Best Attractions in the Kohala Region on the Big Island of Hawaii

The Kohala region is located on the northwest side of the Big Island of Hawaii, just north of Kona. Kohala is the sight of the oldest surviving volcano on the Big Island. As you drive north out of Kona on Highway 19 you will see why the Kohala region must be a destination on your tour of the island. The following is a list of the best attractions in the Kohala region on the Big Island.

To get to Kohala take Highway 190 out of Kona to Highway 250. On the way to Highway 250 you will pass a golf course, a new resort town called Waikoloa Village, and the cool town of Waimea. Once you hit highway 250 you are now on the ridge of that volcano I mentioned earlier. Don't beep your horn; you don't want to wake the volcano.

Around the 14 mile marker on Highway 250 you will spot a big mountain, one of the best attractions in the Kohala region. However, this is not on the Big Island but a view of the east side of Maui. Just past this Mountain View, you will come upon the sleepy little town of Hawi, a great place to stop for a bite to eat or to get some authentic Hawaiian souvenirs from the local artists.

Heading east you will come upon the town of Kapa'au which sports a statue of King Kamehameha similar to the statue found outside the government buildings in Honolulu. If you happen to be driving by on June 11, King Kamehameha day, you will see the statue adorn with leis.

Continuing on Highway 250, just past mile marker 24, you'll come upon a road that leads to the Kauhola Point Lighthouse. This area is very underdeveloped and requires a 4WD vehicle to navigate, but once you get there the views are amazing, making this another one of the best attractions in the Kohala region of the Big Island of Hawaii. This is a great place to get pictures of the pristine cliffs on the coastline.

If you are into Hawaiian history, then the next stop on Highway 250 is a must see. At mile marker 20 you will come upon the birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great, the island king that conquered all islands.

Keep driving and you will come upon an old Hawaiian village at mile marker 14 within Lapakahi State Historical Park. It is a self guided tour through the village, but admission is free, which is why this is another one of the best attractions in the Kohala region of the Big Island of Hawaii. The brochure does a good job at taking you through the village and it is a great way to learn how Hawaiians lived on the island before missionaries.

As we end our tour, before entering the luxurious resort area of Kohala, be sure to make a stop into the town of Kawaihe, especially if you are into scuba and fishing. This port town is a great place for water enthusiasts. The town also has some nice shops for souvenirs and great little cafes to grab a bite to eat.

The Kohala region of the Big Island is a must see as you tour Hawaii. The above are some of the best attractions as you travel along Highway 250 towards the resort area of Kohala.