Welcome
Welcome to the most peaceful house in Hawaii. Aolani House is a sanctuary for relaxation. Nestled among the coffee farms of Holualoa, our home is the perfect place to recharge from the busy world we live in.
Please note: We abide by the strict sound ordinance set forth by Hawaii County and STVR permits. If you are looking for more of a party atmosphere, we would be happy to help you find alternative accommodation.
Recently ranked #1 in Conde Nast Traveler: "The Best Airbnbs in Hawaii," our resort-style home will have you relaxing the moment you step through its doors to expansive 180-degree ocean views. Our house was built by the same builders as the Four Seasons here on the Big Island. It is nestled right behind 5 acres of Kona Coffee & MacNut farms for ultimate privacy. Our private & heated saltwater infinity pool and spa are ideal for watching the sunset and star gazing. @AOLANIHOUSE
Things to Note
**Our property is incredibly unique and tropical. Authentic Hawaii living, our property hosts the occasional tropical visitor. You could come across chickens, pheasants, roosters, and coqui frogs during your stay. Although we maintain our property with pest control, we ask that our guests do their part by keeping the house crumb-free. Although there is no AC in the main house (like most of Hawaii), it isn't needed. Our higher elevation and place on the mountain provide refreshing cross breezes 24 hours a day. You might even want to wear a sweater in the evening.
**Our pool, (UNLIKE most of Hawaii) IS HEATED! The daily rate is $120 per day and is only billed to you upon request. Should you like to have the pool heated during your stay, please give advance notice upon arrival. We charge this fee to conserve energy for unnecessary heating. Resources are extremely limited and costly on the Big Island; this fee helps our guests be conscious of their energy consumption.
**If your stay is ten days or longer, we will require a mid-week clean. The fee for this is $185. The same cost will be added to your checkout cleaning if you decline the mid-stay cleaning.
**Traveling with Little Ones? No Problem. However, please note that our home and property are not childproofed. If you are traveling with children, we do require you to keep a close eye on them at all times, and they are never left unattended. Our pool does not have a gate or security monitoring system, so it is of utmost importance that children are supervised. We are happy to provide flexible sleeping arrangements for additional children on your reservation. Please get in touch with our host with any questions.
**We do not allow private parties or Weddings.
Please note: Staying in this property means you agree to abide by strict sound ordinances set forth by Hawaii County and our STVR permits.
If noise ordinance rules are not adhered to, you will forfeit the remaining nights of your stay with no reimbursement.
** Please consider our check-in/departure times when booking your stay. Our check-in time is 4 pm, and checkout is 11 am. We will do our best to accommodate early arrivals and late checkout times upon request and availability, but please note that it is never a guarantee and will be subject to change. Pending availability, we honor an hour's grace period at checkout until noon at no additional charge. Should you wish to extend your checkout time past noon, you have the option for a $475 half-day rate up until 8 pm the evening of your checkout OR $75 per hour afternoon. The same goes for early arrival. (again, pending availability)
Extra things to note:
Pool Heat Amenity: The pool is us usually at 76 degrees and when heated it is heated to 86 degrees. The cost is $120 per day plus tax. Please let us know in advance should you wish to take advantage of this amenity.
Mid-Stay Freshening: Our home is pre-stocked with essential supplies to get you started. Should you require additional supplies, we offer a mid-stay freshening for $150. The mid-stay freshening includes replenishing the basics, making the beds, and tidying the kitchen.
Concierge Services:
Time is your most valuable asset, so leave the planning to us! For your convenience, we offer a full-service Concierge team available to you throughout your stay. Our team would happily arrange private Chef services, massages, grocery services, island excursions, and more. Please inquire for a complete list of offerings.
Rental Car Services:
Booking your rental car has never been easier! We now offer a five-passenger 2018 BMW X1 (pending availability). We will have it parked at the airport for you upon arrival for your convenience. Please inquire about pricing.
Additional Info:
Our Commitment to Cleanliness: For your safety, well-being, and peace of mind, we are following the new Airbnb Enhanced Cleaning Initiative Program, which includes the first overarching standardized protocol for cleaning and sanitization in the home-sharing industry. Airbnb is backed by the work and information of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published standards. The team at Aolani House has partnered with Kona Clean Hawaii to offer these enhanced cleaning protocols to ensure a higher level of sanitation, with particular attention paid to high-touch items. We now also provide hand sanitizer placed throughout the home for guest use.
For the protection and safety of your Host and cleaning team, we kindly ask that you let us know in advance if someone in your party is not feeling well at any point before and during their stay or if they are experiencing any symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.
**HOLIDAY RESTRICTIONS**
Please note that a 7-night minimum stay is required, encompassing the dates of December 21st-January 5th. We will not conduct arrivals on Christmas Day or New Year's Day. (December 25th and January 1st).
We follow all Hawaiian Rules & Regulations regarding Transient Accommodations (State Required Information)
TA#-095-475-0976-01
STVR-19-359754
NUC-19-1104
4.712% Tax already included in the cleaning fee
Guest Interaction
Heather, our lovely Property Manager, will be available should you need anything during your stay. Please keep in mind she lives off the property and will do her absolute best to address any on-site concerns promptly. She will be available via text or phone for general questions about the property or island recommendations.
About the Neighborhood
Java is the juice that powers Holualoa, the tiny village and art enclave in the heart of Kona coffee country. Holualoa is a great place to taste the rich flavors of 100% pure Kona coffee, a rare commodity exclusively grown in north and south Kona. Many great restaurants are within just a few miles, such as Rebel Kitchen, Magics Grill, and Kaya's Coffee.
The high elevation, constant cloud coverage, and rich volcanic soil in the upland slopes of Kona, Holualoa, and Kealakekua create an ideal environment for harvesting the unique Kona coffee bean. There are roughly 600 coffee farms in the Kona area, and many offer tours to the public. Visit Holualoa's thriving coffee orchards and learn about the meticulous harvesting process. Then explore the coffee mill and see how the beans are processed. As you finish your tour, sip a freshly brewed cup for yourself and experience the rich aroma and flavor that makes 100% Kona coffee so highly valued.
Tucked amid the upland farms on the slopes of dormant Hualalai Volcano between Kailua-Kona and Keauhou, Holualoa has also become art central for the Kona and the Kohala Coast resort areas. Discover local artwork, including paintings, ceramic sculptures, and handcrafted woodwork. To experience the best of both worlds, visit during the annual Holualoa Village Coffee & Art Stroll in November. Taste exotic Kona coffee blends while shopping for handcrafted goods and meeting local farmers and artists. Then make room in your suitcase to take home a bag of Holualoa's best beans.
Just a short 7-minute drive from Aolani House, Holualoa is also a vibrant town with constant celebrations and lively community events for whatever occasion you can imagine. One event that showcases Holualoa's culture is the First Friday After Dark, including art, music, food, and cultural activities to celebrate regularly. This occurs on the first Friday evening of every month. The Coffee and Art Stroll is the town's annual Kona coffee and local art celebration in the fall. The galleries along Mamalahoa Highway, the main road through town, contain fine art, including handmade woodwork and jewelry, sculptures, and posters. Standouts include Dovetail Gallery, Studio 7 Fine Arts, and Glyph Art Gallery. The famous and unique Holualoa Ukulele Gallery has stunning examples of Hawaii's four-stringed instruments, which great ukulele makers create. The visitors can play a few bars, chat with the owner, and even participate in a ukulele–building workshop.
Fun fact: Holualoa came from the ancient Hawaiian practice of sledding the long (loa) mountain slopes with wooden sleds (holua).
Access
You will have full exclusive access to the Main House of the property. This listing includes private access to the pool and spa of Aolani House. Please note: ONLY AOLANI HOUSE GUESTS WILL ACCESS TO THE POOL AND SPA. The property is entirely private and secluded, separated by abundant foliage and beautiful trees. There is a separate and fully private two bedroom/2 Bath Cottage that may or may not is occupied and available for rent. Please see our Airbnb listing or contact us for more information.
Space
Featured in Airbnb Magazine & Conde Nast Traveler, we welcome you to the gorgeous Hawaiian escapes of world-renowned artist Anna Sweet! Inside, you'll find tasteful modern designs featuring sophisticated, restoration hardware furnishings, including the "most comfortable sofa in the world," and gallery-selected fine art thanks to an interior designer and artist owner, Anna Sweet. The living room also features an 80-inch Ultra 4-k Sony TV with Sonos throughout.
Aolani House's expansive rear terrace overlooks Kona Coffee and Macnut Farms acres for unobstructed 180-degree ocean and sunset views. You'll enjoy indoor/outdoor living with Fleetwood pocket doors that disappear, creating an entertainer's dream space. Spend days floating in the saltwater infinity pool and evenings soaking in the spa under the stars. Refresh yourself with our orchid embellished outdoor shower and be ready to enjoy Hawaii's most unique island.
The fully stocked professional-style kitchen features unique granite counters, African mahogany kitchen cabinets, and high-end appliances, including a WOLF range and wine fridge. The dining table seats 12, with four additional stools at the kitchen bar. The dining room is situated on the covered lanai by the pool for optimal sunset views while dining.
Sleep soundly for each room has its Tempurpedic bed, luxury sateen sheets, and Canadian goose down as well as Tempurpedic pillows.
You can live the Hawaiian dream as you watch the sunset over the ocean in this luxury custom home. Want some quiet time? There is plenty of room to find your own private space. Enjoy a movie, curl up with a good book, or lounge in our coffee nook and sip on some of the world's finest locally grown Kona Coffee. Grill out or make pizzas with our Big Green Egg smoker and gas grill, then wake up to an excellent morning workout on our new Peloton!
Are you working remotely? Why not work with a view! Please take advantage of our super high-speed internet and set up your workspace in our quiet and spacious home office area.
The Layout:
The main house has two buildings: the main house and the Ohana. The main house comprises two king-size bedrooms and the main suite. The Garden suite is open to the entry garden with a private entrance and full bath. The Surf Room is just off the main living room with a full bath and an exit to the outdoor shower.
The Ohana is connected by a breezeway to the primary residence and leads up the stairs to a large second master with a king-size bed, dual vanity bathroom, and lanai that overlooks the ocean. Below the Ohana is a new flex space that includes a large 70” flat screen, a pull-out sofa, an office area, a large fridge, and a small gym with AC!.
If you follow the driveway down, you will find our two-bedroom Coffee Cottage. The cottage consists of two king-size suits with en suite bathrooms, a hot tub, fire pit, and grill in the garden overlooking Kona Coffee fields and the ocean. The cottage is also available; contact us for more information.
Transit
We are a short 12-minute drive to the famous Magic Sands Beach. Less than ten minutes to grocery stores, movie theaters, shops, twenty-five minutes to the airport, and less than 15 to downtown Kona. Our property is tucked away in a beautiful gated location and not walking distance from beaches or restaurants. A car is a must!
House Manual
Important Contact Information:
Property Manager, Heather Lough w/ Hawaii Luxe Travel (text or call) 808.797.7035
Onsite Management Schedule:
Pool Maintenance : Tuesday morning
Landscaping : Allan Gildener and Shawn with Hawaii Property Care: Every Tuesday Morning (pending weather)
On-call Maintenance: Allan Gildener (text or call) 808.756.5852
Rules - Failure to follow these rules could result in early termination of the rental agreement, loss of security deposit, or additional fees.
Per our Hawaii State STVR Permit: Quiet time is 8 pm-8 am
Do not force the entry gate in any way
Check-in is at 4 pm, and check-out is at 11 am
Main house = 4 cars max (do not block driveway to cottage)
Screens must be closed at night to limit bugs. Avoid leaving food out
Blankets must stay on the sofa for protection
Large items such as blankets should be dried in the side yard
No shoes in the house (Hawaiian tradition)
Do not venture outside of your rented area
No events or large gatherings allowed
Minors must be monitored at all times for safety as our home is not childproof
Getting To The Property
Check-in is at 4 pm - Check-Out is at 11 am.
Directions From Airport:
**Please use "Google Maps" for orders to our address
78-6612 Mamalahoa Hwy Holualoa, HI 96725
Exit the airport, take a right onto Queen Kaahumanu Hwy, and follow for 14 miles. Turn left on Haawina Street (you will see a sign that says "Holualoa" left and mile marker 0). Turn left again onto Mamalahoa Highway. Continue on Mamalahoa for less than a mile. You will see a red fence on the left. There is a surfboard that says" Aolani House" on the wall.
We are the first driveway on the left after the red wall.
As you make your way down the drive, the house will be the first one directly in front of you. Please park in front of the garage (or inside if you'd like) and be sure not to block the main driveway that leads down to our sister property which other guests will occupy.
Exiting the property:
The gate will open automatically when driving SLOWLY up the drive. If it does not open, you may enter the code in the keypad on the back of the gate or use your gate remote provided. PLEASE ALLOW ENOUGH ROOM FOR THE GATE TO OPEN AS THE GATE SWINGS IN. DO NOT MANUALLY TRY AND OPEN THE GATE, CLIMB OVER THE GATE OR SQUEEZE THROUGH THE GATE. This is unsafe and will cause severe damage to the gate motor, which is very costly, and you will be responsible for repair. Please bring your gate remote if you wish to leave the property on foot. (Please note: Mamalahoa Hwy is not a recommended road to walk/run/bike as there is no shoulder and can be very unsafe.
Aolani House Guidelines
Half-Day Rates
Check-out time can be extended until 9 pm pending availability. The rate is 50% of the nightly rate.
Pool
To conserve our precious resources on the Big Island, the pool is kept at a temperature of roughly 75 degrees. Please let us know if you wish to have the pool heated during your stay. The cost is $120/day and can be paid at the end of your visit via PayPal, cash, or check. (all checks made payable to Steve Mize). We ask for the pool heat payment, so guests are conscious of their energy usage. We do not make money off of this charge; it is simply a relay of the cost of natural gas.
P.S. Our pool and landscaping team comes every Tuesday morning at 9 am.
Safety
There are no baby gates or railings in or around the pool. Children must be attended to at all times. The edges of the collection can be sharp, so be cautious not to "rough house." There are also multiple steps and uneven walkways throughout the property, so please keep a close eye on your little ones.
Trash / Rubbish
Please put all rubbish in trash cans located to the left of the garage (if you're facing the house) through the wooden gate. Please get in touch with Heather when the trash cans are complete to empty them. We do recycle! Please put all glass/plastic/cardboard in the blue recycle bin.
Maintenance/Repairs
Landscaping day is every Tuesday morning. Pool/spa maintenance is on Tuesdays, usually in the late morning. Allan is the head of our maintenance team. Any other property maintenance required will be scheduled through Heather, and guests will be notified in advance. Should you notice something in the home not working correctly, please tell Heather at your earliest convenience. Please allow at least 24 hours for a service team to address the issue depending on the repair. We have limited services here on Island, especially on weekends, so your patience is appreciated. But rest assured, we will do our best to have any repairs completed promptly.
Privacy
Please respect the other guests staying on the property and our lovely neighbors. Please do not take a stroll down to the cottage (or other property) or through our neighbor's yards. We also ask our other guests staying on the property to give you the same privacy. Should you wish to view the Aolani Coffee Cottage, please contact Heather to see if it may be available during your stay. She will be happy to arrange it.
Check-Out Procedures:
1. Please strip the bedding, bath towels, and pool towels and place them in a pile in each room. Place any wet or dampened items in the laundry room or on the bathroom floor.
2. Turn off all lights (leave fans on)
3. Place all rinsed dishes in the dishwasher. If the dishwasher is complete, please start on 60 minute
4. Close all screens and front door when you leave
5. Text Heather if anything was broken, needs to be replaced, or fixed
(or something missing you could use the next time)
6. Text Heather that you have checked out
Concierge By Hawaii Luxe Travel:
Should you be interested in booking any adventures such as Manta Ray Snorkels, Mauna Kea Stargazing tours, Waterfall Hikes, etc., do let us know! We have a full-service Concierge team that would be happy to set you up with reputable and well-known companies here on Island. Tours book up quickly, so we suggest not waiting until the last minute. Please contact sheila@hawaiiluxetravel.com with your desired date/guest count and what adventure or service you would like to book. For a complete list of services and island recommendations, please visit www.hawaiiluxetravel.com.
Are you planning a wedding on the Big Island? We would love to be a part of the celebration. Aolani House would be pleased to host your guest's accommodations. However - events, receptions, and large gatherings of any kind are not permitted. We simply do not have the space or parking to accommodate such occasions... Please let us know when booking your reservation.
If you have any questions or need anything at any time, please contact:
Host & Caretaker: Heather 808.797.7035
Instructions for Interiors Fixtures:
Internet Instructions:
There are three accounts-
1. Aolani House 5g - to be used inside the main house
2. Aolani House - to be used upstairs and outside
3. Aolani House Extender - to be used in a cottage
Password for all three - baseball
White "extenders" are plugged in throughout the property. If you see one not plugged in (or blinking), please unplug for 30 seconds and re-plug. The cable modem is to the left of the T.V. cabinet and can be "rebooted" by opening it for 1 minute and then plugging it back in.
Living Room T.V. Instructions:
There is a TV remote and an Apple TV remote. Use the TV remote to navigate to Apple TV by pressing the input button and scrolling until you see Apple TV. Use the Apple TV remote from there.
To Watch Cable -
1. Click on the Apple TV App “Spectrum TV.”
To Watch Netflix -
1. Go to Apple TV and click on the “Netflix” app
2. Use a "guest" account for Netflix
Sonos Instructions -
1. Use the house iPad or download the app on your device
2. Must be on Aolani House internet
3. Controlled by phone/app/house iPad or volume from each speaker
Dish Washer Instructions:
1. Open and press the button "On."
2. Press the button "Normal" or "Speed 60" for a quick wash
3. Press and hold the button "Start/Resume" for one full second
4. Close dishwater; a solid "red" light will appear on the floor. If not solid, you didn't hold the "start" button down long enough. After the wash cycle, the red light will disappear.
Kitchen Range Instructions:
1. Both oven and stovetop are gas
2. For stovetop, turn to medium and wait to ignite
3. Oven has automatic ignite, so just turn it on/off
4. Turn OFF everything when finished
Gas Grill Instructions:
1. Turn on gas from behind grill (back right of the grill)
2. Turn off all burners and gas when finished
Big Green Egg Instructions:
If you haven't used a Big Green Egg before, I suggest Google searching "how to use a big green egg" first. Basic instructions are below:
1. Open the egg and take out "place setter" and "grill grates," revealing leftover charcoal. Place grate and place setter to the side.
2. Add charcoal halfway up the egg (to about the second "ring"). ONLY use lump charcoal - extra charcoal is located in a storage shed in front of the house.
3. Open the top chimney all the way (the cast iron thing with big and small holes); you want as much air as possible.
4. Open the bottom "flume" (stainless steel with "mesh") all the way, leaving the mesh in place. Again, you want maximum airflow
5. Use one or two fire starters to light charcoal. Leave the lid open and let the charcoal burn for at least 15 minutes and "mix" until you have a good fire
6. Close the lid and use the top chimney and bottom flume to control the temp. Less air equals less heat - more air, more heat
7. When finished, close down both vents for NO airflow; this will put out a fire
For Steaks-
1. Follow the instructions above, but add grill grates after charcoal has been "mixed."
2. With max airflow and lid open, let coals burn until it's "glowing" red hot
3. Depending on the size of the steak, 2-4 minutes on each side, then close the lid and limit airflow for another 2-4 minutes. Make sure you "burp" the egg before opening …meaning, lift the lid slightly to let a little air in before opening all the way….. if you don't, you'll get a backdraft/fireball in your face
4. Or, grill like you want….just remember, more air, more heat. If too hot, just limit the airflow
5. When finished, close down both vents for NO airflow. This will put out the fire
For BBQ / “Low & Slow”-
1. Follow the instructions above
2. Add place setter - legs are up. Grill grates go on top of the upside-down place setter. This essentially makes it an indirect cooker (oven)
3. Once the charcoal is "mixed" and ignited, close the lid and close the bottom flume at least halfway. Close the top flume to where you simply see the "open holes."
4. For ribs, chicken, pulled pork, etc. - best to keep between 225 and 275 degrees. Use top and bottom "air vents" to control temp. For 225-degree cooking, you'll need to have both closed with a tiny opening to each for just slight airflow
5. When finished, close down both vents for NO airflow. This will put out the fire
For Pizzas-
1. Follow the instructions above
2. Add place setter legs down. The pizza top is "grated" but is perfect for a crispy pizza
3. Once the charcoal is "mixed" and ignited, close the lid and close the bottom flume at least halfway. Close the top flume to where you simply see the "open holes."
4. Open/close vents (top and bottom) to get around 500 to 600 degrees. For thick pizza, go as low as 450. For thin pizza, you can go as high as 650 or 700 degrees
5. When finished, close down both vents for NO airflow. This will put out the fire
Fire Pit Instructions:
1. There are multiple fire features, including tiki torches (pathway and water feature), fire pit (near pool), and gas torch (in the garden)
2. For tiki torches, simply light but extinguish after use
3. For the fire pit, there is a propane tank below the deck that you can reach (under and to the right of the fire pit). Turn it on and use a long lighter to ignite….please be careful
Water Heater Instructions:
1. Water heater is both solar and electric. Use sparingly
2. If you run out of hot water, go to the water heater located in the door off the side deck. Turn the "yellow" contraption to "ON"…..this will switch from solar to electric and heat up in a few hours. It will eventually switch back automatically to solar after 12 hours
Pool & Hot Tub Instructions:
1. Pool will cycle on and off each day "waterfall "between 9 am-4 pm.
2. To operate the hot tub: Access the control remote on the side of the hot tub. Simply press the button Named "Spa." Please don't push any other buttons. The spa will take approximately 30 minutes to heat to 102 degrees. Please turn it off when not in use.
3. Pool heating is $120 per day. Please contact Heather 2 weeks IN ADVANCE to set up.
**Note: Please read carefully. Instructions not followed accordingly could result in a possible loss or part of the security deposit**
Big Island by Aolani House
For your convenience, the staff at the Aolani House and Cottage would be happy to arrange any or all reservations for dinners, excursions, and a la carte items during your stay. All reservation and grocery requests must be submitted no later than 72 hours in advance and require an additional booking fee. (The sooner, the better as private and group tours book up quickly).
AL A CARTE
Personal Grocery Shopping - $99 (with 72-hour notice)
Daily/Weekly Chef Services - Please visit www.aolanihouse.com for a list of Chef services and pricing information.
Spa Services - Let us come to you! Relax in the comfort of Aolani House while enjoying a soothing massage or facial. Please visit www.aolanihouse.com for a complete list of services and pricing information.
Restaurants-KONA
Beach Tree at The Four Season Hualalai- (FIRST COME FIRST SERVE, EXTREMELY LIMITED) Set along the sand and overlooking the ocean, Beach Tree is best as a casual dining option for lunch or a place for sundowner cocktails and dinner. Resort Casual Attire. 35 minutes away. Reservations Recommended. (808) 325-8000
Magic’s Grill - On the water at Magic Sands Beach with a great vibe and menu.
Kaya’s Coffee - Opens at 5:30AM. Serves excellent coffee and Gluten-Free, Vegan, & Vegetarian Breakfast and Lunch. About 2.5 Miles South.
Rebel Kitchen - Local eats. 8 min a drive.
Original Thai - Decent Thai. Great Tom Yum Soup. 11 min drive.
Fosters Kitchen- Good farm-to-table and craft cocktails. Downtown. 14 min drive.
Hugos On The Rocks or “Proper” - Great setting on the water, live music, happy hour, extensive menu, and the indoor restaurant up above for a more formal dining experience. 14 min drive.
Humpy's - Local sports bar, opens early on Sundays for NFL. 14 min drive.
Papa Konas - Great breakfast, beautiful setting on the water, live music at night. 14 min drive.
Kona Brewery - Home of Kona Beers, quality menu, a tourist spot. 14 min drive.
Simaichi Sushi - Great and affordable sushi, small place, can be hot 14 min drive.
Umekes - Good poke spot. Two locations. 14 min drive.
King and Queen Shops - Your central shopping plaza. Many restaurants, including Roys, Three Fat Pigs, and Lava Lava Beach Club, for incredible sunsets. 48 min drive.
Grocery Stores
-KTA Keauhou 6am - 10pm (7 minute drive)
-Safeway- 24 Hours (15-minute drive)
-Target - 8am - 11pm (16 minute drive)
Things to Do:
*Please Note* Should you like Aolani House to arrange Reservations for you during your stay, all requests must be submitted no later than 72 hours in advance and will require an additional booking fee.
Night Dive With Manta Rays - Please look online to book www.hawaiiluxetravel.com
Green Sands Beach - A one-of-a-kind site. You can drive to the entrance and hike in (about 2.5 miles through a desert). Sneakers recommended.
Magic Sands Beach - Your closest beautiful beach. Boogie boarding and body surfing are very popular here.
Kua Bay - is a beautiful beach, great for boogie boarding or a day at the beach. You can drive to and park at this beach with any vehicle.
Makalavena Beach - A four-wheel drive, not recommended for a rental jeep. But if you are keen to see one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, you can hike to this beach.
Mauna Kea Observatory - You can make it to the visitors center in a regular vehicle but must need a four-wheel drive to go to the top. Experienced drivers strongly suggested.
Waimea - To explore the road less traveled, the Kohala Mountain Road (Highway 250) leads north from Waimea to the charming town of Hawi. Most visitors miss this beautiful drive, but it's a scenic way to get from Waimea to Hawi and the stunning Pololu Valley Lookout, which showcases breathtaking coastal views of the Hamakua Coast. But before you go, spend some time experiencing the great coffee shops, shopping, culture, and activities of Waimea.
Waimea Mid-Week Farmer's Market- Every Wednesday at Pukalani Stables, turning former stables and horse yard into a happy local meeting place. Delicious area produce is packed alongside homemade soaps and jams, locally gathered honey, expertly crafted baked goods, and coolers of Big Island grass-fed beef steaks. Wednesdays from 9 am till 4 pm, 67-139 Pukalani Rd.
Big Island Brewhaus- Local eats and hand-crafted beer. A must-try when in Waimea!
Open Sunday – Noon to 8 pm
Monday thru Saturday 11 am – 8:30 pm
64-1066 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kamuela, HI 96743
808-887-1717
Coffee Tours - There are tons of Coffee Farms here in Holualoa. Just drive up and down Mamalahoa Hwy, and you will see plenty!
Volcano National Park - If you have the urge to explore the Big Island to its fullest, the volcano inside this national park is a destination you won't want to miss.
Hilo - Hikes and Waterfalls - If you want to explore the other side of the Island, Hilo has beautiful waterfalls and endless hikes.
2 Steps Snorkeling - Just south of us near Captain Cook, one of the best local snorkeling spots. Get there early for clear water and maybe even a dolphin sighting!
Pololu' Valley Hike - A short hike down a steep hill onto a beautiful black sand beach. The walk back up isn't long but steep and not for the faint of heart.
Saturday Market in Hawi - Great little market on Kohala Coast on the way to Pololu Valley!
We have a "Big Island Revealed" for your reference while you're here. If you want to research the following further, I recommend ordering a copy before your visit.
Security - We always like to air on the side of caution. So I will tell you, if you're out exploring a local beach or hike, don't leave visible valuables in your vehicle. You never know who's lurking around when you're off having fun!