Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Back to Blog

THINGS TO DO IN HONOKAA: A GUIDE TO THE HAMAKUA COAST

Vintage cars line a quaint street with colorful buildings and palm trees, leading to the ocean horizon. things to do in Honokaa

Some things to do in Honokaa includes small-town shopping, historic sites, local food, scenic drives, and access to one of Hawaii’s most famous valleys. Honokaa sits on the Hamakua Coast, just minutes from Waipio Valley, and it offers a slower, more local Hawaii experience.

If you want old-school charm, open views, and real community vibes, Honokaa delivers. It’s not crowded. It’s not flashy. It feels lived in. That’s what makes it special.

From our perspective at Waipio Valley Shuttle, Honokaa is where many visitors begin and end a perfect day exploring this side of the island.

Where Is Honokaa Located and What are Some Things to Do in Honokaa?

Map of Hawaiian Islands on a wooden table.

Honokaa is a small town on the northeast side of the Big Island. It sits above Waipio Valley and along the Hamakua Coast.

It’s close to:

  • Waipio Valley Lookout
  • Waipio Valley Shuttle meeting points
  • Scenic coastal highways
  • Local farms and ranch land

Many travelers pass through Honokaa without stopping. That’s a mistake. There’s a lot to see here if you slow down.

Why Visit Honokaa Instead of a Resort Area?

Honokaa feels real. It hasn’t been built around tourism. Life happens here every day.

You’ll notice:

  • Fewer crowds
  • Local businesses, not chains
  • Friendly conversations
  • Slower pacing
  • Cooler temperatures

If you want to see how people actually live on the Big Island, Honokaa gives you that view.

Walk Through Historic Downtown Honokaa

One of the easiest things to do in Honokaa is to walk its main street.

Downtown Honokaa keeps its plantation-era feel. Wooden storefronts line the road. Murals add color. Shops feel personal.

You’ll find:

  • Local boutiques
  • Small galleries
  • Coffee shops
  • Casual eateries
  • Antique stores

This is a good place to wander without a plan. Stop when something catches your eye.

Eat Local Food in Honokaa

Food in Honokaa feels homemade. Portions feel generous. People take their time.

Popular choices include:

  • Plate lunches
  • Fresh pastries
  • Local coffee
  • Simple breakfasts
  • Farm-inspired meals

This is a good stop before or after exploring the coast. Many shuttle guests eat here before their Waipio Valley tour.

Plate with rice, pulled pork, chicken and salad on a picnic table near a beach.

Explore the Hamakua Coast by Car

Honokaa sits along one of the most scenic drives on the island.

The Hamakua Coast offers:

  • Ocean views
  • Rolling green hills
  • Old bridges
  • Rain-fed landscapes
  • Quiet pullouts

Driving this stretch feels peaceful. The road curves gently. The scenery changes often.

It’s an easy way to fill an afternoon.

See Waipio Valley From the Lookout

No list of things to do in Honokaa is complete without mentioning Waipio Valley.

The Waipio Valley Lookout sits just outside town. From here, you see:

  • The full valley from above
  • Waterfalls after rain
  • Black sand beach in the distance
  • Sheer cliffs on both sides

It’s a stunning view. Many people stop here first.

But the lookout only shows part of the story.

Take the Waipio Valley Shuttle

From our perspective, taking the Waipio Valley Shuttle is one of the best things to do in Honokaa.

Why? Because visitors are no longer allowed to walk or drive down into the valley on their own. The access road is steep, restricted, and closed to the public.

The shuttle is the only legal and safe way to reach the valley floor.

On the shuttle, you:

  • Descend into the valley
  • Travel safely on the steep road
  • See taro patches and rivers
  • Spot wild horses
  • Reach the black sand beach area
  • Learn the valley’s history

The tour lasts about 105 minutes. It works for all ages. It fits easily into a Honokaa day trip.

Many guests explore Honokaa before or after their shuttle tour. The pairing feels natural.

Learn About Local Farming and Ranching

Honokaa sits in a strong agricultural region.

You’ll notice:

  • Open pasture land
  • Taro farms nearby
  • Old plantation structures

This side of the island still relies on the land. The connection feels visible everywhere you go.

That agricultural history ties directly into Waipio Valley, which remains an active farming area today.

Enjoy Cooler Weather and Open Space

Honokaa feels different from the coast.

It’s usually:

  • Cooler
  • Breezier
  • Greener

Clouds move through often. Rain comes and goes. When the sun breaks through, everything glows.

For many visitors, this weather feels refreshing.

Stop at Local Events and Markets

Depending on the time of year, Honokaa hosts:

  • Small festivals
  • Community gatherings
  • Local markets
  • Art events

These aren’t tourist productions. They’re for the people who live here. Visitors are welcome, but the tone stays relaxed.

If something’s happening when you visit, check it out.

Who Should Visit Honokaa?

Honokaa works best for travelers who enjoy:

  • Slower travel
  • Cultural depth
  • Scenic drives
  • Small towns
  • Authentic experiences

It’s great for:

  • Couples
  • Families
  • Solo travelers
  • Visitors pairing it with Waipio Valley

If you want nightlife or shopping malls, look elsewhere. If you want character, Honokaa delivers.

Enjoying Your Time in Honokaa

Things to do in Honokaa center around slowing down, looking closer, and experiencing a quieter side of the Big Island.

You can walk historic streets, eat local food, drive the Hamakua Coast, stand at the Waipio lookout, and you can take the Waipio Valley Shuttle to experience the valley from the inside.

From our perspective, Honokaa isn’t a place you rush through. It’s a place you let unfold. When you do, it becomes one of the most memorable stops on the island.

Next Post