The sweet hamlet at Honomu, the gateway to Akaka Falls

Sweet Honomu is like a small village, sleepy, quiet and just busy with some tourist dropping by to eat or browse the small strip of shops before or after visiting Akaka Falls. The town used to be a bustling sugar mill town with businesses, schools and shops supporting the village, but now it is mostly tourist driven with curio shops and galleries that keep the town alive and running.

Nowadays the town is fun to explore before heading out to Akaka falls and check out the western vibe and small mom and pop shops, galleries, bakeries and food venues to attract visitors to stop by.

Where is Honomu Located

Located 11 miles west from Hilo Town on Hwy 11, make a left on route 220 into town and onward to Akaka Falls State Park. From Honokaa it is approximately 31 miles east to Akaka Falls and Honomu.

A little history on Honomu

Once a bustling plantation town that serviced the sugar industry and was established in 1876. The town was filled with many different nationalities of workers working the sugar plantation with a variety of shops, theater, bakery, eateries, churches and other sundry shops.

After the sugar plantation closed, the town started to also close down but eventually became more of a tourist destination gateway to Akaka Falls and visitors stopping at Honomu to sightsee, grab a bite and explore the galleries and tourist shops in town. On the way up to Akaka Falls, you’ll also find a variety of local fruit stands to stop and try some of the delicious local fruit from the area.

Visiting Honomu

If you love visiting little towns, Honomu maintains it charms with art galleries and boutiques, bakeries and antique stores and some delicious local style food venues to try out if you are hungry. The Western style Hawaiian architecture is colorful and fun to walk through and catch all the small details that make the town click. You should definitely try some of the local coffees, delicious pastries and look for local arts and crafts made from artists in the area and support local businesses.

The town really maintains an eclectic and small-town vibe that is casual and friendly with shop owners easy to talk with and no pressure selling things from their stores.

Trying out some local ice cream flavors.

Shop and stroll around Honomu Village

Places to eat in Honomu town?

There are a few spots to eat for a snack or bigger meal if you are hungry

Sharks Coffee Shop – the only spot for a good meal with local style food and great coffees from their coffee plantation to enjoy

Mr. Ed’s Bakery – serves delicious home-made pastries, huge turnovers with local fruit, delicious breakfast donuts and pastries and local jams, jellies, chutney and butter to take home for souvenirs.

Honomu Goat Dairy

• Known for: Goat cheese, yogurt, and farm tours
• Vibe: Rustic, educational, and family-friendly
• Tip: Call ahead to schedule a visit or check for product availability

Honomu Cafe

• Known for: Breakfast and lunch items with local ingredients
• Vibe: Casual dining with a cozy atmosphere
• Tip: Ideal for a relaxed meal while exploring the Hamakua Coast

What’s Shakin’

• Known for: Fresh fruit smoothies, sandwiches, and tropical treats
• Vibe: Laid-back, open-air setting with garden views
• Tip: Perfect for a refreshing stop after visiting nearby waterfalls​

Fruit stands on the way up to Akaka Falls

Things to see in the area

The main attraction is visiting Akaka Falls up mauka on Hwy 220, along the way are some delicious fruit stands worth a visit if you are thirsty or want to try delicious and fresh local fruit from the area

Akaka Falls State Park – This is the must visit site around the Hamakua coast with the state park that is made of two beautiful waterfalls and a botanical garden to explore

Akaka Falls fruit stands – there are a few fruit stands driving up towards Akaka Falls that are fun to stop and buy some local fruit or go for a smoothie shake made on site

Onomea coastal drive – the scenic Onomea coast drive is old, slow with one lane bridges and is fun to explore

Hawaii Tropical Botanical gardens – An extensive tropical garden with waterfalls, views of Onomea bay with lush gardens and grounds to explore.

Lapahoehoe Point – this gorgeous point in the lower part of Lapahoehoe is a park with gorgeous views of the coastline and cliffs along with a popular park to relax and enjoy the views here.

Honolii beach park – the main surfing and boogie boarding beach area along the Hilo coastline that locals and visitors flock to for surfing fun.

Honoka’a town – at the gateway to Waipio valley

A visit to Kalopa State Park

Have you been to Honomu, Hawaii?

Please share your thoughts and other recommendations in the comments below with your recommendations.

Thanks for visiting today and checking out this post on Honomu, Hawaii. I hope you are inspired to plan a visit and enjoy these wonderful attractions. If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post.

Author Bio – Noel Morata

Having lived in Hawaii for over 15 years, I’ve explore all the historic and cultural sites, tried delicious traditional food, fusion and local style dishes and learned a lot about growing and sustainability.

Hawaii for me is ever changing and I visit many of these places regularly for inspiration, changes that may occur, seasonality and cultural practises. I hope to share with you all the fascinating things and places I’ve learned grown appreciation for and hope that you will find the information helpful to visiting the islands.

I love the old town western vibe of Honomu, HI and share all of my favorite places to visit above.

We love shares – Mahalo!