20 Best Things to Do in Hawi and the Kohala Coast
Looking for things to do in Hawi and the Kohala Coast on the Big Island Hawaii? I got you!
There is a plethora of things to do in Hawi, the northernmost town on the Big Island, and the surrounding area. The quaint artsy town has surprisingly fun shops to explore, restaurants to remedy hangri-ness, and lots of historical sites to visit nearby.
I lived on the Big Island for year and I can attest that taking a day trip to Hawi from Kona is easy as it’s just over an hour away.
In this post you’ll find:
- Ziplining over a tropical forest
- A sugary-soft white sand beach
- A valley view better than Waipio Valley
…and more!
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Shaka Guide
Before you head north, download the Shaka Guide’s Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour. This GPS, self-guided audio tour of Hawi and the Kohala Coast guides you with directions to all the stops and gives an extensive, interesting history lesson on King Kamehameha I, since this is the area of his birthplace and life.
I highly suggest downloading the entire Big Island Guide because after you try one you’ll want them all.
What to Do in Hawi
Hawi (pronounced “ha-vee”) is the birthplace of King Kamehameha I. Besides that important significance, the small town is also famous for the turnaround point for bikers in the Ironman World Championship back to Kona.
During the mid 19th century this was sugar plantation land and the area was populated by Japanese and Filipino farm workers. In the 1990s, sugar plantations closed on the island due to outsourcing.
Today, Hawi carries on with both local and tourist support with lots of things to do for the Hawaiian traveler.
1. Big Island Kohala Canopy Zipline Adventure
photo credit: Fareharbor
⭐Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 🕑Start Time: 8:00am-2:30pm ⏳Tour Length: 3 hrs
Fly across the lush Kohala forests over 8 ziplining courses and crossing over 6 sky bridges between runs. Fun tour guides will oversee your safety as you get you up to 45mph!
What past guests have said: “Had an amazing time! Both guides did good job explaining how to do it. They were very interactive with the group. They made sure everyone going made it through each line safely.” – Taylor
2. Kohala Waterfalls Small Group Adventure Tour
photo credit: Fareharbor
⭐Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 🕑Start Time: 6:50am ⏳Tour Length: 7 hrs
⚠️NOTE: Pickup is in Kona!
Take an all-day tour to exclusively private Big Island waterfalls on the Kohala Coast.
Drive past the scenic Kohala coastline, through historic Hawi and Kapa’au, to the Old Kohala Mule Station viewpoint. From there you’ll transfer to a 6×6 military ATV and ride the bumpy trail along striking cliffs.
You’ll reach the privately owned Kohala Ditch Trail, an early 1900s irrigation system for the nearby sugar plantation. The 2-mile moderate hike will take you by 7 different waterfalls, all unique. Learn about the sugar plantation history as you walk and observe historic tunnels, ditches, and aqueducts.
Take a refreshing dip under the last waterfall on the tour and get that one-of-a-kind Insta-pic.
What past guests have said: “Our knowledgeable, friendly guide, Taro, did a great job informing us about Native Hawaiian history and local culture as he led us to several lovely waterfalls. The highlight was the breathtaking outdoor spot where we ate our packed lunches. It was an awesome tour!” – Shelby
3. Kohala UTV Adventure
Trek through the verdant, historical lands of Inner Kohala in an Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV). Located on 800 acres of private land that formerly belonged to the Kohala Sugar Company, you’ll get to experience beautifully preserved territory forbidden from the public.
Pololu Valley looms before you as the trail leads you from sea to mountain. Your guide will take you to scenic overlooks and talk story about the days of yore.
4. B.I.G Air Skydiving
A unique thing to do in Hawi is to get a completely different point of view of the Kohala Peninsula by skydiving right over it.
Fall from 12,000ft tandem-attached to your professional instructor. Experience a vertical mile freefall for over 45 seconds and when the chute is deployed, your instructor will guide and give you the reins to steer yourselves back to safety on solid ground.
Your skydive includes a video recorded by your tandem instructor.
5. Shopping in Hawi
Hawi has a surprisingly jam-packed variety of places to shop to tantalize your wallet with gift shops, art shops, clothing shops, thrift shops, and grocery shops.
Some of my favorites are:
- Aloha Man – Inside a colorful painted shack with surfboard signs you’ll find Hawaii themed graphic tees and accessories designed and created by local artists.
- As Hawi Turns – A boutique shop where you can tell they carefully pick out their items like sandals, unique dresses, jewelry accents, and children’s stuff.
- Elements Jewelry & Fine Crafts – Find a unique souvenir at this cute shop with walls full of Hawaii-made and fair trade arts and fine crafts made of a variety of mediums, jewelry to accessorize from head to toe, and cute knick knacks.
6. Places to Eat in Hawi
Besides shopping, there’s also plenty of restaurants to find in Hawi.
- Kohala Coffee Mill/Tropical Dreams – A coffee shop, cafe, and ice cream shop all rolled into one. Kohala Coffee Mill serves 100% Kona coffee to perfection, along with a delicious menu of breakfast and lunch sandwiches and wraps.
You’ll also find Tropical Dreams ice cream, with flavors like mango, Kona coffee, or chocolate coconut macadamia nut. It’s made on-island with a whopping 18% butterfat (compared to Ben & Jerry’s at about 12-14%).
- Kohala Grown Market – Both a boutique grocery store and a deli, they specialize in fresh fruit smoothies and smoothie bowls, kombucha on tap, hot sandwiches and fresh baked goods.
- Mi Ranchito – Authentic Mexican food serving large plates of burritos, two-toned enchiladas, and tamales. Chips and salsa of course are served with the meal.
- Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery – Located in an historic hotel from the 1910s, it’s now a restaurant that serves an eclectic cuisine of Hawaiian, Asian, Cuban, and American using organic ingredients of local produce and island raised beef.
Upstairs is an art gallery filled with Pacific themed arts and gifts.
Other Things to Do on the Kohala Peninsula
You’ll likely be day tripping to Hawi from Kona, in which there are many things to do and sites to see on the way. I’ll list them in order coming from Kona and going clockwise around the Kohala Coast.
7. Hot Malasadas Food Truck
On Hwy 19 at the turn for Puako there’s a blue food truck parked in the gravel pullout next to the road. They serve HOT malasadas! (hence the name 😜)
Their menu flavors are extensive and made to order. Get traditional granulated sugar coated, the local’s favorite Li Hing, or fill it with a tropical fruit jelly.
The wait line can get a little long, especially since you will be out in the scorching desert sun on top of anxiously anticipating these sweet treats.
These malasadas come hot and are dense but fluffy and onolicious!
⚠️ PLEASE NOTE: this food truck is CASH ONLY so be sure to have enough dollar bills on you.
8. Waialea Beach (or Beach 69)
Parking Fee: Yes
Waialea Beach, locally known as Beach 69 due to the telephone pole number it’s adjacent to, is a characteristic white sand beach that can be a alternative to Hapuna Beach if it’s too full. There’s lots of shade from the kiawe trees, a peppering of driftwood across the soft sand, and lava rock protrusions that house tidepools and snorkelable reefs (the center of the bay has the best area for snorkeling).
Waialea Beach is on the Ala Kahakai Trail, a network of ancient, historic, and modern trails and part of the broader corridor that spans 175-miles on the island. Hike a little or as much as you like on this coastal path.
The park has restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. No lifeguard is on duty.
During winter months, keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales just outside the bay.
9. Hapuna Beach
Parking Fee: Yes
Hapuna Beach is the Big Island’s largest white sand beach at about 0.5-miles long. The expansive sandy shore is complemented with shady trees and rocky lava extensions.
This is a popular beach for tourists and locals alike and for good reason. The water is good for swimming, snorkeling, and boogie boarding and the sand is sugary soft.
When the waves are calm, snorkeling around the lava formations on the south end can be good. You might need to go out a bit for clear viewing as the water can get cloudy from the churning sand.
I saw humpback whales breaching off the shore one time, which was amazing!
Hapuna Beach also sits along the Ala Kahakai Trail, so hiking is another park activity available.
A lifeguard is on duty. Property amenities include picnic tables, restrooms, and showers.
💁♀️ Tab’s Trip Tip: I liked being able to hike over the hill to the Westin and have the best poke of my life at the Naupaka restaurant.
10. Pu’ukohola Heiau
Admission: Free
King Kamehameha I built the Pu’ukohola Heiau to his war god Kukailimoku. He believed if he built his god would help him in his pursuit to unite all the Hawaiian islands. And thus in 1790-91 this 224ft X 100ft heiau was built.
It is believed an assembly line 20 miles long had people pass the stones all the way from Pololu Valley to build this temple.
Allow about 30min to walk around the loop and listen to the informative NPS QR coded audio guide provided in the visitor center.
The park also features:
- Mailekini Heiau
- Hale O Kapuni (a submerged heiau dedicated to the shark gods)
- Homestead of John Young, the British sailor who became aid to King Kamehameha I.
11. Spencer Beach
Admission: Free
Adjacent to Pu’ukohola Heiau is Spencer Beach. This white sand beach is a spot where the locals like to hang.
The sand is nice, though littered with tree debris, and the beach is protected so waves are calm for swimming and snorkeling.
It is wheelchair accessible. A lifeguard is on duty. It has bathrooms, showers, and bbq stoves.
12. Hamakua Macadamia Nut Co. Visitor Center
Admission: Free
Learn about locally sourced macadamia nuts from farm to packaging at the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Co. visitor center.
Sample their 7 flavors of macadamia nuts like: Island Onion, Kona Coffee Glazed, Chili Peppah, or even Spam!
The spacious store has shelves of macadamia nut themed treats as well as coffee, chocolates, honeys, and more.
Windows into the factory kitchen allow visitors to watch workers process the nuts from shell to bag.
Try your hand at applying 300 pounds of pressure to crack open a nut.
When you are on the south side of the island, visit their sister company Ka’u Coffee Mill in Pahala.
13. Lapakahi State Historical Park
Admission: Free
I found Lapakahi State Historical Park to be like a mini, free version of Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park in Captain Cook.
Pick up a brochure at the start of the trail and take a self-guided tour around Lapakahi Village, a partially restored ancient village about 600 years old.
Two short loops totaling about a mile have you winding between rock foundations, a restored hut, beautiful coastline, and salt making bowls.
There is hardly any elevation gain but the path can be fickle with unevenness so watch where you step. Also come prepared to face the elements like sun and wind.
A park ranger is on duty in their hut by the parking lot to answer any questions you might have.
14. Mo’okini Heiau & Kamehameha I’s Birthplace
Admission: Free
photo credit: Tom Benedict, Flickr
Outside of Hawi is the small Upolu Airport where you can either hike, bike, or 4WD yourself to the birthplace of King Kamehameha I.
Follow the dirt/lava pebbled road to the left of the airport, following the green chain link fence; it’s relatively flat. Bring sun and wind protection as there is little respite from either.
After just over 1.5-miles you’ll come to Mo’okini Heiau on the left. No one knows for sure how old it is. Some oral traditions say it was built in the 5th century, while others say it was built in the 14th or 15th century. Either way, it’s old.
Observe from the outside of the stone walls; Hawaiians consider this a sacred spot and do not allow entry inside the heiau.
It is said many a Hawaiian were ritually sacrificed then skinned here, probably on the large rock slab with a human sized indent. The human bones would then be used as fishing hooks and other tools.
The heiau is shaped as a parallelogram: 267 X 135 X 250 X 112 feet. The height of the wall varies from 7 to 14 feet high.
The stones used to build the heiau come from the Niuli’i area, about 10 miles away, and were passed from hand to hand by thousands of men.
Mo’okini Heiau was the Big Island’s primary place of worship until Kamehameha I transferred his war temple to Pu’ukohola Heiau.
2,000 feet away from the heiau is a placard representing the birthplace of Kamehameha I. Historian’s don’t have an exact date for Kamehameha I’s birth. They are pretty sure it was in 1758 because a star with a long tail appeared that night implying it was a comet, and Halley’s Comet passed by earth that year.
15. Kamehameha Statue
Just outside Hawi is the smaller town Kapa’au. It’s here you’ll find the original Kamehameha Statue.
This bronze statue was commissioned in 1878 to commemorate the 100th year of Captain Cook’s arrival to the Hawaiian islands (Why it’s not a statue of Captain Cook confuses me, especially since Kamehameha I wasn’t even ruler during that time).
The 8.5ft statue was designed in Italy and cast in France. While it was sailing over to Hawaii in 1880 the ship wrecked near the Falkland Islands. A new statue was recast and that is the one found in Honolulu.
Some fisherman were able to recover the original statue at the bottom of the ocean and lugged it up. In 1882, a passing British sea captain saw it sitting in front of a store in the Falklands, recognized it, bought it from the owner, then sold it back to the Hawaiian government.
This original statue found in Kapa’au stands in front of an old courthouse. Park directly across the street at Ackerman Galleries.
16. Ackerman Galleries
Ackerman Galleries lures you in with their colorful banners and petroglyph painted sidewalk. Browse this spacious gallery full of Hawaiian fine art, jewelry, knick-knacks, and clothing. Find a high quality souvenir to bring back home with you.
17. Kamehameha Rock
Blink and you’ll miss the Kamehameha Rock at about mile marker 25.5 on Akoni Pule Hwy.
Just as you cross the horseshoe shaped bridge, to your right you’ll see a boulder label with a historical warrior sign.
This boulder is said to have been moved by Kamehameha I from the beach to demonstrate his strength. At one point, when a road crew was working, they put the rock in a truck to move it but it fell off the back. They believed it to be a sign that it shouldn’t be moved, so there it lies; too heavy for any thieves to move it.
There isn’t a great place for pulling over to get out and look at it. The left side of the road has a small gravel pullout you can turn around to park at (or hit it on your way back from Pololu Valley Lookout).
18. Fresh Off the Grid
A good pit stop before or after Pololu Valley is Fresh Off the Grid. They serve mostly shave ice, fresh fruit smoothies, and ice cream. Baked goods and a few entrees are also on the menu.
Buy some fresh fruit for the road.
Set amongst a pasture with an ocean view just along the Akoni Pule Hwy, it’s a relaxing stop to recharge exploring the peninsula.
💁♀️Tab’s Trip Tip: This is the last bathroom stop before Pololu Valley, which doesn’t have any.
19. Pololu Valley Lookout
Take Akoni Pule Hwy all the way to its end and you’ll come to Pololu Valley Lookout. The parking lot is small and awkwardly dead-ends; be prepared to park up the street.
This view has similar qualities to Waipio Valley Lookout, but in my opinion is better. You can see all the way up the verdant valley down to the crashing waves on a black sand/rocky beach. In the distance, a small rock island reminiscent of Skull Island from Peter Pan emerges from the ocean.
Perch yourself on the rock wall and get lost in the idyllic scenery.
The hike down to the beach is less than a mile and very steep; make sure to have good walking shoes (read: not flip flops).
On the valley floor you’ll find a black sand beach, an ironwood tree forest, freshwater stream, and maybe even cows!
The ocean is NOT safe for swimming.
20. Kohala Mountain Road
Some call Kohala Mountain Road the most beautiful drive on the island (it’s not my favorite but it’s a subjective statement anyways).
The road climbs uphill through cattle pasture after cattle pasture. Pu’us dot the land and the ocean expands below you to the west. A fair amount of the route is laden with a gauntlet of towering ironwood trees.
There are no official pullouts to look at the view except for one that has you overlooking Waimea. If you want to stop for look-see at the rolling hills down towards the ocean you’ll just need to create your own pullover in any widened gravel shoulder area you find.
Is Hawi and the Kohala Peninsula Worth Visiting?
I think Hawi and the Kohala Peninsula is lesser known area of the Big Island and doesn’t see as much tourist traffic, making it totally worth visiting!
This corner of the island is small but mighty with things to do like ziplining, white sand beaches, awesome valley views, and malasadas.
If you can fit it into your itinerary, I would definitely add it to your list!
DON’T FORGET to Download the Shaka Guide
to guide the way and learn all about the sites and extensive history on King Kamehameha I!
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🚨 Should I buy Hawaii travel insurance?
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🚗 Is it safe to rent a car on the Big Island?
YES — It’s totally safe to drive on the Big Island. And unless you plan to chill by the resort pool the entire time, renting a car is pretty much a necessity on the Big Island! Jeep rentals are popular. I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental, as they have some of the best prices around.
📞 Will my phone work on the Big Island?
PROBABLY — Most, if not all, cell providers work on the Big Island. However, be prepared for some dead spots in the more remote parts of the island. For example, I always lose service driving through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
🛏️ What’s the best way to book my Big Island accommodations?
For Big Island hotels, Booking.com is amazing because you can often reserve your room with no money down. If you are looking for an Airbnb condo with a kitchen and more space, don’t forget to check VRBO for potentially better prices and options.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Big Island flights?
I recommend looking at Skyscanner for finding cheap flights. Pro Tip: check if flying into Hilo is cheaper than flying into Kona.
🛂 Do I need a passport to visit Hawaii?
NO — If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport as Hawaii is part of the United States. If you are from out of the country, the same passport and visa requirements are the same as entering anywhere in the United States from your country.
🧳What should I pack to the Big Island?
Pack for tropical weather but also prepare for colder than expected nights and early mornings, so a light sweatshirt is recommended. Check out this list of 5 Things Not to Forget to Pack.
