The 5 Best Towns in Hawaiʻi in 2024

From idyllic surf towns to cosmopolitan districts, Hawai‘i boasts of a diverse selection of neighborhoods to visit. According to this year’s pull of Readers’ Choice Awards, these are the top towns that you’ll need to put on your itinerary on your next trip to Hawaiʻi

1. Honolulu, O‘ahu

Hanauma Bay on Oʻahu.
Photo: Getty Images/chris-mueller

This year, Honolulu takes top place in our Best Towns in Hawaiʻi list. As the state’s capital city since 1845, Honolulu can be found on the southeast coast of the island of O‘ahu. It’s the most populated city in the state and sprawls from Makapu‘u Point to Pearl Harbor. The town has an eclectic mix of art museums, shopping centers, hiking trails, fine dining establishes, historic landmarks and mom-and-pop businesses.  Explore the tourist hub of Waikīkī Beach, snorkel at Haunama Bay, hike Makapu‘u Lighthouse or picnic at Ala Moana Beach Park after shopping at Ala Moana Center.

2. Lahaina, Maui

A humpback whale breaches off the coast of Lahaina on Maui.
Photo: Getty Images/adwalsh

Situated on Maui’s west side, Lahaina was a town beloved by tourists for its popular oceanfront restaurants, historic sites and vibrant street parties. It has a rich history as a whaling port in the 1800s for whalers to reprovision their ships with supplies. Lahaina was also known as the residence of Kamehameha III from 1837 to 1845. Tragedy struck in August 2023 as devastating wildfires destroyed approximately 80% of Lahaina, resulting in the loss of lives, historical and cultural sites, homes and businesses. Although visitors are asked not to visit Lahaina yet, the town is slowly rebuilding—Māla Ocean Tavern, Old Lahaina Lūʻau and Aloha Mixed Plate have all reopened.

3. Hanalei, Kaua‘i

Hanalei Bay on Kauaʻi.
Photo: Getty Images/M Swiet Productions

This charming town on Kaua‘i’s north shore is home to everything from historic sites and contemporary art galleries. To access Hanalei, you’ll need to pass over a one-lane bridge—the right etiquette is to wait for all the vehicles on one side to cross before making your way through. The picturesque Hanalei Pier serves as a landmark and gathering spot for residents to relax, eat, fish and play music. You could grab a bowl of poke from Hanalei Poke and sit down at the pier to watch the sunset over Hanalei Bay. Mākua Beach, also known as Tunnels, is found at Hanalei as well, and it is named after its underwater lava tubes.

4. Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi Island

Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island.
Photo: Getty Images/azulox

Kailua-Kona, located in the Kona district of the western coast of Hawai‘i Island, serves as Hawai‘i Island’s tourist epicenter. There’s plenty to do here—stroll through black-sand beaches, relax at luxury resorts and try local coffee at Kona farms. Aliʻi Drive in Historic Kailua Village offers interesting sites like the Moku‘aikaua Church and Huliheʻe Palace, a museum that’s home to artifacts from the era of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapiʻolani. Kailua-Kona is also famous as the host for the Ironman World Championship—Kailua Pier serves as the starting and finish point of this annual famous sports event.

5. Poʻipū, Kauaʻi

Poʻipū Beach on Kauaʻi.
Photo: Getty Images/YinYang

Located on the southern coast of Kauaʻi, Poʻipū is known for its pristine white-sand beaches, popular restaurants like Eating House 1849 and Keoki’s Paradise, and rugged hiking trails like the Māhāʻulepū Heritage Trail. At Poʻipū Beach, visitors can snorkel, swim, wade and surf in this crescent-shaped beach. During whale-watching season from December through April, you might even spot humpback whales in the horizon. You can also explore Makauwahi Cave, the largest limestone cave and richest fossil site in the islands.

See all of the winners of our 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards in our latest issue, which you can buy here. Better yet, subscribe and get HAWAIʻI Magazine delivered to right to your mailbox.