Hamakua Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Hawaii showing rocky coastline and landscape views
The rugged northeastern coast of Hawai’i’s Big Island offers beautiful vistas of towering cliffs, dense tropical forest, dazzling waterfalls and botanical gardens.

Experience some of Hawai’i’s most magnificent tropical scenery on the Hāmākua Coast, a 50-mile (80-kilometer) stretch of dramatic cliffs, lush rainforest and breathtaking views. Learn about local history and culture in several small towns and discover local plant life at the Hāmākua Coast botanical gardens.

The northeast coast of Hawai’i’s Big Island is known for its natural beauty, featuring vast cliffs that drop into the roaring surf below and forested valleys framed by the mountainsides of Mauna Kea and Kohala. Discover this picturesque stretch of coastline with the Hāmākua Heritage Corridor, a stunning daytrip drive that begins in Hilo and winds through rainforests, valleys and cliff tops to Honoka’a and the historic and sacred Waipi’o Valley Lookout.

Explore the “Valley of the Kings” by foot or on guided horseback and four-wheel-drive tours. If you’re feeling fit, hike down the steep, paved trail that leads through Waipi’o Valley to a wide black-sand beach. See cascading waterfalls tumbling into the valley’s river, taro fields dotted across the landscape and a vast array of tropical wildflowers. Bring plenty of water for the trip, as this destination is truly in its natural state.

Very little development has changed the Hāmākua Coast since the late 19th century, when sugarcane plantations and cattle ranches began to spring up and populate charming towns like Honokaa. Admire the early 20th-century architecture and browse antiques and local craft stores on the historic main street.

Wander through gardens of exotic native plants, bamboo groves and orchids at the Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden and the World Botanical Gardens. Nearby, find the Umauma Waterfall and the magnificent Kahuna and Akaka waterfalls.

Fly into Hilo International Airport, an hour’s drive from Hāmākua. Discover the Hāmākua Coast by car or by guided tour. Hāmākua is tropical, so ensure you’re prepared for sudden rainfall. To avoid peak tourism season, visit in May and see the wildflowers in full bloom or come in September for warmer weather.

Where to stay in Hamakua Coast

Richardson\'s Ocean Park which includes a garden and landscape views

Keaukaha

3/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Keaukaha, Keaukaha Beach Park and Port of Hilo are top sights worth seeing.

Keaukaha
SCP Hilo Hotel
SCP Hilo Hotel
3.5 out of 5
126 Banyan Way, Hilo, HI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$281 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
AU$281
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this beach hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (610 reviews)
"Very enjoyable one night stay at SCP! Loved the coffee in the lobby and live music at night! Great location and walking distance from the bay and different restaurants!"

Reviewed on 21 Mar. 2024

SCP Hilo Hotel
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
4 out of 5
93 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI
The price is AU$337 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
AU$337
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this golf hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,108 reviews)
"The hotel lobby and front garden are quite beautiful. The pictures on the internet do not do it justice!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
CASTLE Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
CASTLE Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
3.5 out of 5
71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI
The price is AU$342 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$342
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this golf hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Location"

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2024

CASTLE Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Private Studio with ocean views on Hamakua coast.
Private Studio with ocean views on Hamakua coast.
Hakalau
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Hakalau. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
East Coast lodging
"Everything was very modern and clean. It would be nice if there was a kitchen sink or basin in which to wash our dishes. A simple coffee machine would work better than a Keurig machine as there was only one pod per day and we enjoy a few cups of coffee throughout the day. A few extra utensils would ..."

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

Private Studio with ocean views on Hamakua coast.
Private Family House with Ocean/Mountain Views
Private Family House with Ocean/Mountain Views
Honomu
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Hakalau. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Hakalau Beach Park and Kolekole Beach ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
Hawaii big island
"The place was awesome! Location was great! The place was clean and spacious. Loved having the farm animals. Host was friendly"

Reviewed on 24 Feb. 2024

Private Family House with Ocean/Mountain Views
Grand Historic Hilo House
Grand Historic Hilo House
Hilo
Stay at this golf vacation home in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an arcade/game room. Popular attractions Lyman Museum and Naha Stone are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (120 reviews)
Thomas Guard House in Hilo
"We enjoyed the historic 1916 National Register Thomas Guard House, which has a breathtaking views of the Wailuku River and large tree canopy. The neighborhood is beautful and calm and a short, pleasant walk into the town center of Hilo."

Reviewed on 4 Mar. 2024

Grand Historic Hilo House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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