Summary
The Kohala Coast offers plenty of fun things to do beyond spending time on the beach, including exploring Hawaiian history, hiking scenic trails, visiting historic sites, discovering charming North Kohala towns, and taking in the area's dramatic lava landscapes. Travelers can visit Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, explore the ancient fishing village at Lapakahi State Historical Park, drive north toward Hāwī and Kapaʻau, and enjoy scenic overlooks such as Pololū Valley. [1][2]
The Kohala Coast is known for beautiful beaches and luxury resorts, but its appeal extends well beyond the shoreline. From historic sites to scenic drives and outdoor adventures, the region offers plenty of ways to experience the natural and cultural character of Hawaiʻi Island.
Explore Hawaiian History and Culture
Exploring Hawaiian history and culture is one of the best ways to experience the Kohala Coast beyond its beaches. The region is home to important historic sites that provide insight into Native Hawaiian life, traditions, and the development of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
One of the most significant places to visit is Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site in Kawaihae. The National Park Service explains that the massive heiau, or Hawaiian temple, was built by Kamehameha the Great between 1790 and 1791 and played an important role in his efforts to unite the Hawaiian Islands. The site also includes other historic places, including Mailekini Heiau and the John Young Homestead. [1]
For travelers interested in learning more about the area, consider adding these cultural experiences to a Kohala Coast itinerary:
- Visit Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site.
- Explore the partially restored settlement at Lapakahi State Historical Park.
- Learn about traditional Hawaiian life and fishing practices.
- Visit historic communities in North Kohala.
- Take time to learn about the area's connection to Kamehameha the Great.
Take a Scenic Drive Through North Kohala
A scenic drive through North Kohala is an easy way to experience a greener and more rugged side of the island. As the landscape changes north of the resort areas, travelers can see lava fields give way to rolling pastureland, lush valleys, and historic small towns.
The Kohala region includes several worthwhile stops, including Hāwī, Kapaʻau, and the Pololū Valley Lookout. Hawaiʻi's official tourism website highlights Hāwī as a peaceful town with local shopping and culture, while Pololū Valley provides expansive views of the northeastern coastline. [2]
A North Kohala outing can be as relaxed or adventurous as you like. Consider building a day around a few of these stops:
- Hāwī: Browse local shops, galleries, and places to eat.
- Kapaʻau: See the original King Kamehameha Statue.
- Pololū Valley Lookout: Take in dramatic views of the valley and coastline.
- Waimea: Explore the island's paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboy, heritage.
- Highway 270: Enjoy the changing scenery as you travel through North Kohala.
Discover Historic Parks and Outdoor Adventures
Historic parks and outdoor areas give visitors another way to enjoy the Kohala Coast without spending the entire day at the ocean. These destinations combine hiking, scenery, archaeology, and opportunities to better understand how people lived on this part of Hawaiʻi Island.
Lapakahi State Historical Park is particularly interesting because it preserves the remains of a traditional Hawaiian fishing village dating back more than 600 years. Visitors can follow a self-guided interpretive trail through the partially restored settlement, see traditional structures and lava-stone walls, and learn more about early Hawaiian life. [2]
| Activity | What You Can Experience | Best For |
| Puʻukoholā Heiau | Historic temple and cultural sites | History lovers |
| Lapakahi State Historical Park | Ancient fishing settlement and trail | Culture and easy exploration |
| Pololū Valley Lookout | Dramatic valley and coastal scenery | Scenic views |
| Hāwī | Shops, food, and local character | A relaxed afternoon |
| Waimea | Paniolo culture and green upland scenery | A change of scenery |
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site also offers outdoor activities such as hiking and seasonal whale watching, along with museum exhibits, cultural demonstrations, and special programs. [1] This makes the area especially appealing for travelers who want their vacation to include more than swimming, sunbathing, and resort activities.
Enjoy a Slower, More Local Side of the Kohala Coast
The Kohala Coast is also a great place to slow down and explore beyond the major resort areas. Rather than filling every day with scheduled activities, travelers can spend time discovering small communities, local restaurants, scenic viewpoints, and the distinctive landscapes that make this part of Hawaiʻi Island different from more developed tourist areas.
The contrast between the dry, sunny resort coastline and the greener landscapes of North Kohala is part of the region's appeal. Hawaiʻi's official tourism site describes the Kohala Coast as a landscape of lava fields, luxury resorts, fine dining, golf courses, cultural sites, and nearby pasturelands around Waimea. [2]
A flexible itinerary can make it easier to enjoy this quieter side of the destination. Spend a morning visiting a historic site, take a leisurely drive through North Kohala, stop for lunch in one of the small towns, and leave time for scenic viewpoints along the way. The result is a vacation that feels less like checking attractions off a list and more like experiencing the character of Hawaiʻi Island.
Mauna Kea offers a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the best of land and sea. Check out our Vacation Rentals in Hapuna Bay. Give us a call at 888.598.6353 or email reservations@eastwest.com to learn more about where to stay, what to see, and how to make the most of your trip to this extraordinary destination.
FAQ
- What is the Kohala Coast known for besides beaches?
The Kohala Coast is known for historic Hawaiian sites, scenic lava landscapes, luxury resorts, golf, dining, cultural attractions, and access to North Kohala. - What is Puʻukoholā Heiau?
Puʻukoholā Heiau is a historic Hawaiian temple built by Kamehameha the Great between 1790 and 1791. It is preserved today as part of Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site. [1] - What can you do at Lapakahi State Historical Park?
Visitors can follow a self-guided trail through the remains of a traditional Hawaiian fishing settlement and learn about early Hawaiian life and coastal communities. [2] - Is North Kohala worth visiting from the Kohala Coast?
Yes. North Kohala offers a change of scenery from the resort areas, with historic towns, scenic drives, green uplands, cultural attractions, and viewpoints such as Pololū Valley. - What is a good alternative to a beach day on the Kohala Coast?
A North Kohala day trip is an excellent alternative. You can combine Puʻukoholā Heiau, Lapakahi State Historical Park, Hāwī, Kapaʻau, and scenic viewpoints into a day focused on history, culture, and landscapes.
Citations
- Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, National Park Service, Accessed September 10, 2026, National Park Service
- Kohala – North Kohala and the Kohala Coast, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority / Go Hawaiʻi, Accessed September 10, 2026, Go Hawaiʻi
