Hamakua Coast

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Hamakua Coast
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Hawaii which includes signage and a city

The rugged northeastern coast of Hawai’i’s Big Island offers beautiful vistas of towering cliffs, dense tropical forest, dazzling waterfalls and botanical gardens.

Experience some of Hawai’i’s most magnificent tropical scenery on the Hāmākua Coast, a 50-mile (80-kilometer) stretch of dramatic cliffs, lush rainforest and breathtaking views. Learn about local history and culture in several small towns and discover local plant life at the Hāmākua Coast botanical gardens.

The northeast coast of Hawai’i’s Big Island is known for its natural beauty, featuring vast cliffs that drop into the roaring surf below and forested valleys framed by the mountainsides of Mauna Kea and Kohala. Discover this picturesque stretch of coastline with the Hāmākua Heritage Corridor, a stunning daytrip drive that begins in Hilo and winds through rainforests, valleys and cliff tops to Honoka’a and the historic and sacred Waipi’o Valley Lookout.

Explore the “Valley of the Kings” by foot or on guided horseback and four-wheel-drive tours. If you’re feeling fit, hike down the steep, paved trail that leads through Waipi’o Valley to a wide black-sand beach. See cascading waterfalls tumbling into the valley’s river, taro fields dotted across the landscape and a vast array of tropical wildflowers. Bring plenty of water for the trip, as this destination is truly in its natural state. 

Very little development has changed the Hāmākua Coast since the late 19th century, when sugarcane plantations and cattle ranches began to spring up and populate charming towns like Honokaa. Admire the early 20th-century architecture and browse antiques and local craft stores on the historic main street.

Wander through gardens of exotic native plants, bamboo groves and orchids at the Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden and the World Botanical Gardens. Nearby, find the Umauma Waterfall and the magnificent Kahuna and Akaka waterfalls.

Fly into Hilo International Airport, an hour’s drive from Hāmākua. Discover the Hāmākua Coast by car or by guided tour. Hāmākua is tropical, so ensure you’re prepared for sudden rainfall. To avoid peak tourism season, visit in May and see the wildflowers in full bloom or come in September for warmer weather. 

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
3.5 out of 5
71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI
The price is P8,907 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P8,907
P12,197 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,286 reviews)
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Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
4 out of 5
93 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI
The price is P9,583 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P9,583
P13,896 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a golf course. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,227 reviews)
"Friendly staffs and beautiful environment. But the hotel condition is little old."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
SCP Hilo Hotel
SCP Hilo Hotel
3.5 out of 5
126 Banyan Way, Hilo, HI
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"The hotel is well located with interestingly unique facilities, culture and history. The staffs are friendly and knowledgeable. I particularly love the morning coffee and free stand-up boards which I was able to enjoy in calm waters across the street. Will definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

SCP Hilo Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Castle Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa
Castle Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa
4 out of 5
69-1029 Nawahine Pl, Waikoloa, HI
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Waikoloa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course and Hāpuna ...
9/10 Wonderful! (688 reviews)
"The property is beautiful and so peaceful. Super nice staff."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Castle Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa
Mauna Lani Point
Mauna Lani Point
4 out of 5
68-1050 Mauna Lani Point Dr., Kamuela, HI
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Kamuela. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (296 reviews)
"Great place for a family"

Reviewed on May 21, 2025

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Fairway Villas Waikoloa by OUTRIGGER
Fairway Villas Waikoloa by OUTRIGGER
3 out of 5
69-200 Pohakulana, Waikoloa, HI
Stay at this 3-star golf condo in Waikoloa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course and Genesis ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (483 reviews)
"This was our first family vacation to Hawaii and we were surprised and really enjoyed our visit. We were really unsure what to expect or what we needed. All I can say is that it exceeded our expectations. We are looking forward to planning our next visit. Mahalo for everything!"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Fairway Villas Waikoloa by OUTRIGGER
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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