Hawi

Hawi is a North Kohala town on Hawaii Island, known for plantation history, galleries, cafes, small shops and the scenic drive toward Kapa'au and Pololu Valley.

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Hawi, Big Island

Hawi, together with the closest town of Kapa'au, covers a great portion of the population in the Big Island's North Kohala District. It is the largest town on the island's north shore and has several art galleries, shops, a few restaurants and a hotel. Hawi was once a bustling sugar plantation town and contributed to the sugar production in Hawaii. Back then, Hawi had not just one, but four movie theaters.

In the early 1970s, the Kohala Sugar Company stopped operating and the local economy was hit hard, since almost everyone worked in sugar production. However, many residents stayed in Hawi and toughed it out, and today, the town is making a comeback, this time as a tourist attraction. Hawi is a cozy little town, known for its picturesque charm.

Key Features

North Kohala town on Hawaii Island's northern side
Former sugar plantation town with deep North Kohala roots
Small main street area with galleries, cafes, restaurants and shops
Close to Kapa'au and the original King Kamehameha I statue
Popular pause on the drive toward Pololu Valley
Akoni Pule Highway is the main road through town
Wind, rain and cloud cover can change quickly in North Kohala
Ironman World Championship bike turnaround is associated with Hawi
Population: 2,268 at the 2020 Census
Zip code: 96719

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Frequently Asked Questions

How did Hawi develop as a sugar town?

Hawi grew during the North Kohala sugar era, when plantation work, mills, rail lines and small town services shaped daily life in this part of the island.

What changed after Kohala Sugar closed?

Kohala Sugar ended operations in the early 1970s, shifting Hawi away from plantation employment. Galleries, restaurants, shops and small local businesses later became a larger part of town life.

How is Hawi connected with Kapa'au?

Hawi and Kapa'au are neighboring North Kohala towns only a short drive apart. Many visitors see them together while driving toward the original King Kamehameha I statue and Pololu Valley.

Why does North Kohala look different from Kona?

North Kohala is older geologically and often greener and windier than the dry Kona resort areas. Ranch land, gulches and former plantation communities give the area a different character.

What is the connection between Hawi and the Ironman race?

Hawi is known as the turnaround point for the bike portion of the Ironman World Championship when the race is held in Kona, adding a sports connection to this small North Kohala town.