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On the Kohala Coast, the atmospheric villages of Hawi and Kapaau combine the old world of Hawaii with the new. Kohala is filled with ancient historical sites like Mo'okini Luakini Heiau, a temple dedicated to Ku, the Hawaiian God of War. The Kapa'a Beach Park gives visitors access to pavilions and tables for picnics, barbecues and many water activities such as snorkeling, swimming, surfing and fishing. It's also one of the best places on the island to watch whales as they follow their seasonal migrations past the Kohala Coast.

Key facts

Visitors typically fly into Kona International Airport (KOA), the main hub servicing the west side of the Big Island. However, the area also houses the unmanned Upolu Airport where small charter planes can bring you straight to the doorstep of Kohala. Transportation from KOA includes a variety of car rental companies, limo services and the Hele On bus that takes visitors all over the island.

Hints and tips

The Big Island plays host to nearly every ecosystem in the world, and visitors to Kohala may experience tropical, desert, steppe and even tundra type temperatures. Hawaiian cuisine, featuring an abundant amount of fresh seafood, can be found on the coast, especially near Kapaau and Puako.