Kawaihae

This no-frills industrial harbor, where in 1793 the first cattle landed in Hawaii, is a hub of commercial and community activity. It's also where King Kamehameha and his men launched their canoes when they set out to conquer the neighboring islands. Kawaihae is especially busy on weekends, when paddlers, surfers, tourist charters, and local fishing boats share the waters. Second in size only to Hilo Harbor, the port serves interisland cargo carriers and often shelters the Makalii, one of three traditional Hawaiian sailing canoes. Kawaihae Village has several restaurants with nice sunset views.