Honomu: An Old Sugar Plantation Town

Located on the beautiful island of Hawaii, Honomu is a charming town that offers visitors a taste of authentic Hawaiian culture and hospitality. Nestled in the lush tropical rainforest along the Hamakua Coast, Honomu is known for its scenic beauty, picturesque landscapes, and friendly locals. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous escape, Honomu has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’re going to explore some of the must-see attractions and activities in Honomu that will make your visit unforgettable.

Honomu Quick Information

Honomu has the following activities and attractions:

adventure tours (farm tours, waterfall tours)
home to Akaka Falls Sate Park
quaint, rural small town

Honomu

Introduction to Honomu

Honomu (meaning “silent bay” in Hawaiian) is located in the eastern part of Hawaii’s Big Island, and it’s a quaint town with a rich history. Once a bustling sugar plantation town, today, it is renowned for its main attraction, the Akaka Falls State Park.

With a population of just under 500 people, Honomu exudes a friendly, small-town charm, making it a perfect destination for tourists seeking a taste of local culture. Honomu’s location, sandwiched between Pepeekeo and Hilo, makes it an ideal gateway to explore the many tourist attractions of Hawaii’s Big Island. Many people make a pit stop in Honomu on their way to or from Akaka Falls to peruse art galleries and grab some lunch.

Population and History of Honomu

Honomu was once a thriving sugar cane plantation town, with its history dating back to 1876. The town had a gas station, a bar, and two theaters. However, with the decline of the sugar industry, the town has had to adapt to new economic forces. Many of the plantations that once occupied the area, such as Onomea Sugar Company and Honomu Sugar Company, are no longer in operation.

Nowadays, the town is small with a population of under 500 people (according to the 2020 US Census). Despite the decline of the sugar industry, Honomu remains a proud and welcoming community. While the decline of the plantations may have been a challenge, it has also opened up opportunities for visitors to explore and discover the charm of the town and the surrounding areas, like Akaka Falls State Park.

An old photograph of the Onomea Sugar Company laborers' village. — *A photograph of the laborers’ village from the Onomea Sugar Company*
*(Images of Old Hawaii).*

Location and Weather of Honomu

Honomu is easily accessible via Highway 11, with a left turn onto route 220 from Hilo leading you into Honomu and onwards to Akaka Falls. The town’s geography is characterized by lush green forests, verdant pastures, and cascading waterfalls. Since Honomu is on the windward (or wet) side of the island, it is typically lush and green year-round due to its staggering 141 inches (358 cm) of rainfall per year. That’s a lot of rain!

Weather in Honomu tends to be relatively moderate, with temperatures ranging typically between 63-81°F (17-27°C) depending on the time of year. Due to the high levels of rainfall though, the area tends to be quite humid.

Explore Akaka Falls State Park

One of the highlights of visiting Honomu is exploring Akaka Falls State Park. This park is home to the breathtaking Akaka Falls, as well as a lush rainforest filled with orchids, ferns, and bamboo. Visitors can take a short 0.4-mile (0.64 km) loop trail from the parking lot to a scenic overlook of the falls. The park also offers other paths for exploration and stunning views of Kahuna Falls. Akaka Falls State Park is truly a must-see destination in Honomu and a great way to experience the beauty of the Big Island’s natural landscape.

Other Things to Do in Honomu

Despite the small size of the town, Honomu has a lot to offer! The main attraction is Akaka Falls State Park, as mentioned in the previous section, but there are other several other things to do in or near Honomu.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a must-see for plant and nature lovers alike! It’s a bit of walking, so be sure to wear shoes instead of flip flops, but the plants and views are totally worth it. We spent a little over an hour at the garden when we went in late 2023.

*A photograph of Onomea Bay from the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.*

Hiking Trails: There are a number of hiking trails near Honomu for those who like to hike. The Onomea Bay Trail is one such popular route that takes hikers on a scenic route along the coastline.
Honomu Goat Dairy: I know, it sounds silly, but reviews rave about Honomu Goat Dairy! Visit and pet baby goats, test out lotions and soaps made of goat milk, and try the freshest goat milk cheese on the Big Island!
Kolekole Gulch Park: This park was renovated and reopened in April 2024, complete with new buildings and amenities. The park is now ADA accessible and includes pavilions and restrooms.
Zipline Tours Hawaii: Zipline Tours Hawaii offer a number of zipline and hiking adventures in Honomu. If you’re looking to soar above waterfalls and lush Hawaiian forests, consider doing a zipline tour!

Shopping in Honomu

Honomu, due to its history and culture, has a number of small galleries and shops that larger cities like Hilo and Kona sometimes don’t. Consider stopping at some of these locations and supporting local businesses!

Glass from the Past: Glass from the Past is an antique shop in Honomu that sells plantation era furniture, old glass from the sugar plantation era, memorabilia, and much more!

A photograph of the shop Glass from the Past in Honomu, HI. — *A photograph of the Glass from the Past shop in Honomu, HI.*

Mr. Ed’s Bakery: Mr. Ed’s Bakery is famous on the Big Island for its homemade breads, pastries, jams, jellies, sauces, butters, chutneys, mustards and marmalades, made from scratch with island fruits and spices. Be sure to stop by and pick up some local goodies!

Conclusion: Discovering the Charm of Honomu

After exploring the charming town of Honomu and witnessing the majestic beauty of Akaka Falls State Park, it’s no wonder why this small community is a must-visit destination on the Big Island of Hawaii. With a population of less than 500 people, Honomu offers an intimate and friendly atmosphere that makes visitors feel right at home.

So, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a unique experience on your next Hawaiian vacation, Honomu offers something for everyone. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the charm of Honomu for yourself!