Here’s Hawaii’s Most Underrated Town… And You’ll Want To Visit

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. And while we love our beautiful beaches as much as the next person, sometimes you want to escape the hoards of tourists, as well as the hustle and bustle of Hawaii’s capital city. That’s when you retreat inland for the day, and treat yourself to mouthwatering food, stellar coffee, and some fascinating attractions in the often overlooked Wahiawa: 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 this small inland city – in fact, 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

John G./Yelp

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 my personal favorite hangouts.

Yuki M./Yelp

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.

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.

Mary P./Yelp

While the bakery may not look like much, their brownies, chantilly cakes, lemon meringue pie, and donuts are simply to die for.

Damon A./Yelp

For the best freshwater fishing in Hawaii, and the only body of water near Wahiawa, head to Lake Wilson, a local favorite.

Faye T./Yelp

This strip mall Korean joint may be the definition of a hole in the wall, but the serve up some mouthwatering barbecue meats and plate lunches.

Green World Farms/Facebook

Tucked between two Hawaii state highways just outside Wahiawa is Green World Coffee Farm, a quirky coffee shops with killer coffee and tea drinks and walls full of hilarious coffee signs, prints, and memorabilia.

But Green World more than just a coffee shop – customers can tour the coffee garden out back and see the coffee beans as they are grown.

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?

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 knick-knacks.

Jon B./Yelp

This casual counter-serve eatery uses only quality ingredients, and is known for their delicious chicken, Cajun fries, and a plethora of dipping sauces.

Liz L./Yelp

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.

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.

Wendy Cutler/Flickr

This 27 acre botanical garden tucked into Wahiawa is the perfect way to escape into nature without ever leaving Wahiawa.

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.