Kohala

Like a large thumb jutting into the sea, the Kohala district occupies the northwestern tip of the sprawling Big Island of Hawaii. Formed by a 5,400 ft. volcano which last erupted over 120,000 years ago, the Kohala district today is dominated by lush valleys, laidback plantation towns, verdant pastures, and ancient Hawaiian religious sites. It’s an outpost of cowboys and hippies, beaches and valleys, and architecture which ranges from the modern resorts of South Kohala to ancient temples constructed entirely of stone. Although the land area of Kohala only comprises 6% of the island’s total, it could still take weeks to explore in its entirety. More than just a part of the Big Island of Hawaii, Kohala is easily a destination unto itself.

Most visitors to South Kohala are familiar with the resort enclaves of Waikoloa and Mauna Lani where irrigated golf courses sit in stark contrast to the surrounding black lava fields. The white sands of Hapuna Beach are a favorite of South Kohala beachgoers, and history buffs will love stopping in to the Pu’ukohola Heiau which was commissioned by the great King Kamehameha. While this National Historic Site sees thousands of visitors annually, only a mere handful will make the journey to the smaller Mo’okini Heiau on windswept Upolu Point.  Constructed in the 5th century A.D. by some of the earliest Polynesian voyagers, this is also the spot where King Kamehameha was born.

Further up the road in Hawi and Kapa’au, these North Kohala plantation towns built during the sugar days now serve as artisan outposts of craft stores and coffee shops. In Kapa’au, a massive statue of King Kamehameha presides over the town, and is still draped in flower lei during the annual King Kamehameha Day celebrations each June.

On the eastern coast, rugged valleys with sing-song names such as Pololu, Waipio, and Waimanu form deep clefts into the lush mountainside, and are a favorite of island hikers and thrill-seekers. Adventure activities from waterfall trekking to jungle ziplining take place in these outdoor playgrounds, and Waipio Valley is regarded as one of the most scenic corners of Hawaii’s Big Island. Lastly, in the cool uplands on the slopes of Kohala volcano, the paniolo town of Waimea is the center of Big Island cowboy country, with the Parker Ranch being one of the largest privately-owned ranches in America.

Entirely distinct from Kilauea volcano or the famous Kona Coffee Belt, Kohala is a region that is perfectly content to drift along at its own mellow pace.