift shops, and restaurants, can be found along its main street.

If you're looking for a memorable souvenir, Taro Gifts is a great place to look. Tex Drive In, on the outskirts of town, is famous for its malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts). Honoka'a's boardwalk is lined with restaurants, boutiques, and gift shops, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll, if only to stretch your legs. The timber-framed buildings resembling an old Western town — complete with Japanese building names, of course — are the epitome of rural Hawaii. If you only visit one place in town, make it Tex Drive-In. This local hangout is well-known for its malasadas, burgers, and Hawaiian cuisine. It may appear to be an odd combination, but the convenience of picking up a dozen malasadas with your lunch cannot be overstated.