Waikoloa Travel Guide

Waikoloa is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering beautiful natural attractions and exciting outdoor experiences. Learn more about this top travel destination with our comprehensive guide.


Introduction to Waikoloa

Waikoloa, located in Hawaii’s Big Island, is a sought-after destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventures. From stunning beaches to lush greenery, this region boasts numerous attractions that cater to visitors’ varying interests. In this comprehensive guide to Waikoloa, you will discover all the must-see attractions, the best places to stay and eat, and practical information to assist you in planning your trip to this tropical paradise.

List of Places to Visit in Waikoloa

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Waikoloa offers a myriad of culturally important attractions, which will take you through the historical and mythical journey of Hawaii. Some of the must-visit attractions include:

  • Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site: This ancient temple built by King Kamehameha in 1790 visualizes the cultural significance of Hawaii’s first king.
  • Hulihee Palace: This former Hawaiian royal palace turned museum offers a glimpse into the rich history of Hawaii’s monarchy and contains numerous art collections and antique furnishings.
  • Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park: Known for its ancient fishponds, petroglyphs, and archaeological sites, this park gives you a glimpse of Hawaii’s past life.

Natural Attractions of Waikoloa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Waikoloa is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering beautiful natural attractions and exciting outdoor experiences. Some of the top natural attractions to experience in Waikoloa are:

  • Waikoloa Beach: Boasting crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches, Waikoloa Beach is one of the best beaches for soaking up the sun in Waikoloa.
  • Mauna Kea Summit: At an elevation of over 13,000 feet, the Mauna Kea Summit is a prime location for stargazing and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountainous landscape.
  • Waikoloa Petroglyph Reserve: Located on the Kohala Coast, this reserve is home to numerous petroglyphs carved into rock formations centuries ago.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Waikoloa

Waikoloa offers some of the best hiking and biking trails in Hawaii. Here are some of the most popular trails to explore:

  • Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park Trail: This trail takes you through ancient beaches, fishponds, and archaeological sites.
  • Mauna Kea Summit Trail: This steep and challenging trail leads you to the summit of Mauna Kea, offering breathtaking scenic views.
  • Waimea Canyon Trail: Located in Waipo Valley, this trail takes you through the lush green mountainous terrain and offers a glimpse of the stunning Waimea Canyon.

Best Things to Do in Waikoloa: Activities and Tours

Waikoloa offers numerous exciting activities and tours that cater to visitors’ varying tastes. Here are some of the top activities and tours to experience:

  • Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay: This bay is known for its diverse marine life and crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect place for snorkeling and swimming.
  • Helicopter Tours: Take a helicopter tour for a stunning bird’s eye view and breathtaking scenic experience over volcanoes, waterfalls, and the coastline of Waikoloa.
  • Night Diving with Manta Rays: Experience a unique and exhilarating adventure of swimming with manta rays in the Hawaiian waters on a night dive.

Week-Long Itinerary for Waikoloa

Here is a week-long itinerary for exploring Waikoloa and its surroundings:

  • Day 1: Visit Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site and Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
  • Day 2: Drive to Mauna Kea and stargaze on the summit at night, hike Waimea Canyon Trail during the day.
  • Day 3: Kealakekua Bay snorkeling and visit the King’s Shops at Waikoloa.
  • Day 4: Golf day followed by a sunset dinner at Lava Lava Beach Club.
  • Day 5: Zipline Adventure and Hawaiian Historical Fishpond Park Tours
  • Day 6: Visit Waikoloa Petroglyph Reserve and hike to Pololu Valley Lookout.
  • Day 7: Helicopter tour of the island or day trip to other nearby islands like Maui or Oahu.

Food and Drink Scene of Waikoloa

Must-Try Dishes

Start your day with Hawaii’s traditional breakfast, loco moco. This dish consists of rice, hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy, and is available in almost all breakfast restaurants in Waikoloa. Other must-try dishes include:

  • Paniolo Country Inn: Try their locally sourced grass-fed beef and freshly caught seafood dishes.
  • Mai Grille by Chef Allen Hess: Known for blending Hawaii’s traditional dishes with a modern flair, Mai Grille has delicious fish tacos and honey-glazed steak.
  • Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill: Try their mouth-watering original Hawaiian fusion dishes, such as ‘Misoyaki Butterfish’ or ‘Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi’.

Local Beverages

Hawaiian cultural drinks include Kona coffee and fresh tropical fruit juices, such as passion fruit or guava juice. You can also try Hawaiian craft beers, guava wine varieties, and Mai Tai cocktail while in Waikoloa.

Where to Stay in Waikoloa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Waikoloa offers a wide range of accommodations that suit every budget, from luxury hotels to backpacker hostels. Here are some of the best options for your stay:

  • The Fairmont Orchid: This upscale resort offers luxurious amenities from a private white sand beach to an award-winning golf course.
  • Kings’ Land by Hilton Grand Vacations: This family-friendly resort offers spacious and comfortable villas with a spacious balcony and fully equipped kitchen.
  • The Bay Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort: This affordable option comes equipped with four swimming pools, a hot tub, and an on-site restaurant.

What to Buy in Waikoloa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Take a piece of Waikoloa’s unique culture and traditions with you by purchasing the following souvenirs and local products:

  • Kona Coffee: One of the world’s best coffee varieties, this exotic flavor is must to bring home.
  • Hawaiian quilt: Hawaiian quilts are known for their unique and colorful designs. Find a quilt that reflects your taste and has an enriched history to impart.
  • Ukulele: Bringing home a small Ukulele will remind you of the laid-back and fun times you had in Waikoloa!

Local Culture and Customs of Waikoloa

As a visitor, it’s important to respect Hawaii’s cultural customs. Here are some customs to keep in mind while in Waikoloa:

  • Remove shoes before entering someone’s home.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious and cultural sites.
  • Respect the island’s natural resources and leave them as you found them.

Best Time to Visit Waikoloa

The best time to visit Waikoloa is from September-November (Fall) and April-June (Spring) when the weather is mild and the crowds are fewer. The peak season is from December-April (Winter), where there are more tourists, and the prices are high.

Do’s and Don’ts of Waikoloa

Do:

  • Respect the culture and people of Hawaii.
  • Explore the natural outdoors.
  • Go for the delicious food and locals’ hospitality.

Don’t:

  • Litter on beaches and in nature.
  • Disturb Hawaii’s marine life and natural habitat.
  • Wear shoes inside someone’s home.

Safety and Health

Safety in Waikoloa

Waikoloa is relatively safe, but it’s essential to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Keep the following in mind:

  • Watch out for the strong surf and rip currents.
  • Lock your belongings in the hotel safe and keep your personal belongings close to you in public.

Health in Waikoloa

Mosquito-borne illnesses and sun exposure are common in Waikoloa. Drink lots of water and apply plenty of sunscreen to avoid skin damage.

Getting to Waikoloa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Waikoloa is simple and convenient, with multiple transportation options available. Below are some of the most common travel options to and around Waikoloa:

Airports Near Waikoloa

Kona International Airport is the nearest airport to Waikoloa, and it’s a 30-minute drive away.

Bus Stations Near Waikoloa

Waikoloa does not have any buses, but there are tour providers that operate excursion tours with pick-ups at major hotels.

Other Options

Taxis and car rentals are readily available at the airport.

How to Get Around in Waikoloa

The most convenient way to travel around Waikoloa is by car. Taxis and buses are not readily available, and tour providers pick-up from major hotels.

Where to Go Next from Waikoloa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Waikoloa is an excellent base to explore Hawaii’s Big Island and its surrounding areas. Here are some of the top destinations to visit near Waikoloa:

  • Hilo: Visit Hawaii’s historic city located 2 hours away from Waikoloa.
  • Kailua-Kona: Explore the nearby town known for its restaurants, shops, and Hawaiian cultural attractions.
  • Volcano National Park: Experience Hawaii’s most active volcano, located 90 minutes away from Waikoloa.

Conclusion

Waikoloa is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering beautiful natural attractions and exciting outdoor experiences. From hiking and biking to snorkeling and stargazing, Waikoloa has something for everyone. With this comprehensive guide, you’re set to plan and explore this beautiful part of Hawaii with confidence.

Waikoloa petroglyphs Waikoloa petroglyphs