Hawaii's Vibrant Town Is The Ideal Destination For Discovering Local Flavors And Unique Cuisine

When it comes to tropical vacations, Hawaii is about as good as it gets. If you haven't been before, it can be a little overwhelming to know which island or city to visit without a comprehensive Hawaii travel guide.

However, no matter where you go, the blend of modern infrastructure and exotic natural scenery makes the entire archipelago irresistible. Although each island offers a spectacular travel experience, the Island of Hawaii, the largest in the chain (and fittingly called the Big Island) stands out. Because of its size, there's a long list of things to do on the Big Island. 

Each side of the Big Island is unique. The Kona side stays warm and sunny, while the Hilo side is wet and green. In the northern section of the island is the historic town of Honoka'a, which is so remarkable that it demands a closer look. Here's what you need to know when planning your trip.

While Honoka'a is a relatively small town today (with a population of roughly 2,700 people compared to the over 44,000 in Hilo), it used to be the second-largest city on the island. Honoka'a's growth could, at the time, be attributed to the sugar industry. Sugar processing started in the 1800s with the establishment of businesses including the Honoka'a Sugar Plantation. The town's population peaked in the roaring 1920s, and many of the original buildings from that time still stand today.

What makes Honoka'a's historical status even more remarkable is that it survived the destructive tsunami of 1946, largely thanks to its 1,000-foot elevation. As a result, many of the buildings in the historic district remain. Another big reason for the town's enduring legacy is that many of the businesses were started by former plantation workers. Since they were connected to the community, they helped each other thrive.

One of the most important historical sites in Honoka'a is the People's Theater, located on the main drag of Māmane Street (part of Honoka'a-Waipi'o Road). The theater was built in 1930 and has delighted audiences for nearly a century. Today, in addition to showing Hollywood blockbusters, the theater hosts local events and celebrations.

To reach Honoka'a from outside the Island of Hawaii, look for flights to nearby Kona Airport. Depending on your starting point, you may have to book a connecting flight to Oahu first. From Kona Airport, the town is about a one-hour drive away.

Once you're in town, you'll notice the charming atmosphere that Honoka'a is known for. Many businesses along the main street exist within original structures. The historic buildings say the year they were established and what the building was used for before. For example, if you get a drink at the Honoka'a Pub, you'll see that it used to be the First Bank of Hilo, built in 1910. Another example is King's Treats, a dessert shop in a building erected in 1925.

Sampling local cuisine is one fantastic reason to visit Honoka'a. Because the region was populated over time by immigrants from different countries, the local flavors reflect the area's diversity. One of the oldest operating restaurants is Andrade's Honoka'a Cafe, which was first established in 1924. If you want to go shopping, Honoka'a also has some incredible local stores. For even more souvenirs and goodies, head further north to Hawi for eclectic boutiques.