Discover North Kohala
You're about to discover the Treasures of North Kohala
A land of great scenic and cultural diversity,beauty and adventures. An inspiring landscape for artists, craftsmen, musicians, writers and all forms of creativity. A wonderland for nature enthusiasts with beautiful rugged cliffs, whales playing along our beautiful coastline( December-April), some excellent snorkeling, local favorite surfing and swimming areas, hidden waterfalls, remote valleys, streams , hiking for all levels and at the end of the road, the majesty of Pololu Valley.
Hawaii Forest and Trail is an excellent tour company to make it possible to experience fantastic Big Island adventures,a unique Canopy Zipline
and Waterfall Hike and Adventures here in the north.. We have three horseback tour companies. Na'alapa, offers a discount to our adventurous guests. You can take a kayak tour through the historic Kohala Ditch, visit Lapakahi Village, Kamehameha's birthplace and heau, interesting ancient Hawaiian archeological sites by the ocean, or relax and picnic or barbecue at our beach parks, Mahukona, Kapaa, or Keokea. Ocean conditions can change daily,or at any time here, though our waters south of Hawi are usually calm April through October. There can be surfing for experienced water people, waves for boogie boarding and calm bays for year around swimming within easy scenic drives.
North Kohala is close to the beautiful resort areas of South Kohala and a bouquet of some of the world's best white sand public beaches. The Kohala Mountain Road to and from Hawi and Kapaau is one of the world's most scenic drives with amazing view of the world's tallest mountain, Mauna Kea(from the ocean floor)four volcanic mountains(three extinct)(two can be snowcapped in winter), rolling hills, cinder cones, cattle,horses, sheep grazing in lush green pastures on rolling hillsides, the expansive view of our lovely coastline, the island of Maui across the sea, rainbows, amazing cloud formations, sunrises and sunsets.
Our quaint historic towns of Hawi and Kapaau offer an eclectic mix of cafes, fine dining and local restaurants, galleries, fine woodworking, crafts ,jewelry, gifts and clothing. Night life on Friday and Saturday night at delicious Bamboo Restaurant. Sushi Rock is a must for exquisite food choices guests tell me it rivals even San Francisco's finest! Saturday Farmers' Markets, highlighted with talented musicians, are brimming with local produce, baked goods, healthy meals, unique crafts and herbal selections.
Culturally, North Kohala is also diversified. North Kohala is the home of the famous King Kamehameha,uniter of the Islands. June 11, the birthday celebration of the king has a wonderful parade with beautiful p'au riders in all their gorgeous flowing dressings, handsome cowboys, and fine horses decorated with amazing display of Hawaiian flowers. Early in the morning there is an excellent Hawaiian cultural program,and decoration of the King's Statue just downhill from us by our historic courthouse, and a wonderful Holulea with great local music and hula at our fun Kamehameha Park within walking distance from our guesthouse.
Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Puerto Rican, and Filipino families have colored the diverse history of our friendly community and hold colorful celebrations on special occasions,like the Chinese Lion Dance through our streets,the fantastic Taiko drumming at events, and the ancient AuBon Japanese ancestral ceremonies in June and July at the Jodo Temples, the fun CatchiCatchi Puerto Rican dances, and awesome Hawaiian Music and Hula special performances,especially our Master Slack Key artist,John Keawe and his lovely wife Hope.
Seems to me ,visitors should stay at least a week and return many times to love Kohala! E como mai. A hui ho! Welcome and come again!
