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.

"The land of Sunshine" - fantastic ocean views, peaceful, romantic getaway
"The land of Sunshine" - fantastic ocean views, peaceful, romantic getaway
Honokaa
Stay at this cottage in Honokaa. Enjoy a garden, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Kalōpā and Hamakua Country Club ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (187 reviews)
Our stay was lovely!
"Beautiful, quiet and the hosts are lovely, gracious people!"

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2025

"The land of Sunshine" - fantastic ocean views, peaceful, romantic getaway
 Waipio Valley and Ocean View
Waipio Valley and Ocean View
Honokaa
Stay at this vacation home in Honokaa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (155 reviews)
Paradise
"This house was absolutely beautiful and in an amazing location. The host was very sweet. Would 100% stay again!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2025

Waipio Valley and Ocean View
Serene, Restored House from Sugar Days with Sweeping Ocean Views
Serene, Restored House from Sugar Days with Sweeping Ocean Views
Honokaa
Stay at this vacation home in Honokaa. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna, and a garden. Popular attractions Hamakua Heritage Corridor and Katsu Goto Memorial are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (188 reviews)
Wonderful!
"This was our second stay at this beautiful property. We stayed for 3 weeks and enjoyed every minute! We had everything we needed at this lovely home. We loved the hot tub especially in the evening when we could star gaze! The sky was beautiful! We were a short drive to Honokaa and played several ..."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Serene, Restored House from Sugar Days with Sweeping Ocean Views
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.
"The land of Sunshine" - fantastic ocean views, peaceful, romantic getaway
"The land of Sunshine" - fantastic ocean views, peaceful, romantic getaway
Honokaa
Stay at this cottage in Honokaa. Enjoy a garden, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Kalōpā and Hamakua Country Club ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (187 reviews)
Our stay was lovely!
"Beautiful, quiet and the hosts are lovely, gracious people!"

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2025

"The land of Sunshine" - fantastic ocean views, peaceful, romantic getaway
 Waipio Valley and Ocean View
Waipio Valley and Ocean View
Honokaa
Stay at this vacation home in Honokaa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (155 reviews)
Paradise
"This house was absolutely beautiful and in an amazing location. The host was very sweet. Would 100% stay again!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2025

Waipio Valley and Ocean View
Serene, Restored House from Sugar Days with Sweeping Ocean Views
Serene, Restored House from Sugar Days with Sweeping Ocean Views
Honokaa
Stay at this vacation home in Honokaa. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna, and a garden. Popular attractions Hamakua Heritage Corridor and Katsu Goto Memorial are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (188 reviews)
Wonderful!
"This was our second stay at this beautiful property. We stayed for 3 weeks and enjoyed every minute! We had everything we needed at this lovely home. We loved the hot tub especially in the evening when we could star gaze! The sky was beautiful! We were a short drive to Honokaa and played several ..."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Serene, Restored House from Sugar Days with Sweeping Ocean Views
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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