The charm and unique way of life found in a small town is undeniable, and even the smallest of towns deserve recognition. These 16 Hawaiian towns are some of the tiniest– less than 800 residents in each, some even have a population of less than one hundred. We think these are the best small towns in Hawaii!

1) Kapalua, Maui
Kapalua, HI 96761, USA
Rick Dereven/Flickr
With a population of 353, Kapalua is located along Maui’s northwest coast, and is home to Kapalua Resort. This small town in Hawaii is home to tons of great outdoor fun!
2) Kalihiwai, Kauai
Kalihiwai, HI, USA
Robin J Phillips/Flickr
At the 2000 census Kalihiwai was home to 717 residents, but the town has since decreased in population to 428, as of the 2010 census. It’s a wonderful place to find a little peace and quiet.
3) Honomu, Big Island
Honomu, HI 96728, USA
Ruthdaniel3444/Flickr
With a population of little more than 500 people, Honomu is small – we’re talking approximately 0.5 square miles. This is one of the best small towns in Hawaii, and offers plenty of things to do.
4) Manele Bay, Lanai
Manele Bay Road, Manele Bay Rd, Hawaii 96763, USA
John Hyun/Flickr
One of only two census-designated places on the island of Lanai is Manele, which is the least populated city in Hawaii with 29 residents. It is home to the Four Seasons Resort Lanai. It’s gorgeous though, calming and serene at the smallest town in Hawaii.
5) Makena, Maui
Makena, Wailea-Makena, HI 96753, USA
David Winnie/Flickr
Prior to 2010, Makena was grouped into Wailea-Makena, but now is considered its own census-designated place with a population of fewer than 100 individuals – 99 residents, to be precise. With volcanoes and beaches, this is one of the best small towns in Hawaii.
6) Haena, Kauai
Haena Beach, Hawaii 96746, USA
Adam/Flickr
Often referred to as the "end of the road," this location marks the end of the Kuhio Highway. It is also home to several ancient Hawaiian sites, and sea caves estimated to be more than 4,000 years old. Talk about one of the best Hawaiian towns to visit!
7) Kawela Bay, Oahu
Turtle Bay, Kawela Bay, HI 96731, USA
Robert Linsdell/Flickr
Located adjacent to Oahu’s popular Turtle Bay Resort is Kawela Bay, with a population of 330, which is a 19 percent decrease from the 2000 census. It’s a wonderful place to escape to!
8) Paauilo, Big Island
Paauilo, HI 96776, USA
Tandy Penn/Flickr
Home to the Hawaiian Vanilla Company, Paauilo is 1.2 square miles, and has a population of 595. This Hawaiian small town has plenty to see, including a vanilla farm!

Related Stories

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Hawaii

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Hawaii

 Did You Know That Hawaii Is Home To The World’s Biggest Volcano?

Did You Know That Hawaii Is Home To The World’s Biggest Volcano?

 This Easy 1.7-Mile Trail In Hawaii Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime

This Easy 1.7-Mile Trail In Hawaii Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime
9) Maalaea, Maui
Maalaea, HI, USA
riNux/Flickr
Despite its small population – just 352 people live here – Maalaea is home to a small boat harbor, as well as the popular Maui Ocean Center. This Hawaiian town is one of the smallest and most beautiful.
10) Pakala Village, Kauai
Pakala Village, HI, USA
Eric Richardson/Flickr
Once home to the temporary living quarters for employees of the Gay & Robinson sugar plantation, the village now has a population of 294. While mostly empty, there’s plenty of big sky to view.
11) Olowalu, Maui
Olowalu, HI 96761, USA
Todd Nappen/Flickr
Located a mere four miles south of Lahaina, this tiny town with a population of 80 is under consideration for a major real estate development, which would dramatically increase the town’s population. There’s so much history in this small town in Hawaii.
12) Paukaa, Big Island
Paukaa, HI 96720, USA
Ludovic Hirlimann/Flickr
Located near Hilo, Paukaa is a small town with 425 residents located within just half of a square mile. The Big Island is home to many small towns in Hawaii.
13) Maunaloa, Molokai
Maunaloa, HI 96770, USA
Andy Beal/Flickr
Located on the western side of Mollokai is Maunaloa, population 376, not to be confused with the Big Island volcano. Maunaloa , one of the smallest towns in Hawaii, is still worth a visit!
14) Waikane, Oahu
Waikane, HI 96744, USA
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
Encompassing 7.2 square miles on Oahu’s windward coast is Waikane, a census-designated place with a population of 778. If you’re visiting Oahu, it’s a beautiful small town to visit.
15) Wainiha, Kauai
Wainiha, HI 96746, USA
Alexander Rabb/Flickr
With a population density of 14 people per square mile and an overall population of 365 people, Wainiha is actually quite large in area. This Hawaiian town is filled with beautiful natural history.
16) Waiohinu, Big Island
Waiohinu, HI 96772, USA
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
With a population of 213, this town is located near the southern tip of the Big Island. Mark Twain supposedly visited Waiohinu in 1866, and allegedly planted a monkey pod tree here. This quiet small town in Hawaii is absolutely beautiful.

Tell us, do you hail from one of the best tiny towns in Hawaii, or did we miss your small town? Share your hometowns in the comments below!

Looking for small towns in Hawaii with great amenities? These Hawaii small towns also have vibrant downtown areas.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Towns In Hawaii

Megan McDonald | July 29, 2022

How many small towns are in Hawaii?

With 119 small towns in Hawaii, there are so many charming nooks and crannies to be able to be found. There are over 30 towns with populations more than 10,000 people, but these small towns are beautiful to visit!

Where is the least touristy place in Hawaii?

Molokai is considered one of the least touristy islands in Hawaii, with lots of small towns on the island. Many of the people on Molokai each year are residents, and it tends to be a much quieter island

Related Articles