Things to Do in The Kohala Coast
Resort beaches along black lava fields, and old plantation towns at the northern tip.
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North of Kona, the highway crosses miles of black and rust-colored lava fields that look barren until you reach the coast, where the resorts of Waikoloa, Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea have planted lawns and palms around a string of white sand beaches. The weather here is the driest and sunniest on the island, which makes the Kohala Coast the island's main resort area.
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area has one of the island's longest and widest stretches of white sand, with good swimming in calm conditions; non-residents pay entry and parking fees, and its camping and concession are currently closed. Nearby Kaunaoa, often called Mauna Kea Beach, is a crescent of sand in front of the hotel of the same name, with public access by limited parking. Ancient petroglyphs are carved into lava along trails near Puako and the Waikoloa resorts, and humpback whales pass close offshore in winter.
History runs deep here. Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, above Kawaihae harbor, protects the massive stone temple that Kamehameha built in 1790 and 1791 as he set out to unite the islands. A half-mile trail leads to overlooks, and blacktip reef sharks sometimes cruise the bay below. A visitor center explains how the temple was built from stones passed hand to hand over a long distance. Kamehameha was born in North Kohala, and the original bronze statue of him, lost at sea and later recovered, stands in front of the old courthouse in Kapaau, where it is draped in lei every June.
At the northern tip, the old sugar towns of Hawi and Kapaau have galleries, cafes and shave ice stands in wooden storefronts. The road ends at the Pololu Valley lookout, with a view down sea cliffs into a green valley and black-sand beach. The trail into the valley is steep and slippery, and access rules have changed in recent years, so check current conditions before planning the hike.
Don’t Miss
A long, wide white sand beach. Non-residents pay entry and parking fees; camping and concessions are currently closed.
The great stone temple Kamehameha built in 1790 and 1791, with a short trail and views over Pelekane Bay.
The original bronze statue of Kamehameha, outside the old North Kohala courthouse in the king's home district.
A former sugar town of wooden storefronts with galleries, cafes and shave ice, and the turnaround point of the IRONMAN bike course.
A clifftop view into a deep green valley at the end of the road. The trail below is steep; check current access rules first.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Kohala
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Viator
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Get free trip quotes »Kohala — FAQ
Which Kohala Coast beach is best for families?
Hapuna Beach has a long, gently sloping sand beach that is good for swimming when the surf is calm, plus lifeguards and restrooms. Winter swells can bring strong shorebreak, so check conditions and swim near the lifeguard tower.
How far is Hawi from Kona?
Hawi is about an hour's drive north of Kailua-Kona along the coast road, and a few minutes beyond it the road ends at the Pololu Valley lookout.
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