Waikoloa Village
Waikoloa Village is set on the sunny west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii amongst striking black lava fields and a short drive from tropical beaches. The town mixes a community vibe with expansive vacation resorts. It’s South Kohala location means minimal rainfall and an ideal jumping off point for water sports, hiking, and exploring historical sites.
The Basics
For swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, or watching the sunset over the ocean, head to nearbyAnaehoʻomalu Bay (A-Bay). To get a deeper look at the underwater world of A-Bay and learn about the marine life there, take a guided glass-bottom boat cruise departing from Waikoloa. Back on shore, you can take a tour of a protected dryland forest or hike the historic Ala Kahakai Trail and view petroglyphs along the way.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Waikoloa Village is a great vacation spot for watersport lovers, golfers, and history buffs.
- Visitors to Waikoloa avoid the prevalent rain on the east side of the Big Island.
- Waikoloa is largely residential, whereas the nearby town of Puako is more touristy.
- Waikoloa’s proximity to the airport makes it a convenient base for exploring the rest of the Big Island.
Trip ideas
How to Get There
Kona International Airport is just a 25 mile (40 kilometers) drive from Waikoloa. The statewide shuttle service, SpeediShuttle, can take you from the airport to the village. If you want to be able to explore the area surrounding Waikoloa, rent a car at the airport and make the drive yourself.
When to Get There
Waikoloa has temperate weather year round, ranging from around 75 to 85°F (23 to 29°C) throughout the year. The most popular time to visit is during the winter months, especially on winter holidays. Families also frequent the village during summer break. If you would like to avoid the crowds, head to the village in spring or fall. Visit between November and May for the chance to see humpback whales.
Historic Sites near Waikoloa Village
Hawaii’s rich history is alive in the region surrounding Waikoloa Village. Whether you are an archaeology buff or just curious, you can find a plethora of preserved artifacts that offer a glimpse into the old way of life on the island. Take a walk along the trails at the Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve to see ancient petroglyphs and stone etchings. Visit the historic fishponds of Ku‘uali‘i and Kahapapa to see where early Hawaiians practiced aquafarming.
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