1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Hawaii / South Pacific Travel

Exploring the Kohala Region of the Big Island of Hawaii

By John Fischer, About.com Guide

1 of 10

Introduction to the Big Island's Kohala Region

Kohala Region Map

Courtesy of http://www.gokohala.com

Kohala Region Map
One of the areas of the Big Island of Hawaii that is least explored by visitors is the region of Kohala, consisting of North Kohala and South Kohala.

A drive north on Highway 270 from the Big Island's western port town of Kawaihae takes you past Lapakahi State Historical Park, the birth site of Kamehameha I and Mo'okini Heiau, through the quiet towns of Hawi and Kapa'au to the beautiful Pololu Valley Overlook.

North Kohala is an area of the Big Island that is still not widely developed, where the roads find minimal traffic and where you'll have plenty of space to yourself to explore the beauty of old Hawaii.

If you're staying at one of the resorts that stretch along Highway 19 from Keahole Airport near Kailua-Kona to Kauna'oa Beach and the luxurious Mauna Kea Resort, your journey to the Kohala Region begins just a few miles north where Highway 19 veers inland towards ranchland and the paniolo town of Waimea.

Explore Hawaii / South Pacific Travel
About.com Special Features

Find travel inspiration and get the best tips and reviews for your next getaway. More >

The best times to visit East and Southern Africa. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Hawaii / South Pacific Travel
  4. Big Island of Hawaii
  5. Big Island Activities
  6. Big Island Sightseeing
  7. Exploring the Kohala Region of the Big Island of Hawaii>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.