Any time travelers have the opportunity to spend quality time away on Hawaii’s Big Island, it’s an experience worth looking forward to enjoying! The option to leave the stress of the daily hustle behind and focus exclusively on island adventures and beauty instead for a while is truly one-of-a-kind. It’s a particularly satisfying experience when places like Waikoloa are your final destination of choice. Here, lush tropical terrain, rich cultural experiences and easy access to outdoor thrills all go hand-in-hand. This inviting resort area sits on the stunning Kohala Coast and has earned its reputation for excellence around everything from luxury retreats and championship golf courses to pristine stretches of shoreline as well. With so many incredible things to do in Waikoloa, Hawaii, from snorkeling and hiking to shopping and dining, visitors will find endless ways to make the most of their time here in beautiful Waikoloa. Top it all off with endless year-round sunshine and you have a place that truly has something for everyone.
When you spend time enjoying Waikoloa, you’ll be within easy reach of gorgeous waves, breathtaking coral to explore, and unique lava rock that sets a dynamic scene no matter when you arrive. Travelers setting their sights on a trip this way will have options to spend their days exploring Waikoloa Village and making the most of amazing views out over Wailua Bay. Waikoloa’s proximity to mountains and sands alike as well as its village vibes make it a place that first-time travelers often find themselves returning to time and again. Home to a wonderful tropical climate, and a seemingly endless lineup of options for customized island fun, Waikoloa is a destination you simply don’t want to miss. When you’re ready to turn travel plans into reality, the following is our ultimate guide to Waikoloa which is a great place to start to make sure you make the absolute most of every single moment you’re here.
Getting to Waikoloa Is as Easy as an Island Breeze
No matter what your point of origin might be when you’re traveling to Waikoloa, how long you plan to stay on the Big Island in the name of vacation fun, or how many others you’re adventuring alongside, getting here is sure to be a breeze. When you want to ensure that your trip gets underway in a stress-free style, be sure to make travel plans that bring you into the Kona International Airport (KOA). This is both the most convenient and closest airport to Waikoloa on the map. Upon landing, you’ll find that there are a variety of rental car services on-site to pick from as well as shuttle options too. Having a car available when you visit Waikoloa is highly recommended as the Big Island is best explored on your own time and some of the major attractions are only readily accessible with a vehicle. Once you’re behind the wheel of your rental car at KOA, you’ll be delighted to find that you only have a 20-mile drive from the airport North to Waikoloa. You can reach Waikoloa Village with ease thanks to its location boarding Hawaii Route 19. Waikoloa Village is a simple jumping-off point for adventures across Hawaii on those days when you’re excited to head out and discover more with a starting point on the northwest side of the Big island.
A Destination Rich in History
For many travelers heading to Waikoloa to enjoy some well-deserved downtime, a big part of the appeal beyond the natural beauty, flavor, and fun is the area’s rich history. The very ground you walk on when you reach places like Waikoloa Village tells a fascinating story of the passage of time as it was built on top of an ancient lava field. Just 30 miles from Waikoloa Village, you’ll have options to visit a towering volcano known as Mauna Kea. Today, the volcano is dormant, but once upon a time, the volcano was violent and active, creating the pathway to the ocean upon which Waikoloa Village is established on today. The resort here dates back to 1986 when plans were put into place to create a travel retreat in the area complete with a shopping center and inviting residences alike. Those who visit Waikoloa today will find a place to enjoy that sprawls across more than 35,000 acres of tropical terrain with great vistas out over Waiulua Bay.
A trip to Waikoloa offers travelers access to modern marvels like time in luxury spas and pools as well as afternoons dedicated to browsing art galleries and participating in dolphin-watching tours as well to name a few of many options available. It’s also a place where you can dive into cultural events that pay homage to the area’s past. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the Big Island Film Festival or spend a day learning about the volcanic eruptions that added to the area’s unique topography, tailoring your trip to a personal sense of travel style is easier than you ever imagined here.
If you’re looking to infuse meaningful cultural experiences into your stay in Waikoloa, be sure to add a stop to the Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site to your list. This destination plays host to a large heiau (temple) and is a significant destination when it comes to learning more about traditional Hawaiian culture. There are many Hawaiian luaus to participate in around Waikoloa as well and time exploring the ancient petroglyphs left by those who originally called the island home at places like the Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve are always endlessly inspiring moments.
Plan on Adding Beautiful Beach Stops and Thrilling Water Activities to Your Vacation Itinerary
Your trip to Waikoloa might not feel entirely complete without setting aside some quality time on the itinerary to explore the nearby shorelines and waves. The coast near Waikoloa is rich in opportunity whether you’re looking to paddleboard, surf, swim, or snorkel your way to island fun. Anaeho’omalu Bay, sometimes fondly referred to as “A-Bay,” is a popular place in nearby for swimming thanks to its crescent shaped-beach which lends itself to calmer waves. Over at Hapuna Beach State Park, Waikoloa visitors can treat themselves to a day on soft, white sands that are loved by visitors and locals alike for their idyllic sunbathing opportunities. Hapuna Beach State Park is also a prime place to enjoy bodyboarding if you’re looking to pick up the pace and enhance the thrills on the water.
For a unique place to settle in on the shoreline and enjoy your surroundings during your Waikoloa visit, don’t miss out on time enjoyed at 49 Black Sand Beach while you’re in town. Much as the name indicates, this beach hosts iconic black sands that are the result of fine grains of lava deposited over time. The black makes for an eye-catching contrast against the blue waves, as well as a great place for landscape photographers to put their skills to work. There are also a variety of nearby tidepools in this area as well as terrific snorkeling spots and underwater rock formations that call endlessly to divers.
Enjoy Great Golfing in Waikoloa
If you happen to be an adventurer heading to Waikoloa with an unwavering love for golf in place, you’ll be delighted to find that this area of the Big Island has some truly spectacular courses to check out. Places like Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf are must-visit destinations on the map when you’re looking for a single place to golf that has not one, but two courses to choose from right on-site. Whether you tee off at the Kings’ Course or the Beach Course, you’re in for a scenic treat. Each course is as challenging as it is fun, but the highlight always tends to be the spectacular views golfers can enjoy that are available from every single hole. When you’re looking to expand on your golf adventures during your Waikoloa stay, don’t overlook time at the Mauna Lani Golf Course too. This stop is known and loved for its lush fairways, but it’s the oceanfront challenges that keep visitors coming back time and again.
Must-Enjoy Things to do in Waikoloa, Hawaii for Adventure Seekers
Waikoloa is a vacation destination that’s often credited for its wonderful way with relaxing moments that leave its guests feeling refreshed and revitalized with every visit. While you can certainly come here to sit on the sand, soak up the sun, or enjoy life at a more leisurely pace overall, it’s just as suitable for travelers who find their peace of mind when adrenaline-pumping fun is on the lineup! If you’re an adventure seeker heading to Waikoloa, take your trip under the waves with some world-class diving experiences during your stay. Places like Kahaluu Beach Park and Waialea Bay are known around the world for their pristine diving and snorkeling conditions that make for a thrilling day of viewing coral reefs and diverse marine life under the water. If it’s hiking challenging island trails that gets your heart pumping, you’ll likely love the opportunity to gear up and explore some of the top-rated routes in the area like the Makalawena Beach Trail or the Pololu Valley Trail just to name a few. Visitors who love the adventure of heading out on the water and viewing incredible creatures will want to plan their trip this way between December and April. That’s when the waters near Waikoloa are packed with migrating humpback whales on their way to breeding and feeding grounds in impressive numbers.
Delicious Dining Opportunities Not to Miss
No matter how you end up spending your stay in Waikoloa, the one thing you can count on is finding yourself with an appetite to attend to along the way. Fortunately, this island destination is packed with amazing and delicious stops to choose from whether you’re in the mood for local fare, or you’re looking for something inspired by a place that’s further away. When island-inspired cuisine is your palate-pleasing option of choice, look no further than enjoying a meal at the local Lava Lava Beach Club while you’re in town. This is a beachfront eatery that’s great for just about everyone and a top stop to choose when you want to dig into delicious local flavors. Over at Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill, guests can find a fantastic fusion of international flavors and Hawaiian fare in abundance. The Kamuela Provision Company in Waikoloa Village is a great place to find yourself when you’re up for an evening of elegant dining, sensational seafood, and great ocean views. Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club is a terrific eatery for lunch or dinner but typically sees the largest crowds at sunset thanks to opportunities to enjoy a sunset vantage point with a handcrafted cocktail to sip on at the same time. The menu here features everything from oysters and BBQ pork ribs to seared ahi, so you’ll want to be sure to bring your appetite along for the experience.
Sensational Shopping Stops to Check Out
Whether you’re on the hunt for souvenirs, excited to purchase something for yourself or just browsing, the shopping across Waikoloa is top-notch. Some of the most popular places to explore include Kings’ Shops which is an open-air shopping center where visitors can find great dining stops as well as unique local boutiques and luxury brands as well. Queens’ MarketPlace is well worth exploring while you’re here and looking for a one-stop resource for restaurants, storefronts, and entertainment venues too. The Shops at Mauna Lani are another must-visit locale off Highway 19 and Mauna Lani Drive. Here, you’ll find easy access to one-of-a-kind galleries, fun dinner shows to attend, and unique storefronts to browse as well for apparel, home goods, and art alike.
Book Your Waikoloa Getaway in Luxury and Style Today
When you’re ready to enjoy an amazing trip to Waikoloa, the team of property professionals at iTravel Vacation Homes has the property options in place that you need to stay close to the local fun while living in luxury, comfort, and exceptional style too. Reach out today to learn more about our vast and versatile portfolio of rentals and how we can help you get settled into just the right home-away-from-home in Waikoloa to meet your every need and exceed your expectations as well. We can’t wait to help you plan a trip you won’t forget and can’t wait to see you in sunny Waikoloa soon!