Big Island Regions & Neighborhoods

The largest island in the Hawaiian Island chain is also the youngest. The Island of Hawaii, known as Hawaii’s Big Island, is separated into 7 main regions: Hamakua Coast, Hilo, Kau, Kona, Kohala Coast, North Kohala and Puna.

Hamakua Coast, Hawaii's Big Island
- Waipio Valley Lookout, Hawaii's Big Island This lookout at the end of the Hamakua Heritage Corridor drive features breathtaking views of the lush and historic Waipio Valley.
- Akaka Falls State Park, Hawaii's Big Island Akaka Falls State Park features two amazing waterfalls, Akaka Falls (442 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet).
- Hamakua Heritage Corridor, Hawaii's Big Island Take a memorable drive from Hilo to the Waipio Valley Lookout to see scenic overlooks, waterfalls, botanical gardens and small towns.
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Kohala Coast, Hawaii's Big Island
- Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, Hawaii's Big Island The Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve is one of the most extensive petroglyph fields in Hawaii.
- Hapuna Beach State Park, Hawaii's Big Island Hapuna Beach on the Kohala Coast is one of the largest white sand beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island.
- Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, Hawaii's Big Island Part of the National Park System, this historic site is home to one of the largest and last heiau (temple) built in Hawaii.
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Kau, Hawaii's Big Island
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii's Big Island 330,000-acre park spanning the summit of Maunaloa to the sea and home to Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
- Ka Lae (South Point), Hawaii's Big Island Ka Lae is the southern most point in the U.S. and is believed to be the point where the first Polynesians landed on Hawaii.
- Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii's Big Island This is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii and a place to spot protected honu, or Hawaiian green sea turtles.
- Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube), Hawaii's Big Island Nahuku, also known as Thurston Lava Tube, is located at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is easy to explore.
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North Kohala, Hawaii's Big Island
- Hawi, Hawaii's Big Island Hawi is a charming town home to unique boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
- Mookini Heiau State Monument, Hawaii's Big Island Built around 480 A.D. this sacred temple is located near Kamehameha’s birthplace.
- Waimea, Hawaii's Big Island Travel to the cool, green pastures of Waimea to discover paniolo (cowboy) country, as well as fine dining, shopping and culture.
- Kamehameha Statue, Kapaau, Hawaii's Big Island The original King Kamehameha Statue can be found in Kapaau, near his birthplace in North Kohala.
- Pololu Valley Lookout, Hawaii's Big Island Offers a breathtaking view overlooking Pololu Valley, a black sand beach and the northeastern coastline.
- Lapakahi State Historical Park, Hawaii's Big Island This partially restored fishing settlement is over 600 years old.
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Puna, Hawaii's Big Island
- Lava Tree State Park, Hawaii's Big Island 17-acre State Monument with excellent examples of unusual lava tree molds.
- Kalapana, Hawaii's Big Island Once a historic town partially destroyed by lava, now a lava viewing area on the southeastern coast of Hawaii’s Big Island.
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Hilo, Hawaii's Big Island
- Liliuokalani Gardens, Hawaii's Big Island Liliuokalani Gardens is a beautifully landscaped, 30-acre Japanese garden featuring fishponds, pagodas and rock gardens.
- Downtown Hilo, Hawaii's Big Island Downtown Hilo is a historic town that features a variety of unique shops, art galleries, museums, restaurants and cultural sites.
- Wailuku River State Park, Hawaii's Big Island Just west of Downtown Hilo, Wailuku River State Park is home to the 80-foot Rainbow Falls and Peepee Falls which feeds the beautiful pools called Boiling Pots.
- Hilo Farmers Market, Hawaii's Big Island The Hilo Farmers Market is one of the best open markets in Hawaii, featuring fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and local crafts.
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Kona, Hawaii's Big Island
- Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park features Hawaiian Fishponds, sacred temples, and native wildlife on the Kona Coast.
- Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park This Marine Life Conservation District is a historic area that marks the site where the first westerner, Captain James Cook, landed on the island.
- Holualoa, Hawaii's Big Island This small town and art enclave, located on the slopes of Hualalai Volcano, is located in the heart of Kona Coffee country.
- Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona), Hawaii's Big Island Historic Kailua Village is a lively seaside town in the heart of Kona home to shopping, dining and important historic sites.
- Hulihee Palace, Hawaii's Big Island Located in the heart of Historic Kailua Village, this was a historic vacation home for Hawaiian royalty.
- Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Hawaii's Big Island Learn about early Hawaiian history at this National Historic Park, historic place of refuge and former royal grounds.
- Keauhou, Hawaii's Big Island The Keauhou resort area, just south of Historic Kailua Village in Kona, is where you can often spot manta rays and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles).
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