Stretching along the northeastern coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, the Hamakua Coast is a haven of lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil seaside towns. Far from the crowded resorts and bustling cities, this region is dotted with secluded communities where time seems to slow down. From quaint villages with rich histories to hidden gems nestled amidst verdant hills, the Hamakua Coast offers a serene escape into nature’s embrace. Join us as we countdown the top ten secluded towns in this picturesque part of Hawaii, each offering its unique charm and a peaceful retreat away from the usual tourist paths.
10. Honomu: Gateway to Akaka Falls
Honomu, with a population of just a few hundred residents, is a quaint town known for its charming boutiques and as the gateway to the magnificent Akaka Falls. Visitors can wander through its historic streets, exploring local art galleries, gift shops, and cozy cafes that serve homemade pastries and Hawaiian coffee. While tourism connected to Akaka Falls plays a role, the town maintains a peaceful atmosphere, with many locals involved in small businesses and agriculture. What makes Honomu secluded is its peaceful setting amidst lush tropical surroundings, offering a quiet retreat from busier areas. The combination of its small size and the enveloping greenery gives visitors a sense of stepping back in time to a simpler Hawaii.
Where is Honomu?
Located along the Hamakua Coast, Honomu is about 11 miles north of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. Nestled off the main highway, the town’s seclusion is enhanced by its position amid dense rainforests and rolling hills. Access is primarily via the scenic Old Mamalahoa Highway, a quiet road that meanders through the countryside, adding to the town’s hidden charm. The absence of large developments and the surrounding natural beauty make Honomu feel like a secret waiting to be discovered.
9. Papaikou: Hidden Beaches and Botanical Gardens
Papaikou, home to approximately 1,400 residents, is a secluded town featuring hidden beaches and the beautiful Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Visitors can immerse themselves in the serene natural beauty of the garden, which boasts a vast collection of tropical plants and stunning ocean views. The town offers tranquil spots for beachcombing and exploring tide pools, often without another soul in sight. Agriculture, particularly small-scale farming and flower cultivation, is a mainstay of the local economy. Papaikou’s seclusion comes from its lush, overgrown landscapes and the narrow, winding roads that lead to its hidden treasures, making it a peaceful escape for nature lovers.
Where is Papaikou?
Papaikou is situated just 5 miles north of Hilo along the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island. Its location off the main highway contributes to its secluded feel, tucked away between verdant cliffs and the vast Pacific Ocean. Accessible via the Old Mamalahoa Highway, the town is enveloped by dense tropical foliage that conceals its serene beaches and gardens. The journey to Papaikou, with its scenic drives and lack of crowds, enhances the sense of discovering a hidden paradise.
8. Pepeekeo: Scenic Drives Along the Coast
Pepeekeo is a tranquil town with an estimated population of around 1,700 people, known for its scenic Old Mamalahoa Highway and breathtaking views along the four-mile scenic drive. Visitors can enjoy leisurely drives through lush landscapes, visit charming local parks, and explore small shops that reflect the town’s laid-back lifestyle. The primary industries include agriculture and some tourism, although the area remains largely untouched by commercial development. Its seclusion is due to the surrounding dense vegetation and the lesser-known routes that weave through the town, offering a peaceful setting away from the usual tourist trails.
Where is Pepeekeo?
Located approximately 7 miles north of Hilo on the Big Island’s eastern coast, Pepeekeo sits along a less-traveled portion of the Hamakua Coast. The town’s secluded nature is amplified by the winding, tree-canopied roads that lead visitors through tunnels of tropical greenery. Accessed via Highway 19 and then detouring onto the Old Mamalahoa Highway, the journey itself is a charming adventure. The limited signage and hidden turn-offs contribute to the town’s peaceful isolation, making it a delightful find for those willing to explore.
7. Ninole: Ocean Views and Rolling Hills
With a small population of just over 200 residents, Ninole offers stunning ocean vistas and rolling hills that create picturesque landscapes ideal for relaxation and photography. The town is perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, and simply soaking in the serene environment. Agriculture is prominent here, with locals engaged in small farms and tropical fruit cultivation. Ninole’s seclusion is attributed to its minimal development and the expansive natural surroundings that envelop the community. The absence of commercial tourist attractions allows visitors to experience the raw beauty of Hawaii in a tranquil setting.
Where is Ninole?
Ninole is nestled along the Hamakua Coast, about 19 miles north of Hilo. Its remote feel comes from the sparse population and the lush, uninterrupted landscapes that separate it from neighboring towns. Accessible via Highway 19, the town is easy to miss, which adds to its hidden charm. Travelers seeking solitude will appreciate the quiet roads and the panoramic views of both the ocean and the inland hills that define Ninole’s secluded character.
6. Hakalau: Rich History and Rustic Charm
Hakalau, a small town with a population close to 300, boasts a rich plantation history, charming old sugar mill ruins, and quiet beaches perfect for a secluded retreat. Visitors can explore the remnants of its sugar plantation past, wander through eucalyptus forests, and enjoy bird watching in the wild. The town’s main industries have shifted from sugar to diversified agriculture and small-scale farming. Hakalau’s seclusion is enhanced by its rustic charm and the untouched natural areas surrounding it, making it a peaceful destination for those interested in history and nature.
Where is Hakalau?
Situated approximately 15 miles north of Hilo along the Hamakua Coast, Hakalau is tucked away from the main thoroughfares. The town’s remote feel is heightened by the dense vegetation and the winding roads that lead to it. Access is via Highway 19, but the town itself sits closer to the ocean down smaller, less-traveled roads. This proximity to the coast combined with its hidden location contributes to Hakalau’s secluded atmosphere, offering a quiet escape with historical depth.
5. Laupahoehoe: Dramatic Cliffs and Coastal Beauty
Laupahoehoe, home to around 600 residents, is set against dramatic sea cliffs with a scenic point and memorial park that offer serene views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy picnicking by the ocean, exploring tidal pools, and reflecting at the Laupahoehoe Train Museum. The local economy is supported by education and small businesses, with the town maintaining a peaceful, close-knit community feel. Its seclusion comes from the dramatic natural barriers of cliffs and ocean, coupled with its small size and distance from major tourist centers. The tranquil environment provides a perfect backdrop for contemplation and relaxation.
Where is Laupahoehoe?
Laupahoehoe is located about 25 miles north of Hilo on the Hamakua Coast. The town is accessed via Highway 19, but the main area sits off the highway, closer to the coastline. The winding roads that descend towards the ocean and the surrounding rugged terrain contribute to its secluded nature. The journey involves navigating through lush landscapes and along steep cliffs, which, while breathtaking, also deter heavy traffic, preserving the town’s peaceful ambiance.
4. Ookala: Tranquility Amidst Lush Landscapes
Ookala is a tiny hamlet with a population of fewer than 200 people, nestled among lush greenery and rolling hills. This tranquil spot is ideal for those seeking solitude amidst nature, offering opportunities for hiking, photography, and enjoying panoramic ocean views. Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and farming, is the backbone of Ookala’s local economy. The town’s seclusion is due to its remote location and minimal development, providing a peaceful environment rarely interrupted by the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Where is Ookala?
Located approximately 29 miles north of Hilo along the Hamakua Coast, Ookala is easily overlooked due to its small size and unassuming presence. Accessible via Highway 19, the town doesn’t have major signage or attractions, which enhances its hidden nature. The surrounding landscapes of open fields and distant ocean views create a sense of vastness and isolation. Travelers venturing off the main road will find a quiet community that feels worlds away from urban centers.
3. Paauilo: Rolling Pastures and Ranch Lands
Paauilo is a rural town with a population of around 600 residents, characterized by its rolling pastures, ranch lands, and a peaceful environment away from bustling tourist spots. Visitors can experience authentic Hawaiian ranch life, visit local farms, and enjoy the wide-open spaces perfect for horseback riding and hiking. The town’s economy is largely based on agriculture and cattle ranching, sustaining a way of life that has remained consistent for generations. Paauilo’s seclusion is a result of its expansive landscapes and distance from major urban areas, offering a tranquil retreat into the heart of Hawaii’s countryside.
Where is Paauilo?
Situated about 34 miles north of Hilo on the Hamakua Coast, Paauilo is accessible via Highway 19 but feels remote due to the surrounding vast ranch lands. The town is set inland from the highway, adding to its secluded atmosphere. The journey to Paauilo takes travelers through scenic routes lined with eucalyptus trees and open fields, with views of Mauna Kea in the distance. The lack of commercial development and the expansive natural settings make Paauilo a peaceful haven for those seeking solitude.
2. Honokaa: Historic Charm and Cultural Heritage
Honokaa, with a population of approximately 2,700, is a historic town featuring a quaint main street lined with vintage storefronts, theaters, and eateries that echo a bygone era. Visitors can explore the Honokaa People’s Theatre, browse antique shops, and dine at local cafes offering home-cooked meals. The town serves as a gateway to the Waipio Valley, providing access to one of Hawaii’s most sacred and secluded areas. While tourism and agriculture play roles in the economy, Honokaa maintains a relaxed pace and strong cultural heritage, making it feel secluded despite its larger size compared to neighboring towns.
Where is Honokaa?
Located approximately 43 miles northwest of Hilo along Highway 19, Honokaa sits on the northeastern slope of the Big Island. The town’s seclusion is influenced by its geographical position near the Waipio Valley and the surrounding rugged terrain. Accessible by car, the journey involves traversing scenic mountain roads with sweeping ocean views. The relative distance from major cities and the embrace of traditional Hawaiian culture contribute to Honokaa’s peaceful and secluded ambiance.
1. Kukuihaele: Gateway to Waipio Valley’s Seclusion
Kukuihaele is a small community with a population of fewer than 350 residents, serving as the starting point to explore the secluded Waipio Valley. The town offers breathtaking views of the valley, taro fields, and the black sand beach below. Visitors can embark on hikes, horseback rides, or guided tours into the valley, immersing themselves in its untouched natural beauty. The local economy revolves around agriculture and limited tourism related to Waipio Valley exploration. Kukuihaele’s seclusion is heightened by its end-of-the-road location and the profound sense of tranquility that comes from overlooking one of Hawaii’s most majestic and isolated sites.
Where is Kukuihaele?
Perched at the edge of the Waipio Valley on the Hamakua Coast, Kukuihaele is about 45 miles northwest of Hilo. The town marks the end of Highway 240, enhancing its remote feel. To reach Kukuihaele, travelers drive through Honokaa and continue along winding roads that offer glimpses of the coastline and expansive pastures. The journey culminates with stunning vistas of the valley, and the absence of through traffic ensures that Kukuihaele remains a peaceful gateway to one of Hawaii’s most secluded natural wonders.
I fell in love with the Hamakua Coast! Each town has its own unique charm.
Have you ever explored the hidden towns along the Hamakua Coast? Beyond Papaikou and Pepeekeo, places like Honomu and Laupahoehoe are gems, each with unique charm and breathtaking scenery!