One of the areas of the Big Island of Hawaii that is least explored by visitors is the region of Kohala, consisting of North Kohala and South Kohala. Hawi is located in the North Kohala district and is the birthplace of the great King Kamehameha I and where you will find the Mo'okini Heiau. Pass through the quiet towns of Hawi and Kapa'au and you will reach the beautiful Pololu Valley Overlook.
North Kohala is an area of the Big Island that is still not widely developed, where the roads find minimal traffic and where you'll have plenty of space to yourself to explore the beauty of old Hawaii. It will take some time to get there, no matter where your staying on the island, but it is well worth it. The drive is majestic and memorable.
Hawi was once a bustling sugar town, home to the Kohala Sugar Company. The sugar mill closed in 1970 and the town has struggled to keep itself alive. In recent years craft shops and boutiques have begun to appear in hopes of attracting the tourists who make their way through town.
Hawi is known for its lovely village green and for the Bamboo Restaurant and Bar, considered by many to be one of the best restaurants on the Big Island. The restaurant features island cuisine in a tropical setting with bamboo and rattan furniture. There is often live entertainment on the weekend. There is also a great gift shop/gallery attached with excellent Hawaiian koa wood crafts.
The Pololu Valley is the other star attraction of Hawi. The Pololu Valley was once inhabited and home to several wet taro plantations. The plantations are long ago abandoned and overgrown. Pololu is a popular, yet somewhat remote, destination for campers. The walk down to the valley floor makes the wonderful views well worthwhile, but the walk up makes you somewhat question your judgment. It is a difficult climb. Be careful of your step, especially if the path is wet.
While visiting Hawi it is easy to forget the other parts of the island exist. Hawi has its own time that takes a friendly and slower approach to life. Hawi has some accommodations for visitors, but there are no major resorts or development nearby. Be sure to stop by the local Farmer's Market where there is an abundance of exotic fruits, local foods and aromatic flowers. You don't want to plan your stay in Hawi if action is what you are looking for. Days spent here are nature oriented and full of beach activities. The communities are thriving, but many residence commute to Kona for work. Hawi provides a sleepy, over-looked oasis for the Big Island traveler.