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Kohala Coast, Hawaii

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Sunny Kohala Coast
Some of the very best Big Island Beach locations are along the sunny Kohala Coast. This barren coastline appears at first to be inhospitable, with the dominant feature being the craggy black rocks deposited by lava flow after the eruption of Mauna Loa in 1801 and 1859. But several small roads off the 30-mile coastal highway lead to a handful of stunning public beaches, most with a luxury resort complex nearby.  The drive is scenic with the spectacular ocean on the West and the rugged volcanoes on the East.  Azure colored inlets such as Kiholo Bay, are carved out of the coast, dotted with Hawaiian palm trees.  Protected from the northeast trade winds by the Kohala, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, and Mauna Loa volcanoes, the dry west coast of Hawaii offers clear calm waters for swimming and snorkeling.  This climate results in Kohala and Kona receiving more than 300 days of sunshine a year - a beach-goers paradise!

The Kohala Coast resorts are located about 17 miles north of the Kona-Keahole Airport and about 30 minutes away from the town of Kailua-Kona.  Kohala is located only 10 miles from the hill-country town of Waimea (also known as Kamuela).  Situated so close, yet worlds apart, Waimea is cowboy country, with lush green pastures, cattle ranches, and rolling grassy hills with a backdrop of the towering Mauna Kea volcano.  Continuing beyond Waimea, you will travel the ruggedly beautiful Hamakua Coast and eventually reach the town of Hilo, about 2 hours drive from Kohala.

The North Kohala district is situated on the green slopes of the Kohala volcano at the northen tip of the island.  On a clear day you can see across the channel to the island of Maui.  North Kohala is where you will see towns like Hawi, frozen in the plantation days of yesteryear. At the end of Highway 270 is the Pololu Valley Lookout. From here you can hike down to the valley and black sand beach below.  This is the first of five majestic valleys that stretch along the coast to the southeast - leading all the way to the Waipio Valley.

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Anaehoomalu Bay
Anaehoomalu Beach, backed by hundreds of palm trees, is famed for its breathtaking sunsets.  Graceful coconut palms line the westward facing beach, and tranquil fish ponds lie directly behind the beach. The beach itself is nice, with white sand and good swimming and there are several small coves along the coast which are almost always empty. Anaehoomalu Bay graces several large resorts.  Nearby is the massive Waikoloa Resort complex with its man-made white-sand crescent beach and coral lagoons that are ideal for family swimming and snorkeling.  You can even see sea turtles swimming in the Hilton lagoon!  Check out more photos and information on Anaehoomalu Bay Beach.

Kohala Coast Beaches
The beaches along the Kohala Coast are world-class and stunning in beauty.  They run the full spectrum from dazzling resort, to austere hike-to remote.  Some of our favorites include:  Hapuna Beach State Park - one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii; Kekaha Kai State Park and Makalawena Beach - their beauty requires a short hike to access; Kua Bay - another picturesque white-sand beach; Kikaua Point Beach - white-sandy beach with lots of shade; and Spencer Beach - a great family beach.  Check out our detailed Big Island Beach Guide for information and photos of all Big Island Beaches.

If you choose to stay in the Kohala resorts, make sure you venture down to Kailua Kona for lots to see and do.  Don't forget to check out our Kona Snorkeling Guide.

Anaehoomalu Bay

Kohala Coast

Kona Hawaii Sunset

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