The One Small Town In Hawaii With More Historic Buildings Than Any Other

Hawaii is home to a ton of fascinating history, including sacred sites, beautiful ruins, and stunning natural formations. One of the most historic towns in Hawaii also happens to be one of the most fun places to visit on Kauai, Hawaii! Old Koloa Town has been revamped and renovated into a series of charming shops on a tree-lined downtown street. Today, one of the many historic places in Hawaii is the perfect place to spend the heat of the day - and you'll love this gorgeous peek into the past!

If you’re looking for a glimpse into Hawaii’s past, head on over to Kauai.

Old Kōloa Town is located in the town of Kōloa, on Kaua‘i’s south shore and near Po‘ipū Beach. This small town is filled with history, including Kōloa's first sugar mill.

The sugar mill was opened in 1835 and became the standard for all future sugar mills in the Hawaiian islands.

The famous Tree Tunnel leads you into Old Kōloa Town, and it’s a fitting welcome that is as charming as the town itself. It sets the scene with a little bit of Hawaiian magic as you enter the beautiful tree-lined community.

The plantation buildings lining Kōloa Road have now been turned into a series of shops.

You’ll see old-fashioned storefronts filled with local Hawaiian goodies. Browse through gift shops, restaurants, shaved ice, art galleries, and more.

The storefronts are cheerful, and the buildings themselves are filled with tons of history.

The majority of the buildings were built in the 1920s, except The Okumura Building, which was built in 1905. In fact, the Okumura Building is the only two-story building that is left from the original plantation.

The eleven historic buildings are worth examining in detail, and you can enjoy the food and wares each building now offers.

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the famous July event, the week-long Kōloa Plantation Days Festival. All of Kōloa celebrates the heritage of this charming historic town in Hawaii each year, and it’s an amazing event worth attending.

While you’re visiting, the Kōloa Heritage Trail is a must-see.

The 10-mile trail stretches from the South Shore of Kauaʻi through Kōloa and Poʻipū. This 14-stop, self-guided tour takes you through the area’s most important cultural, historical, and geological sites.

If you have the chance to explore this old historic town in Hawaii, don’t miss out.

Whether you want to do a day of shopping or just stroll and enjoy the sites, there’s no better way than to visit Old Koloa Town. You’ll love every minute spent here!

For more to do on Kauai island or in other historic towns in Hawaii, visit our friends at Viator. Have you ever visited Old Koloa Town on Kauai, Hawaii? What did you think? Did you find it charming, too? Let us know in the comments below!

While you’re on Kauai, make sure that you read more about why Hawaii’s Tunnel Of Trees Is Positively Magical, And You Need To Visit.