Hawley scored 12 goals for the Cumbrians last season, but found himself out of the team towards the end of the season after refusing to sign a new deal.
He is reunited with Lilywhite boss Paul Simpson, who managed Hawley at Brunton Park.
"I'm delighted. It's a big move for me and I'm looking forward to it," he told Preston's official website.
"Simpson knows all about me and I know what he is all about so that was a massive factor in my decision to move here, I'm just looking forward to working with him again."