What to do in Kukuihaele, HI

Activities, attractions and tours

Kukuihaele
Kukuihaele
Kukuihaele
Waipio Valley Lookout showing general coastal views and mountains
Waipio Valley Lookout
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Top places to visit

1. Mauna Kea Beach

This resort beach on the Big Island’s northwest coast is a hot spot for swimmers and snorkelers and considered by many as one of Hawaii’s best beaches. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was opened in 1965. At a cost of U.S. $15 million, it was the most expensive ever built at the time. Decades later the beach and the hotel remain a popular destination.
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Visit what was once the most expensive hotel ever built, one of the first resorts in the region.

2. Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area

Hapuna Beach is one of the few white-sand beaches on the Big Island’s west coast. The state park covers 61.8 acres (25 hectares) of the island and is a great destination to hike, swim and snorkel. The park is also home to the popular Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, sister hotel to the famous Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
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Hapuna Beach State Park featuring tropical scenes, a coastal town and a sandy beach

3. Waipio Valley Lookout

Climb to Waipi'o Valley Lookout to get a whole new perspective on the natural spectacle of Waipi'o Valley below. This picturesque area is known locally as “The Valley of the Kings” and is celebrated for its important role in Haiwaiian royal history. However, the exquisite tropical landscape itself is every bit as captivating as the stories that surround it and this lookout point gives you a chance to see it as its best.
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Treat yourself to a bird’s-eye view of the verdant stretch of land nicknamed The Valley of the Kings, a place of striking beauty and historical importance.

4. Pololu Valley Overlook

The drive along Hawaii’s Akoni Pule Highway is one of the most scenic routes in the state. On one side the volcanic mountain of Mauna Loa rises steeply above you, while on the other you can gaze across the Pacific Ocean. Continue to the end of the highway to find yourself at one of Hawaii’s most dramatic vistas, the Pololū Valley Overlook.
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Pololu Valley Overlook showing general coastal views and landscape views

5. Parker Ranch Center

Find out where Hawai’ian ranching history was made at the Parker Ranch in Waimea. Explore this historic ranch on an informative tour and learn about the Parker legacy and Hawai’i’s first cowboys. Discover the Parker estate and see the family’s collection of fascinating artifacts and artworks from a bygone era.
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Parker Ranch Center showing horse riding and land animals

What to do in Kukuihaele

Popular places to visit

Waipio Valley Lookout

Waipio Valley Lookout

Treat yourself to a bird’s-eye view of the verdant stretch of land nicknamed The Valley of the Kings, a place of striking beauty and historical importance.

Waipio Valley Lookout
Waipio Beach

Waipio Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Waipio Beach during your trip to Honokaa? Experience the area's theatre scene and entertainment choices.

Waipio Beach

Hawaiian Vanilla Company

Enjoy an outing to Hawaiian Vanilla Company during your stay in Honokaa. You can seek out the horse riding while in the area.

Hawaiian Vanilla Company

Kalopa State Recreation Area

Explore the great outdoors at Kalopa State Recreation Area, a lovely green space in Honokaa. You can seek out the horse riding while in the area.

Kalopa State Recreation Area

Hiilawe Waterfall

Explore the great outdoors at Hiilawe Waterfall, a lovely green space in Honokaa. You can seek out the horse riding while in the area.

Hiilawe Waterfall

Kalōpā

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Kalōpā during your trip to Honokaa? Experience the area's theatre scene and entertainment choices.

Kalōpā

Hamakua Country Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Honokaa at Hamakua Country Club. You can seek out the horse riding while in the area.

Hamakua Country Club

Katsu Goto Memorial

Find out about the history of Honokaa when you spend time at Katsu Goto Memorial. You can seek out the horse riding while in the area.

Katsu Goto Memorial

Frequently asked questions

Is Kukuihaele worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor pursuits and history, there are plenty of fun things to do in Kukuihaele. Make sure to discover the area's blend of awesome sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Kukuihaele?
Once you've checked off leading attractions like Waipio Beach and Hiilawe Waterfall, spend some time experiencing Kukuihaele's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kukuihaele?
The top tourist attraction in Kukuihaele is Waipio Beach, so make sure to put it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Kukuihaele?
Book a trip to Kukuihaele for three days and you'll easily be able to discover its major sights and experience the local vibe. For the chance to see attractions in nearby areas and venture away from the tourist trail, consider visiting for seven to ten days.
What are some activities to do in Kukuihaele with kids?
If you are after attractions and activities for all of your group, take a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Kukuihaele with kids.

What to do in Kukuihaele for adults?
Katsu Goto Memorial is one of the main things to do in Kukuihaele. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Kukuihaele?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Kukuihaele is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Waipio Beach is one spot that doesn't have an admission fee.