Hawaii is as stunningly beautiful of a place as there is on the planet. The state is filled with sandy beaches, dazzling mountains, and deep tropical forests. There are very few places like it. While the many Hawaiian beach towns are a big part of this state’s appeal, Hawaii’s mountains are just as beautiful.
Numerous towns in Hawaii are situated on or along the many mountains that dot the islands, offering unparalleled ocean views and picturesque mountain charm. Let’s look at some of these scenic Hawaiian communities on or near the state’s many mountains.
Kula
Situated on Maui, Kula is a scenic mountain town on the slopes of Haleakala in the upcountry area. Kula is known for its gorgeous views, but there is much more to this little community. It is an agricultural hub whose rich volcanic soil is the basis for much of the fresh produce grown in Hawaii.
Kula offers great farm tours, delicious culinary treats, and botanical gardens blooming with the lush plants and flowers that Hawaii is known for. There are also historic sites and great hiking trails that wind along the mountain.
Kapolei
Kapolei is a community between the ocean and the massive Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve. It is only a short drive to either the ocean or the mountains and rainforest, so residents of this community get the best of both worlds. Kapolei is a busy area home to over 20,000 residents that get to enjoy great proximity to some of the best Hawaii has to offer.
The Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve features huge hiking trails and 600 square miles of natural forest. Arching mountains offer jaw-dropping views of the island, and it is only a 35-minute drive from Kapolei. Kapolei is also only a 25-minute drive to the Honouliuli Forest Reserve.
Kailua
Kailua is a scenic town on the east coast of Oahu. Kailua is typically known for its coastal appeal. The beautiful waters, perfect surf, and soft sand keep the tourists returning. However, Kailua is unique in that some of the best mountainous hiking in the state is just outside of the town.
Ka’iwa Ridge Trail is one of the most popular spots for a hike in the area, and Waimanalo Forest Reserve sits just outside of Kailua. Waimanalo Forest Reserve is a huge mountain and forest hiking area with gorgeous coastal views.
Kamuela
Kamuela, more commonly known as Waimea, is a quiet coastal community on the island of Hawaii. Kamuela is on the island’s north end and provides a gorgeous place for tourists and residents to unwind on the beach. But if you are searching for mountain adventures, Kamuela can provide that too.
Just outside of Kamuela sits the Pu’u O Umi Natural Area Reserve, which covers 10,000 acres of land in the Kohala Mountains. This area has trails that take you thousands of feet above sea level with incredible panoramic views spanning the island. It is part of what makes Kamuela a uniquely appealing place to reside.
