Hawi, located in the North Kohala district, is the largest town on the Big Island’s north shore, with a population of 1,081 at the 2010 census. It is a cozy town with picturesque charm located to the west of Kapa’au, and has a hotel, several restaurants and a few art galleries. The North Kohala district is important as it is the birthplace of Kamehameha I and the location of the Mo’okini Heiau, a sacred historical site from approximately AD 480.
Hawi was once a busy commercial center when the Kohala Suger plantation was operating; it had four movie theatres and a bustling atmosphere. When the plantation closed in the 1970’s, the local economy suffered, but nowadays the town is rebuilding itself as a tourist destination
Hawi is the turnaround point on the bicycle leg of the Ironman World Championship Triathlon. A couple of well known people come from Hawi, including Napua Stevens and John Keawe.