From the vibrant streets of Waikiki to the more laid-back country roads of Haiku, every town in Hawaii has something unique and different. We would love to visit each one and enjoy their unique attractions, but there are too many. To simplify matters, our readers voted for their preferred towns, resulting in a sorted list of the best towns in Hawaii in 2019.
1. Lahaina, Maui
Not surprisingly, Lahaina, the most active area on West Maui, ranks highest on our list once more. Known for Front Street, where you can spend an entire day shopping, the coastal town is also the preferred destination for visitors seeking whale viewing, as Pacific humpback whales frequent the waters around Lahaina during Hawaii’s winter season. Located on the outskirts of Lahaina, Punakea Palms, Hawaii’s sole coconut farm, offers educational tours of its grounds and attracts visitors who are passionate about coconuts.
You cannot, of course, overlook the food. Sale Pepe, a hole-in-the-wall treasure situated in the Old Lahaina Center, delivers some of the best pasta and pizza this side of the Pacific, but Lahaina’s chock-full of restaurants and bars does not. And seeing the sunset from Lahaina’s beachfront on Front Street is the best way to finish the day. It’s no wonder Lahaina is considered one of the best towns in Hawaii.
2. Kaanapali, Maui
Kaanapali, five miles along the coast from Lahaina, is home to some of the island’s most elegant resorts and hotels, including the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas and the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. Another feature of the area is one of the nicest beaches in Hawaii—Kaanapali Beach, which appears to go endlessly down the Maui coast. The beach extends over a mile in length. Make sure to visit the northernmost part of the beach to fulfill your dream of diving off Puu Kekaa, Black Rock. Kaanapali is definitely among the best towns in Hawaii.
3. Hanalei, Kauai
Kauai faced difficulties last year. The island experienced unprecedented flooding and rain, and most of Kauai’s northern section suffered major damage. Therefore, it is pleasing to see Hanalei ranked third on our list this year. Though well-known Hanalei Bay lacks the natural beauty it once possessed, the area has recovered from tragedy, and most, if not all, of the beach town’s main attractions and businesses are once again available for business. So don’t hold back from Hanalei; you can still grab a vibrant bowl of shaved ice, visit Waioli Huiia Church, and spend the day at Hanalei Bay. Hanalei’s resilience makes it one of the best towns in Hawaii.
4. Kihei, Maui
Kihei, the third town on our Top 5 list on Maui’s southwest coast, is well-known for being among the island’s drier areas. Fortunately, the town covers approximately 6 miles of beach coastline and is well-known for its several family-friendly beach parks, including Kalama and Kamaole, so you don’t have to travel far to get wet. Kihei also features a range of reasonably priced condominiums, motels, and cottages to pick from on Maui, all close to restaurants, a busy farmers market, and, naturally, lots of beaches. Kihei’s accessibility and family-friendly environment make it one of the best towns in Hawaii.
5. Kailua, Oahu
Unquestionably, Oahu’s east side—most especially Kailua—is becoming more and more trendy by the day. And we are not surprised either. The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is another reason to visit the Windward Side, should the calm waves and golden beaches of Lanikai Beach prove insufficient—and they most certainly are. One of the easiest climbs hikers can do on Oahu, the trail produces one of the most Instagrammable vistas of the Mokulua Islands. Recently, more local businesses and stores have improved the region. Kailua also boasts the biggest wetland in the state, Kawainui Marsh, covering around 800 acres. Kailua’s natural beauty and trendy vibe make it one of the best towns in Hawaii.
