Honokaa Travel Guide

Tourist 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 theatre welcome travellers 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! (192 reviews)
Perfect Island Stay with Ocean Breeze and Warm Hospitality
"Kim and James’s cottage was the perfect home base for exploring Big Island’s trails and beaches. Waking up to breakfast with an ocean view and the Pacific breeze was a highlight. The place was spotless, nearly insect-free, and stayed cool enough without AC. It’s ideal for two or three people. The ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jun. 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! (158 reviews)
Amazing home
"This is an amazing home, with breathtaking views. The house is as advertised and more! Cemille and Derrick are amazing hosts who are available for whatever you need and truly fantastic people who love the beauty of this area. If you are looking for a place to stay that is quiet, secluded and an authentic ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jun. 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! (190 reviews)
Serene is the Perfect Description
"My husband and I were looking for the perfect place to stay, and Wow! did we find it! The property is spectacular with a treasure trove of fruit and nut trees to discover.The hosts are thoughtful and provided a wonderful experience. The hot tub, sauna and cold plunge were a great way to restore. ..."

Reviewed on 11 May 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.
 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! (158 reviews)
Amazing home
"This is an amazing home, with breathtaking views. The house is as advertised and more! Cemille and Derrick are amazing hosts who are available for whatever you need and truly fantastic people who love the beauty of this area. If you are looking for a place to stay that is quiet, secluded and an authentic ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jun. 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! (190 reviews)
Serene is the Perfect Description
"My husband and I were looking for the perfect place to stay, and Wow! did we find it! The property is spectacular with a treasure trove of fruit and nut trees to discover.The hosts are thoughtful and provided a wonderful experience. The hot tub, sauna and cold plunge were a great way to restore. ..."

Reviewed on 11 May 2025

Serene, Restored House from Sugar Days with Sweeping Ocean Views
Inspired 1-BR, Magic Gardens, Stream and Waterfall
Inspired 1-BR, Magic Gardens, Stream and Waterfall
Honokaa
Stay at this apartment in Honokaa. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Waipio Valley Lookout and Waipio Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Beautifully maintained lush gardens and a lovely waterfall on the property. Very clean, comfortable accommodations with all the necessities!"

Reviewed on 9 Apr. 2025

Inspired 1-BR, Magic Gardens, Stream and Waterfall
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Honokaa