Kohala Coast Vacation Rentals

Kohala Coast Vacation Plan > Kohala Coast things to do

For your first visit on the Kohala Coast, we recommend at least a weekly stay using your Kohala Coast vacation rental or your Kohala Coast vacation home as your 'base camp'. The Kohala Coast is centrally located on the Big Island' west coast for exploring not only South and North Kohala Coast areas but the Hilo and Kona areas as well. Staying at one place eliminates having to pack and unpack plus saves you the hassle of several check-in and check-out procedures. After a day of Big Island adventures, you are always coming 'home' and can relax and feel comfortable in your familiar surroundings at your Kohala Coast vacation rental or even take the short drive to one of the white sand Kohala Coast beaches for a refreshing dip at sunset.

When planning your vacation on the Hawaiian Islands rather focus on two islands and come back later for another visit. We feel especially sorry for those Big Island visitors who planned three nights for the entire Big Island 'chasing' over this beautiful island not taking the moment or having the time to relax and inhale its natural beauty.

7 days on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island

Day 1
This is not the day you landed on the Big Island, that was yesterday and time was probably spent getting your luggage and rental car and finding the way to your Kohala coast vacation rental or hotel room and getting settled in. Today is the day you should take time to breathe in some of what it means to be in Hawaii and how it feels to be in a Hawaiian state of mind. There are number of ways to achieve that state, the fastest and most pleasurable is having a massage to ease away those mainland tensions, next best way is to go lie on some of the best beaches in the state, those being the Mauna Kea beach and Hapuna Beach state park. Take the time to walk the beach and listen to the surf, you’ll soon find yourself in a Hawaiian state of mind. Hawaii is very special place and to experience the beauty and uniqueness is enhanced by taking this first day to relax and get in the mood.

Day 2
You are probably so relaxed and feeling good from yesterday you’re thinking hey why not some more of the same, I’ll tell you why not, because you only have 6 days left to see some of this beautiful gorgeous island and its not called the BIG island for the heck of it. So today I’m thinking if there is something you really enjoy doing like golfing, snorkeling or deep sea fishing go for it. Otherwise join me on a trip to the north end of the island along the scenic North Kohala coast, where from December to March you might see whales calving and breeching. Drive further north to the quaint and constantly changing town of Hawi and on to the end of the road where you will find Pololu Valley. Hiking into this valley is like stepping back in time to when King Kamehameha ruled the islands, such a special place. Don’t forget to take some food, water and swim gear as you will probably hang out for some time. And of course you planned ahead and made reservations at my favorite place to eat in Hawi, the Bamboo Restaurant, a perfect finish to a perfect day.

Day 3
Day 3 and day 4 are interchangeable depending on the weather. Check it out and if its nice on the east coast get up early and prepare to do some driving through some of the most beautiful and varied landscape you’ll ever encounter in less than 150 miles. You’ll drive through lush rolling hills of Waimea, make a stop at Waipio Valley lookout and maybe stop in Honokaa town for breakfast and a little shopping.

After leaving Honokaa you’ll have your breath taken away by the scenic grandeur of the Hamakua coast as you head toward Hilo town. Before getting to Hilo a must stop is Akaka Falls – its truly one of the most beautiful spots on the coast - bar none. Hilo is the county seat and has some old buildings however our destination is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You’ll probably get to Volcano Village just in time for lunch at any number of fine eateries, my favorite being the Keawe Kitchen.

Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is huge and can take a day or more to see it all especially if the lava is flowing and you want to see it up close, if that’s the case be sure to take flashlights, warm clothes, water and good hiking shoes. Spending the night at one of the area's B&Bs or Vacation rentals near the park should be considered otherwise it’s a long day and a longer night driving back to the Kohala coast.

Day 4
Day 4 depends on what you ended up doing on day 3 and if it ran into to day 4 by staying over in Volcano. Lets just say you got home late and sleeping in today doesn’t sound all that bad, a leisurely breakfast, then another day hanging out on the beach, don’t forget the sunscreen, sounds pretty good after all the driving yesterday. If you get tired of the beach pack it up and head south on the Queen Kaahumanu highway to the Kings Shops at the Waikoloa Beach Resort and shop to you drop. Dinner that night can either be a your vacation rental or a fine dining restaurant upcountry in Waimea or down on the coast in Kawaihae or at any of the resorts along the waters edge.

Day 5
Day 5 is another day of exploration so plan to get up early, have a good breakfast and head south on Highway 190, if you are staying somewhere near Waimea. If you are down on the coast take Highway 19. I like 190 because it has great views and just before you get into Kailua-Kona you can hook up with Highway 180 that goes through Holualoa then hooks up with Highway 11 south of Keauhou. Now you are on the road to your destination Pu’uhonua O Honaunau Historical Monument or sometimes called the City of Refuge. This is the place ancient Hawaiians would seek refuge is they had broken kapu (law) and defeated warriors could seek solace. From here you can head south to the southern most point in the U.S. or you can head back up north toward Kailua and explore the small towns along the way. Shopping and having dinner on Alii drive in Kailua is a good way to wind up the day.

Day 6
Day 6 is the last day to explore and where you go will depend on the weather. I see this as a day of extremes. If the weather is good and the car is strong and you are not too young or to old then a trip to Mauna Kea, the highest point on the island awaits. You can drive all the way to the top, weather permitting and have some of the most spectacular views you’ve ever seen. Beware! The air is thin and the weather can change abruptly so bring warm clothes. Afterwards a dip in the ocean is divine. This day can also be done in reverse with the Mauna Kea trip planned to arrive on the summit around sunset.

Day 7
Day 7 is a day of rest or a day for returning home. I’ve tried to show you some of our beautiful and enchanting island and of course this agenda is only a suggestion on my part. However you spend your vacation will be just right for you, only realize that you’ve experienced a small part of paradise and much more awaits on your return trip. Start planning. I would also suggest calling the Hawaii Visitors Bureau at 800-648-2441 and request a copy of Hawaii Big Island Vacation Guide!

As you probably noticed, even a 7-night stay is too short of a period to cover the Kohala Coast, not to mention the entire island. South Point, Kealakekua Bay with Captain Cook Monument, Hilo town with farmers market, Kapoho tide pools etc. got skipped in our Big Island vacation 'itinerary'.

Customize your Kohala Coast Vacation

Of course, your personal Kohala Coast vacation plan will depend on your preferences for activities, Big Island places to see and to go and your overall target for your Hawaii vacation...relaxing beach vacation, exploring island attractions, spending healing vacations, experiencing the abundance of Pacific Ocean life in a scuba or snorkel vacation or spending your romantic Kohala Coast honeymoon or a Hawaii family reunion and more. In any case, we hope our Kohala Coast vacation guide and this Kohala Coast vacation plan will provide you with a few ideas for contemplating different options for your stay. Kohala Coast vacation rentals, homes, cottages and condos, from affordable to luxury, are available for your Big Island vacation in Hawaii!

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