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Hawaii isn’t just flashy resorts, lush volcanic jungles, bronzed surfers greeting you with words with too many apostrophes, and mainland tourists trying way too hard to find their inner mahalo.

There is actually small-town charm to be discovered in America’s 50th state.

Connected by two other Hawaiian airports, a quick island hop is a breeze through Southwest or Hawaiian Airlines.

Of course, black sand beaches are incredible to visit, but certainly no surprise as Hawaii is teeming with some of America’s most beautiful coastlines, unmatched anywhere else in the country.

Recently featured by HGTV as one of America’s ‘most charming small towns in America’, you can skip Honolulu’s packed beaches and headache-inducing traffic jams for a more idyllic vacation in lesser-known Hilo.

Hawaii’s Less Touristy Slice Of Paradise

Honolulu may be a go-to for many vacationers, but if we’re being honest, it lacks authenticity compared to other Hawaiian getaways.

Located on the Big Island opposite of Kona, the small coastal town of Hilo offers visitors a haven for epic beaches, lush nature, and surprising down-home charm with welcoming locals running Mom and Pop eateries like local favorite Puka Puka Kitchen, boutique shops, and independent galleries.

Many of downtown’s rustic storefronts have stood the test of time and are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Big Island offers endless attractions, tucked-away coves, and grand resorts dotting the coast, but travelers often skip Hilo in favor of Kona.

While Kona certainly exudes more traditional Hawaiian vibes than Honolulu, there’s no doubt Hilo is the place to avoid crowds and not sacrifice experiences, whether it be simply relaxing beachside, going for a scenic hike through the vivid rainforests, or perusing downtown delights.

Whatever you do, don’t skip the Hilo Farmers Market for local grub and artisan crafts.

Hilo’s Volcanic Beaches

If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting a black sand beach, it’s truly a sight to behold.

I’ve been to a few in my travels, most notably Vik, Iceland, and it’s a memory I’ll never forget.

Most vacationers seek out gleaming white sand beach towns for their ideal vacations, but the opposite end of the spectrum is just as captivating.

HGTV highlighted Hilo’s Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach as a must-visit, but this volcanic paradise is just scratching the surface as this region of the Big Island is teeming with black sand beaches to scope out.

But first, a brief history lesson: Hawaii houses multiple volcanoes, which have formed these black sand beaches over time after powerful waves and currents break down the volcanic rock, ultimately leaving truly unique, picturesque black sand.

The Big Island does have an active volcano (Kilauea) constantly being monitored, so hopefully the current black sand beaches remain the only ones for quite some time.

In 2018, Mother Nature blew her top, creating a new black sand beach, Pohoiki Beach, a short drive from Hilo.

There’s other stellar black sand beaches flying well under the radar of most visitors while they deal with the chaos of Waikiki, especially come summer.

Roughly an hour from Hilo’s airport lies Kehena Black Sand Beach, a stunning beach with an impressive 4.7 Google rating backed by rave reviews, such as what one recent beachgoer claimed, “Very free and relaxed vibes here, with people dancing to the drum circle, hanging out and playing the ukelele, swimming, doing yoga on the sand, or just relaxing”.

However, this beach isn’t one for family getaways, as clothing is optional.

Discover Cascading Waterfalls & A Secret Island Hidden In Plain Sight

Travelers fly across the ocean to discover Hawaii’s unmatched beaches but oftentimes forget the treasure trove of goodies within its jungles.

Here in Hilo, Rainbow Falls is a must-see, along with what’s known as the Boiling Pots, which are essentially a series of natural pools appearing to boil due to rushing water and underlying rock formations.

Best of all, there is no fee to enter Wailuku River State Park to witness the falls.

One site closer to town you might miss if you’re not looking for it is Coconut Island (a.k.a. Moku Ola).

https://www.liliuokalanigardens.orgHere you’ll find tranquil beaches just past Lili’uokalani Park and Gardens, another peaceful stopping point in its own right, where you can swim in the calm waters of the small urban park just outside the townscape.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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