Honokaa, Census-designated place in Hawaii County, United States
Honokaa is a small community on the north side of Hawaii island, located at about 1,000 feet (300 meters) in elevation. The town hosts weekly farmers markets selling fresh pineapples, coffee, papaya, and macadamia nuts to residents and visitors.
The Hamakua Sugar Company shaped the town's growth from 1873 to 1994, making it a major production center for the region. This long period of sugar manufacturing built the foundation for the community's economy and development over more than a century.
The Honokaa People's Theatre from 1930 is where the community gathers for concerts and local celebrations. Visitors can see how residents keep their traditions alive through music and performances.
Visitors should know that the town sits on a plateau where weather can change quickly throughout the day. Early morning or afternoon hours are the best times to visit the farmers markets.
Former Hawaii Governor John D. Waiheʻe III was born here, and the town served as a filming location for the 2009 film Honokaa Boy. These connections to state politics and cinema show how this small place has reached beyond its borders.
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