What We Love: Rich Hawaiian and Plantation History, Stunning Views of Maui, Small-town Life.
Perched at the northernmost point of Hawai'i Island and accessible via the coastal highway or through the winding road that runs through the Kohala Mountains from Waimea, the quaint seaside towns of Hawi and Kapa‘au are a tribute to Hawai‘i's rich history. This pair of charming small towns grew up around the booming sugar industry. Today you'll find Old-West building façades in vibrant hues that house charming art galleries, boutiques, and eateries that cater to residents and an increasing number of visitors.
Both Hawi and Kapa‘au offer sweeping views of the Pacific and the dramatic slopes of Haleakala on Maui, just 30 miles away across the Alenuihaha Channel. Hawi is the endpoint for the cycling portion of the annual IRONMAN™ World Championship, held on Hawai‘i Island every October. Kapa‘au is best known as the birthplace of King Kamehameha I, who united the Hawaiian Islands into one royal kingdom in 1810, and whose original statue is a famous Kapa‘au landmark, popular among visitors.
