Honoka'a

Honoka'a is a historic Hamakua town known for Mamane Street, plantation-era storefronts, Honoka'a People's Theatre and its location near Waipio Valley.

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Honoka'a

Honoka'a, Big Island

Honoka'a is the largest town on the Hamakua Coast (and once was the third largest in all of Hawaii, after Honolulu and Hilo) with a rich history due to the dozens of sugar plantations and cattle industry it had more than a hundred years ago. The last sugar plantation in Honoka'a (Hamakua Sugar Company) stopped its operation in 1994, but the townspeople and their rich heritage have lived on up to this day.

The heart of the town features a few timber-framed stores along the wooden boardwalk of Mamane Street. New and innovative ways to revive the town's economy have made local and foreign entrepreneurs invest in ranching, tourism and farming.

One of Honoka'a attractions is the Art Deco Honoka'a People's Theater, which was built in 1930 and still features occasional movie screenings and musical performances, as well as the Hamakua Music Festival each year in October. Then there's the Hawaiian Shop, also located on Mamane Street, a nice place to find a unique souvenir.

A 60 megawatt power plant is also operational in the area, which sells power to the rest of the island. Although there are no nearby beaches in Honoka'a, there is a wide range of activities to do, such as hiking, cycling and hunting. A public sport gymnasium where you can play baseball, tennis and run on a tracking field is also accessible in the area.

Key Features

Historic Hamakua town northwest of Hilo
Mamane Street has shops, cafes, services and old storefronts
Honoka'a People's Theatre dates to 1930
Former sugar and ranching community with plantation-era roots
Common stop before the Waipio Valley area
Surrounded by Hamakua ranch land, farms and green countryside
Hamakua Sugar Company ended operations in 1994
Town setting is different from the beach resort areas on the island's west side
Close to Waimea and the northern Hamakua drive
Population: 2,699 at the 2020 Census
ZIP code: 96727

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Honoka'a mean?

Honoka'a is often translated with the idea of a bay or landing place. The name is used for the town and surrounding Hamakua area, where plantation, ranch and valley history meet.

Why is Mamane Street important?

Mamane Street is Honoka'a's main street, with old storefronts, small shops, food stops and the town's historic theater. It gives the town much of its walkable, plantation-era character.

What is special about Honoka'a People's Theatre?

Honoka'a People's Theatre opened in 1930 and remains one of the town's most recognizable landmarks. Its Art Deco look and community events connect modern Honoka'a with its plantation-era past.

How is Honoka'a connected with Waipio Valley?

Honoka'a is one of the last main towns before the road toward Waipio Valley. Many visitors stop here for food, shops or a short walk before checking the overlook area or nearby countryside.

Why did Honoka'a grow during the plantation era?

Sugar plantations, ranching and local services helped Honoka'a become a busy Hamakua community. Even after the sugar industry ended, the town kept much of its historic main-street layout.