Kohala Tours
128 Reviews
Formed by a 5,400-foot volcano, Kohala is dominated by lush valleys, laid-back plantation towns, verdant pastures and ancient Hawaiian religious sites. The area is an outpost of cowboys and hippies with its beaches, valleys and architecture, the latter of which ranges from the modern resorts of South Kohala to ancient temples constructed entirely of stone. Although the land area only comprises 6% of the Big Island's total area, it could still take weeks to explore in its entirety.
Most visitors to South Kohala are familiar with the resort enclaves of Waikoloa and Mauna Lani, where golf courses sit in stark contrast to the surrounding black lava fields. The white sands of Hapuna Beach are a favorite of beachgoers, and history buffs will love stopping in to the Pu’ukohola Heiau, which was commissioned by the great King Kamehameha. While this national historic site sees thousands of annual visitors, only a mere handful will make the journey to the smaller Mo’okini Heiau on windswept Upolu Point; constructed in the 5th century AD by some of the earliest Polynesian voyagers, this is also where King Kamehameha was born.
Further up the road in the North Kohala plantation towns of Hawi and Kapa’au, travelers will find artisan outposts of craft stores and coffee shops. A massive statue of King Kamehameha presides over Kapa'au and is still draped in flower lei during the annual King Kamehameha Day celebrations each June.
On the eastern coast, rugged valleys with sing-song names such as Pololu, Waipio, and Waimanu form deep clefts into the lush mountainside, and are a favorite of island hikers and thrill-seekers. Waterfall trekking to jungle ziplining are popular in these outdoor playgrounds, and Waipio Valley is regarded as one of the most scenic corners of the island.
Most visitors to South Kohala are familiar with the resort enclaves of Waikoloa and Mauna Lani, where golf courses sit in stark contrast to the surrounding black lava fields. The white sands of Hapuna Beach are a favorite of beachgoers, and history buffs will love stopping in to the Pu’ukohola Heiau, which was commissioned by the great King Kamehameha. While this national historic site sees thousands of annual visitors, only a mere handful will make the journey to the smaller Mo’okini Heiau on windswept Upolu Point; constructed in the 5th century AD by some of the earliest Polynesian voyagers, this is also where King Kamehameha was born.
Further up the road in the North Kohala plantation towns of Hawi and Kapa’au, travelers will find artisan outposts of craft stores and coffee shops. A massive statue of King Kamehameha presides over Kapa'au and is still draped in flower lei during the annual King Kamehameha Day celebrations each June.
On the eastern coast, rugged valleys with sing-song names such as Pololu, Waipio, and Waimanu form deep clefts into the lush mountainside, and are a favorite of island hikers and thrill-seekers. Waterfall trekking to jungle ziplining are popular in these outdoor playgrounds, and Waipio Valley is regarded as one of the most scenic corners of the island.
Practical Info
Like a large thumb jutting into the sea, the Kohala district occupies the northwestern tip of the sprawling Big Island of Hawaii.
Address: Kohala, Hawaii, Island of Hawaii, HI, USA
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Kohala
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Big Island Kohala Canopy Zipline Adventure
217
Fly across the lush forest of the Big Island’s northern Kohala region on a zipline adventure near Kapaau. Trek through the treetops in a canopy park featuring a series of suspension bridges, platforms, and thrilling ziplines. Expert instructors are on-hand to ensure everyone’s safety while cruising across the customizable, whisper-quiet course.
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From
$197.91
From
$197.91
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Volcano and Kohala Landing Helicopter Tour on the Big Island
35
Soar over the rugged coastline, active volcanoes and cascading waterfalls of the Big Island on this unforgettable helicopter tour. Listen to expert narration from your pilot while soaking up incredible aerial views of smoking Kilauea Volcano and the magnificent mountains and sea cliffs of the Kohala Coast. Touch down on a lush and remote part of the island that most visitors never get to see, and enjoy your own private slice of paradise before taking to the skies again.
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From
$725.00
From
$725.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Big Island Kohala Zip and Dip Tour from Kona
36
Combine ziplining and swimming for a double adventure on the Big Island of Hawaii. This day trip from Kona takes you to North Kohala where you'll soar across the forest on a zipline, enjoy a picnic at Pololu Valley, and take a dip at the base of a waterfall.
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From
$282.72
From
$282.72
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Doors-Off Hawaii Helicopter Tour of Kohala Valleys and Waterfalls
11
Ride deep into the heart of Kohala on this open-door Hawaii helicopter tour of the Big Island. There is hardly a better way to view the lush beauty of Kohala’s valleys and waterfalls than a doors-off helicopter flight, which brings you up close to sheer cliffs along the coast. Live commentary is provided via a two-way headset, ensuring you don’t miss a thing.
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From
$355.00
From
$355.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Pau Hana Sunset Cocktail Cruise
1
This cruise is the perfect way to begin your evening in paradise – it’s a sunset party on the water! You'll enjoy the warm tropical breezes and unparalleled views of the Big Island aboard a well-appointed catamaran. This cruise includes unlimited soft drinks, tropical juices, beers and single serve wines and a variety of individually wrapped crunchy snacks.. Great fun -- great photo ops! Please note: Cruises scheduled on the vessel Alala are not sailing trips...you'll be cruising under power.
Looking for a sailing cruise? Most Mondays and Fridays the boat departs from Anaeho'omalu Bay on one of legendary sailing catamarans, Seasmoke or Manu Iwa. Same price; same amenities, but you'll experience real coastal sailing!
Most Wednesdays and Saturdays, we depart directly from the finger pier at Kawaihae Harbor on our well-appointed power catamaran, Alala (easy dockside boarding to a very spacious catamaran).
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From
$139.00
From
$139.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
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