Hawaii Island Regions

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

Puna, Hawaii Island
- Lava Trees State Park, Hawaii Island 17-acre State Monument with excellent examples of unusual lava tree molds.
- Kalapana, Hawaii Island Once a historic town partially destroyed by lava, now a lava viewing area on the southeastern coast of Hawaii Island.
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Hamakua Coast, Hawaii Island
- Waipio Valley Lookout, Hawaii 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 Island Akaka Falls State Park features two amazing waterfalls, Akaka Falls (442 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet).
- Hamakua Heritage Corridor, Hawaii 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 Island
- Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, Hawaii Island The Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve is one of the most extensive petroglyph fields in Hawaii.
- Hapuna Beach State Park, Hawaii Island Hapuna Beach on the Kohala Coast is one of the largest white sand beaches on Hawaii Island.
- Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, Hawaii 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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Hilo, Hawaii Island
- Wailuku River State Park, Hawaii 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 Island The Hilo Farmers Market is one of the best open markets in Hawaii, featuring fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and local crafts.
- Liliuokalani Gardens, Hawaii Island Liliuokalani Gardens is a beautifully landscaped, 30-acre Japanese garden featuring fishponds, pagodas and rock gardens.
- Downtown Hilo, Hawaii Island Downtown Hilo is a historic town that features a variety of unique shops, art galleries, museums, restaurants and cultural sites.
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Kau, Hawaii Island
- Ka Lae (South Point), Hawaii 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 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 Island Nahuku, also known as Thurston Lava Tube, is located at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is easy to explore.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii 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.
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North Kohala, Hawaii Island
- Mookini Heiau State Monument, Hawaii Island Built around 480 A.D. this sacred temple is located near Kamehameha’s birthplace.
- Pololu Valley Lookout, Hawaii Island Offers a breathtaking view overlooking Pololu Valley, a black sand beach and the northeastern coastline.
- Kamehameha Statue, Kapaau, Hawaii Island The original King Kamehameha Statue can be found in Kapaau, near his birthplace in North Kohala.
- Hawi, Hawaii Island Hawi is a charming town home to unique boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
- Lapakahi State Historical Park, Hawaii Island This partially restored fishing settlement is over 600 years old.
- Waimea, Hawaii Island Travel to the cool, green pastures of Waimea to discover paniolo (cowboy) country, as well as fine dining, shopping and culture.
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Kona, Hawaii 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.
- Hulihee Palace, Hawaii Island Located in the heart of Historic Kailua Village, this was a historic vacation home for Hawaiian royalty.
- Holualoa, Hawaii 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 Island Historic Kailua Village is a lively seaside town in the heart of Kona home to shopping, dining and important historic sites.
- Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Hawaii Island Learn about early Hawaiian history at this National Historic Park, historic place of refuge and former royal grounds.
- Keauhou, Hawaii 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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