Guidebook for Waikoloa Village
Drinks & Nightlife
Great Food and Live Music in the evenings. In the Morning enjoy breakfast starting at 8-10:30 and lunch starting at 11:30.
171 místní doporučují
Lava Lava Beach Club
69-1081 Ku'uali'i PlGreat Food and Live Music in the evenings. In the Morning enjoy breakfast starting at 8-10:30 and lunch starting at 11:30.
Food Scene
Just a few minutes away you will find a great place for dinner Hours are 5-11. Last seating is at 9.
40 místní doporučují
Pueo's Osteria, LLC
68-1820 Waikoloa RdJust a few minutes away you will find a great place for dinner Hours are 5-11. Last seating is at 9.
Brown's Beach House Restaurant
1 N Kaniku DrAmazing views Amazing food.
Just a short 25 minute drive you will be in cattle ranches with rolling hills. You will forget you are in Hawaii. The food here is remarkable.
102 místní doporučují
Merriman's Big Island
65-1227 Opelo RdJust a short 25 minute drive you will be in cattle ranches with rolling hills. You will forget you are in Hawaii. The food here is remarkable.
Waimea Coffee Company
65-1279 Kawaihae RdMM Good!
Tropics Ale House - Waikōloa
69-1022 Keana PlFood, Drinks and sports bar.
Sansei
201 Waikōloa Beach DrSushi Bar and more.
Kohala Burger & Taco
613665 Akoni Pule HwyBurgers, Fresh Fish and more.
Racha Thai
68-1845 Waikoloa RdThai food with a twist.
Roy's Waikoloa Bar & Grill
69-250 Waikōloa Beach DrExceptional food
Handcrafted Food and World Class Beer created by Tom Kerns, one of Hawaii’s most accomplished brewers.
88 místní doporučují
Big Island Brewhaus
64-1066 Mamalahoa HwyHandcrafted Food and World Class Beer created by Tom Kerns, one of Hawaii’s most accomplished brewers.
Local Hawaiian Comfort Food
Quality Homemade Hawaiian Food,
Served in Hawaiian Portions
58 místní doporučují
Hawaiian Style Cafe - Waimea
65-1290 Kawaihae RdLocal Hawaiian Comfort Food
Quality Homemade Hawaiian Food,
Served in Hawaiian Portions
Sightseeing
Located on the northern Hamakua Coast, the sacred Waipio Valley was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I, and an important center for political and religious life in Hawaii. Not only is "The Valley of the Kings" an important site for Hawaiian history and culture, it's also a place of dramatic tropical beauty.
This fertile valley is about one mile across and over five-miles deep, and surrounded by cliffs up to 2000-feet high. Waipio Valley was once the home of thousands of Native Hawaiians. Today, there are less than 100 residents living amongst the waterfalls, taro fields and rivers permeating the valley. Hawaii Island's tallest waterfall, Hiilawe Falls cascades down 1,300 feet in the back of Waipio.
You can view the valley from the coastal Waipio Valley Overlook at the end of the Hamakua Heritage Corridor drive, or you can take a guided van tour, hike, or horseback ride to explore the hidden wonders within. Tour guides will happily share the stories and legends of this special place. The road into the valley is extremely steep and requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle so driving isn't recommended (Check your rental car agreement if you plan to make a trip to Waipio Valley).
117 místní doporučují
Waipio Valley
Located on the northern Hamakua Coast, the sacred Waipio Valley was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I, and an important center for political and religious life in Hawaii. Not only is "The Valley of the Kings" an important site for Hawaiian history and culture, it's also a place of dramatic tropical beauty.
This fertile valley is about one mile across and over five-miles deep, and surrounded by cliffs up to 2000-feet high. Waipio Valley was once the home of thousands of Native Hawaiians. Today, there are less than 100 residents living amongst the waterfalls, taro fields and rivers permeating the valley. Hawaii Island's tallest waterfall, Hiilawe Falls cascades down 1,300 feet in the back of Waipio.
You can view the valley from the coastal Waipio Valley Overlook at the end of the Hamakua Heritage Corridor drive, or you can take a guided van tour, hike, or horseback ride to explore the hidden wonders within. Tour guides will happily share the stories and legends of this special place. The road into the valley is extremely steep and requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle so driving isn't recommended (Check your rental car agreement if you plan to make a trip to Waipio Valley).
Pololu is one of the most scenic valley of the state! Don’t forget to take your camera and comfortable hiking boots (tennis shoes will do on a dry day), and plenty of water.
The steep but short hike will take you down a lush tropical cliff to a rugged black sand beach. The trip down can be made leisurely in 30-45 minutes one way.
The Pololu Valley lookout is at the end of the Akoni Pule Hwy (270), East of the quaint town of Hawi on the North tip of the Big Island.
Local grinds: Stop in Hawi for the best ice cream and fudge across from the Bamboo restaurant. Sushi Rock past the gas station is another good place to pick up some food.
140 místní doporučují
Pololu Valley
Pololu is one of the most scenic valley of the state! Don’t forget to take your camera and comfortable hiking boots (tennis shoes will do on a dry day), and plenty of water.
The steep but short hike will take you down a lush tropical cliff to a rugged black sand beach. The trip down can be made leisurely in 30-45 minutes one way.
The Pololu Valley lookout is at the end of the Akoni Pule Hwy (270), East of the quaint town of Hawi on the North tip of the Big Island.
Local grinds: Stop in Hawi for the best ice cream and fudge across from the Bamboo restaurant. Sushi Rock past the gas station is another good place to pick up some food.
How many places in America can you walk in the footsteps of a king? Where else has a stranded sailor risen up to become a great chief over an entire island? Where else can you experience the culminating event of a people, foretold from centuries past? Where else can you stand on a beach and watch as sharks pass over a submerged temple? Experience all this and much more – only at Pu'ukoholā Heiau!
27 místní doporučují
Národní historické místo Pu'ukohola Heiau
62-3601 Kawaihae Rd How many places in America can you walk in the footsteps of a king? Where else has a stranded sailor risen up to become a great chief over an entire island? Where else can you experience the culminating event of a people, foretold from centuries past? Where else can you stand on a beach and watch as sharks pass over a submerged temple? Experience all this and much more – only at Pu'ukoholā Heiau!
Mauna Kea ("White Mountain") is a dormant volcano on the island of Hawaii, the largest and southernmost of the Hawaiian Islands. The highest point in the Pacific Basin, and the highest island-mountain in the world, Mauna Kea rises 9,750 meters (32,000 ft) from the ocean floor to an altitude of 4,205 meters (13,796 ft) above sea level, which places its summit above 40 percent of the Earth's atmosphere. The broad volcanic landscape of the summit area is made up of cinder cones on a lava plateau. The lower slopes of Mauna Kea are popular for hunting, hiking, sightseeing, and bird watching in an environment that is less hostile than the barren summit area.
Mauna Kea is unique as an astronomical observing site. The atmosphere above the mountain is extremely dry -- which is important in measuring infrared and submillimeter radiation from celestial sources - and cloud-free, so that the proportion of clear nights is among the highest in the world. The exceptional stability of the atmosphere above Mauna Kea permits more detailed studies than are possible elsewhere, while its distance from city lights and a strong island-wide lighting ordinance ensure an extremely dark sky, allowing observation of the faintest galaxies that lie at the very edge of the observable Universe. A tropical inversion cloud layer about 600 meters (2,000 ft) thick, well below the summit, isolates the upper atmosphere from the lower moist maritime air and ensures that the summit skies are pure, dry, and free from atmospheric pollutants.
161 místní doporučují
Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea ("White Mountain") is a dormant volcano on the island of Hawaii, the largest and southernmost of the Hawaiian Islands. The highest point in the Pacific Basin, and the highest island-mountain in the world, Mauna Kea rises 9,750 meters (32,000 ft) from the ocean floor to an altitude of 4,205 meters (13,796 ft) above sea level, which places its summit above 40 percent of the Earth's atmosphere. The broad volcanic landscape of the summit area is made up of cinder cones on a lava plateau. The lower slopes of Mauna Kea are popular for hunting, hiking, sightseeing, and bird watching in an environment that is less hostile than the barren summit area.
Mauna Kea is unique as an astronomical observing site. The atmosphere above the mountain is extremely dry -- which is important in measuring infrared and submillimeter radiation from celestial sources - and cloud-free, so that the proportion of clear nights is among the highest in the world. The exceptional stability of the atmosphere above Mauna Kea permits more detailed studies than are possible elsewhere, while its distance from city lights and a strong island-wide lighting ordinance ensure an extremely dark sky, allowing observation of the faintest galaxies that lie at the very edge of the observable Universe. A tropical inversion cloud layer about 600 meters (2,000 ft) thick, well below the summit, isolates the upper atmosphere from the lower moist maritime air and ensures that the summit skies are pure, dry, and free from atmospheric pollutants.
Parks & Nature
Spencer Beach Park, Big Island
Located south of Kawaihae Harbor on the Big Island's northwestern coast, Spencer Beach Park offers excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions, ample shade under large native trees and a calm, friendly atmosphere. The park is named after Samuel M. Spencer, former chairman of the Hawaii County Board of Supervisors who was responsible for developing the north Kohala Coast.
Spencer Beach (see more photos) is one of the few white-sand beaches on the Big Island. The soft, smooth shore offers a comfortable change from the usually rocky beaches, making it a great picnicking spot. A long, shallow reef offshore keeps out high waves and strong currents. The water near the shore is shallow and an excellent playground for kids. Surfing is not very popular, as the water is usually calm.
The park is ideal for weekend picnics as there are lots of facilities, including a large picnic pavilion complete with tables and electrical outlets. If you’re up for a walk, consider going to the adjacent Pu'ukohola Heiau, which was built by King Kamehameha I in 1791. Another ancient temple site is situated a short walk to the north – Mailekini Heiau – located on Pelekane Beach, which is considered a sacred area.
64 místní doporučují
Spencer Beach Park
62-3461 Kawaihae Road Spencer Beach Park, Big Island
Located south of Kawaihae Harbor on the Big Island's northwestern coast, Spencer Beach Park offers excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions, ample shade under large native trees and a calm, friendly atmosphere. The park is named after Samuel M. Spencer, former chairman of the Hawaii County Board of Supervisors who was responsible for developing the north Kohala Coast.
Spencer Beach (see more photos) is one of the few white-sand beaches on the Big Island. The soft, smooth shore offers a comfortable change from the usually rocky beaches, making it a great picnicking spot. A long, shallow reef offshore keeps out high waves and strong currents. The water near the shore is shallow and an excellent playground for kids. Surfing is not very popular, as the water is usually calm.
The park is ideal for weekend picnics as there are lots of facilities, including a large picnic pavilion complete with tables and electrical outlets. If you’re up for a walk, consider going to the adjacent Pu'ukohola Heiau, which was built by King Kamehameha I in 1791. Another ancient temple site is situated a short walk to the north – Mailekini Heiau – located on Pelekane Beach, which is considered a sacred area.
Two words: Absolutely Beautiful. This out-of-the-way cove is considered by many to be the most picturesque and relaxing beach on the Big Island. Mauna Kea Beach is on The Travel Channel’s “The World’s All Time Best Beaches” list.
Actually, the beach's real name is Kaunaoa Bay. Mauna Kea Beach is a nickname since this perfect white sandy cove is overlooked by the world-class Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Most of the bay is sand-bottomed and less than 10 feet deep making for easy and safe snorkeling.
Insider Tip: Walk all the way to the right-hand side of the beach (the side nearest the hotel) before entering the water. You're going to want to snorkel out on the coral flats near the point. On your swim, stay along the rocky ledge. Unlike the center of the bay which is sand, the rocks and coral along the ledge provide food and shelter for reef fish. Almost all the sea life in the bay will be found along this ledge. Keep your eyes peeled as soon as you get your mask on. You'll start seeing the smaller species of fish in about waist deep water. Parrot fish, turtles, jacks, peacock bass, flag tails, butterfly fish, leather backs, surgeon fish, goat fish, and tang abound. You won’t need to go far, although the further towards the point you swim the larger and more variety of fish you'll see.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot to tell you about one of the coolest things about Kaunaoa Bay: After sunset, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel shines floodlights into the water to attract plankton. Plankton?!... How boring... Why would a hotel want to attract plankton?! Well my friend, in case you didn't know, plankton is the favorite food of Kauanoa Bay's most famous evening visitors:
Manta Rays!
Manta rays come into the bay at night to feed on the denser population of plankton basking in the hotel lights. The hotel has even set up a lookout, aptly named Manta Ray Point, so you can watch them glide below you. As with all sea creatures they come and go as they please so there's no guarantee that they'll be there. Although they are there more often than not.
Insider Tip: Very important! Beach access parking is provided by the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. There's only about 25 or so parking spaces available for non-guests which keeps the crowds to a bare minimum. Be sure to get there before 9:00am. Once all the parking passes are issued, you’ll have to wait for someone to leave the beach before you can enter to park. Believe me, once they have their toes in the sand, the last thing on their mind is going to be leaving.
There are showers and restrooms at the bottom of the path that leads from the parking lot to the beach. If you forgot to bring a cooler with your beach goodies, you can always have drinks at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort's beach-side bar or grab a bite to eat at one of their restaurants.
70 místní doporučují
Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea) Beach
Two words: Absolutely Beautiful. This out-of-the-way cove is considered by many to be the most picturesque and relaxing beach on the Big Island. Mauna Kea Beach is on The Travel Channel’s “The World’s All Time Best Beaches” list.
Actually, the beach's real name is Kaunaoa Bay. Mauna Kea Beach is a nickname since this perfect white sandy cove is overlooked by the world-class Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Most of the bay is sand-bottomed and less than 10 feet deep making for easy and safe snorkeling.
Insider Tip: Walk all the way to the right-hand side of the beach (the side nearest the hotel) before entering the water. You're going to want to snorkel out on the coral flats near the point. On your swim, stay along the rocky ledge. Unlike the center of the bay which is sand, the rocks and coral along the ledge provide food and shelter for reef fish. Almost all the sea life in the bay will be found along this ledge. Keep your eyes peeled as soon as you get your mask on. You'll start seeing the smaller species of fish in about waist deep water. Parrot fish, turtles, jacks, peacock bass, flag tails, butterfly fish, leather backs, surgeon fish, goat fish, and tang abound. You won’t need to go far, although the further towards the point you swim the larger and more variety of fish you'll see.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot to tell you about one of the coolest things about Kaunaoa Bay: After sunset, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel shines floodlights into the water to attract plankton. Plankton?!... How boring... Why would a hotel want to attract plankton?! Well my friend, in case you didn't know, plankton is the favorite food of Kauanoa Bay's most famous evening visitors:
Manta Rays!
Manta rays come into the bay at night to feed on the denser population of plankton basking in the hotel lights. The hotel has even set up a lookout, aptly named Manta Ray Point, so you can watch them glide below you. As with all sea creatures they come and go as they please so there's no guarantee that they'll be there. Although they are there more often than not.
Insider Tip: Very important! Beach access parking is provided by the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. There's only about 25 or so parking spaces available for non-guests which keeps the crowds to a bare minimum. Be sure to get there before 9:00am. Once all the parking passes are issued, you’ll have to wait for someone to leave the beach before you can enter to park. Believe me, once they have their toes in the sand, the last thing on their mind is going to be leaving.
There are showers and restrooms at the bottom of the path that leads from the parking lot to the beach. If you forgot to bring a cooler with your beach goodies, you can always have drinks at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort's beach-side bar or grab a bite to eat at one of their restaurants.
Also known as "A-bay," this expansive stretch of white sand fronts the Waikoloa Beach Marriott and is a perfect spot for swimming, windsurfing, snorkeling, and diving. Unlike some Kohala Coast beaches near hotel properties, this one is very accessible to the public and offers plenty of free parking. The bay is well protected, so even when surf is rough or trades are blasting, it's fairly calm here. (Mornings are calmest.) Snorkel gear, kayaks, and boogie boards are available for rent at the north end. Behind the beach are two ancient Hawaiian fishponds, Kuualii and Kahapapa, that once served ancient Hawaiian royalty. A walking trail follows the coastline to the Hilton Waikoloa Village next door, passing by tide pools, ponds, and a turtle sanctuary where sea turtles can often be spotted sunbathing on the sand. Footwear is recommended for the trail. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.
29 místní doporučují
Anaehoomalu Bay
Also known as "A-bay," this expansive stretch of white sand fronts the Waikoloa Beach Marriott and is a perfect spot for swimming, windsurfing, snorkeling, and diving. Unlike some Kohala Coast beaches near hotel properties, this one is very accessible to the public and offers plenty of free parking. The bay is well protected, so even when surf is rough or trades are blasting, it's fairly calm here. (Mornings are calmest.) Snorkel gear, kayaks, and boogie boards are available for rent at the north end. Behind the beach are two ancient Hawaiian fishponds, Kuualii and Kahapapa, that once served ancient Hawaiian royalty. A walking trail follows the coastline to the Hilton Waikoloa Village next door, passing by tide pools, ponds, and a turtle sanctuary where sea turtles can often be spotted sunbathing on the sand. Footwear is recommended for the trail. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.
Travel down the volcanic western coastline of the Kohala Coast and follow the signs to find a spectacular oasis that has earned a reputation as one of Hawaii Island’s finest beaches. The largest of Hawaii Island’s white sand beaches, Hapuna Beach has consistently been rated on numerous international Top Ten lists. Hapuna also offers consistently good conditions for swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing and snorkeling.
Located adjacent to the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and nearby its sister hotel, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, you’ll find ample parking, along with food vendors, picnic areas, restrooms and showers.
241 místní doporučují
Hapuna Beach
Travel down the volcanic western coastline of the Kohala Coast and follow the signs to find a spectacular oasis that has earned a reputation as one of Hawaii Island’s finest beaches. The largest of Hawaii Island’s white sand beaches, Hapuna Beach has consistently been rated on numerous international Top Ten lists. Hapuna also offers consistently good conditions for swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing and snorkeling.
Located adjacent to the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and nearby its sister hotel, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, you’ll find ample parking, along with food vendors, picnic areas, restrooms and showers.
Everything Else
Hawi
Great little town on your way to many sights.
Beautiful town in cattle country. Only 25 minutes away may be 20 degrees cooler. You will find many farmers markets in this town.
78 místní doporučují
Waimea
Beautiful town in cattle country. Only 25 minutes away may be 20 degrees cooler. You will find many farmers markets in this town.
Honokaa
Stop by in this town on your way to Waipio Valley. Nice local stores.
Essentials
KTA Super Stores Waikoloa Village
68-3916 Paniolo AveArts & Culture
Kahilu Theatre Foundation
67-1186 Lindsey RdCheck out their calendar of performances.