Waikoloa, Hawai’i, is a delightful hidden gem on the South Kohala side of the Big Island. This meticulously designed resort village is located on 35,000 acres atop a hardened lava flow. It features ample resorts and hotels, along with shopping centers, restaurants, cultural events, and an awe-inspiring number of activities.
There’s plenty to see and do in Waikoloa, Hawai’i. Enjoy the local food, visit historic sites, hike breathtaking trails, go on exhilarating tours led by local experts, snorkel at Anaeho’omalu Bay, or just hang out on Waikoloa Beach. At
Kailani Tours, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to discovering this beautiful village and its surroundings, so let’s get started.
Beach Activities
Dazzling blue-green waters splashing and foaming over lava rock and protected by a coral reef – Waikoloa Beach is an inviting place to enjoy a couple of favorite Hawai’ian activities — for residents and visitors alike! We’re talking about swimming in the warm tropical waters and sunbathing on the salt and pepper sand beach afterward.
Of course, snorkeling at Anaeho’omalu Bay (known locally as A-Bay) is another popular activity in this tropical paradise, where the underwater world is spectacular. And don’t miss the highly photogenic sunsets over the bay, complete with iconic palm trees, sparkling ocean water, and entrancing colors.
Visit Historic Sites
Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site symbolizes unification and lasting peace at the foundation of the Hawai’ian Kingdom. You can walk in the footsteps of a king while learning about the violent birth of a nation. Then, visit the temple erected by that king and his warriors to symbolize the unification of the Hawai’ian Islands under a single ruler.
The rolling lava terrain of Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve is a showcase for ancient Hawai’ian petroglyphs detailing the art and culture of Hawai’i. The petroglyphs were etched into the cooled lava flow by Hawai’ians as far back as the 16th century. Some images depict humans, birds, and canoes, while others are more cryptic, involving dots and lines of unknown importance and meaning. The Preserve is a short stroll from Waikoloa Village.
Enjoy Outdoor Adventures
Explore the best that Waikoloa has to offer with Kailani Tours. From the volcanoes that are the heart of Hawai’i to delicious Kona coffee and food to a chance to see majestic sea turtles, our tours offer a selection of the best of the Island of Hawaii.
Our
Volcano Explorer Tour takes you from Waikoloa to the reputed home of the Hawaiian Goddess of Fire, Pele, on Kilauea Volcano. This 8-hour tour passes the spectacular 80-foot-tall Rainbow Falls on your way to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. You’ll enjoy the interactive displays at the Visitor’s Center, explore the Kilauea and Kilauea Iki craters, and hike through the 500-year-old Nahuku cave (AKA the Thurston Lava Tube). Finally, treat yourself at Big Island Candies before heading home.
Start your day with a complimentary Kona coffee and island-style breakfast at a Kona coffee farm when you take our
Big Island Highlights Day Tour. Then, you’ll stop at the southernmost bakery in the U.S. on your way to the gorgeous Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach for a chance to see the sacred honu (Hawaiian sea turtles). You’ll follow that up with a visit to Volcano Winery & Tea Farm for lunch and tastings.
The afternoon will include visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park before stopping at the magical Rainbow Falls.
Explore and Enjoy All That Waikoloa, Hawaii, Has to Offer with Kailani Tours
Now that you know the best things to do in Waikoloa Hawai’i, the next step is to book your tour! Whether you choose one of our luxurious all-inclusive tours or craft your
signature private tour with the help of one of our expert guides, a tour with us is the best way to explore everything Waikoloa, Hawai’i, has to offer.
Contact us to book your tour today!
Image Credit:
Agnieszka Gaul, Shutterstock