HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND
County Offices
333 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, Hawaii 808-961-8225
West Hawaii 808-961-8912
www.hawaii-county.com
Chamber of Commerce
75-5737 Kuakini Highway
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 808-329-1758
www.kona-kohala.com
Visitor’s Bureau
250 Keawe Street
Hilo, Hawaii 808-961-5797
www.bigisland.org
Under the jurisdiction of the County of Hawaii, the “big island” of Hawaii is home to spectacular geological features like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the active Kilauea Volcano as well as the 14,000-foot-high peak of Mauna Loa. On the island’s north side, the mountain is considered to be the highest in the world when measured from its base in the Hawaiian Trench beneath the sea. More than 4,000 square miles encompass a remarkably diverse tropical landscape of rain forests, lava fields, world-famous beaches—and one of the most active volcanoes on earth.
The Big Island is exactly as named, the largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Major employers on the island combine agriculture with retail, government, and tourism. The island of Hawaii is not densely populated like the island of Oahu, in spite of its greater size. Many residents are employed in the major urban communities of Kailua-Kona on the leeward side or Hilo on the windward side but commute from serene homes nestled in the outer areas.
Services
State-of-the-art healthcare services and facilities are available on the Big Island of Hawaii, where hospitals are strategically located for easy access. Hale Hoola Hamakua in Honokaa also serves the communities of Hamakua, North Hilo, and South Kohala. The Hilo Medical Center is the largest facility in the far-reaching Hawaii Health Systems Corporation and one of the largest employers in Hilo. HMC has grown from its roots as a 10-bed hospital into an impressive complex with 264-licensed beds. The hospital offers 22 skilled nursing beds and a separate 112-bed extended care facility to meet the widest possible range of needs. Kau Hospital and Rural Health Clinic is a 21-bed critical access hospital offering acute and long-term care as well as a family practice medical clinic. Kohala Hospital serves the rural area of North Kohala in Kapaau. Kona Community Hospital provides a smaller, patient-oriented hospital in Kealakekua. The northern section of the island is well-served by North Hawaii Community Hospital in Kamuela.
Students of all ages can look forward to opportunities for a first-rate education on every academic level, beginning with public and private schools from K-12. The Honokaa-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena School District based in Kailua-Kona and the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa School District based in Hilo operate the island’s public school system. Hawaii Community College, part of the University of Hawaii System, is also located in Hilo, providing an affordable start to a four-year degree or career and vocational training. More than 30 associate degree, certificate, and non-credit programs range from health services and hotel operations to business and trades. The campus is adjacent to the University of Hawaii-Hilo and also administers the UH Center at West Hawaii in Kona. The University of Hawaii at Hilo, also located in Hilo, is the island’s state university that attracts students to the advantages of a private-college atmosphere. Characterized by small classes and a low faculty to student ratio, the university excels in hands-on learning environments and offers an engaging and rigorous curriculum at an affordable cost. Private colleges in the Hawaiian Islands are located on the island of Oahu, including Argosy University Honolulu, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Chaminade University, Hawaii Pacific University, Heald College-Honolulu, Remington College, TransPacific Hawaii College, the University of Phoenix, and Wayland Baptist University. Several vocational institutes and career schools are also available on Oahu. Programs in the healing arts including massage are especially popular on the Hawaiian Islands, where many spas and entrepreneurs provide spa and relaxation therapies to vacationers and resort guests.
Lifestyle
The youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii just continues to grow. Kilauea Caldera is the longest continuously erupting volcano in the world, its current eruptive stage dating back to 1983. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of many unique wonders on this very distinctive and sparsely populated rural island. Many farms are located on Hawaii, taking advantage of the ideal climate and rich soil to produce everything from dairy products to coffee, nuts, fruit, and exotic flowers. This diverse land is brimming over with contrasts in 12 distinctive climate zones: The snow-capped heights of Mauna Kea, thick rain forests along the Hamakua Coast, vast open spaces, and the black sands of Punaluu Beach. Posh resorts, sleepy local towns, celebrated golf courses, and sacred Hawaiian historical sites are just a few of the highlights on the island, where the power of nature reaches unrivaled heights of expression.
The “Orchid Isle” features Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a vast area 33,000 acres and the island’s most popular attraction. Volcano eruptions, lava flows, and ancient myths tell a story of millions of years of volcanic history. Watching hot lava spill into the ocean is both fascinating and dangerous but most eruptions are relatively gentle. The edges of active vents are frequently accessible, allowing visitors a face-to-face meeting with the primordial forces that continue to shape the earth. The park also offers an 11-mile Crater Rim Drive and the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum. Waimea’s Parker Ranch is one of the world’s largest privately owned cattle ranches and serves as a site for tourism. Wonderful resorts and spas, a number of shopping centers, fine and casual dining, and entertainment centers are available in the residential communities. Most of the population centers are along the coastal areas such as Hilo, Kailua-Kona, and the Kohala Coast. Much of the island’s vast interior remains undeveloped and unspoiled. Colorful special events draw many to the island throughout the year, including world-renowned festivals like the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, and the Ironman Triathlon World Championships. Water sports, boating, hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and nature study are just a few of the common pastimes that fill leisure hours. From modern amenities to historic Kona, the Big Island is a wonderland of surprises.
Hamacua
County Offices
808-961-8225
www.hawaii-county.com
Chamber of Commerce
808-329-1758
www.kona-kohala.com
Highway 19 south from Honokaa to Hilo travels along the scenic Hamakua Coast. Residents and visitors who travel this road follow the tracks of a former sugar cane train, hugging the oceanfront and snaking through lush jungle-like gulches. Several former sugar plantation towns are nestled in the Hamakua area, a reflection of the force that molded and shaped the island’s economy for more than 150 years. With the plantations a thing of the past, businesses are beginning to cater to customers in and outside of the valley. Along Highway 19, the area near Mile Markers 16 through 19 often commands views of cascading waterfalls. Upslope rainfall will ensure that the many waterfalls of the Hamakua area are gloriously flowing. The green “rain forest” gorges are graced by tropical trees and swaying palms. Akaka Falls State Park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and amenities. The park features yet another 420-foot cascading waterfall that is a public favorite. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens at Onomea Bay are another highlight in this area that also encompasses the Hilo-Hamakua Heritage Coast. More than two dozen points of interest along the highway are detailed in a brochure that is available at the Hamakua Heritage Center in Honokaa Town.
Hilo Town
County Offices
808-961-8225
www.hawaii-county.com
Chamber of Commerce
808-329-1758
www.kona-kohala.com
Situated on the eastern or windward side of the Big Island of Hawaii, the town of Hilo grew up with the sugar industry and commands breathtaking views of towering Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa mountains. The city faces a sweeping crescent bay, and its port is protected by a long rock seawall east of the charming historic downtown district. This quaint commercial area is clustered near the mouth of the Wailuku River at Hilo Bay. Other commercial and residential sectors stretch east and south of town and climb the western slopes above Hilo. The rocky Hamakua coast to the northwest of Hilo is one of the most enjoyable drives on the Hawaiian Islands. The Puna District is an area of open rolling lava lands, rugged coasts, and rain-forest slopes that stretch up to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hilo is the largest city in the County of Hawaii and the second largest in the state. Expect passing showers nearly every day in Hilo, where it rains about 280 days a year. Flowers, lush greenery, farms, and brilliant blooms are all common sights around the countryside. From grand old architecture to modern hotels or breathtaking sights like Rainbow Falls, Hilo is a wonderful place to call home.
Kailua-Kona Town, North Kona
County Offices
808-961-8912
www.hawaii-county.com
Chamber of Commerce
808-329-1758
www.kona-kohala.com
In contrast to Hilo and the eastern part of the island, Kona on the western side claims abundant sunshine. Even the countryside seems stark in comparison, considering that Kona perches on volcanic rock. Sandy beaches and swaying palms are replaced by lava caves and jagged inlets along the dramatic Kona Coast, covering the western coastline of the Big Island and known for breathtaking sunsets. Shopping, entertainment, dining, and tourist attractions are centered in Kailua-Kona, including a number of outstanding historical sites. The town’s colorful legacy as a sleepy waterfront village with an historic royal palace and sacred temple can still be seen and felt. However, Kailua-Kona has emerged in recent decades as a fast-growing, modern city where handsome condominiums and upscale homes cling to scenic hillsides. This area is famous for world-class sportfishing, water sports, and scuba diving sites. Residents and visitors can access some of the island’s finest white-sand beaches, including the nearby beaches of Makalawena and Mahaiula. Kahaluu Beach Park and Magic Sands are even more accessible.
Kau
County Offices
808-961-8912
www.hawaii-county.com
Chamber of Commerce
808-329-1758
www.kona-kohala.com
Commanding views of South Point—the nation’s southernmost point—and nestled between the Kona and Puna districts, the historical Kau area showcases some of the most ecologically diverse land in the Islands. Highway 11 or Mamalahoa Highway serves this area, where hospitality accommodations blend with residential development and convenient services. Unique bed and breakfasts including hospitality and educational experiences on local farms in country settings are part of the charm in this district that contrasts modern sights with ancient history. Residents are accustomed to seeing and hearing the activity at the Kamoa Wind Farms where windmills generate green energy. At the same time, this wild coastline preserves extensive archaeological sites and is believed to be the first landing area of the Polynesians in 300 A.D. or even earlier. South Point is celebrated as the southernmost place in the nation, but the next continental landfall is actually Antarctica—7,500 miles to the south.
Keauhou, Captain Hook
County Offices
808-961-8912
www.hawaii-county.com
Chamber of Commerce
808-329-1758
www.kona-kohala.com
Moving down the Kona Coast from Kailua-Kona, the communities of Keauhou and Captain Hook offer distinctive settings for residential development. Keauhou Bay and Heeia Bay are ideal for snorkeling and water sports, while golfers will appreciate the fairways of the Kona Country Club. Keauhou Shopping Center is available for goods, services, and entertainment. Just six miles from the major town of Kailua-Kona, this area is 30 minutes from the famous Kealakekua Bay where dolphins congregate to play and rest. Beautiful beaches, ocean sports, deep sea fishing, horseback riding over spectacular terrain, panoramic hiking trails, mountain ranches, and tropical
rain forests are all easily accessible. Native plants are on display at the Keauhou Garden of the Kamehamas, while the Captain Cook Monument honors the British sailor who opened up Hawaii to the Western world. Captain Cook is a small town that is growing with mini-malls and contemporary development, offering a scenic community that commands breathtaking ocean views. The moist, foggy environment makes it ideal for coffee growing.
North Kohala
County Offices
808-241-6300
www.kauai.gov
Chamber of Commerce
808-245-7363
www.kauaichamber.org
North Kohala is a favored destination for outdoor enthusiasts, who enjoy a breathtaking backdrop for hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, snorkeling, diving, surfing, boating, sailing, kayaking, and other water sports. Lapakahi State Historical Park with its self-guided tour through an ancient Hawaiian fishing village is one of many unique places that preserve the area’s rich history. Mahukona Beach Park is located on a former port for sugar cane distribution and offers access to water sports as well as camping and picnicking facilities. Kapaa Beach Park is another popular ocean access point and a whale-watching site during the winter months. Mookini Luakini Heiau near Upolu Point is celebrated as one of Hawaii’s oldest and largest historical sites and among the most sacred. The temple was built in 480 A.D. and dedicated to Ku, the Hawaiian God of War. King Kamehameha’s birthplace is also preserved nearby. Hawi and Kapaau are former plantation towns in this area that maintain their picturesque charm, adding cozy cafes, fine galleries, and unique boutiques. The North Kohala Civic Center once serves as the Kohala Courthouse, graced today by a statue of Kamehameha the Great. Kohala Mountain Road or Highway 250 is the picturesque upcountry route between the North Kohala mountains and Waimea. Beautifully open Polulu Valley was once inhabited and bustling with wet taro plantations.
Puna
County Offices
808-961-8912
www.hawaii-county.com
Chamber of Commerce
808-329-1758
www.kona-kohala.com
Just east and south of the famous volcano on the Big Island, the Puna District was historically popular for its warmer weather. Several thermal pools dot the landscape, gifts from the Goddess Pele. Although Puna is still on the windward side of the island, the temperatures are cooler than those experienced in the Kona District. One of the most scenic parks in this area is Lava Tree State Park, where debris and ash covered some of the trees. Erosion wore off much of this debris and left the trees still standing, graced by manicured landscapes. Kehena offers a beach area that is also the site of a small subdivision. The small community of Opihikao is home to many native Hawaiians, a rustic area off the beaten path that encompasses steep hills and picturesque farms. Pokoiki is the Puna site for launching boats, drawing many surfers and sunbathers to the beach and pier at Isaac Hale County Park. This unique area contrasts stark lava fields with lush, tropical vegetation. Puna is one of the largest districts on the island and is also one of the fastest-growing areas, with expansion driven primarily by attractive real estate values and available land for development.
South Kohala
County Offices
808-241-6300
www.kauai.gov
Chamber of Commerce
808-245-7363
www.kauaichamber.org
Picturesque landscapes, natural beauty, a proud heritage, and a sunny setting for outdoor activity, South Kohala was once the vacation destination of Hawaiian royalty. Relatively unspoiled by modern development, this spectacular climate and setting is home to a number of luxurious resorts and oceanfront properties. The sun shines 350 days out of the year and the annual rainfall is only nine inches. South Kohala is one of the island’s driest sections, which has contributed to its popularity as a place to swim, surf, or just relax on the beach. The deepwater Kawaihae Port along Kawaihae Bay marks the northernmost point of a 40-mile stretch known as the “Gold Coast”—a resort-beach development area that follows the Queen Kaahumanu Highway around Anaehoomalu and Kiholo bays. The island’s finest beaches, including Hapuna and Mauna Kea, are only a 10-minute drive from South Kohala. The cool and picturesque town of Waimea, the heart of Parker Ranch country, is only 10 minutes from home. Keahole (Kona) Airport and the city of Kailua-Kona are 35 minutes to the south.
South Kona, Honaunau, Kealakekua, Milolli
County Offices
808-961-8912
www.hawaii-county.com
Chamber of Commerce
808-329-1758
www.kona-kohala.com
Highway 11 leads from Kailua-Kona and narrows as it meanders past pocket-size towns where boutiques and galleries are housed in charming old wood buildings. South Kona is an uphill district that wraps around the base of Mauna Loa. The motto posted by one entrepreneur, “Grab life by the beans,” reflects the coffee-growing heritage of this area. Upshoots of new buildings in the town of Kealakekua signals growth, although one of its oldest buildings houses the Kona Historical Society’s museum. Spectacular ocean views of Kealakekua Bay are one of many attractions to Milolli, a quiet community near a park that offers access to one of the finest beaches on the island, Honomalino Bay. Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park in this area marks the Place of Refuge where law-breakers once sought forgiveness. Whale sightings during the winter months and the lullaby of crashing waves against the shoreline are only part of a kaleidoscope of enchanting sights and sounds.
Waikoloa, Kohala Coast
County Offices
808-961-8225
www.hawaii-county.com
Chamber of Commerce
808-329-1758
www.kona-kohala.com
Nestled along the Kohala Coast, Waikoloa draws visitors and property owners to a taste of paradise. This breathtakingly beautiful area is ideal for posh resorts that cover as many as 1,350 acres with luxurious accommodations as well as townhouses, condominiums, and vacation homes. The Waikoloa Beach Resort boasts a spectacular natural setting and a host of amenities, world-class hotels, championship golf courses, luxury residences, pampering spas, preserved cultural sites, and pristine beaches for ocean sports. The Kings’ Shops draw guests and residents to one of the island’s favorite spots for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Other large resorts in this area include the new Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, excelling in amenities and gracious style. A recent ambitious renovation has assured the Waikoloa Resort of its status as one of the top places for golf, accommodations, shopping, and fine dining. Hilton Waikoloa Village creates a fantasy within a paradise, inviting guests and visitors to experience breathtaking tropical gardens, abundant wildlife, award-winning dining, world-class shopping, art and culture, and an array of activities ranging from golf and tennis to an interactive dolphin program and the Kohala Sports Club & Spa. Visitors can even cruise along tranquil waterways in mahogany canal boats or stroll down flagstone walkways framed by Polynesian and Asian artwork.
Waimea Town (Kamuela)
County Offices
808-961-8225
www.hawaii-county.com
Chamber of Commerce
808-329-1758
www.kona-kohala.com
The town of Waimea is nestled in the southern section of the Kohala District, distinguished as the largest town in the interior of the Big Island. Waimea is 20 miles northeast of the Waikoloa resort area, 13 miles west of Honokaa, 22 miles west of the Waipio Valley, and 18 miles south of Kapaau. The towns and the rural population in this area are growing rapidly, welcoming seasonal and permanent residents as well as vacationers. Waimea was actually the original name of the town and the nearby land that stretched to the glistening shoreline. The ruddy color of the streams that flow from the hapu forests in the Kohala Mountains were the inspiration for the name, which means “reddish water” in Hawaiian. With other places on the islands also called Waimea, the area became known as Kamuela in honor of Samuel Parker, the son of one of the area’s prestigious founders. This area enjoys a wonderful elevation 2,760 feet above sea level and a reasonable rainfall of 12 inches a year. Residents can enjoy a comfortable year-round climate that is not as dry as the leeward side of the island and not as wet as the windward side.
Waipio Valley, Honokaa
County Offices
808-961-8225
www.hawaii-county.com
Chamber of Commerce
808-329-1758
www.kona-kohala.com
With Mamane Street serving as the main commercial corridor, yesterday’s plantation town of Honokaa is slowly transforming its face and finding unique uses for historic buildings and homes. For example, the former plantation manager’s mansion has been converted into a comfortable and lovely bed and breakfast inn known as the Paauhau Plantation House. Rain falls abundantly but softly on Honokaa and in the breathtakingly beautiful Waipio Valley, gracing the community with a lush and well-watered landscape of exquisite natural beauty. Residents enjoy the farmers market as well as popular retailers like the Kaneshiro Store and the Honokaa Trading Company. Rural Honokaa encompasses Kalopa State Park, a forested recreation destination just outside of the town. The Honokaa Golf Course has been in operation for more than half a century, and historic neighborhoods offer charming properties. This area features hundreds of spectacular waterfalls—dropping from 2,000-foot cliffs into crystalline pools. The Waipio Valley is just north of Honokaa along the Hamakua Coast, the largest and most southern of the valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains. Once a center of old Hawaiian life, the valley is now home to a handful of taro farmers and is emerging as a popular place for tourism. The Waipio Valley is often called the “Valley of Kings” for its legacy as the home of many rulers of Hawaii, enriching the area historically and culturally.
