Hawai

Hawai is the headquarters of Anjaw District in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, located in the Lohit River valley at an elevation of about 1,296 metres. Surrounded by the Mishmi Hills, it serves as the administrative and cultural centre of the remote Anjaw region near the India-Myanmar border. The town is notable for its scenic valley landscape, Mishmi tribal culture, and as a base for visiting nearby attractions like Walong, Kibithu and Dong Valley.

Visitors can expect a small, quiet Himalayan district headquarters town set in a forested valley along the Lohit River. The setting offers views of surrounding Mishmi Hills, terraced fields, and river valley scenery. The town has basic administrative buildings, a market, small shops, guest houses and homestays. Visitors can explore local Mishmi (Kaman and Tawra) culture, walk around the valley, and use Hawai as a base for day trips to nearby villages, riverside areas and viewpoints in Anjaw district.

Hawai became the headquarters of Anjaw District when the district was created on 16 February 2004 after bifurcation from Lohit District. The area is part of the traditional homeland of the Mishmi tribes and lies in the Lohit valley, historically part of the frontier tracts of northeastern India.

Hawai is the cultural centre for the Mishmi communities, particularly the Kaman (Miju Mishmi) and Tawra (Digaru Mishmi) tribes. The town reflects Mishmi traditions, languages, handicrafts and festivals, and serves as a gathering place for local cultural and administrative events in Anjaw district.