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Kohala Coast - The Big Island of Hawaii
By Michelle West Published: 08/09/2007
It is called the “Gold Coast” because Kohala Coast is the sunniest spot in the state with about 350+ beautiful golfing, swimming, hiking, exploring or horseback riding days. Whether you are walking on an old horse trail down into Pololu Valley, visiting an ancient heiau, or driving through the green rolling hills of paniolo (cowboy) country; you create your own memory for a life time by spending a day at one of these locations.
Ka‘upulehu Beach
The Four Seasons Resort, has for the most part, made this charming white sand beach accessible, and it has not been discovered by the masses. The Ka‘upulehu area is an eco-sensitive area as well as being historically important. All visitors are encouraged to read all the restrictions designed for the beach's protection. The resort has built a canoe house at the most significant section. Clean restrooms with showers and paved parking create ease for everyone.
Anaeho‘omalu Bay
Sip a cool tropical drink under the swaying palm trees at ‘Anaeho‘omalu Beach and watch the windsurfers glide by in the lovely bay's breezes. You can explore the ancient fishponds, and remember to bring your binoculars for seasonal whale watching. This is the perfect beach to relax and watch a beautiful Hawaiian sunset,
Hapuna Beach State Park
Hapuna Beach State Park is one of the most beautiful white sand beaches on the island, with top national ratings, great surf and a clean sandy bottom. You will find good facilities with covered pavilions for a picnic, bathrooms and open air showers are available. This is the best beach on the island for a beginning body boarder.
Pu‘ukohola Heiau National Historic Park
Pu‘uhohola Heiau (the Hill of the Whale) is a massive historic heiau (temple) built in 1790-1791 by King Kamehameha I and the park covers 77 acres of land.
Thousands of “volunteers” worked on the project of building the heiau, carrying large boulders from miles away. By the year 1810, through conquest, Kamehameha began to reign as the king of the united Hawaiian Islands. Pu‘ukohola Heiau is open daily and admission is free.
Kauna‘oa Beach
Mauna Kea Resort limits passes to this delightful spot on the Kohala Coast so it is important to arrive early (first come – first serve). The surf is usually moderate here and with a white, well maintained sandy beach it is a perfect place for families to enjoy a day at the beach. There is a 4 to 5 minute walk from the parking lot to the beach area.
King Kamehameha Statue
This is one of those treasures you will find on the North End of the Island. The most beloved and illustrious of Hawai‘i's heroes, Kamehameha unified the Hawaiian Islands. His government maintained peace and traditional values even under an intense Western influence. Three statues were cast in bronze in 1878 from a model made by American artist T.R. Gould. One is here on the Big Island and has one of the most amazing stories as to just how it managed to get here. Located in Kapa‘au you can learn about its story from a display at the Senior Center behind the statue. One statue is in Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C. and the other in front of the Ali`Iolani Hale in Honolulu.
Pololu Valley and Overlook
In order to be here you have traveled past Mahukona Beach Park, Hawi, Kapa‘au, Keokea Beach and have literally arrived at the end of the road. The valley stretches to your right, the Pacific to your left; and you gaze across to the opposite side of Pololu. Once back in the not too distant past this was the launching place of huge dugout canoes made by the finest Hawaiian craftsman. Now there is a moderate hike down a “maintained” horse trail to the valle
Locations
Big Island
Photo Gallery - Kohala Coast
Click here for Slideshow. You can also click on any of the photos to start slideshow.
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