The Hawaiian Islands are full of miles of striking coastline, picturesque towns, and luxury resort areas, so it makes sense that a small inland town on the island of Oahu doesn’t generally receive much praise. But there are quite a few things to do in Wahiawa, Hawaii for those who want to escape the hoards of tourists and the hustle and bustle of Hawaii’s capital city. Retreat inland for the day to Wahiawa and treat yourself to mouthwatering food, stellar coffee, and some fascinating attractions in the literal heart of Oahu.

Home to more than 16,000 residents, Wahiawa is located between the island’s two volcanic mountain ranges on Route 99, the road most commonly taken by those traveling to the North Shore from Honolulu. But if you were to stop in town and take a look around, you would see that there is more than meets the eye in Wahiawa, HI. Here are 13 places to check out the next time you’re passing through. We think it might even be worthy of its own day trip.

Surfing The Nations/Flickr
1. Surfers Coffee Bar
Surfers Coffee, 63 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA
Surfer's Coffee/Facebook
This Wahiawa collective coffee shop is volunteer-run, giving back to the community. The laid-back vibe, delicious coffee, and scrumptious acai bowls make this one of the best hangouts. Read more about Surfers Coffee Bar.
2. The Vintage
The Vintage Hawaii/Facebook
Located next door to Surfers Coffee Bar and run by the same non-profit, Surfing The Nations, The Vintage is a positively charming vintage boutique full of antiques, Hawaiian classics, retro art, and clothing. A trip here is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Wahiawa, Hawaii. Get more details at The Vintage Facebook page.
3. Dole Plantation
Dole Plantation, 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA
Lawrence Wong/Flickr
This historic plantation now serves as a major tourist destination. The plantation offers activities for the whole family – take a ride on the Pineapple express for young children, make your way through the world’s largest (pineapple) maze, go on a tour of the garden, and indulge in an amazing, world-famous Dole Whip. Check out what else you can do in a visit to Dole Plantation.
4. Kilani Bakery
Kilani Bakery/Facebook
While this Wahiawa, HI bakery may not look like much, their brownies, chantilly cakes, lemon meringue pie, and donuts are simply to die for. Find out more by visiting the Kilani Bakery Facebook page.
5. Dong Yang Inn
Keith Simpson/Google Photos
This strip mall Korean joint may be the definition of a hole in the wall, but they serve up some mouthwatering barbecue meats and plate lunches.

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6. Green World Coffee Farm
Green World Coffee Farm, 71-101 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA
Green World Farms/Facebook
Tucked between two Hawaii state highways just outside Wahiawa is Green World Coffee Farm, a quirky coffee shop with killer coffee and tea drinks and walls full of hilarious coffee signs, prints, and memorabilia. Green World is more than just a coffee shop, though – customers can tour the coffee garden out back and actually see the coffee beans growing. Learn more about what Green World Coffee Farm is all about.
8. Kukaniloko Birthing Stones- THIS IS LISTED AS TEMPORARILY CLOSED AS OF 3/2023
Sean Munson/Flickr
The Kukaniloko Birthing Stones, found nearly 100 yards from the intersection of Whitmore Avenue and Highway 80, have marked the site of royal births and powerful struggles for centuries. Recent research has discovered that the stones may have served an astrological purpose as well – perhaps as a sort of a Pacific Islands henge?
8. Route 99 Hawaii
Route 99 Hawaii Container Store, 56-505 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731, USA
Route 99 Hawaii/Facebook
For Hawaiian-themed and inspired clothing, be sure to check out this quirky shop full of t-shirts, colorful, embroidered trucker hats, and other knick-knacks. Head to the Route 99 Hawaii website to browse the selections.
9. Maui Mikes Fire-Roasted Chicken
Maui Mike's Fire-Roasted Chicken/Facebook
This casual counter-serve eatery uses only quality ingredients and is known for its delicious chicken, Cajun fries, and a plethora of dipping sauces. Read further on about Maui Mike's Fire-Roasted Chicken.
10. Tropic Lightning Museum
M Lindholm/Google Photos
Located on the Schofield Barracks Army Base, the Tropic Lightning Museum preserves the accomplishments of the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry division and showcases memorabilia from more than 100 years of Schofield history. A visit here is one of the most interesting things to do in Wahiawa, Hawaii. Learn more about what a visit to Tropic Lightning Museum will entail.
11. Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade-- THIS IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED AS OF 3/2023
Trisha G./Yelp
Made from locally sourced ingredients like Hawaii Island lemons and Maui lavender, there's nothing better after a long day of exploring than a glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade.
11. Wahiawa Botanical Garden
Wendy Cutler/Flickr
This 27-acre botanical garden tucked into Wahiawa is the perfect way to escape into nature without ever leaving Wahiawa. Get more details on Wahiawa Botanical Garden.

Have you ever visited Wahiawa, Hawaii? Do you agree that it is the most underrated town in Hawaii? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

For more incredible adventures in Hawaii’s many towns and cities, check out these 9 underrated Hawaiian cities, these 10 places to move to get away from it all, and these 10 peaceful towns where the tourists won’t find you

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Small Towns In Hawaii

Megan Shute | September 14, 2020

What are the most popular small towns in Hawaii? 

There are a ton of popular small towns in Hawaii, and in reality, most towns in Hawaii could be classified as small: after all, the third-largest town in Hawaii (after Honolulu and East Honolulu) is Hilo, a town on the eastern shore of Hawaii Island that is home to approximately 46,000 residents. The most popular towns include Paia and Lahaina on Maui, Hanapepe and Hanalei on Kauai, Haleiwa and Kailua on Oahu, and Hawi and Volcano on Hawaii Island. If a weekend getaway is what you're looking for, check out some of the best weekend getaways in Hawaii. Or take a look at the best waterfront towns in Hawaii.

What are the prettiest small towns in Hawaii? 

As you might have guessed, there are a ton of pretty small towns in Hawaii. Kihei is an oceanfront oasis on Maui and Wailua is a hidden gem on Kauai that is home to one of the most stunning rivers in the Aloha State.

Are there any historic small towns in Hawaii?

There are several historic small towns in Hawaii. From Hawaii’s first residents and the first Europeans visiting the islands in 1778 to the establishment of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1795 and Hawaii’s admittance to the United States of America in 1959, the Hawaiian Islands are steeped in history, heritage, and culture. And nowhere will you find more history than in the Aloha State’s oldest towns. History buffs will love visiting these nine old-fashioned towns found across the Hawaiian Islands.

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Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA