Hawaii
8 Most Relaxing Hawaii Towns
The Hawaiian term for relaxing or kicking back, ho’onanea, is rooted in communities on the islands where it is easy to lounge and slow down. Find small towns like Captain Cook, where visitors can stroll through Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park with a Kona coffee in hand and learn about the life of famous explorer James Cook. In Hana, waterfalls and rainforests at Waianapanapa State Park wash away the mainland stress. Though their populations remain small, these towns offer an authentic Hawaiian experience and a quieter side of the islands.
Hanalei, Kauai
Set between the emerald mountains Kauai is famous for, and Hanalei Bay, Hanalei offers plenty of relaxing activities with a scenic backdrop. The town is framed by taro fields, waterfalls, and a crescent-shaped beach that draws surfers and beachgoers, but not large crowds. Hanalei’s small commercial strip along Kuhio Highway is lined with cool surf shops like the Hanalei Surf Company, which sells stylish surf, skate, and beach gear, or the Backdoor Surf Shop, which features the latest in boards and apparel. When surf stoke hits, fuel up with a delicious keiki or acai bowl at Wishing Well Coffee and Tea before you paddle out to the break.
If surfing isn’t on the must-do list, the historic Hanalei Pier extends into the bay and is one of the town’s most recognizable gathering places (it has been featured in several movies), while nearby Hanalei River adds to the scenery with paddleboarding and kayak routes. When the sun sets over the bay, head to the Kalypso Island Bar and Grill for great views and fish tacos.
Kaunakakai, Molokai
Kaunakakai is the largest town on Molokai, but it remains small enough to feel quiet and removed from the pace of the larger islands. The town sits along the southern coast near Kaunakakai Harbor and is best known for its modest waterfront and long wooden pier stretching into the ocean. Its main street, Ala Mālama Avenue, is lined with cozy shops like Something For Everybody, where visitors can get an authentic souvenir and a tasty sandwich, along with some friendly chatter with the husband and wife owners. And be sure to visit the Molokai Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, where vendors sell local produce, art, and crafts, and musicians keep the vibe upbeat.
Hana, Maui
Hana is one of the most isolated towns in Hawaii, reached by the winding Road to Hana through rainforest, waterfalls, and dramatic coastal scenery. Because of its remote location on eastern Maui, Hana has avoided the kind of growth seen in larger beach destinations. The town itself is small, with a few local businesses, roadside stands, and community spaces spread out between dense tropical vegetation and the ocean.
The surrounding landscape is what gives Hana its appeal. Black-sand beaches, rocky coves, forest trails, and waterfalls are all within a short drive or walk. Waianapanapa State Park adds walking paths and lava rock coastline, while Hamoa Beach offers a quieter stretch of sand.
Captain Cook, Hawaii
Captain Cook sits on the western side of the Big Island above Kealakekua Bay, surrounded by coffee farms, green hillsides, and ocean views. Unlike the more commercial areas farther north, the town has a distinctly residential feel, with small businesses, farm stands, and local shops spread along Mamalahoa Highway.
The area is closely connected to agriculture, especially Kona coffee production, and many of the surrounding roads pass through fields and rural neighborhoods rather than resort developments. Kealakekua Bay, just below town, offers calm water for kayaking, snorkeling, and coastal walks, while nearby historic sites like Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, the site of Captain James Cook’s death, the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, and St. Benedict’s Catholic Church provide interesting landmarks for visitors.
Waimea, Hawaii
Waimea (not to be confused with Waimea, Kauai, or Waimea Bay, Oahu) offers a very different side of Hawaii from the better-known beach towns. Located in the uplands of the Big Island at an elevation of 2,600 feet, the town is surrounded by rolling green hills, ranchland, and cooler temperatures. It is best known for its paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboy, heritage, which gives the area a more rural character than many coastal communities.
In town, the Kahilu theater is a cultural hub hosting musicians, dancing, and local artists, while a little outside the town boundary is the famous Parker Ranch, which hosts tours and celebrates the area’s paniolo history. Scenic roads connect the town to open pastures, hiking trails, and viewpoints overlooking the Kohala Mountains.
Famous for ranch-to-table dining, foodies flock to the area, especially to Merriman’s Restaurant, founded by James Beard Award finalist Peter Merriman, where local meats, produce, and seafood are served in style.
Lanai City, Lanai
Lanai City is unlike almost any other town in Hawaii. Built around Dole Park, a central square shaded by towering pine trees and lined with gardens, the town has a compact layout that encourages walking. Small shops like The Local Gentry, which features quality gifts and a great variety of aloha shirts, surround the park, while quiet residential streets branch out from the center. Stop into Coffee Works for a delicious chicken katsu and blended iced coffee.
A short drive from the town’s center, the Lanai Cat Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity for cat lovers, who can discover an unforgettable experience visiting the non-profit organization that is a safe haven for hundreds of rescued cats. Visitors are invited to interact with the fortunate furballs, and every visit helps provide them with food and the care they deserve.
Volcano Village, Hawaii
Volcano Village sits in the forested uplands near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and offers one of the quietest settings anywhere in the state. Surrounded by tall trees, ferns, and misty landscapes, the town has a mountain retreat feel to it. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park provides access to walking trails, scenic drives, lava fields, and volcanic craters, but be sure to pack rain gear as the weather can change quickly.
Inspired by the landscape, glass blowers and local painters are featured at the Volcano Art Center, a non-profit educational institution dedicated to creative discovery, learning, and sharing. Nearby, the Cooper Center is home to the Sunday Farmer’s Market, where local artists and craftspeople exhibit their talents.
Haleiwa, Oahu
Haleiwa sits along Oahu’s North Shore and retains much of its historic surf-town character despite its popularity. Unlike the busier parts of Honolulu, Haleiwa is made up of low-rise buildings, weathered storefronts, and a slow commercial strip that stretches along Kamehameha Highway. Haleiwa Beach Park is a key attraction here, where visitors can eat a bowl of poke while watching the surfers.
Shopping is abundant, beginning with the Haleiwa Town Center mall, which features a variety of stylish shops and eateries. A number of surf shops, like the Haleiwa Surf Shop and Blue Planet Adventure Company, have everything you need if you decide to test your skills on the waves.
A Relaxing Side to the Aloha State
Hawaii’s quieter towns show that the islands are not only about resorts and crowded beaches. In places like Hanalei, Kaunakakai, and Volcano Village, the focus shifts toward forests, ranchlands, and local shops. These communities remain small enough to avoid major traffic and overdevelopment, while still offering beautiful scenery and access to the outdoors. Whether set beside a bay, surrounded by pastureland, or tucked into the rainforest, each town offers a different side of Hawaii. For travelers looking beyond the state’s busiest destinations, these places provide an opportunity to slow down, unplug, and relax.
Hawaii is home to a wide range of towns that give older adults relaxing ways to enjoy their retirement years. Across the islands, retirees can find communities with easy access to healthcare and outdoor recreation. Coastal towns like Kailua-Kona and Līhuʻe offer ocean views and nearby medical care. Inland communities such as Waimea and Makawao provide cooler weather and an easier rhythm. Retirees may be drawn to smaller places with a strong community feel, while those wanting more services may prefer regional hubs like Hilo. Together, these Hawaiian towns offer a mix of natural beauty and everyday comforts.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona is a coastal town on the Big Island of Hawaii with fewer than 25,000 residents. It continues to attract retirees thanks to its warm weather and ocean access. Areas like Kealakehe and Holualoa are still growing, with new subdivisions adding more housing options for people who want to stay long-term.
Most medical care is provided by the nearby Kona Community Hospital, and clinics throughout the Kona district offer additional services. Some of the main landmarks are Kailua Pier, Huliheʻe Palace, Kamakahonu Beach, and Kona Commons Shopping Center. These spots help residents stay active year-round.
Hilo
Hilo is a well-known retirement-friendly community on Hawaii Island, known for being easy to walk around. With about 48,000 residents, according to recent Census data, Hilo is a regional center for healthcare, education, and government services, which helps create long-term stability for residents.
Hilo Benioff Medical Center is the main hospital for East Hawaii and provides most of the area’s healthcare. There are also outpatient and senior care services, such as the nearby Life Care Center of Hilo.
People in Hilo often spend time at places like Wailoa River State Recreation Area, Hilo Farmers Market, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and Rainbow Falls. These spots are close to neighborhoods like Waiākea and Keaukaha.
Waimea
Waimea is a small inland town on Hawaii Island with fewer than 10,000 residents. Because it sits at a higher elevation, the weather is cooler, with daytime temperatures usually between 70 and 80°F and nights that feel much cooler.
Residents have access to healthcare through local clinics and services linked to Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital in Waimea, which provides essential care for the area. The town has strong connections to Parker Ranch, one of the country’s largest ranches, as well as nearby ranchlands. Waimea attracts retirees who want a quieter inland setting, strong community organizations, and fewer people.
Līhuʻe
Līhuʻe serves as Kauai’s administrative and service center and has fewer than 10,000 residents. The town plays a central role in healthcare and government operations across the island. It is just 30 minutes from Hanapepe and offers retirees a small-town feel, with natural scenery all around.
Wilcox Medical Center is the largest hospital on the island and provides care for residents throughout Kauai. Notable landmarks include Kalapaki Beach, Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai Museum, and Kilohana Plantation. Together, these sites support recreation, tourism, and community events across the area.
Kapa’a
Kapaʻa sits on the east side of Kauai and has about 11,000 residents. It is easy to get around on foot, with everything you could need close by. The town serves as both a place to live and a hub for businesses in the area.
Residents can access healthcare at local clinics such as The Clinic at Kapaa or at Wilcox Medical Center in Līhuʻe. Some well-known spots in Kapaʻa are Kapaʻa Beach Park, the Sleeping Giant Trail, Coconut Marketplace, and Wailua River State Park. Coconut Marketplace has a Farmer’s Market twice a week, plus live local music. Hula classes and shows are also a local favorite offered at Coconut Marketplace.
Kailua
Kailua is a residential area on the windward side of Oahu with fewer than 50,000 residents. The town is known for its easy access to beaches and well-established neighborhoods such as Enchanted Lake and Coconut Grove.
Residents have access to healthcare through nearby hospitals in the Honolulu area. Adventist Health Castle, which is located in Kailua, is one of the main options. In addition, Kalapawai Market is a local favorite to grab coffee, ube scones, and other treats.
Kailua is home to many beaches for swimming and watersports, including Kailua Beach Park. Lanikai Beach is a public beach within a residential neighborhood, with no lifeguards, restrooms, or public parking lot. For walking and biking, Kawainui Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular dog-friendly wildlife sanctuary with a scenic trail.
Haleʻiwa
Hale’iwa is known for its slower pace and strong connection to Oahu’s North Shore coastline. This historic North Shore town is said to be the quirkiest and has a population of under 5,000. It maintains a small commercial core while serving nearby rural communities.
Healthcare is available through clinics in Waialua and through The Queen’s Medical Center – Wahiawā in central Oahu.
Notable landmarks in Haleʻiwa include Haleʻiwa Beach Park, a popular spot for fishing and sunset views, and Waimea Bay, known for its large winter surf and summer swimming conditions. The nearby Banzai Pipeline draws surfers from around the world during big-wave season on Oahu’s North Shore. Residents also spend time at Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park, which has picnic areas and shoreline walking paths.
Wahiawa
Wahiawa is a central Oahu community with a population of roughly 17,000. It sits between the island’s north and south regions, and provides a quieter inland setting while still allowing access to both Oahu’s north and south coasts.
Healthcare in Wahiawa is available through in-town facilities, such as The Queen’s Medical Center – Wahiawā.
Local landmarks include Lake Wilson, where residents fish and kayak, and the Wahiawa Botanical Garden, known for its large tropical trees and walking paths. Nearby Schofield Barracks remains one of the largest military installations in Hawaii and shapes much of the area’s economy. Residents also rely on Whitmore Village for local businesses, neighborhood services, and access to agricultural areas outside town.
Makawao
Makawao is a small town in upcountry Maui with fewer than 10,000 residents. Its higher elevation gives the area cooler temperatures than much of coastal Maui, especially during the evenings.
Makawao maintains a rural atmosphere while still keeping residents close to shopping and healthcare in nearby Kahului and central Maui for routine and specialized care.
Residents enjoy art galleries, and nearby access routes to Haleakalā National Park, which draw both residents and visitors into Maui’s upland landscapes. The community also gathers around Oskie Rice Event Center, which hosts rodeos and local events throughout the year, while Pukalani Country Club provides golf and recreation with views of central Maui.
Pāhoa
Pāhoa is a small town on Hawaii Island with fewer than 1,000 residents. The community has a slower pace of life and a strong local character shaped by East Hawaii’s volcanic landscape. Residents access healthcare through clinics in nearby Hilo and facilities connected to Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation in East Hawaii.
Local landmarks include Lava Tree State Monument, where lava formations surround walking paths through tropical forest, and the historic downtown which still contains several older storefronts and small local businesses such as Tin Shack Bakery. Nearby Pohoiki Black Sand Beach has become a popular coastal gathering area following recent volcanic activity, while the former Ahalanui Park site (destroyed by the Kīlauea lava flow in 2018) remains an important part of the region’s history and shoreline identity.
Honoka’a
Honokaʻa is a small plantation-era town on the Big Island of Hawaii. With fewer than 3,000 residents, its historic main street reflects its sugar industry past with preserved storefronts and a compact town center that still serves the surrounding Hamakua Coast communities.
Residents access healthcare through Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital in nearby Waimea, which provides essential services for the region.
Along the main corridor, residents frequent shops such as Tex Drive-In, known for its malasadas, and Cafe Il Mondo, a long-running local café. The nearby Kalōpā State Recreation Area offers forest trails and native vegetation, while the Hamakua Coast provides scenic coastal drives with waterfalls and ocean views. Routes toward Akaka Falls connect the town to one of the island’s most visited natural landmarks.
Hawaii Retirement Across the Islands
Retirement spots in Hawaii are found across the islands, each with its own pace of life. Towns like Kailua-Kona and Līhuʻe keep residents close to healthcare, services, and coastal scenery, while places such as Waimea, Makawao, and Honokaʻa offer quieter inland settings with strong local character. Others, including Hilo, Kapaʻa, and Haleʻiwa, balance everyday conveniences with beaches, parks, markets, and community gathering places. As people in Hawaii look for more space, fewer crowds, and reliable access to care, these towns show how varied retirement living can be across the state.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A new optical illusion is taking shape in Kalihi.
Commissioned by Kamehameha Schools, the mural will feature plants and trees native to the area. The artwork aims to highlight how forestry can exist within urban areas.
Coincidentally, the new artwork sits adjacent to one of Kalihi’s most famous murals: Wave 01/101.
The artist Kai’ili Kaulukukui plays with depth and shadow, creating an optical illusion on the flat face of a building.
“The painting style is called ” trompe-l’œil”, it means ‘trick the eye’,” says Kaulukukui. “It’s been around for 2000 years. They have images of trompe-l’œil style murals at Pompeii, so it’s a very old style.”
Kaulukukui said he’s always been intrigued by the art style, though this is his first time painting it.
“They’re both kind of environmental themed murals,” he said. “This is bringing an image of what a forest could look like in the city. That is like an homage to Pipeline and our beautiful waves that we have here.”
The 55-foot-tall mural is expected to be completed by Sunday, May 31.
After this project, Kaulukukui will start an ocean-themed mural just one street over, bringing a bit more nature into urban Honolulu.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
A former Hawaii County housing development specialist was sentenced Thursday in federal court to 46 months in prison for taking bribes to facilitate a multimillion-dollar affordable housing credits scam.
Alan Scott Rudo, 59, who now lives in Cathedral City, Calif., was given until July 9 to surrender to the federal Bureau of Prisons when he was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jill Otake in Honolulu.
Otake also ordered Rudo to pay $483,265 in a forfeiture judgment.
In a deal with prosecutors, Rudo pleaded guilty in August 2022 to conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and admitted to accepting about $1.9 million in bribes from Hilo attorneys Paul Sulla Jr. and Gary Zamber and former Big Island businessman Rajesh Budhabhatti, who now lives in Morrow Bay, Calif.
In return, Rudo agreed to use his official position in the Office of Housing and Community Development to ensure the county approved three affordable housing agreements (AHAs) benefiting the defendants’ development companies, Luna Loa Developments LLC, West View Developments LLC and Plumeria at Waikoloa LLC.
Through those AHAs, the development companies fraudulently raked in more than $11 million worth of land and excess affordable housing credits (AHCs).
Sulla, 79, Zamber, 56, and Budhabhatti, 65, were charged with conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and nine counts of honest services wire fraud. Sulla was also charged with money laundering.
Rudo was the prosecution’s star witness at their trial, and on June 4, 2025, a federal jury in Honolulu convicted all three on all charges.
Zamber was sentenced on Jan. 30 to 70 months in prison. Budhabhatti was sentenced on Feb. 6 to 90 months in prison. And Sulla was sentenced on April 23 to 60 months in prison.
Zamber’s and Sulla’s law licenses also have been suspended, prohibiting them from practicing law in Hawaii.
“This sentencing marks the closing of an unfortunate chapter and underscores the importance of strong internal controls, clear segregation of duties, and effective program oversight,” said county Housing Administrator Kehaulani Costa in a statement. “The Office of Housing and Community Development remains committed to strengthening accountability and program integrity through enhanced compliance monitoring, improved documentation practices, and continued staff professional development.
“We are proud of the work undertaken to implement stronger safeguards, increase transparency, and reinforce public trust in the delivery of affordable housing programs serving Hawaii Island communities.”
A series of articles by Hilo resident Pat Tummons in her Environment Hawaii newsletter exposed questionable dealings in OHCD that ultimately led to an FBI investigation that resulted in these convictions.
When announcing charges in July 2022, then-U.S. Attorney Clare Connors praised the reporting by Environment Hawaii that first raised red flags about Rudo’s and his co-defendants’ schemes and, she said, led a county employee to alert the FBI.
The resultant public flap caused the County Council to order an internal audit, which in 2013 found OHCD had “inadequate internal controls” over its affordable housing credits program.
Costa said OHCD has since “strengthened internal controls, enhanced oversight and compliance monitoring, improved documentation and review procedures, expanded staff training, and implemented additional safeguards to support greater accountability, transparency, and long-term program integrity.”
Email John Burnett at john.burnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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