Kapaau Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kapaau showing general coastal views
Kapaau showing general coastal views
Kapaau
Pololu Valley Overlook showing general coastal views and landscape views
Hawaii featuring landscape views, general coastal views and views

Stay in this historic village to be close to some of Big Island’s most scenic countryside and enjoy rich local customs that celebrate King Kamehameha I.

Kapa'au is a sleepy little village perfectly located to be a base for exploring the Big Island’s rugged coastal area. Stay in Kapa'au for easy access to great hiking trails through gorgeous scenery. Come at the right time of year to enjoy colourful customs specific to the town.

Certain Kapa'au traditions are bound up with the King Kamehameha I StatueOpens in a new window. Kamehameha I was the unifier of the Hawaiian Islands. The statue was made in Europe in the late 19th century, shipped to Hawai'i, and lost at sea when the ship carrying it sank. The statue was later found in the Falklands, but in the meantime, a replacement had been commissioned. The original eventually made its way home to Kapa'au and the replacement now stands in Honolulu.

Visit Kapa'au on June 11 to enjoy the festivities held to commemorate the king. Watch all kinds of events, including a parade and outdoor games. The climax is a ceremonial draping of leis around the King Kamehameha I statue.

Make sure you take advantage of the major outdoor attractions nearby, such as Keokea Beach Park. This well-loved picnic spot is sheltered by imposing boulders and rugged cliffs. Head to Pololū Valley OverlookOpens in a new window. Walk this stunning part of the coast for some of the best views anywhere on the island, as the waves crash onto the rocks below you.

Learn about local animals at Hawai'i Wildlife Centre, a rescue and rehabilitation project. Plan your visit to coincide with one of the educational sessions or come at any time to look at the animals and read about the work done here.

From Kona International Airport, rent a car and get to Kapa'au in just over an hour. Because it’s a quiet place situated all the way up in the northernmost part of the island, having your own transportation is essential for exploring the magnificent landscapes all around.

Hawaii Island Retreat

Hawaii Island Retreat

4 out of 5
250, Lokahi Road, Kapaau, HI
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Kapaau. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Kamehameha Park and Kenjis House are ...
"This property or should I say land was way more then expected. It’s private, secluded and overall just beautiful. if your looking for a real taste, feel, site, peace and privacy of the island with immaculate views this is the ying to your yang. This is a real retreat with real beautiful souls from ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2021

Hawaii Island Retreat
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Tower Waikoloa Village

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Tower Waikoloa Village

4 out of 5
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa, HI
The price is Rp3.043.739 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
Rp3.043.739
Rp4.361.895 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Waikoloa. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a full-service spa and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"I’ve been going there annually for the past 4 years with my husband and plan on going there once a year for the rest of my life."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Tower Waikoloa Village
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa

4 out of 5
69-699 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI
The price is Rp3.695.326 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
Rp3.695.326
Rp4.841.272 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf resort in Waikoloa. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"We chose to stay at this property again. We love the Waikoloa area, especially all the hard work that is obvious from how well the grounds are maintained and we like how attentive the housekeeping staff demonstrate to be. We had a great time at the Hilton tower, there’s water slides, a lagoon for ..."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa
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.
Castle Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa

Castle Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa

4 out of 5
69-1029 Nawahine Pl, Waikoloa, HI
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Waikoloa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course and Hāpuna ...
9/10 Wonderful! (698 reviews)
"Good location and excellent accommodations"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Castle Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa
Mauna Lani Point

Mauna Lani Point

4 out of 5
68-1050 Mauna Lani Point Dr., Kamuela, HI
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Kamuela. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a golf course. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (297 reviews)
"Great place for a family"

Reviewed on 21 May 2025

Mauna Lani Point
Fairway Villas Waikoloa by OUTRIGGER

Fairway Villas Waikoloa by OUTRIGGER

3 out of 5
69-200 Pohakulana, Waikoloa, HI
Stay at this 3-star golf condo in Waikoloa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course and Genesis ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (487 reviews)
"This is a fantastic property where we spent a 5-day family getaway. The unit is spacious, clean, fully equipped overlooking a beautiful golf court. Shops, grocery store and restaurants are within walking distance. About 10-30 minutes to any of the well-known beaches. It will take about 2 to 2.5 hours ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Fairway Villas Waikoloa by OUTRIGGER
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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