Hamakua Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Hamakua Coast
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Hawaii featuring signage and a city
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.

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$390 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$390
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a golf course. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,233 reviews)
"Everything was Excellent"

Reviewed on 11 Mar. 2025

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$352 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
AU$352
includes taxes & fees
25 Mar - 26 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,191 reviews)
"Great location! Hotel and rooms are kind of worn and dated, but they were clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on 12 Mar. 2025

Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
SCP Hilo Hotel
SCP Hilo Hotel
3.5 out of 5
126 Banyan Way, Hilo, HI
The price is AU$302 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$302
includes taxes & fees
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Book a 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (914 reviews)
"It was good stay and I would stsy again."

Reviewed on 11 Mar. 2025

SCP Hilo 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.
Cozy Tropical Retreat Guest House with AC
Cozy Tropical Retreat Guest House with AC
Hilo
Stay at this vacation home in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions Port of Hilo and Native Hawaiian Lava are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (166 reviews)
"A beautiful guest house with everything you would need. There is a gate for privacy and very good hosts that can help you with whatever you need."

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2025

Cozy Tropical Retreat Guest House with AC
Honomu Place
Honomu Place
Honomu
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Honomu. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Hakalau Beach Park and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (99 reviews)
Packed with enchanting details
"This rental made such good use of the one-acre lot - we enjoyed the mirthful pool and garden area, the garden, ocean and starlight views from an assortment of decks, lanais and gazebos. We felt like we hardly had to leave the property. But just a few minutes up the road were rocky beaches for whale-viewing, ..."

Reviewed on 4 Mar. 2025

Honomu Place
Grand Historic Hilo House
Grand Historic Hilo House
Hilo
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Port of Hilo and Lyman Museum are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (138 reviews)
Spring Break
"The Thomas Guard house is a gem in Hilo. The location is perfect - not in the middle of the city but close enough to walk to local restaurants. The beautiful grounds, the waterfall, the river running through the backyard, they all added to the charm. The house is beautifully decorated and immaculately ..."

Reviewed on 13 Mar. 2025

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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