Why Holualoa, Hawaii, the Gateway of Kona Coffee Country, Is Worth a Visit in Its Own Right

Throughout the islands, many small towns are worthy of a visit. Towns like Haleiwa on Oahu’s north shore, Lanai City on Lanai, and even Hanalei on Kauai make for fabulous day trips or overnight adventures. But there is a small village on Hawaii’s Big Island that is the gateway to Kona coffee country and worthy of a spot on your bucket list—Holualoa. It’s a destination full of charm, art, and natural beauty. It’s a town that you'll quickly learn to love.

Holualoa is nestled on the slope of the Hualalai volcano, on the western side of the Big Island. The town’s name means “long slide” and refers to the Hawaiian sport of holua sledding. In this ancient sport, individuals rode wooden sleds down long, prepared slopes on the islands.

Holualoa was established as an agricultural community due to its fertile soil and heavy rainfall. Sugarcane was a popular crop grown in the area, but since the 1820s, the region became known for its coffee cultivation. Today, Holualoa is located in the heart of Kona coffee country, with ample things to do and see.

To get a closer look at Kona coffee country, its importance, beauty, and even processes, I recommend you take a coffee farm tour during your visit. Several farms in the region offer these experiences, each slightly different from the next. There are also multiple coffee shops around town where you can taste for yourself the difference between beans grown on the island and your average cup of joe.

And even if you aren’t a coffee lover, there’s still so much to see and do in Holualoa, Hawaii, particularly involving its arts scene. Multiple art galleries and studios are located around town, where you can admire artwork, take a class, and even meet local artists. If you plan your visit during the first Friday of each month, you can attend the First Friday Art Events in Holualoa, a popular event featuring art, music, food, vendors, and so much more.

You may also want to plan your visit in November during the Hōlualoa Village Coffee & Art Stroll, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while you shop and meet local artists.

If you want to spend time outdoors, it’s just a short drive to popular beaches like Magic Sands Beach Park and Honl’s Beach. I also recommend you plan a visit to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, a sacred place that was once a refuge. Today, you can explore its many cultural sites on a self-guided walking tour, view cultural demonstrations, fish, have a picnic, and more.

And this is just the beginning of the many activities you may enjoy during a visit to Holualoa, Hawaii. It may be tucked away in the heart of Kona coffee country, but it’s home to so much more—history, beauty, art, and community. It’s small-town charm at its best.

Have you ever been to Holualoa, Hawaii? What are some of your favorite things to do in this Hawaiian town? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. I’d love to add your suggestion to my upcoming visit this fall. And if you are searching for even more small towns in Hawaii to visit, check out these 12 small towns in the Aloha State, one for each month of the year.