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The Hamakua Coast is a picturesque area of the Big Island on the slopes of Mauna Kea, a 13,792 foot tall extinct volcano. The highway traversing the Coast from Hilo to Honokaa features lush vegetation, many scenic viewpoints and renowned waterfalls. Akaka Falls is worth the short drive off the main highway to/from Hilo and the quarter mile walk along a well maintained trail. Papaaloa (pop.524) is located approximately midway along the Coast in an area that was formerly a large sugar plantation. Despite its small size, Papaaloa has public tennis courts, a swimming pool and library. A few miles past Papaaloa is Laupahoehoe Point which features a scenic park on the rocky coast. When the waves are crashing, it is spectacular. Farther up the coast is the quaint town of Honokaa, with its artist’s galleries and shops. Several miles farther along the Coast the road ends at the overlook for majestic Waipio Valley. Horseback riding and van tours are available in the valley. The road descending to the valley floor is very steep and is rightfully restricted to 4-wheel drive vehicles only.

Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, is located about an hour and a half drive from Papaaloa. Volcanoes National Park features many excellent hiking and biking trails as well as scenic drives past recent lava flows and eruption sites. For information on current eruption activities visit the Park’s website.

Hilo is the population and commercial center of the Big Island. It has an international airport with only short hops between Kona International Airport or Honolulu International Airport. Shopping, car rentals and restaurants are readily available. The older part of town still retains its plantation charm. The Lyman House Museum affords a glimpse of Hilo’s past origins, the Tsunami Museum reveals the realities of living close to the ocean, and the Imiloa Astronomy Museum and its planetarium explores the furthest reaches of outer space - with a Hawaiian cultural connection. Rainbow Falls and nearby Boiling Pots provide a reminder of the tremendous volume of rainfall shed from the slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

About 40 minutes up the road, past Honokaa is the ranching community of Waimea. Long known as the home of the largest privately owned cattle ranch in the U.S., Waimea has lately become a favorite residential, vacation and retirement community. At 4000 feet above sea level Waimea is known for its cool mist from passing clouds. Boasting several fine restaurants and shopping, Waimea is worth the drive. Continuing on the high road through ranch country will take you to Hawi, the birthplace of the great Hawaiian King Kamehameha. This former sugar town has recently been revitalized as somewhat of an artist’s colony with interesting galleries and shops.

Kona is the premiere resort area on the Big Island with a number of five star hotels, restaurants and white sandy beaches. About an hour and and twenty minute drive from Papaaloa, you will find some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses, cut from ancient lava flows and overlooking blue ocean waters.

The following are just some of the links to helpful sites with information about Big Island Tourist activities: