The Kohala Coast stretches along the northwest side of Hawaii’s Big Island. This area offers scenic beaches, clear waters, and inviting resorts.
You can enjoy both relaxation and outdoor activities in one trip. From the soft white sand at Hapuna Beach to quiet coves near Puako, the shoreline has spots for swimming, snorkeling, and sunset walks.
Well-known resorts line the coast and provide easy access to the ocean, golf courses, and dining. Many sit near cultural landmarks like ancient fishponds and the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, giving guests a glimpse of the island’s history.
The area also features green valleys, lava fields, and opportunities to see marine life. Whether you explore South Kohala’s luxury resorts or venture north toward lush valleys like Pololū, the Kohala Coast offers a blend of nature and leisure.
Top Beaches Along the Kohala Coast
The Kohala Coast features clear waters, soft sand, and diverse shorelines. You can find calm swimming spots, scenic snorkeling areas, and beaches with unique sand colors shaped by volcanic activity.
Hapuna Beach Highlights
Hapuna Beach State Park is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island. Its wide shoreline makes it easy to find space, even during busy months.
The gentle slope into the water creates safe swimming conditions in summer. In winter, waves become stronger and attract bodyboarders.
Facilities include restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. Lifeguards watch the beach daily.
Snorkelers often spot colorful reef fish near the rocky ends of the beach.
Kauna‘oa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach)
Kauna‘oa Beach, also called Mauna Kea Beach, forms a crescent-shaped bay with calm waters. Soft white sand and clear water make it popular for swimming and snorkeling.
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel provides public access, but parking is limited. Arrive early to secure a spot.
During the day, visitors paddleboard and snorkel along the rocky sides of the bay. At night, hotel lights sometimes attract manta rays, offering a chance to view them from shore.
Palm trees offer shade from the midday sun.
Waialea Bay (Beach 69)
Waialea Bay, known as Beach 69, is popular with both locals and visitors. Kiawe trees provide shaded spots, and the bay has a mix of sandy and rocky areas.
The bay is part of a marine life conservation district, so fishing is not allowed. Snorkelers often see parrotfish, butterflyfish, and sea turtles.
In summer, the water is calm and ideal for swimming. Winter swells can bring stronger currents.
A small parking fee applies. Facilities include restrooms and showers.
Unique Black and Green Sand Beaches
The Kohala Coast is known for white sand, but the Big Island also has rare black sand beaches and a green sand beach. Volcanic activity and unique minerals create these special beaches.
Punaluʻu Beach, on the southeastern coast, features black sand made from lava fragments. Green Sand Beach, or Papakōlea, gets its olive color from olivine crystals.
Both beaches require extra travel from the Kohala Coast but offer uncommon scenery. Visitors often see sea turtles resting on the black sand at Punaluʻu.
Swimming can be difficult due to strong currents, so many people visit mainly for sightseeing and photography.
Resorts and Accommodations
On the Kohala Coast, you can choose from oceanfront luxury hotels, family resorts, and quiet boutique stays. Many are located along white sand beaches with easy access to golf courses, dining, and cultural sites.
Luxury Beachfront Resorts
The Kohala Coast features several high-end resorts directly on the beach. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Fairmont Orchid offer spacious rooms, fine dining, and direct access to calm swimming areas.
Guests enjoy on-site golf courses, spa services, and water activities like snorkeling. Many resorts also have landscaped pools with ocean views.
Luxury Kohala Coast resorts provide attentive service and a wide range of amenities. Some include cultural programs such as hula lessons or Hawaiian history tours.
Open-air restaurants let travelers dine while watching the sunset over the Pacific.
Family-Friendly Resort Options
Families can find resorts with large pools, kid-friendly menus, and easy beach access. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is a popular choice because of its gentle shoreline and spacious rooms.
Many family-oriented properties offer children’s programs, supervised activities, and shallow pool areas. Parents can relax knowing kids are entertained safely.
Some Kohala Coast family resorts feature multi-bedroom suites or villas with kitchens, making meal preparation easy.
Nearby attractions such as petroglyph fields and nature trails give families more to do beyond the resort.
Boutique and Secluded Stays
Travelers who want a quieter experience can choose smaller hotels or vacation rentals along the Kohala Coast. These places often have fewer rooms, creating a private atmosphere.
Boutique resorts may use unique Hawaiian décor, locally sourced food, and personalized service. Some are set back from busier beaches for peaceful surroundings.
You can find secluded accommodations in Kohala with direct access to less crowded sand. Couples or solo travelers often prefer these calm retreats.
While amenities may be simpler than at large resorts, these stays focus on comfort, charm, and a strong connection to the local environment.
Outdoor Activities and Marine Life Experiences
You can explore calm bays, see wildlife in their natural habitat, and enjoy water activities for all skill levels. The Kohala Coast offers clear waters, diverse marine life, and safe spots for both beginners and experienced adventurers.
Snorkeling Hotspots
The Kohala Coast has some of the clearest waters on the Big Island. This makes it ideal for snorkeling.
Popular spots include Hapuna Beach State Park and Waialea Bay, where gentle waves create safe conditions. At Puako Bay, snorkelers can see coral reefs close to shore.
The area is home to colorful fish, sea urchins, and sometimes green sea turtles. Guided tours and local operators offer boat trips to offshore reefs.
These trips often visit less crowded areas with higher visibility and healthy coral.
| Location | Highlights | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Hapuna Beach | Shallow reefs, beginner-friendly | Morning |
| Puako Bay | Coral gardens, turtles | Early afternoon |
| Waialea Bay | Calm waters, shaded beach | Summer months |
You can find more information in this Kohala Coast activities guide.
Wildlife Encounters
The Kohala Coast is rich in marine life. Green sea turtles, called honu, often rest on the sand or swim near rocky areas.
In winter, humpback whales migrate through the waters off the coast. Whale-watching tours let you see breaches and tail slaps from a safe distance.
Tide pools along the shoreline reveal small crabs, starfish, and young fish. These are best explored at low tide with reef-safe footwear.
The Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve offers a cultural stop before or after wildlife viewing.
Water Sports and Adventures
The Kohala Coast is a hub for water sports. Kayaking along the coastline gives you views of sea cliffs and hidden coves.
Stand-up paddleboarding is popular in calm bays, especially in the mornings. Rentals and lessons are available at several beaches.
For more adventure, try scuba diving at deeper reef sites or take a helicopter tour over the Kohala Coast for aerial views.
Fishing charters leave from nearby harbors and target species like mahi-mahi and yellowfin tuna. These trips often combine sightseeing with sport fishing.
Exploring Local Culture and Natural Beauty
The Kohala Coast offers ancient landmarks, small-town charm, and striking coastal scenery. You can walk among centuries-old petroglyphs, enjoy fresh island flavors, and take in ocean views from rugged trails.
Historic Sites and Hawaiian Heritage
The region has deep cultural roots with sites that reflect Hawaii’s early history. At the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, you can see thousands of stone carvings showing human figures, animals, and symbols left by Native Hawaiians.
Nearby, the King’s Trail (Ala Kahakai) runs along the coast. Messengers and chiefs once used this trail to travel between fishing villages and sacred sites.
The Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site preserves a massive stone temple built under King Kamehameha I. Interpretive signs explain its role in uniting the Hawaiian Islands.
Many people visit the Puako Petroglyph District to see carvings up close and learn about their meaning from local guides.
Charming Towns and Local Cuisine
Small towns along the Kohala Coast offer a slower pace and a chance to meet local residents. Hawi and Kapaau feature colorful storefronts, art galleries, and family-run cafés.
Markets and roadside stands sell tropical fruit, fresh fish, and baked goods. Many restaurants use locally grown ingredients like macadamia nuts, taro, and Kona coffee.
Popular dishes include poke bowls with ahi tuna, plate lunches with rice and kalua pork, and shave ice with lilikoi or guava syrup.
Visitors often stop in Hawi for handmade crafts or enjoy farm-to-table meals before exploring nearby valleys and beaches. The area’s food blends Hawaiian traditions with modern island cooking.
Scenic Trails and Coastal Views
The Kohala Coast offers trails for both easy walks and rugged hikes. The Pololū Valley Lookout gives visitors a wide view of black sand beaches and steep green cliffs.
Hikers can walk down to the valley floor to see the shoreline up close. Coastal paths near Hapuna Beach State Park lead to white sand and clear water, perfect for swimming or snorkeling.
The Muliwai Trail above Waipio Valley tests hikers with steep climbs. It also gives sweeping views of the ocean and waterfalls.
If you prefer shorter walks, you can explore sections of the King’s Trail. These paths go through lava fields and tide pools, letting you see the island’s volcanic landscape up close.
