35 Cities That Feel Like a Different Country Without Leaving the U.S.

20. Hana, Hawaii – A Glimpse of Polynesian Tradition

Hana is more than a destination—it’s an experience. Tucked away on the eastern edge of Maui, it’s accessible only by a winding, scenic highway that hugs waterfalls and dramatic cliffs, making the journey part of the adventure. Unlike more touristy Hawaiian resorts, Hana has remained rooted in its Polynesian heritage and continues to preserve traditional Hawaiian customs and ways of life. Here, you can attend intimate hula performances where storytelling through dance is revered, or take part in a luau that celebrates generations of Hawaiian families. Locals practice kapa cloth-making, lei crafting, and throw net fishing, and many still speak Hawaiian alongside English. You can visit Hale Piilani, an ancient stone temple site, or swim in the sacred pools at Oheo Gulch. Every experience in Hana is grounded in a connection to the land and ancestors. With no chain stores or high-rises, and a slower pace of life, Hana gives you the rare chance to step into authentic Polynesian rhythm—peaceful, profound, and powerfully rooted in tradition.