Kohala is known for its Hawaiian History, awesome valleys and ranching culture. Waimea is known for its cowboy culture that gives activities like horseback riding and rodeos.
You will expect warm summers and sizeable weather changes as a result of the town’s location between the wet and dry sides of the Big Island in visiting Waimea. Kohala offers one of the most beautiful scenery on the island. You will have a sweeping view of Kohala mountain and the Kohala Ridge Road that bestride the mountain as it makes its way northwestward.
Here are the best things to do in Kohala Big Island and Waimea, Hawaii:
Best Things To Do in Kohala Big Island Hawaii ( Waimea )
1. Pololu Valley Lookout ( Hawi , Kohala )
Pololu Valley Lookout –it is one of the best things to do in Kohala , Big island. It is the first 7 valleys in the Kohala mountain that run along the northern tip of the Big Island as you pass the 28-mile marker on Highway 270.
You will see the black lava landscapes of the Kohala Coast that will lead you to lush green pastures of North Kohala.
You can hike down a short but abrupt trail that takes you to the awesome and wild black sand beach backed by steep Ironwood trees beyond 40-foot sand dunes.
As you go to the top of the valley, you will see the bird’s eye view of the valley and beach below. On a sunny day, you will witness the sparkling blue and green ocean striking into the bumpy sea cliff and the deep green carpet of the vegetation lining the sides of the valley.
Hapuna Beach – is also one of the best things to do in Kohala Big Island. It is the largest white-sand beach with a half-mile long and one of the best family beaches on the Big Island.
It offers pristine golden sand and crystal-clear water. It provides constantly good conditions for beach activities like bodyboarding, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and sunbathing.
You will find ample parking along with food vendors, restrooms, picnic areas, showers and there is a lifeguard on duty.
It is located north of Kailua Kona close to mile marker 70 Highway 19 in the south Kohala district. The beach is open daily from 7 am to 8 pm.
3. Pu'ukohola Heiau ( Kohala Big Island Hawaii )
Pu’ukohola Heiau – a sacred place of worship, to fulfill historic prophecy and has an interesting story that was built between 1790 – 1791.
As you go to the place, you will path the junction of Highway 19 and 270 heading north, look toward the ocean and you will see a stone structure atop a hill. It was the project of the great King Kamehameha to fulfill his ultimate Kahuna’s prophecy when he united the Hawaiian Islands in 1810.
It was built without the use of mortar that the lava rocks used to build the structure were passed hand-by-hand in a human chain, the 100-foot structure is surrounded by 16 to 20-foot walls and was preserved and restored.
It is open daily from 8 am to 4:45 pm.
4. Waipi'o Valley ( Big Island )
Waipi’o Valley –also one of the best things to do in Kohala Big Island Hawaii.
It is the most visited and attraction on the island which can be obtained via Highway 19 through Waimea and Honoka’a.
It is a home of ancient Hawaiian Kings and was crowded a long time ago which is a tiny community of people and wilderness interspersed with taro fields.
It was named after the wandering Wailoa Stream that runs through the valley and is about one mile wide and six miles deep. The valley meets the ocean towards the north with a stunning black sand beach.
It is one of the steepest roads on the island that rises 800 ft in 0.6 miles. If you want to go down the valley make sure to bring your swimsuit because the black sand beach is a great place for fast plunge but be careful though the ocean currents can be strong so do not go into the water.
5. Puako Petroglyphs Archaeological Preserve
Puako Petroglyphs Archaeological Preserve – is one of the amplest petroglyph fields in Hawaii that measures 223 acres.
It boasts more than 3,000 ancient petroglyphs, and lava rock carvings engraved in stone. The astonishing petroglyph fields feature carvings of humans, canoes, and turtles.
If you will go there make sure to wear good shoes because the place is unpaved and goes through a kiawe forest with thorns on the ground.
It is located on the Kohala coast near the Mauna Lani Resort. Learning about history is one of the best things to do in Kohala Big Island.
6. Parker Ranch
Parker Ranch – is one of the largest ranches in the United States. It offers different activities where visitors and tourists will take part like rodeos, horse races, hunting tours, and a self- direction tour of the historic home .
You will particularly see the interesting heirlooms, works of art, and other artifacts that line the rooms. It is located in the heart of Waimea and head south on Hawaii Belt Road (Highway 190).
The ranch is open to Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. The ranch is raising cattle which is their main business.
7. Waimea Homestead Farmers' Market
Waimea Homestead Farmers’ Market – is located in the Waimea Middle and Elementary School Playground every Saturday from 7 am to 12 pm that offers island fruits, hot meals, flowers, desserts, and vegetation.
The market supports the local growers by providing direct marketing opportunities and gives informal social gatherings place in an open-air setting.
It was established in 1992. There are many treats to pick up like jams, beef jerky and homemade gifts.
8. Issac Art Center Museum and Gallery
Isaac Art Center Museum and Gallery – it exists to promote island art in many forms from woodwork to oil painting to statues.
It is also found at the gallery of the Pacific art which is staying true to the center’s island roots. It is located in the heart of Waimea next to Waimea Park. Heading southeast on Lindsey Road, take an exquisite right onto Kawaihae Road to arrive at your destination.
The Hawaiian art and culture can take it home a piece of it by tramping inside the center to browse and praise its huge collection.
9. Anna Ranch Heritage Center
Anna Ranch Heritage Center – is a conservancy of a family ranch that was grown at the hands of “The First Lady of Ranching” in Hawaii.
It is a very popular location for weddings and several events. Anna didn’t at first obtain the ranch but she took over and made her mark with progressive ranching practices and new kinds of cattle.
The historic ranch house was restored, and the antiques and furnishing from generations past with a treasure trove of historical items like an archive collection of records, photographs, artifacts, and household items give visitors or tourists a historical account of the Lindsey Family.
It has 100 acres located behind the historic residence of Anna Lindsey.
10. Waimea Nature Park
Waimea Nature Park – is located down a dirt road at the end of Ulu Laau Street in which you can run wild in the secret green space.
It has 10 acres of state land project of Waimea Outdoor Circle that provides picnic tables, free community WIFI, and a drinking fountain.
It is one of the most famous picnic spots for locals. Ulu Laau means “garden of trees”, a historic name and one of the suitable modern projects that replanted 36 types of native groundcover, trees and
shrubs.
