Waikoloa Area Guide
Located along the Big Islands Western Coast amongst towering volcanic summits rests a tranquil fishing village turned vacation oasis known as Waikoloa Village! This forty-square-mile plot of lush tropical forests, gorgeous beaches, and immaculate golf courses has become a favorite for visitors and investors alike due to its divine climates, rich culture, and unending breadth of recreational opportunities!
History
The Big Island of Hawaii has a history stretching back over fifteen-hundred years to the first settlements by Polynesian settlers who boldly traversed the tumultuous Pacific Ocean in Kayaks.
Over the following centuries, large influxes of peoples from Tahiti would arrive on the island chain bringing a large cultural change typified by unique customs and beliefs.
After this initial migration, Hawaii would remain largely undisturbed by the outside world for some six-hundred years. During this time, the island was ruled by a series of Island Chiefs and people knew of the outside world only through oral tradition.
In 1778, British explorer Captain James Cook reintroduced Hawaii to the world when he stumbled upon nearly one million native people scattered across the five major islands.
In 1810, these separate chains became united in a common Hawaiian Kingdom under the legendary Kamehameha the Great.
American presence on the Big Island near Waikoloa began in 1943 through the acquisition of more than ninety-thousand square acres of lush beach-side jungle by the U.S. Navy.
This tract of land was used by the United States armed forces for several subsequent years as a firing range and practice field which included nearly five-hundred acres of troop encampments.
Throughout the 1940’s, Marine divisions were assigned to Waikoloa for training before the land was eventually surrendered back to its original owners in 1946.
Hawaii became the fiftieth state in 1959 and established Honolulu as the capital.
Later, in the 1960’s, the Parker Ranch would begin selling parcels of land to the present owners, Nansay Hawaii, Inc.
Laurence S. Rockefeller brought luxury tourism to the Big Island in the late 1960’s by opening the Mauna Kea Resort, which was followed closely by the opening of some of the most refined and coveted resorts in the world.
Nansay Hawaii has overseen construction of golf courses, residential subdivisions, and other suburban developments culminating in a utopian stretch of condominiums and modern amenities interrupted by sprawling stretches of undisturbed, undeveloped parcels of scenic Hawaiian jungle.
Today, the Big Island supports a population of roughly one-hundred-eighty thousand people across a four-thousand-acre territory, with Hilo being the largest population center.
Parks and Recreation
Hawaii is a tropical wonderland with looming forestry, rushing waterfalls, and endless stretches of gorgeous white-sand beaches. The official State Park System consists of fifty-three state parks encompassing a total area of over twenty-five thousand acres. Environments range from landscaped garden grounds to wildland areas inundated with winding trails and naturalistic splendor.
America’s island state offers a robust recreation programming consisting of a diverse breadth of coastal experiences including picnicking, camping, swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing, kayaking, beachcombing, hiking, as well as premier destinations for bird watchers, anglers, and geological enthusiasts.
Additionally, the Heritage program protects, preserves, and educates on Hawaii’s diverse and rich historical lineage by providing opportunities to survey superbly maintained examples of unfettered Hawaiian landscapes.
There is never any shortage of excitement on this electrifying five-island paradise!
State parks are open year-round and offer guided tours, riverboat cruises, access to various monuments and mountain summits, and much more!
DLNR, Division of State Parks
P.O. Box 621
Honolulu, HI 96809
Phone: (808)587-0300
Koke‘e State Park
This enormous stretch of native vegetation just north of the legendary Waimea Canyon State Park includes over four-thousand acres of mountainous terrain filled with forest birds, scenic cliffsides, and rich forestry. The park is situated upon a plateau overlooking Kalalau Valley and boasts hundreds of miles of winding trails, cabins, campsites, and lodging at four-thousand foot elevations! The park is packed with amenities including public showers, restrooms, water fountains, and even plum picking fields! The park also houses the Kokee Natural History Museum specializing in vending, exhibits on local wildlife, and other public services.
3600 Kokee Road
Kekaha, HI
Phone: (808) 335-9975
www.kokee.org
Pihea Trail, Kokee State Park:
Koke‘e Road - Highway 550, Waimea
Phone: (808) 245-3971
Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
The pali, or cliffs, of this park overlook deep valleys which dip into the sea and provide awe-inspiring views of the rugged grandeur of the surrounding stone sea walls. The park features numerous waterfalls, streams, and eleven miles of the most popular hiking trails on the island named the Kalalau trail. Additionally, the park permits camping, picnicking and provides shelters, restrooms, showers, and permits for special activities within park premises.
Polihale State Park
This lush, undisturbed one-hundred and forty mile wild beach offers visitors the opportunity to comb remote private stretches of Hawaiian shores miles from the influence of seasonal tourist industries. Although unendingly scenic, the water is widely unsuitable for traditional aquatic activities due to proximity to unfettered deep water drop offs, but still offers running water, pavilions, and swimming at Queen’s Pond. The park is perfect for camping, four-wheeling, picnicking, sunset seeking, shore-fishing, and soaking in clean tropical air from atop the nearby sea -cliffs of the Na Pali Coast.
Waimea, HI
Phone: (808) 587-0300
Mauna Kea State Park Recreation Area
This twenty-acre park situated at the base of the mighty Mauna Kea volcano is a favorite place for hiking, hunting, camping, and other sensational recreational activities! The park rests at roughly sixty-five hundred feet above sea level and provides awe-inspiring views of the surrounding area. Hunting permits, cabins, and camp sites are available, as well as plentiful picnic spots along the shrub peppered trails and bird watching paths of the open aired expanse. The cool dry nights and tropical days in this state park continually provide premier views and experiences!
Saddle Road
Hilo, HI
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
This sixty-two acre stretch of landscaped beach provides a calm enclave ideal for fishing, snorkeling, body-surfing, as well as sun-bathing, beach-combing and picnicking. Entrance is free and the park offers shelters, pavilions, picnic tables, restrooms, and was named the “Best Beach in America” by Florida International University Professor “Dr. Beach!” A historic trail connects the beach to neighboring resorts and shores, and camping permits are available.
Mauna Kea Beach
Located just north of Hapuna Beach is Mauna Kea Beach, which shares several similar characteristics including a gently sloping shoreline ideal for swimming or snorkeling between two rocky flanks jutting into the emerald green surf. Mauna Kea is one of Hawaii’s best beaches and provides a gorgeous shoreline dotted by shade-bearing palm trees nestled between upscale vacation resorts!
Kalopa State Recreation Area
This one-hundred acre public park rests at the end of Kalopa Trail at two-thousand foot elevation in a native ohi'a forest amongst a diverse collection of amenities and recreational opportunities. The park includes a two-mile horse-back riding trail, an arboretum of native botanical life, picnic areas, cabin lodging, clean water, and an adjoining forest reserve.
Honokaa, HI 96727
Phone: (808) 587-0300
Attractions and Activities
The Big Island has become one of the most renowned collections of resort communities on planet earth, with lush green forests and gorgeous white-sand beaches sprawled beneath the backdrop of breath-taking volcanic mountains and jet black lava fields.
Originally created through seismic geological activity, the island now plays host to elated permanent residents and astounded seasonal visitors delighting in its babbling waterfalls, shade-bearing tropical plants, and diverse recreational offerings. There is never any shortage of fun and excitement on this island paradise which features endless opportunities including golfing, parasailing, surfing, fishing, beach-combing, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, snorkeling, boating, and much more!
There are a fine collection of resorts, golf courses, museums, gardens, nightclubs, restaurants, and retail outlets located conveniently to Waikoloa Village.
Mauna Lani Resort
Selected by Golf Digest as the “Best Golf Resort in North America,” this inclusive resort features luxurious hotels and bungalows, spas, golf-courses, and delectable bayside dining. In addition to being one of the premier recreation and relaxation spots on the island, the resort is also a leader in the preservation of Hawaiian history through display of indigenous plant-life, ukulele lessons, fish and turtle feeding tours, and traditional luaus.
68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive
Kohala Coast, HI 96743
Phone: (800) 367-2323
http://www.maunalani.com/
Nomura Hawaii Village
68-1270 South Kaniku Drive
Waimea, HI 96743-9729
Phone: (808) 885-6611
Waikoloa Village Golf Club
Play a round at the feet of the Mauna Kea while overlooking the emerald waters of the majestic Pacific Ocean on one of Hawaii’s most gorgeous eighteen-hole courses! The beautiful rolling greens of Waikoloa Village Golf Club rest at one-thousand foot elevation affording visitors a view of five nearby volcanoes as well as the Kohala Coast and Mountains. This is the second oldest golf course on the Big Island, and is also one of the most beloved spots to enjoy a fine game amongst top-notch company on a course described by Golf Magazine as one of the “best bargains on the Big Island!”
68-1792 Melia Street
Waikoloa, HI 96738
Phone: (808) 883-9621
http://waikoloavillagegolf.com/index.html
Anaehoomalu Bay
The shallow emerald waters of the South Kohala coast provide incredible sunsets, snorkeling, and historic aquatic fishponds. The palm fringed coastline is overseen by local hotels and resorts and serves as the location of the Lavaman Triathlon, a qualifying event for the Ironman Triathlon.
Waikoloa Beach
Located along the Southern Kohala Coast beneath the looming Kohala Mountains and within sight of the five major area volcanoes are the sprawling shorelines of Waikoloa Beach. This gorgeous white-sand beach runs along the shallow emerald waters of nearby bays and enjoys access to important temples, Kahapapa fish ponds, and winding trails dotted by looming stone carvings known as petroglyphs.
Genesis Gallery
This fine collection of original and limited addition paintings, sculptures, glass art, handmade jewelry, immaculately crafted kaleidoscopes, and other pristine works is curated by John and Vera Kirkpatrick. The gallery has two locations and offers a chance to soak in Hawaii’s rich cultural and historical heritage or even bring a piece of fine craftsmanship into your own home!
Kings Shops
250 Waikoloa Beach Dr. #A1
Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738
808-886-7770
Queen's Marketplace
69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr #2601
Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738
808-886-1770
www.genesisgalleryhawaii.com/
Dolphin Quest
Board a unique vessel porting from Hilton Waikoloa Village offering the chance for humans to come closer than ever to our aquatic mammalian brothers in a fun, interactive program perfect for all ages. Dolphin Quest’s Learning Center Lagoon has been in operation for more than fifteen years and takes reservations eight weeks in advance to secure the opportunity to enjoy this one-of-a-kind natural habitat. A portion of all proceeds go to marine preservation, research, and education, making Dolphin Quest the perfect outing for the whole family!
Phone: (808) 886.2875
425 Waikoloa Beach Drive
Waikoloa, HI 96738
http://www.dolphinquest.com/
Events
http://www.waikoloa.org/calendar
http://www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/resort_activities/event_calendar.cfm#act
http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/big-island-activities-events