Nearby Towns and Attractions

KONA

Kona is located about about 21 miles south past the airport. It is highly recommended, to leave before 12 noon to go to Kona, as the afternoons can be very congested with traffic. There are several restaurants and shops in the bustling village, as well as a lot of excursions and activities.

HILO

Hilo is a sleepy port town about and hour and a half drive from Waikoloa. If you go, plan to go to the Big Island Candy Factory near the center and the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory located a few miles south of town. Both places have plenty of free samples. A nice place to have lunch in town is at Cafe Pesto’s. There is a good outdoor market for vegetables and flowers.

WAIMEA

Waimea is a 20 minute drive up upcountry from Waikoloa and at an elevation of 2500 feet , the temperature is typically 20 degrees cooler then at the beach. There are plenty of shops to visit. It is in the middle of ranch land, home of the Parker Ranch.

HAWI

Hawi is a cute sugar plantation town about 40 minutes north of Waikoloa with shops, galleries, restaurants, etc. A great place to have lunch is at either the Bamboo Hut or Luke’s Place.

KAPAUU

Kapauu is another small plantation town a a couple miles north of Hawi with shops and galleries. Near Hawi, on the way to Polulu Valley Lookout,this is worth the drive.

MAUNA KEA & MAUNA LOA

Mauna Kea & Mauna Loa mountains are the largest and tallest mountains in the world from their base under the ocean with a total mass volume 100 times more then that of Mount Rainier. The only permafrost tropical lake in the world and the worlds premier as- tronomy observatory are both located on top of Mauna Kea. You can drive to the top of the mountain. Located in the middle of the Pacific ocean, the Big Island is the remotest inhabited place on earth, with clear skies, no pollution, and unbelievable evening stars.

KILAUEA VOLCANO

Kilauea, located in the south east part of the island is the most active volcano in the world, erupting continuously for the past 25 years. The entire area is very interesting and well worth visiting, but because it is a three and a half hour drive from Waikoloa, it really is best to spend a night to really see it all. There are plenty of Bed & Breakfast choices and the restaurant at the Kilauea Lodge, Zagat rated is with the visit.

PARKER RANCH

Parker Ranch, near Waimea is the largest ranch in all of the United States, even sur- passing the world famous King Ranch in Texas. There are many activities, such as horseback riding, hay rides, BBQs, rodeos, etc. in this ranch country.

POLOLU VALLEY LOOKOUT

Pololu Valley Lookout is a 45 minute drive north from Waikoloa and is an absolute must to see. The 20 minute hike down to the black sand beach is well worth the effort, but please be cautioned if you go in the water here, the currents are very strong.

KOHALA MOUNTAIN ROAD

The Kohala Mountain Road #250 considered the most beautiful drive in all of the Ha- waiian Islands is also a must to take from Hawi to Waimea with stunning coastal views.

HAMAKUA COAST

The lush Hamakua Coast from Waipi’o Valley on the north to Hilo is well worth the drive with many scenic side roads, cliffs, valleys,waterfalls, dense vegetation, etc.

WAIPI’O VALLEY LOOKOUT

At the north end of the Hamakua coast, an hour from Waikoloa, is the spectacular Waipi’o Valley Lookout. It is the most photographed place on the entire Big Island and is an absolute must see. An excursion by 4 wheel drive is available to the valley floor and the beautiful black sand beach. Don’t forget your camera.

CAPTAIN COOK

Captain Cook, located an hour and a half south from Waikoloa is where the city of 
Refuge is located and the finest snorkeling on the island is located in the nearby 
Kealakekua Bay and at Honaunau. Take Napoopoo road from the highway to the Bay.

SOUTH POINT

Located in the most southern part of the United States, this is a wind blown area, with strong currents and even a green sand beach accessible by 4 wheel drive.