Must See Spots While Exploring Along the Kohala Coast
BY KAPINA LANSDALE
On the far northwest tip of the Big Island is the district of Kohala. Just 20 minutes north of the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, you’ll marvel at the rugged lava fields that surround you. Along the Kohala Coast you’ll find some of the most luxurious resorts on the island. Nestled amongst the rust red and jet black lava rocks are pockets of green oases full of world class accommodations, fine dining, and Hawaii’s best golf courses. Being the dryer side of the island, the north coast gets an annual average rainfall of only 9 inches, perfect place to soak up the sun.
Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve
More than 3,000 ancient petroglyphs or Kii Pohaku (lava rock carvings) are etched into stone dating back to 1200 AD. Although the true meaning behind petroglyphs are unknown, it is generally thought that these carvings are records of births and other significant events. At the Mauna Lani Resort, the captivating petroglyphs fields of Puako feature carvings of canoes, turtles, people and more. Put on your hiking shoes and take the family on a petroglyph hunt. These sites are unpaved and go through kiawe forest so keep good balance and watch out for thorns.
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“It is believed that the lava rocks used to build the heiau were passed hand by hand in a human chain all the way from Pololu Valley about 25 miles away.“
Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Just off the road you can see the majestic stone Puukohola Heiau. This National Historic Site is home to one of the largest restored heiau (temple) in Hawaii. Heiau are sacred places of worship for Native Hawaiians. Kamehameha the Great was advised by his kahuna (priest) to build and dedicate Puukohola Heiau to the war god Kukailimoku to help in his efforts to unite the Hawaiian Islands. It is believed that the lava rocks used to build the heiau were passed hand by hand in a human chain all the way from Pololu Valley about 25 miles away.
Pololu Valley Lookout
Make it to the end of the scenic highway 270 and experience the majesty of the Big Island’s dramatic Kohala coastline. Located eight miles east of Hawi, Pololū Valley’s ancient air of mystery lends a particularly romantic feeling to the landscape. High above waves that crash onto the rocks are several lookout areas that offer sweeping views of the sea cliffs with cascading waterfalls over them. If a touch of adventure is what you seek, take a short hike down to the base of the valley through which runs sparkling, spring fed Pololū Stream. A tree-shaded picnic area, rocky shoreline, and rustic makeshift swing will bring the kid out of you. Spending the day relaxing with your special someone by the shoreline of Pololū Valley can be your perfect romantic getaway.
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Hapuna Beach State Park
Hapuna Beach State Park is a long white sand beach that has been consistently rated on the International Top Ten list of the Islands’ best beaches. Perfect place for swimming, sunbathing, bodyboarding, and snorkeling. You can either go snorkeling around the small cliff to the north of the beach or around the rocky point on the south of the beach. However, it’s not recommended to go alone, you may not be insight of the lifeguards. Make sure to arrive early, this beach can get very crowded.
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