Kohala Coast Vacation Rentals

Kohala Coast Hiking

Hiking on the Kohala Coast is one of the favorite island activities our Big island visitors love to do when not relaxing, sunbathing, boogie boarding or snorkeling on the Kohala Coast beaches. Pololu Valley (North Kohala) and Waipio Valley (Hamakua Coast) are in short driving distances from all the Kohala Coast resorts, Kohala Coast vacation condos or vacation rentals and offer moderate and challenging hikes or walks.

Kohala Coast Beach walk - one way about 45 minutes

leads from Holoholokai Beach Park, next to Mauna Lani Orchid Fairmont, to the Beach Club at Mauna Lani Resort. Park your car at the Park. before going on your beach walk, check out the Hawaiian petroglyphs located near the parking area. Bring your hat, plenty of sunscreen, water and your camera. If you want to swim or snorkel at the end of your walk, bring appropriate equipment...the water is full of tropical fish. Restrooms and outdoor showers are available.

On your beach walk, you will see sunbathing sea turtles at Orchid at Mauna Lani. If you are interested in learning more about tropical fish and how the ancient Hawaiians lived in this area, plan your beach walk on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday and join the 10:30 a.m. fish tour at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel.

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel 'Fish Tour'	Ancient Hawaiian fish ponds

After viewing a huge array of tropical fish, sting rays, sea turtles, baby sharks and listening and learning more about these ocean creatures - your kids will love the stop for the fish tour, as at the end of the tour, each one of them will get some fish food to feed the koi fish at the hotel ponds - continue on your ocean trail past the ancient Hawaiian fish ponds. Don't miss to have a glimpse at the waters. You might be lucky and spot a puffer fish or huge eels.

Hope you have bathing suits and snorkel gear & sunscreen in your packback. You have arrived at one of the finest snorkel beaches on the Kohala Coast. Outdoor showers plus restrooms are available. It's time for a break and cool off in the Pacific waters after your sunny walk along the coast. And if you forgot to pack a snack, you can have a wonderful lunch right here by the ocean overlooking the sparkling ocean waters of the Kohala Coast. Ocean activities are available as well. Just check with their desk for rates and reservations for another visit to this beautiful spot in Paradise.

Hiking North Kohala and Hamakua Coast

Pololu Valley (North Kohala) and Waipio Valley (Hamakua Coast) are in short driving distances from the Kohala Coast Resorts and offer hiking fans moderate and challenging hikes. We'd like to provide Big Island visitors to the Kohala Coast with a taste of a few easy hiking adventures. Those hikes or walks can also be managed with children and one doesn't need a permit. If you want to go for the more 'challenging' hikes, you'd better join for your own safety one of the guided tours from Hawaiian Walkways.

Waipio Valley Rim Hike (also known as White Rd Hike) - about 2 hr round trip

Located along the Hamakua Coast on the northeastern coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i, Waipi'o Valley is the largest and southernmost of the seven valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains. Waipi'o is a mile wide at the coast and almost six miles deep. At the coast there is a beautiful black sand beach. On either side of the valley are cliffs reaching almost 2000 feet with cascading waterfalls.

Unfortunately, the famous White Rd Hike to the Valley rim with stunning views of the valley, waterfalls and ocean is not available anymore for hikers. The beginning of the hike was leading through private land. The owners claimed now their rights and don't allow private persons to cross their land anymore. You can still do this wonderful hike but will have to pay for it when joining Hawaiian Walkways, which offer this hike with some of the most experienced hiking guides on the Big Island.

There is also the option to drive to Waipio Valley Lookout (views are stunning!). Walking from there into the valley is quite challenging but will reward you with an unforgetable view into this 6-mile deep valley on one side and crashing ocean waves with experienced Hawaiian surfers on the other. Have your bathing suit for a dip in the ocean, sunscreen, water and snacks available.

View of Waipio Valley	View of Pololu Valley

Pololu Valley Hikes

Similar to Waipio Valley, you have different options with famous Pololu Valley in North Kohala. There is a very challenging hike from Pololu Valley Lookout on trails above the valley winding underneath waterfalls. Spectacular views will reward your efforts. However, because of the difficulty of this hike a permit is required (ask in brown building next to gas station in Hawi for the office which can issue one!).

However, if you are more concerned about your safety, you'd better want to sign up with an experienced hiking Big Island company which has this trail in their program. Another, but easy, option is the hike (20-min. one way) down the trail into the valley along the serpentines. The most beautiful black sand beach (swimming not recommended!) and spectacular views of cliffs along the North Coast shore will be extremely rewarding. Have fun hiking Kohala Coast and the Big Island!

Click a category of our Kohala Coast vacation guide for more information.