Kohala Attractions

Pu'ukohola Heiau
National Historic Site

Located in Kawaihae in South Kohala, this historic landmark was constructed between 1790-91 under the leadership of Kamehameha I. See Map

Lapakahi State Historical Park

Take a self-guided walking tour through an ancient Hawaiian fishing village on the Kohala coast. This partially restored traditional Hawaiian fishing village dates back over 600 years and demonstrates the ahupua'a, an ancient land division that ran from the sea up to Kohala Mountain. Open daily 8am to 4pm exept holidays. See Map

Mahukona Beach Park

A North Kohala historic site and former port for the shipment of sugar cane and cattle. Offering access to the ocean for swimming, diving, snorkeling, kayaking and fishing. Camping by permit and a pavillion available for picnics, BBQs, etc. Walking trails up and down the coast.
See Map

Kapa`a Beach Park

Offering access to the ocean for swimming, diving, snorkeling and fishing. Camping by permit and a pavillion is available for picnics, BBQs, etc. It is also known to be a great whale watching spot on the Kohala Coast during the winter months. See Map

Mo'okini Luakini Heiau

Ancient heiau, located near Upolu Point, in North Kohala, is one of Hawai'i's oldest and largest historical sites and is among the most sacred. The temple was erected in approximately 480 A.D. and dedicated to Ku, the Hawaiian god of war. King Kamehameha's birthplace was nearby in this area. See Map

Hawi Wind Farm

Kohala is quickly becoming known as an environmentally friendly area in Hawaii. Setting a precedent as a leader in producing renewable energy, the Hawi Wind Farm is a model for Hawaii's goal to be self-reliant and sustainable as a state.
See Map

Hawi

The charming and historic plantation town of Hawi is known for its wonderful eateries, unique shops and galleries, and the Hawi Farmers Market. Hawi is also the turnaround for the bike portion of the Ironman World Championship.

See Map

Kapa`au

Kapa`au is also known for its unique plantation town charm. Many of Kohala's galleries are located in Kapaau's historic buildings. Kapa`au is also known as the home of the original King Kamehameha Statue and celebration which commemorates his birthday. Kapa`au hosts the Kohala Country Fair in October.

See Map

North Kohala Public Library

The North Kohala Public Library is the first LEED Gold Certified Public Library in the State of Hawaii. It replaces the Bond Memorial Public Library which served the community of Kohala since 1939. Witness Kohala's history as the community joins together for the "Huki Puke" to create a human chain and pass the books from the old library to the new over a distance of more than a mile. Watch Video >>>
See Map

North Kohala Civic Center

The area's Visitor Center in Kapa'au was once the Kohala Courthouse.
See Map

Statue of Kamehameha the Great

Kohala is the birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great who united the Hawaiian islands in 1795. Kohala is also the location of the original commissioned statue which was lost at sea en route to Hawaii. After the statue was salvaged from the ocean, it was brought to Kohala. In 1912, the statue was installed by the courthouse, now the visitors center in Kapa'au.
See Map

Kalahikiola Church

Kalahikiola, meaning “The Day Salvation Comes” is the name of a small hill on the side of the Kohala Mountain. This beautiful church was originally built by Reverend Elias Bond in the mid 1850s and was recently rebuilt after the devastating 6.7 earthquake in 2006. The church is located on the historic Bond Estate.
See Map

Keokea Beach Park

Offers swimming, surfing, fishing and a pavilion for picnics or special gatherings.
See Map

Pololu Valley

Once inhabited and home to several wet taro plantations and later rice, the valley was a thriving region. The overlook at the end of Highway 270 above the valley offers spectacular views of the rugged coastline and beautiful black sand beach below. See Map

Kohala Mountain Road

Also known as Highway 250 is the picturesque, winding up country route between the North Kohala mountains and Waimea. Offering dramatic views of the west Hawaii coastline, surrounding mountains and green pasture lands of the Paniolos – Hawaiian Cowboys! See Map