Understand

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Honoka'a, a small heritage town located on the Big Island. Surrounded by the stunning Mauna Kea, majestic valleys, and a breathtaking coastline, Honoka'a is the perfect destination for nature lovers. Explore the lush tropical rainforests, vibrant rivers, and enchanting waterfalls that grace the slopes of Mauna Kea. The climate here is tropical and warm, creating an ideal environment for agriculture. The town has deep agricultural and cultural roots, from coffee plantations to sugar and macadamia nut markets. Honoka'a was once the third largest town in Hawaii, bustling with people from all walks of life. Today, it exudes a vibrant culture and is listed as a "Heritage town". Take a leisurely stroll along Mamane Street, the main street of downtown Honoka'a. The town showcases a captivating mix of old-time charm and forward-thinking agrarian spirit. Don't miss the regular "First Friday" events, where the streets come alive with music, performances, and vendors. Explore the great outdoors on the Hmkua Coast, with its camping sites and beautiful forest preserves. Consider staying at Hotel Honokaa Club, a charming historic building that offers comfortable and affordable rooms. Visit the nearby Waipio Valley, a secluded beach accessible only by 4-wheel drive. And don't forget to check out the local farmers market every Sunday at the intersection of Highway 19 and Mamane Street. Honoka'a is an off-the-beaten-track gem waiting to be discovered!

Get in

Looking to travel to Honoka'a? The nearest airport is Hilo International Airport, which is one of two airports on the Big Island (the other being Kona International Airport). Most flights to Hilo International Airport originate from Honolulu via Hawaiian Airlines[1]. From Hilo, visitors can rent a car or take a bus provided by County of Hawai'i Mass Transit Agency to reach Honoka'a. The journey from Hilo International Airport to Honoka'a takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Another option is to start from Kailua-Kona, where most flights to Kona International Airport also originate from Honolulu via Hawaiian Airlines and Island Air[2]. The journey from Kona to Honoka'a takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Whether you choose to fly into Hilo or Kona, there are convenient transportation options to reach Honoka'a.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

**1. Hamburger**The hamburger, often simply called a burger, is a sandwich consisting of a cooked patty of ground beef, usually served in a bun with toppings and condiments such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and pickles. It is a quintessential American fast food item that can be found at restaurants, fast food joints, and even street vendors throughout the country. While traditional hamburgers typically include beef, there are also vegetarian options available made from plant-based ingredients.

**2. Pizza**Pizza is a popular Italian-American dish consisting of a yeasted flatbread base, typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various other ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and herbs. In the United States, pizza is often sold as both a take-out and sit-down dining option, with numerous regional variations in styles and toppings. Pepperoni is a particularly popular topping in the U.S., but vegetarian and vegan pizzas are also widely available.

**3. Fried Chicken**Fried chicken is a southern-style dish comprised of marinated chicken pieces that are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Originating from the American South, fried chicken has become a staple in the country's culinary landscape, with various regional variations in preparation styles and seasonings. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as part of a larger feast, and although traditionally prepared with chicken, vegetarian alternatives do exist.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing