Kohala Coast, Hawaii’s Big Island
Along the West Coast of the Big Island stretching between the Kona District, then north to the very top of the Island you will find some of the most inviting beaches, exclusive Resorts, amazing golf courses and a wealth of Hawaiian history.
The Kohala Coast consisting of north and south Kohala districts was once the home of Hawaiian Royalty. Visitors to the State of Hawaii will enjoy not only the scenic beauty but many significant historic places such as the Pu’ukohola Heiau (shrine) which was the last human sacrificial site in Hawaii located by our deep water port, Kawaihae Harbor and further up the coast the Lapakahi State Historical Park which was first settled over 600 years ago. Some of the village remains along with many rock walls. North to the picturesque town Haw’i and a few miles above to Kapaau is the noble statue of King Kamehameha I located near the birthplace of the great King. Connecting the 40 miles of the Kohala Coast is the ancient King’s Trail which was traveled by ruling ali’i. One can walk this trail which passes through several resort properties and scores of petroglyph fields.
The Kohala Coast is home to three unique Resort destinations. The Mauna Kea Resort, originally built by venture capitalist Laurance S. Rockefeller in 1965 for $15 million, was completely renovated in 2008 for $150 million. Its world famous golf course originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. was recently updated and by Rees Jones. The Mauna Lani Resort with five star hotels is steeped in Hawaiian history with its cluster of ponds, several having been used for aquaculture since ancient times and are unique ecosystems. The Waikoloa Resort offers a new shopping mall with outdoor amphitheater plus many family activities including a canal boat excursion taking you to fine dining, shopping, swimming with Dolphins and water activities. At the edge of the dividing line between Kona and the Kohala Coast lies a fourth Resort known as Hualalai noted for Hawaiian shrimp ponds, and an enclosed snorkeling pond complete with tropical fish and of course sports activities and fine dining. These Kohala Coast Resorts are home to the best white sand beaches on the Big Island including the State Park at Hapuna Beach. And don’t forget Sports Fishing and Diving adventures. The beautiful calm and crystal clear blue waters off the coast offer snorkeling, diving, and spotting dolphins and honu (green sea turtles). Year around perfect weather provides a plethora of activities to sooth the soul.
Like Golf? The Big Island offers courses designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer, Ed Seay, Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and Jr., to name a few. Several notable tournaments are held annually. Tennis anyone? Our resorts have world famous designed courts hosting tennis pros from all over the world.
With temperatures a year-round average of 85 degrees and 63 degrees at night, along with annual rainfall of less than 9 inches and humidity of less than 40 percent it’s no wonder upscale condos, resort home sites and fabulous luxury homes abound along the Kohala Coast. While some visitors are here for a short time others known affectionately as snowbirds arrive and leave on a more leisurely schedule much like the ever returning Golden Plover and Humbacks.
