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. 

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 P10,730 per night from Aug 23 to Aug 24
P10,730
P15,281 total
Aug 23 - Aug 24
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. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,219 reviews)
"Food options were great. This review is quick and does not take 30 minutes. Had to move rooms dues to toilet running, and smoke detector beeping every 15 minutes. You folks do have a good deal of maintenance. Staff was great and made me feel welcome."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
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 P10,203 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P10,203
P14,059 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,286 reviews)
"The staff was amazing and helpful! Our room was outstanding with a beautiful view. We were nervous about parking but there was always plenty of parking."

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
SCP Hilo Hotel

SCP Hilo Hotel

3.5 out of 5
126 Banyan Way, Hilo, HI
The price is P13,067 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
P13,067
P17,100 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Very rustic"

Reviewed on Jul 19, 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.
Plumeria Hilo Hotel

Plumeria Hilo Hotel

3 out of 5
1303 Kalanianaole St, Hilo, HI
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Keaukaha Beach Park and Onekahakaha Beach ...
Plumeria Hilo Hotel
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! (691 reviews)
"We booked through Expedia and didn’t know anything about the property that wasn’t listed. It exceeded our expectations and we would definitely book again! The condo was well equipped, had nice furnishings, the pool with ocean view was amazing and overall such a safe high end area. Our whole group ..."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 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

Mauna Lani Point
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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