I wasn’t sure Hawi on the Big Island was worth the drive- until I arrived! The scenery is gorgeous and the small town is the perfect break from the beach for a few hours. I’m so happy I made the trip to Hawi, and am excited to show you a few of the highlights of the city.
Hawi Hawaii
Hawi is an eclectic town on the Northern tip of Big Island, about an hour drive from Kailua-Kona. Hawi features many small shops, art boutiques and a farmers’ market. Once tied to the sugar industry, this town was almost abandoned, but over the last 20 years, Hawi has become a vibrant scene for art and culture.
Hawi has about 1,100 residents, but the area feels bigger with other nearby towns and tourists seeking a more relaxed and authentic destination.
When the Iron Man competition originates in Kailua-Kona, Hawi is the turn around point for the 112-mile biking portion of the race.
Experiences & Destinations in Hawi
First – the Statue of King Kamehameha!
It is just past the Hawi in the town of Kapaau.
If you go to Hawi, my recommendation is to visit the King Kamehameha statue first. He was Hawaii’s first monarch to rule all the Hawaiian Islands as one. This is the first of these statues made and while some more prominent statues exist in elsewhere in the islands, if you’re close by it will be a great experience to reflect upon this leader.
Located on Highway 270 and Hospital Road, it is probably easiest to set your GPS to Kings View Cafe when you leave for Hawi.
Hawi Restaurants and Coffee Shops
- Nakahara Store: Like many other small markets in Hawaii, the groceries are helpful, but the to-go prepared is amazing. You’ll have a great trips to Hawi if you take the food to go and dine outdoors somewhere close. Saturday & Sunday borders on luxury prepared food with Nakahara’s hot and juicy Char Siu Pork.
- Kohala Coffee Mill
- Bamboo Restaurant
- WowWowz Shave Ice
- Mi Ranchito
- Kohala Rainbow Cafe
- Kohala Food Hub – local, fresh produce is a refreshing treat.
Heiau – Hawaiian Temples
A Heiau is a Hawaiian Temple. There are many in the area of Hawi, that I recommend looking at including.
- Puukohola Heiau
- Mookini Heiau
Historical Buildings
With the sugar and other industries dating back a few hundreds years, there are a couple historical buildings in the area including:
- Kohala District Courthouse
- The Bond District, which is the former homestead of Ellen & Elias Bond. It was established in the mid-1800s.
- A. Nanbu Hotel-Holy’s Bakery – which has been on the National Register of Historic places since 1899.
- James M. Hind House
- Ackermen Art Gallery is in a building established in 1900.
Art in Hawi
Hawi has many art offerings.
The King Kamehameha statue
I’ve already recommended the King Kamehameha statue. This was actually the first of 2 statues built and then there are many other statues that mimic this one. Originally this status was meant for Honolulu (where?!!) but it was lost at sea when traveling from Italy to Hawaii, so second statues was commissioned. After the Honolulu statue was delivered, fishermen were able to retrieve this statue and decided to place it at King Kamehameha’s hometown.
Kohala Artists’ Cooperative
Displays the work of local artists and is a great way to find art inspired by one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Ackerman Galleries
Gary Ackerman is one of the pioneers of the art scene in Hawi.
His gallery features Abstract, Still Life and Landscape Paintings as well as magnificent sculptures.
Ackerman Galleries is currently only taking appointments to visit the gallery, but is very welcoming and you should not hesitate to get in touch.
Wishard Art Gallery
The gallery of Harry Wishard displays other local artists as well – highlighting many colorful paintings of Hawaii mountain and beach scenery.
Also offers sculptures, antiques and other collectibles.
Alert! Some websites show The Wishard Art Gallery as being permanently closed. The gallery isn’t answering their phone at the time of writing but the answering system does still say the gallery is open 11-4 daily.
Other Art destinations
- Bamboo Restaurant contains an art gallery
- Elements Jewelry & Fine Crafts
Other Hawi Destinations of Interest
- Lokahi Garden Sanctuary: Wide variety of attractions: vacation rentals, spa, and farm tours.
- Aloha Man’s Beach Essentials
Getting to Hawi
Much of the trip is along 35 miles per hour roads, so put on a podcast or your favorite tunes, and enjoy the relaxing drive to Hawi.
Driving
Enjoy the drive and enjoy the scenery – you’ll be cruising along the ocean most of the way.
From Kailua-Kona: 1 – 1.5 hours
The drive is straight and simple. From Kailua-Kona, head North on Highway 19 until it merges with Highway 270 and then take this new highway as far as Hawi. There are interesting points to stop and see along the way.
From Hilo: 2 hours
Go West on Highway 19 until the junction with Highway 250, just after Waimea. Take 250 North until you reach Hawi and Kapaau.
Parking in Hawi
Should should be simple at the different destinations you visit and you shouldn’t have to walk too far to your various destinations. Of course, this is a gorgeous, refreshing place to walk around and explore after sitting in the car for the trip.
Hawi History
The Northern Tip of the Big Island was home to King Kamehameha – this was the inspiration for placing such a prominent statue of him in the area. There are different legends about his birth, but it is largely thought he was born in this area in 1758.
Hawi was involved in sugar agriculture with the Hawi Sugar Mill. This industry did not run as long running as in other parts of Hawaii: about 1880 – 1950. Prominent Pioneers in Hawi Agriculture inlcude the Akina and Hind families – expertly building sugar and cattle businesses.
Hawi Frequently Asked Questions
What Else should we do on the drive
There are plenty of swim spots along the way, and of course like at the different historic sites including various heaius.
How long does it take to drive to Hawi?
From Kailua-Kona, it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to drive to Hawi.
From Hilo, it is about a 2 hour drive.
Both Drives are along the ocean and GORGEOUS!
Are there Tours of Hawi?
There aren’t any official or sanctioned tours. We do recommend asking for ideas and talking with others in the area when you’re at the King Kamehameha Statue or Nakahara Store.
Hawi Summary & other places of interest
Hawi is difficult to summarize, it offers so much and has many other facets just waiting to be explored. History is prominent with government officials calling this area home.
Hawi did follow the main industries of Hawaii in the 1800 & 1900s and is know a relaxing town centered on art.
If planning a day excursion to Hawi, there are other areas to explore including both Kēōkea and Kapa’a Beach Parks. If you’d enjoy a refreshing hike, consider Pololū Valley Lookout and Honokane Nui Lookout.
Geology of Hawi
Here’s a little section on Hawi Geology if you want some extra credit.
As is usual in Hawaii, the ground is volcanic rock. The lava flows covering the island near Hawi and the Northern tip of the island range from about 10 to 150 feet thick. The soils that have formed as sediment has built up is only about 3 feet thick, but sufficient enough to support agriculture.
The Kohala Volcano where the lava flows originated to build the area around Hawi, is the only extinct volcano on the Big Island.
Any other volcano on the island could erupt. In fact that is happening currently in December 2022.
