Honokaa is an unincorporated community and census‑designated place (CDP) located in the Hamakua District on the northern coast of the island of Hawaiʻi, United States. It lies along Hawaii Route 19 (the Hawaii Belt Road) approximately 15 mi southeast of Waimea and 20 mi northwest of Hilo.
Geography
Honokaa is situated at an elevation of roughly 250 feet (76 m) above sea level. The community is positioned on the windward side of the island, which results in a tropical rainforest climate characterized by high annual precipitation, moderate temperatures, and lush vegetation. The surrounding landscape includes coastal plains, the Honokaa Valley, and the adjacent Waipio Valley.
Demographics
According to the 2020 United States Census, Honokaa had a population of 2,129 residents. The population is ethnically diverse, reflecting the broader demographic composition of the island, with significant percentages of Native Hawaiian, Asian, and Caucasian residents.
History
Honokaa’s development is closely tied to the agricultural expansion of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly the cultivation of sugarcane and later pineapple. The establishment of the Honokaa Sugar Plantation in the 1880s attracted laborers from Japan, China, Korea, the Philippines, and Portugal, shaping the community’s multicultural character. The decline of the sugar industry in the mid‑20th century led to economic diversification, with tourism, small‑scale agriculture, and service industries becoming more prominent.
Economy and Infrastructure
The local economy is anchored by a mix of retail businesses, agricultural enterprises, and tourism‑related services. Notable establishments include the historic Honokaa People’s Theatre (opened in 1922), which serves as a cultural venue for performances and community events. The community is served by Honokaa Elementary School and is within the jurisdiction of Hawaiʻi County’s public services.
Culture and Points of Interest
- Honokaa People’s Theatre – A historic performing‑arts venue that hosts local and touring productions.
- Historic Downtown District – Contains early 20th‑century commercial buildings, many of which have been preserved or repurposed.
- Nearby Natural Attractions – The town provides access to scenic drives along the Hamakua Coast, waterfalls such as Waipio and Akaka, and hiking trails in the surrounding valleys.
Etymology
The Hawaiian name “Honokaa” is commonly interpreted as “place of anchorage” or “bay of the anchorage,” though definitive linguistic evidence is limited.
Climate
Honokaa experiences a tropical rainforest climate (Köppen classification Af), with average high temperatures ranging from 81 °F (27 °C) in winter to 84 °F (29 °C) in summer. Annual rainfall exceeds 100 inches (2,540 mm), with the wettest months typically occurring from November through March.
Transportation
State Route 19 provides primary roadway access, linking Honokaa to other communities on the island. The nearest major airport is Hilo International Airport, located approximately 30 mi to the southeast.
References
- United States Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census.
- Hawaiʻi County Historical Society publications.
- Hawaiʻi State Climate Office, climatological data for the Hamakua Coast.