Captain Cook
Captain Cook is a South Kona town above Kealakekua Bay, known for Kona coffee farms, hillside views, small shops and access to nearby historic and coastal sites.
Big Island Town Guide
Big Island Towns
Whether you're staying in Kailua-Kona, exploring Hilo, visiting Volcano or driving the Hamakua Coast, the Big Island's towns provide a closer look at everyday island life beyond the beaches and major attractions.
Town directory
Big Island Towns
Browse Big Island towns, from lively visitor hubs and historic communities to quiet local areas with island character.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona is the main town on the Big Island's sunny west side, known for Alii Drive, Kailua Bay, historic sites, ocean tours and Kona Coast sunsets.
Kealakekua
Kealakekua is a South Kona town above Kealakekua Bay, known for coffee country, Hawaiian history, Captain Cook Monument views and nearby Napoopoo.
Kurtistown
Kurtistown is a Puna district community south of Kea'au, known for banana-growing history, nurseries, rural homes and east Hawaii roads between Hilo and Volcano.
Laupahoehoe
Laupahoehoe is a Hamakua town north of Hilo, known for Laupahoehoe Point, rugged lava-rock shore, tsunami history and sugar-era railroad memories.
Mountain View
Mountain View is a rainy upland community between Hilo and Volcano, known for coffee farms, nurseries, cooler air, Mauna Kea views and green east Hawaii scenery.
Ocean View
Ocean View is a large Ka'u subdivision on the southern slopes of Mauna Loa, known for lava fields, wide ocean views, rural roads and South Point access.
Waikoloa Village
Waikoloa Village is an upland South Kohala community above the Kohala Coast, known for sunny weather, lava-field views, local services, golf and resort access downhill.
Waimea (Kamuela)
Waimea, also called Kamuela, is Big Island paniolo country, known for Parker Ranch, cool upland weather, rolling pastureland, farmers markets and Mauna Kea views.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main towns on the Big Island?
Main Big Island towns include Kailua-Kona, Hilo, Waimea, Volcano, Honoka'a, Hawi, Pahoa, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Honaunau and several smaller rural communities.
Which Big Island town is best for first-time visitors?
Kailua-Kona is popular for sunny west-side stays, ocean tours, restaurants and historic sites, while Hilo works well for waterfalls, gardens and Volcano-area day trips.
Which Big Island towns are known for coffee country?
Holualoa, Kainaliu, Captain Cook and Kealakekua are South Kona and Kona-area towns known for coffee farms, galleries, small shops and hillside ocean views.
Which Big Island town is closest to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?
Volcano is the closest village to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is known for rainforest scenery, cottages, art studios, hiking access and cooler upland weather.
Which Big Island towns are on the Hamakua Coast?
Honoka'a, Honomu, Laupahoehoe, Papaikou, Pepeekeo, Hakalau, Paauilo and O'okala are among the Hamakua Coast communities north of Hilo.