Hamakua Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Hamakua Coast
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Hawaii featuring a city and signage

The rugged northeastern coast of Hawai’i’s Big Island offers beautiful vistas of towering cliffs, dense tropical forest, dazzling waterfalls and botanical gardens.

Experience some of Hawai’i’s most magnificent tropical scenery on the Hāmākua Coast, a 50-mile (80-kilometre) stretch of dramatic cliffs, lush rainforest and breathtaking views. Learn about local history and culture in several small towns and discover local plant life at the Hāmākua Coast botanical gardens.

The northeast coast of Hawai’i’s Big Island is known for its natural beauty, featuring vast cliffs that drop into the roaring surf below and forested valleys framed by the mountainsides of Mauna Kea and Kohala. Discover this picturesque stretch of coastline with the Hāmākua Heritage Corridor, a stunning daytrip drive that begins in Hilo and winds through rainforests, valleys and cliff tops to Honoka’a and the historic and sacred Waipi’o Valley Lookout.

Explore the “Valley of the Kings” by foot or on guided horseback and four-wheel-drive tours. If you’re feeling fit, hike down the steep, paved trail that leads through Waipi’o Valley to a wide black-sand beach. See cascading waterfalls tumbling into the valley’s river, taro fields dotted across the landscape and a vast array of tropical wildflowers. Bring plenty of water for the trip, as this destination is truly in its natural state. 

Very little development has changed the Hāmākua Coast since the late 19th century, when sugarcane plantations and cattle ranches began to spring up and populate charming towns like Honokaa. Admire the early 20th-century architecture and browse antiques and local craft stores on the historic main street.

Wander through gardens of exotic native plants, bamboo groves and orchids at the Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden and the World Botanical Gardens. Nearby, find the Umauma Waterfall and the magnificent Kahuna and Akaka waterfalls.

Fly into Hilo International Airport, an hour’s drive from Hāmākua. Discover the Hāmākua Coast by car or by guided tour. Hāmākua is tropical, so ensure you’re prepared for sudden rainfall. To avoid peak tourism season, visit in May and see the wildflowers in full bloom or come in September for warmer weather. 

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton

4 out of 5
93 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI
The price is ₹16,166 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
₹16,166
₹23,023 total
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Hilo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a golf course. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,219 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3.5 out of 5
71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI
The price is ₹15,365 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
₹15,365
₹21,172 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,300 reviews)
"Interior amenity is a little old, but provided great view and access to the bay. Staff are also very friendly and helpful. Overall it was a good place to stay."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
SCP Hilo Hotel

SCP Hilo Hotel

3.5 out of 5
126 Banyan Way, Hilo, HI
The price is ₹19,647 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
₹19,647
₹25,710 total
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,012 reviews)
Comfy & Cozy
"Perfect place to relax & walking distance to beautiful beach & town."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

SCP Hilo Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Castle Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa

Castle Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa

4 out of 5
69-1029 Nawahine Pl, Waikoloa, HI
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Waikoloa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course and Hāpuna ...
9/10 Wonderful! (691 reviews)
"We booked through Expedia and didn’t know anything about the property that wasn’t listed. It exceeded our expectations and we would definitely book again! The condo was well equipped, had nice furnishings, the pool with ocean view was amazing and overall such a safe high end area. Our whole group ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Castle Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa
Mauna Lani Point

Mauna Lani Point

4 out of 5
68-1050 Mauna Lani Point Dr., Kamuela, HI
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Kamuela. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a golf course. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (296 reviews)
"Great place for a family"

Reviewed on 21 May 2025

Mauna Lani Point
Fairway Villas Waikoloa by OUTRIGGER

Fairway Villas Waikoloa by OUTRIGGER

3 out of 5
69-200 Pohakulana, Waikoloa, HI
Stay at this 3-star golf condo in Waikoloa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course and Genesis ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (486 reviews)
"This is a fantastic property where we spent a 5-day family getaway. The unit is spacious, clean, fully equipped overlooking a beautiful golf court. Shops, grocery store and restaurants are within walking distance. About 10-30 minutes to any of the well-known beaches. It will take about 2 to 2.5 hours ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Fairway Villas Waikoloa by OUTRIGGER
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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