Hawi is a census-designated place in Hawaiʻi County, Hawaii. The population was 2,268 at the time of the 2020 United States Census. Hawi is situated to the west of the community of Kapaau. Together, they comprise the most densely-populated region in the district of North Kohala. Historically this part of Kohala is significant as the birthplace of Kame…Hawi is a census-designated place in Hawaiʻi County, Hawaii. The population was 2,268 at the time of the 2020 United States Census. Hawi is situated to the west of the community of Kapaau. Together, they comprise the most densely-populated region in the district of North Kohala. Historically this part of Kohala is significant as the birthplace of Kamehameha I and the location of the Moʻokini heiau in the Kohala Historical Sites State Monument. The two communities were once busy commercial centers during the operation of the Kohala Sugar plantation.