Big Island Town Guide

Honomu

Honomu is a small Hamakua town north of Hilo, best known for its plantation-era main street, Akaka Falls access, banyan trees, shops and lush scenery.

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Honomu

Honomu, Big Island

Honomu's prosperity and development started in the year 1876, when the Reciprocity Treaty was agreed by the former Kingdom of Hawaii and the government of America. During that time, Honomu was a bustling sugar town.

Today, the main attraction in the area and the reason why people come here is Akaka Falls, a 422-foot (129 m) waterfall. Other than that Honomu consists of a row of little timber-frame buildings housing art galleries, crafts stores and eateries. Another attraction is the two huge banyan trees which stand south of the junction for Akaka Falls.

Key Features

Small Hamakua town north of Hilo
Gateway village for the road to Akaka Falls State Park
Plantation-era storefronts line the compact main street
Small shops, cafes and galleries make it a short walkable stop
Two large banyan trees stand near the Akaka Falls junction
Former sugar town with roots in the Hamakua plantation era
Close to Hakalau, Hilo and the Hamakua scenic drive
Rainy windward setting with lush green surroundings
Good short stop before or after Akaka Falls
Population: 452 at the 2020 Census
ZIP code: 96728

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Honomu mean?

Honomu is often translated as silent bay. The name belongs to the village and surrounding Hamakua area north of Hilo, where plantation history and waterfall travel meet.

Why did Honomu grow as a plantation town?

Honomu developed during the sugar era, when plantations, workers, shops and services supported the surrounding Hamakua farms. The compact main street still reflects that small plantation-town layout.

Why is Honomu called the gateway to Akaka Falls?

The road to Akaka Falls State Park passes through Honomu before climbing inland toward the waterfall. Many visitors stop in town for a short walk, food or shops before continuing to the park.

What are the big banyan trees near Honomu?

Two large banyan trees stand near the Akaka Falls road junction south of the village center. They are a familiar landmark for drivers turning toward the waterfall.

How is Honomu different from Hakalau?

Honomu has a more visible main street with shops, cafes and storefronts near the Akaka Falls road. Hakalau is quieter and more spread out, with stronger ties to its bridge, bay and old mill area.