Waimea
Top Spots
Explore Waipi'o Valley
Waimea, Hawaii
5.0
3 mi
From the parking area, walk down the narrow, crazy steep four-wheel drive road for 0.75 mile until the road levels. A few 4WD vehicles, either foolhardy (tourist) or knowledgable (local) may be inching up and down. Head to the right toward the beach for 0.45 mile and arrive on the black sand beach. This is the beginning of the Muliwai Trail. To visit Kaluahine Falls, which are located below the...
Backpack Waimanu Valley
Waimea, Hawaii
4.3
15.3 mi
/ 7300 ft gain
Prep: Before you go, you must book purchase a permit/campsite for the number of nights that you wish spend. You can get the permits online from the State of Hawaii Department of Natural Resources Website. There are 9 sites located within the valley and some are most definitely better than others. I would recommend trying to get your hands on Site #2 - it is the largest with multiple spots fo...
Photograph Waipi'o Valley
Waimea, Hawaii
5.0
0.4 mi
Located near the northern tip of the Big Island, Waipi'o Valley is one of the most beautiful views that you can experience in all of Hawaii. Waipi'o Valley is an hour and 30 minute drive from Kona and an hour and 10 minutes from Hilo.
To access the lookout, take HI-19 west to HI-240. Make sure to drive slow and cautiously as the road narrows the closer you get to the lookout. Waipi'o Valley is ...
Catch a Sunset at Kauna'oa (Mauna Kea) Beach
Waimea, Hawaii
5.0
Mauna Kea is known as one of the most picturesque beaches on the Big Island, if not the world. This beach is predominately a sandy bottom and only gets about 10 feet deep, making it an easy and safe place for a swim. If you spend the entire day here, bring your snorkel gear, and head out on the north side of the beach near the rocks. This is where the reef starts and will have the most sea life...
Horseback Ride on Kohala Mountain
Waimea, Hawaii
Enjoy a 2 hour horseback ride on Kohala Mountain in Waimea on the north side of the Big Island! There are several ranches in the area through which you can take a guided tour - I would recommend Paniolo Adventures, but you can look up the ranches in the Waimea / Kohala Mountain area. The ranches typically offer morning and afternoon rides, as well as sunset rides for a higher price.
On this to...
Pololu Trail
Waimea, Hawaii
0.98 mi
/ 417 ft gain
Pololu Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Kapaau, Hawaii.
Awini Trail along the Kohala Coast
Waimea, Hawaii
4.7
Take Hwy. 270 along the northern Kohala Coast and all the way to the end at the Pololū Valley overlook. You can park almost anywhere along the road there (besides the private homes), but spots fill up so get there early.
Start at the Pololū Valley overlook. If you are not fond of hiking, you can stop here and enjoy the vast and stunning views from the top. Otherwise, find the trailhead marked ...
Kalopa Native Forest Trail
Honokaa, Hawaii
0.92 mi
/ 43 ft gain
Kalopa Native Forest Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Honokaa, Hawaii.
Catch a Sunset at Anaehoomalu Point
Waikoloa Village, Hawaii
5.0
0.5 mi
/ 20 ft gain
This beach is a great if you're looking for a more secluded beach in Waikoloa Village. Rarely are there more than ten people there even during sunset when people flock to the beach.
If you aren't staying at the Hilton next door then this spot is a little harder to access. There are two beach access parking lots: one located right off of Waikoloa Beach Rd and the other right across the street...
Quick links
- The best hiking trails in Waimea
- The best backpacking in Waimea
- The best camping in Waimea
- Top adventures in Waimea