Kawaihae

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo by Agy Kagawa
Visit this Kohala harbor town to enjoy excellent fresh seafood and art galleries, surf clear swells rolling into the harbor and see an ancient Hawai’ian temple.

Kawaihae is a historic seaside town on Hawai’i Big Island’s western coast. Visit Kawaihae to experience the town’s fine seafood, art galleries, fascinating history and exciting watersports. Embark on a charter boat adventure from Kawaihae Harbor and spot whales or drop a fishing line.

Wander along Kawaihae Harbor’s man-made break wall and watch the surf rolling in on its outer side. This surf beach, known as Pua Ka ‘Ilima ‘o Kawaihae Cultural Surf Park, is a popular spot for visitors and local surfers looking for unrestricted swell on the island’s western side. Walk across the harbor to find Kawaihae Canoe Club and a boat ramp. Rent a canoe and explore the calm waters of the reef-bottomed harbor. 

Take a stroll through the town to find a fresh fish market and a selection of restaurants serving regional seafood. Try local poke, a raw seafood salad often made with yellow-fin tuna or octopus. Kawaihae village is filled with fascinating art galleries and local craft stores, where you can find handmade items crafted using traditional and contemporary techniques.

Explore south of the harbor to find Puʻukoholā Heiau, a national historic site where you can find the ruins of an ancient Hawai’ian temple. Public access to the sacred site is not allowed, but you can follow an interpretive trail from the national park visitor center to the border of the site. Kawaihae was the seat of the Kingdom of Hawai’i during the rule of King Alapaʻinuiakauaua. King Kamehameha I later built the temple during his rule in the late 18th century.

Head north along the coast to find Pua Mau Place, a lush botanical garden filled with tropical flowers. Visit the aviary and see beautifully plumed peacocks. Relax in the picnic area and take in gorgeous views of the Kohala coast.

Kawaihae is located approximately 35 miles (56 kilometers) north of Kailua-Kona on Hawai’i’s Big Island. Reach Kawaihae by car, charter tour or boat into the harbor.

Hilton Waikoloa Village
Hilton Waikoloa Village
4 out of 5
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI
The price is P17,536 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
P17,536
P23,936 total
includes taxes & fees
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Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
5 out of 5
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Kamuela, HI
The price is P44,485 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
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includes taxes & fees
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Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kamuela. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
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Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Tower Waikoloa Village
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Tower Waikoloa Village
4 out of 5
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa, HI
The price is P13,145 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
P13,145
P18,214 total
includes taxes & fees
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Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Waikoloa. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
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Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Tower Waikoloa Village
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 ...
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Reviewed on Mar 12, 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 ...
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Reviewed on Mar 24, 2025

Mauna Lani Point
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 ...
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Reviewed on Feb 16, 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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