Hawaii
2024's Towns In Hawaii That Come Alive In The Fall
Most people think that it is always summer in Hawaii. However, like most of the country, the Hawaiian islands transform when autumn comes around. It may remain warm throughout most of the year, and people may continue visiting the islands’ famous beaches and volcanoes, but there is magic that seems to fill the air around October and November. Many hiking trails are surrounded by deep reds and yellows instead of lush greens, and the towns come alive with festivals celebrating the season.
Hilo
Visitors love coming to Hilo when the temperatures cool because the rainforests and waterfalls become more vibrant. While the temperature is consistent all year, fall brings lower humidity, making long hikes into the wilderness much more comfortable. People spend more time outside, enjoying the natural beauty of the town and its vibrant surroundings. The essence of autumn is in the air, while the island is still full of life. Crisp waterfalls, moss-covered trees, and the scent of beautiful tropical flowers wait for you here.
In November, there is a coffee festival where visitors learn about the process of making the beverage they consume every morning, and the farmer’s market makes it easy to get the delicious produce and homemade crafts only available this time of year. You may not see the change in foliage found on the mainland, but you will find gorgeous wildlife like the Hawaiian Honeycreeper and other tropical birds. A gecko could be basking in the warm sunlight. And the sound of crickets fills the air every night with a thunderous, yet peaceful, harmony. Hilo is a definite destination for touring Hawaii in the fall.
Kailua-Kona
Though the crowds are thinner in the fall, the weather is still warm enough to enjoy the beautifully pristine beaches of Kailua-Kona. Have fun swimming and snorkeling during the day, but prepare to see a different side of the town at night. The humidity is much lower in the fall, making the nights crisp and comfortable enough to enjoy the vibrant nightlife. Go dancing, enjoy delicious seasonal cuisine, and have a nightcap.
In the fall, with fewer tourists around, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the pristine Magic Sands Beach. You may feel like you’re in a movie on those long stretches of beach, though the sands may shift, and they can even disappear during Winter due to high surf. Enjoy seeing wildlife like manta rays and sea turtles. The leaves do not change much in the fall, but the skies definitely do. Go down the Kona coast and enjoy a sunset filled with deep oranges, reds, and purples as though a painting is being brushed before you. While the tourists are gone, be sure to go get some photos at the historic Hulihe’e Palace, where Hawaiian royalty once came to spend their vacation time. Fall brings cool air and an electrifying atmosphere to Kailua-Kona.
Lahaina
Summer fades away in October, making it a perfect time to visit the wonderful village of Lahaina. This is one of the most culturally rich towns in Maui, and the absence of tourists, along with the crisp, salty air, makes fall a great time to visit. Lahaina is filled with historic places to visit and learn about the rich culture of the island.
Take a stroll through the Lahaina Historic District and visit the Banyan Tree. It is one of the most beautiful things you will see in Hawaii. Having been planted in 1873, it is the largest in the country. The refreshing air sways through its branches, which now cover half an acre. Many visitors like to sit under the rustling leaves, letting the coolness of the evening settle around them.
You may not see leaves changing into dark autumn colors, but visitors to Lahaina in the fall enjoy other things, such as watching the whales entering the area in late November. Many tour companies will take you out on a boat so you can see whales breach the water and slap it with their tails. Many have only witnessed this sight on television, but seeing it up close is unforgettable. Lahaina is a town that has to be seen in the fall to get the full experience.
Honolulu
The summer crowds dwindle when fall arrives, making Honolulu a more relaxed and pleasant place to be. Fall gives Oahu a rest from the long lines that summer visitors often experience at popular sites like Waikiki Beach and other traditional places. However, the warm weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoors. A fragrant breeze washes over the area when the air cools, allowing you to stay out longer and enjoy the gentle sand and the deep blue color shimmering from the water.
You may see a shift in the colors in places like Diamond Head, but the crisp blue sky is different from the one summer visitors enjoy. It is still warm enough to enjoy a little swimming or snorkeling, but many events take place during the fall, like the Honolulu Pride Festival, celebrating the diversity of the local communities. October also brings the Waikiki Fall Festival, a great opportunity to get local handmade crafts and jewelry that you will not find in any of the gift shops. You will also get some great-tasting seasonal food like caramel apples and pumpkin cookies that you will not find in tourist restaurants. Honolulu, in the fall, is one of the best places in Hawaii to be.
Hana
Hana in the fall is a peaceful place that will give you a chance to see the island of Maui in a more intimate way. The fall breeze washes through the rainforest, pushing the vibrant fragrances of the tropical plants there. The air feels more crisp when you stand by a serene waterfall without the usual crowds of tourists.
If you want to escape the busier spots that may still be crowded with tourists in the fall, Hana may offer the respite you seek. Walking down the secluded Pipiwai Trail will surround you with vegetation turning a dark hue. Drive along the Hana Highway to discover breathtaking island views like the Kahanu Garden. You can take a glimpse into the past of the islands through gorgeous plants and ancient cultural locations. Fall is a perfect time to visit Hana and immerse yourself in the beauty that Maui has to offer.
Hanalei
Stunning landscapes await visitors who come to Hanalei in the fall. You may not see a dramatic change in the color of the leaves, but the island’s natural beauty shines. The fresh, crisp air brings the scent of saltwater, making an evening on the beach watching a picture-perfect sunset a memory that will not be forgotten.
The breathtaking views of the mountains that stretch up on either side of the town stand out even more when the air becomes cooler. The patches of red and orange in the forests bring a gorgeous accent to the lush greenery. Hiking along the Na Pali Coast trails will offer more opportunities to see the picturesque beauty Hanalei has to offer.
Visiting the local farmer’s market is a wonderful way to sample the island’s seasonal fruits and vegetables. A cool breeze carries the scents of homemade candles, local honey, and freshly baked bread, making Hanalei an unforgettable place to be in the fall.
Haleakala
One of the most breathtaking scenes to behold is the volcanic landscape of Haleakala at sunset in the fall. The skies become clearer as the refreshing, crisp air blows in. The crowds that are here in the summer thin out in the fall, allowing you to experience Haleakala differently. Visitors can stand on the peak of the volcanic shield and take in a magical sight as the skies fill with amber and violet hues.
Have relaxing walks along the Sliding Sands Trail without having to worry about the heat of the day. You will see amazing bursts of wildflowers during the day and a sky filled with a canvas of stars at night. The cool air makes the sky so visible you can count the shooting stars you see. A visit to Haleakala in the fall will be an unforgettable trip you will talk about for years to come.
Pahoa
The Big Island of Hawaii has a vibrant hidden gem that offers a unique experience in the fall: Pahoa. Known for its Bohemian atmosphere, quirky shops, art studios, and delicious restaurants, Pahoa has a more relaxed energy when the tourist season is over. Visitors can connect more personally with locals and experience the area’s unique charm.
The more comfortable weather lends an excellent opportunity to visit outdoor attractions like the Lava Tree State Monument, where you can explore Hawaii’s fascinating volcanic history. Take a walk through an eerie landscape of lava trees that were formed by volcanic eruptions over millions of years. A quiet hike through the trails will allow you to appreciate these natural formations and take beautiful pictures without other visitors getting in the way. The quieter side of Pahoa is what you can experience in the fall and is the perfect place to experience an enchanting fall season.
Kapa’au
Visitors who want an authentic Hawaiian experience should visit the town of Kapa’au when the summer tourist season is over. This little town is filled with a rich history and culture you can hear about in more detail once the crowds thin out. Visit the statue of King Kamehameha, who was born there. You will also be able to see all the shops and art galleries without having to wait in line or deal with crowds. The cooler weather gives visitors a chance to take a hike through Pololu Valley and see a beautiful view of the coast in the crisp autumn air.
A beautiful experience waits for you from September to November. The relaxed vibe and peaceful quiet make this little town one of Hawaii’s hidden gems and is especially enjoyable in the fall.
Hawaii in Fall: A Unique Island Adventure
Hawaii is a destination for millions of tourists throughout the summer, offering culture, cuisine, and pristine beaches. However, the islands come alive in the fall when the tourists come home. Visiting Hawaii in the fall allows you to see the natural beauty absent in the summer. It also offers a chance to see the genuine people. When the persona of what the tourists expect to see is gone, you will enjoy seeing culturally significant art and tasting authentic food. There are also more chances to explore as the cooler temperatures make the outdoors more inviting. Whether you want to relax, immerse yourself in culture, or see the natural beauty of the rainforests and volcanoes, Hawaii has plenty of treasures in the fall. Be sure to make a trip to Hawaii in the fall, something you do in your lifetime.
KALIHI KAI, Oahu (KHON2) — Tuesday afternoon’s line of backed-up traffic came in part after equipment on a truck hit the Gulick overpass, the lowest overpass on the island.
“Every time (Gulick overpass) gets hit, it takes us an hour to four hours to clear it,” said Ed Sniffen, Hawaii Department of Transportation director. “First, our people have to get out in traffic to get there, and second, we have to make sure we check the structure, the integrity of the structure and remove any loose concrete that might be there.”
The trucking industry said it takes precautions to ensure accurate and safe routes for its trucks, but accidents can still happen.
“Sometimes when we do get orders to deliver things, we go by what the person who’s doing the initial order is, we go by what their weight and their height is, and sometimes it’s not correct,” said Tina Yamaki, Hawaii Transportation Association managing director.
Tuesday wasn’t the first time the Gulick overpass has been hit, which is why raising it is a top priority for the DOT. They said the entirety of the overpass should be closed by June, with work expected to last for about a year.
“The Gulick overpass is our lowest clearance in the state right now, it’s at 14.3, the next nearest one is at 14.7, and it never gets hit,” said Sniffen. “Gulick overpass has been hit in the last five years at least four times.”
DOT is currently installing a pedestrian overpass to connect nearby schools and homes in the area, which will be installed by early June, and a complete shutdown of the area is expected by the end of June.
The raising of the overpass is part of the larger project to expand Middle Street to five lanes.
“The project itself is over 100 million dollars, very important for this area,” said Sniffen. “It’s an area that we always have back-ups during peak times, and non-peak times, and we always have a lot of weaving in those areas because of the merge that we have there.”
Hawaiian removed free economy meals from its website today without an announcement or warning. If you are flying on Hawaiian today, you may be in for a surprise. We have received reports that, as of yesterday, complimentary Koloa Rum punch was still served.
The airline’s food page now loads an Alaska-style paid pre-order menu. It includes no Hawaii items other than Passion Orange Guava Juice, but does offer a Northwest Deli Picnic Pack, among other choices. The hot sandwich, chips, the Honolulu Cookie Company dessert, and whatever else you may remember from Hawaiian are now gone. Beer in the main cabin is $8.99, wine and spirits are $9.99, and canned cocktails are $12.99.
Updated. Hawaiian/Alaska just said – sorry folks, big error on our part.
“There are no changes to our complimentary meal service in our main cabins. During our PSS transition, several dual‑brand content updates were made to our webpages, and the link referenced in your post was unintentionally directing to an Alaska Airlines pre‑order page. We’re working to correct that now.” — Alaska Airlines.
So now it isn’t clear what this really means for travelers. The Hawaii Airlines meals page (screen shot below) was as found today and now they say these are wrong. But what really is happening, and what the plans are for meals, among other things, is not any clearer.
What changed wasn’t unexpected, but.
Until today, Hawaiian stood apart from every other U.S. airline in this one simple way. You boarded a five or six-hour flight to Hawaii and knew you would be fed something. The meal was still built into the ticket, long after others had removed it, and it stayed there for years after the food itself stopped being anything anyone called special. BOH editors have been flying Hawaiian long enough to have watched the entire tradition shift over the years.
Now the airline’s food runs on pre-ordered food, paid selections, and the same setup Alaska uses everywhere else in its network. That makes sense. The free meal was not, however, quietly removed or softened around the edges. And there are noticeably no Hawaii themed offerings. We hope that will change. The page that promised food was just rewritten, and the replacement is a paid menu.
What is still free and what is not.
Complimentary options in the main cabin are now soft drinks, coffee, and juices. As we reported on our Alaska flight from Hawaii on Monday, we also received a full-sized Biscoff cookie and were handed an expensive chocolate bar. Those are not on the list, however. In any event, this is one of the moves away from what Hawaiian flyers were used to seeing when they checked the Hawaiian Airlines website before a trip.
The food order requires using the app or website, a stored payment method, and a selection window that closes 20 hours before departure. But you can order up to two weeks in advance. If you miss the window, you can buy from the cart, as we also mentioned yesterday. This is the model used across most U.S. domestic routes, and Hawaii flights are now on it too.
Readers were honestly already prepared.
Beat of Hawaii readers saw this coming months ago. One told us to just assume no meal and be pleasantly surprised. Another said she would rather bring her own food. We both concur, and we did. A third called the sandwich basically a hot pocket. Those were not isolated complaints from people nitpicking airline food quality.
And we’ll say, honestly, that Alaska’s paid options are of far higher quality. In any event, travelers were already adjusting to a service pattern they could already see falling apart before Alaska removed it entirely from the website today.
A smaller group still wanted the meal, especially on longer flights where a snack does not get you very far. Both groups ended up landing at the very same place today. The meal is no longer an automatic assumption. It is now something you plan for, pay for, or go without, and that change may come as a surprise to some who have long flown Hawaiian.
Alaska’s system is now the whole system.
Alaska has not served free economy meals for nearly a decade. Its service is based on pre-order or limited in-flight options, and that is now the way it works on Hawaiian flights, too. The Hawaiian planes look the same as before, with the Pualani still on the tail, and the crews are still Hawaiian, but the food system behind the experience is new.
Passengers should plan to decide and pay in advance or expect few options. Honestly, this is an alignment with other airlines, so it should not come as a big surprise. That’s how Alaska has operated for years, and Hawaiian mainland flights now operate inside that same structure.
The details visitors once cared about have changed.
The sandwich got the attention, but readers were pointing in another direction. They often commented on the Koloa Rum punch, the walk-up galley that opened after main service, and the cookie handed out near the end of the flight. One BOH reader put it plainly by saying the rum punch felt more special than the food, and that probably gets closer to the real loss than all the arguments about the odd sandwich ever did.
None of those details appear anywhere on the new Alaska-branded main cabin page. The rum punch is not even in the beverage list. The walk-up galley is not described. The cookie is not mentioned.
The shift is already complete.
For years, flights to Hawaii had different expectations than the rest of U.S. domestic service. There was no app required, no payment screen, and no 20-hour deadline hanging over you before you ever got to the airport. The food showed up, whether you loved it or mocked it, and that was at least still something.
That is over now. Food is optional, planned, and paid. The Hawaii flight planning starts before you get on the plane, and what you eat depends on what you selected earlier, rather than what the airline places in front of you once you are airborne. Hawaii has joined all other domestic flights in that way, as Hawaiian was folded into the same system every other U.S. airline already uses.
Where does this go from here?
First class moves to pre-order in May under Chef Valdez. Tokyo, Sydney, Papeete, and even the long-haul 11-hour HNL-JFK run are not listed on the new international food page at all, leaving those routes unaccounted for for now and giving readers another reason to wonder what else is about to change in the Alaska/Hawaiian offerings.
Mainland economy meal service is the part we can see today, and the change is already notable. Were you booked on a Hawaii flight expecting the meal? What did you find on your tray instead?
Hawaiian Airlines food page as of April 22, 2026:
Photos © Beat of Hawaii.
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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The search for Honolulu’s next police chief is moving into the next phase.
The Honolulu Police Commission announced it has narrowed the candidate pool to six semi-finalists, selected from an initial list of 11 applicants identified by a recruitment firm.
“The commissioners feel these six applicants exhibited the leadership and management skills necessary to lead an organization as large, complex and critical to the community as the Honolulu Police Department,” said member of the Honolulu Police Commission, Chair Laurie Foster.
“Those qualities were identified in part by surveys and stakeholder interviews conducted by the recruitment firm,” she added.
The names of the semi-finalists have not been released. Officials said confidentiality is being maintained at this stage to encourage applicants who may still be employed elsewhere.
The candidates will next be interviewed by stakeholder panels made up of community members and others who interact with the Honolulu Police Department.
The commission is expected to select finalists during a May 6 meeting, with those names to be announced afterward.
Finalists will then participate in additional interviews and a public appearance before the commission votes on the next police chief at a public meeting scheduled for May 20.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
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