From Mauka (mountains) to Makai (ocean) and from the Kona side to the Hilo side, Hawaii Island enjoys amazing natural beauty just waiting to be explored by residents and visitors alike.
A handful of my favorite awe-inspiring, not-to-be-missed treasures are detailed below. Enjoy exploring our incredible Hawaii Island!
Mauna Kea
This majestic, often snow-capped dormant volcano towers more than 13,500 feet above sea level and when measured from the ocean floor is the tallest mountain on the planet.
Book a tour and enjoy sunsets followed by the most stellar star and planet gazing in the world. It truly is a life-changing experience.
Mauna Kea Beach
From the mountaintop to the beach, head to the iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (the resort includes several oceanfront and hillside luxury residential neighborhoods) set on Kauna’oa Bay, arguably the most beautiful, pristine stretch of white sand, perfectly crescent-shaped beach in the Hawaiian Islands. The crystal clear, aquamarine waters invite numerous water sports including, ocean swimming, stand-up and outrigger canoe paddling, sailing, surfing, and more! After all that activity sit-back and relax with one of your favorite umbrella drinks at the beachside Hau Tree bar.
Honuala‘i Estate | Puako | $17.499 million | 7,744 sq. ft. Interior | 6 BR / 7.5 BA + Office | MLS#626730
Akaka Falls
Located on the dramatic Hamakua Coast on Hawaii Island’s Hilo side (the east coast), Akaka Falls carries Kolekole Stream to the rainforest floor some 422 feet to the rainforest floor below. The state maintains a short loop trail (easy to moderate hike) that provides excellent views of the falls and rainforest. Extra special: the falls are home to a rare species of fish (the goby fish) that uses special suckers on its underside to climb up the rocks behind the falls to procreate – be sure to take a peek behind the falls to see if you can catch these 3-inch fish in action!
Waipi’o Valley
Located at the very north end of the Hamakua Coast, Waipi’o Valley features a broad, black sand beach with a river flowing from deep within the valley to the Pacific Ocean. One of the first ancient Hawaiian settlements, a visit to the valley is time travel back to old Hawaii with traditional farming methods and sustainable living still in place. Multiple scenic trails descend from the valley floor for serious, experienced hikers.
More Information
For information on real estate opportunities on Hawaii Island, please contact Carrie Nicholson, R (B), BIC, Director of HL1-Big Island, (808) 896-9749 or carrie@hawaiilife.com.
Stephen Engeman
September 7, 2019
Been to the Big Island multiple times and to all of the places you show in the article. But there are so many more favorite places there as well; almost too many to mention. The hike out to the Green Sand Beach is one of my favorite places on the planet. Hiking the Kilauea Iki Crater is like being in an alternate world. Watching the giant sea turtles at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach or cycling the IronMan course north out of Kailua Kona to Makalawena Trail Head and down to Manini’owali Beach (Kua Bay) and onto Waikōloa Beach and lunch at the Queens’ Market Place. There’s so much to do there.
Now, just find me a nice affordable place to retire in the Kona area and life would be complete!
Mahalo