Big Island Regions & Neighbourhoods

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
- Akaka Falls State Park, Hawaii's Big Island Akaka Falls State Park features two amazing waterfalls, Akaka Falls (135 metres) and Kahuna Falls (30 metres).
- 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.
- 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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Kau, Hawaii's Big Island
- 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.
- Ka Lae (South Point), Hawaii's Big Island Ka Lae is the southernmost point in the US and is believed to be the point where the first Polynesians landed on Hawaii.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii's Big Island 133,500-hectare 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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Puna, Hawaii's Big Island
- Lava Tree State Park, Hawaii's Big Island 7-hectare 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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Kohala Coast, Hawaii's Big Island
- 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.
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Hilo, Hawaii's Big Island
- Wailuku River State Park, Hawaii's Big Island Just west of Downtown Hilo, Wailuku River State Park is home to the 24-metre Rainbow Falls and Peepee Falls which feeds the beautiful pools called Boiling Pots.
- Liliuokalani Gardens, Hawaii's Big Island Liliuokalani Gardens is a beautifully landscaped, 12-hectare 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.
- 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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North Kohala, Hawaii's Big Island
- Hawi, Hawaii's Big Island Hawi is a charming town home to unique boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
- Pololu Valley Lookout, Hawaii's Big Island Offers a breathtaking view overlooking Pololu Valley, a black sand beach and the northeastern coastline.
- Mookini Heiau State Monument, Hawaii's Big Island Built around 480 AD 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.
- Lapakahi State Historical Park, Hawaii's Big Island This partially restored fishing settlement is over 600 years old.
- Kamehameha Statue, Kapaau, Hawaii's Big Island The original King Kamehameha Statue can be found in Kapaau, near his birthplace in North Kohala.
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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.
- 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 holiday home for Hawaiian royalty.
- 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.
- 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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