Area Information

Hawaii’s biggest island is arguably its most diverse in climate, history, culture and sights. From the snow-capped peaks of Mauna Kea to the still-active volcano, Kilauea, to the beautiful Kona Coast, the Big Island has something to offer everyone!

One of our vacation rental homes will make the ideal base from which your explorations can take flight. Learn about the various areas of the island by using the links found in the box to the left and feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Aloha!

Kohala Coast

The Gold Coast of Kohala is home to many of the resort communities as well as Hawaii’s Big Island vacation rentals. With several championship golf courses and highly rated beaches and beach communities, the Kohala Coast is one of the most coveted areas on the island.

Connecting this 40-mile stretch of coastline is the “King’s Trail” which was traveled by the ancient “ali’i” or royalty, as well as the runners to get pond fish and other staples for the Hawaiian royalty in Kona. The trail passes through the resort properties, Pu’ukohola Heiau and scores of petroglyph fields.

Puako

Puako is a small unique beach community located on the Kohala Coast of the Island of Hawaii. The beaches along Puako Beach Drive are a combination of lava rocks and sand. Divers, swimmers and snorkelers can walk carefully out over the rocks for some great deep water swimming and Hawaii scuba diving. For the little ones, the tidal pools make for some fun exploring in the shallow waters teaming with minnows. The sand crabs are comical to observe as they burrow into the sand. Divers will enjoy some of the best diving spots on this coastline. Beaches are accessible in front of our beachfront rentals and by public accesses conveniently located along Puako Beach Drive. Look for the blue Beach Access signs.

Kona Coast

Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Kona, a bustling city area full of shops and restaurants, is also home to a few historic landmarks. ‘Ahu ‘ena Heiau, built in 1817, was an ancient temple dedicated to the patron spirits of learning, art and healing. The Mokuaikaua Church, the first Christian church built by western missionaries in 1820s is located on Ali’i Drive.

In the early 1970s the population of Kailua-Kona was little more than 700 people, yet now it is home to well over 40,000 and still growing rapidly. The hot, sunny climate combined with the proximity to beautiful shorelines draws many people to the area to visit, live and play.

North Kona

This area is known for its sunny, dry climate and has been named, “The Gold Coast.” Although the area appears to be nothing but desolate fields of lava rock, the district of North Kona hosts some of the most beautiful white sand Big Island beaches. Honokahau Harbor is also located along the coast in North Kona, home of fresh fish and many big fish tournaments.

For more information, please visit Honokohau Harbor Marine Services.

Keauhou

Nestled on the Kona Coast is the community of Keauhou. As rich in history as in modern conveniences; ancient temple built by the early Hawaiians remain only footsteps away from contemporary homes, shopping and dining.

Hokuli’a

Hokuli’a offers the pleasures of seaside solitude. Nearby Kailua-Kona, an authentic Hawai’ian coastal town, provides delightful dining and shopping opportunities. And you’ll be minutes from classic beaches, hiking trails, Big Island golf courses and water sports. Hokuli’a’s own Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course epitomizes the bliss of Hawaiian golf. Guests of Hokuli’a are subject to subdivision requirements.

Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Park

Further south, beyond Kealakekua Bay, you will find Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, the Place of Refuge. Walk through a sanctuary of Hawaii’s past and find examples of traditional Hawaiian lifestyle. Ancient temples and ki’i (wooden images) tell stories from the past. This place provided refuge to Hawaiians who came here. Today, the park is open to visitors and is a safe haven for native wildlife living here.

Hamakua Coast

Honoka’a Town and Waipio Valley are nestled along the Hamakua Coast. Legends say that Waipio Valley, “the land of the falling water,” was where the great King Kamehameha first received his leadership training and learned to surf. It is still home to a handful of farmers and fishermen as well as Hawaii vacation rentals. The view from the lookout above the valley is truly amazing. With several waterfalls and lush greenery, it is a sight that will take your breath away.

Along the Hamakua Coast are other small towns such as Paauilo, Kukuihaele and Laupahoehoe. These towns are filled with a rich and local culture that happily survives in this region of kama’aina style living and abundant ocean views.

Hilo

Hilo is Hawaii’s second largest city and home to the University of Hawaii Hilo. Thanks to the efforts of the Downtown Hilo Organization and the wealth of new businesses occupying old buildings, restorations have been made to preserve this tropical town. It is still easy to find beauty and nature within the city’s landscape full of banyan trees and nestled upon Hilo Bay. A walk along the waterfront and downtown shops & museums or a visit to the farmer’s market introduces you to a thriving city. At the north end of town, along the Wailuku River, is a beautiful waterfall located at Rainbow Falls.

Volcano

Volcano Village is located within one mile from the entrance of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, nestled in a tropical Ohia and Hapu’u fern forest. As one of the most picturesque places in all of the United States, it is famous for its incredible beauty and tranquility. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park highlights one of the world’s most active, the Kilauea volcano, and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes. You can explore the summit of the volcano or drive down to the Chain of Craters Road and possibly hike out to an active lava flow. At times, amazing sights of flowing lava along side lush tropical rain forests are available for viewing.

Waimea

Waimea Town (also known as Kamuela) is located upcountry at 2500 feet elevation. Luxury resorts, beaches and parks are a mere 20 minute drive. Hilo and Kona are each about a 45 minute drive. Waimea/Kamuela was recently named by Forbes Magazine as one of the best places to live in the United States. Even though the area is growing, the small town relaxed atmosphere still prevails.

Waimea is home to the world famous Parker Ranch, numerous delectable restaurants featuring fresh island cuisine and an excellent theater where Hawaii activities such as music, dance, hula and stage shows are performed. Temperature can vary widely from a rainy, foggy, 50 degrees to sunny 80 degree days where the hills sparkle and the breathtaking views of Mauna Kea can be seen throughout the town.

Headquarters for Keck and Canada-France-Hawaii Telescopes are in Waimea, with their observatories visible on the summit of Mauna Kea. There is a visitors center about mid way up Mauna Kea, via Saddle Road. Be careful, many car rentals restrict driving on Saddle Road.