Regions
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Island of Hawaii Regions
The largest island in the Hawaiian Island chain is also the youngest. The island of Hawaii, known as "The Big Island," is separated into 6 main regions: Hamakua Coast, Hilo, Kau, Kona, Kohala and Puna. Explore each region and plan your ideal trip to the island of Hawaii.
Regions of Island of Hawaii
Island of Hawaii
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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This friendly, small town is the gateway to the Waipio Valley, and home to cute local shops and restaurants.
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Located on the northern Hamakua Coast, the sacred Waipio Valley was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I and an important center for political and religious life in Hawaii.
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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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Liliuokalani Gardens is a beautifully landscaped, 30-acre Japanese garden featuring fishponds, pagodas and rock gardens.
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Akaka Falls State Park features two amazing waterfalls, Akaka Falls (442 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet).
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Downtown Hilo is the island of Hawaii's biggest small town, featuring centuries-old wooden storefronts—many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places—housing a variety of sophisticated galleries, shops, restaurants and cultural sites.
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If you’re looking for a waterfall near Downtown Hilo, take a short drive west on Waianuene Avenue to Wailuku River State Park.
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This famous black sand beach is a great photo opportunity and is almost as popular with honu (green sea turtles) as it is with visitors.
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The southern-most point in the Hawaiian Islands (and the United States) offers beautiful ocean views.
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One of the state’s most famous attractions is a testament to the power of nature and a rare opportunity to see an active volcano.
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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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The Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve is one of the most extensive petroglyph fields in Hawaii.
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Hapuna Beach on the Kohala Coast is one of the largest white sand beaches on the island of Hawaii.
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The Pololu Valley Lookout offers a breathtaking view overlooking Pololu Valley, a black sand beach and the northeastern coastline.
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Visit Puuhonua o Honaunau and learn about early Hawaiian history at this National Historic Park, historic place of refuge and former royal grounds.
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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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Historic Kailua Village is a lively seaside town in the heart of Kona home to shopping, dining and important historic sites.
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Travel back to the days of the Hawaiian monarchy at Hulihee Palace, located right on Alii Drive in the heart of Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona).
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Just south of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, is Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. Explore this coastal park and discover how an early Hawaiian settlement survived on the rugged Kona coast.
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This seven-acre State Monument is home to unusual lava tree structures that rise up out of the ground.
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Visit this charming artist community located five minutes from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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Once a historic town partially destroyed by lava, now a lava viewing area on the southeastern coast of the island of Hawaii.
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If you’re driving along the Hamakua Coast be sure to stop to explore some of its hidden gems, including taro farms, black sand beaches, splendid waterfalls and more.
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The perfect place to explore local shops, a famous farmers market, beautiful beaches and dramatic waterfalls.
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See dramatic features such as lava trees and molds at Lava Trees State Park and swim in volcanically heated tide pools.
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See an active volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National park and learn how the Hawaiian Islands were formed.
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Bright blue water, abundant resorts, coffee tastings, and unique historical and cultural landmarks — your options are plentiful.
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The island of Hawaii is often called the “Golf Capital of Hawaii” because of the renowned courses found along the Kohala Coast.
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