Fall in Love with Hawaii's Kohala Coast

Get ready to start planning your next vacation excursion.

A Piece of Paradise - When vacationers dream up images of Hawaii, they imagine turquoise water, incredible sunrises, even better sunsets and volcanoes. And they are right. But if they don't visit the Kohala Coast, a 20-mile stretch of coastline located on the western side of the Big Island, they won't experience one of the most magical looking destinations that the state has to offer. Here, more than a dozen reasons why a visit will be more than just a fun time—it will be life-changing. By Ayana Byrd (Photo: David Alexander/Getty Images)

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A Piece of Paradise - When vacationers dream up images of Hawaii, they imagine turquoise water, incredible sunrises, even better sunsets and volcanoes. And they are right. But if they don't visit the Kohala Coast, a 20-mile stretch of coastline located on the western side of the Big Island, they won't experience one of the most magical looking destinations that the state has to offer. Here, more than a dozen reasons why a visit will be more than just a fun time—it will be life-changing. By Ayana Byrd (Photo: David Alexander/Getty Images)

Endless Lava - It’s jarring that after many (many) hours on a plane, you get your rental car and head onto the highway, wondering what the Big Island has to offer and you are greeted with black rock as far as the eye can see. The miles of lava juxtaposed next to green and white plant life are eerily beautiful. The Kohala Coast is in the middle of lava fields, meaning you can hike and even golf on lava or just marvel at it each time you pass by. (Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson)

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Endless Lava - It’s jarring that after many (many) hours on a plane, you get your rental car and head onto the highway, wondering what the Big Island has to offer and you are greeted with black rock as far as the eye can see. The miles of lava juxtaposed next to green and white plant life are eerily beautiful. The Kohala Coast is in the middle of lava fields, meaning you can hike and even golf on lava or just marvel at it each time you pass by. (Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson)

Hawaii - Ah, Hawaii. One of the top tourism destinations in the world, it is no wonder it ranked No. 1. During the most frigid months, Hawaii has a host of fun, under the sun events, from surfing to hiking and more. For a look at what’s going on in Hawaii in December and January, visit here.(Photo: John S. Lander/LightRocket via Getty Images)

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Hapuna Bay - The first thing you'll want to do on the Kohala Coast is go to the beach—and that beach should be Hapuna Bay. One of the few white sand beaches on the island, it is enclosed by trees on one side and the Pacific on the other. The waters are calm enough for swimming and on a clear day you can see Maui in the distance. After Hapuna, also visit A'naehoomalu Bay (nickname: A-Bay), which includes an impressive stretch of beach behind the Marriott hotel. (Photo: John S. Lander/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Hang with the Honu - Snorkeling in Hawaii is already a must-do because of the chance to see coral reefs and enough fish to feel like you’re in Finding Nemo. But a chance to swim and even photograph honu, Hawaiian green sea turtles, means you will be the Instagram envy of everyone forever more. Mauna Kea and Hapuna are two great Kohala Coast beaches to spot them. (Photo: Joni Schrantz)

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Hang with the Honu - Snorkeling in Hawaii is already a must-do because of the chance to see coral reefs and enough fish to feel like you’re in Finding Nemo. But a chance to swim and even photograph honu, Hawaiian green sea turtles, means you will be the Instagram envy of everyone forever more. Mauna Kea and Hapuna are two great Kohala Coast beaches to spot them. (Photo: Joni Schrantz)

A Day at the Waterfalls - Many islands can be fully enjoyed from a beach chair while holding a cocktail. But not the Big Island if you’re on the Kohala Coast. By staying resort-bound, you’re going to miss out on discovering the mystical mix of science, nature and beauty. Journey up the North Kohala coastline where there’s a hiking trail that will leave you breathless (from the beauty and not the exertion, thanks to the relatively flat terrain). You will need a guide and Hawaii Forest & Trail experts manage to keep the fun in all the learning. There are enough flowers, vistas, vegetation, birds and seven waterfalls to keep you from thinking about the beach chair that is waiting for you back at the hotel.  (Photo: Courtesy of Hawaii Forest & Trail)

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A Day at the Waterfalls - Many islands can be fully enjoyed from a beach chair while holding a cocktail. But not the Big Island if you’re on the Kohala Coast. By staying resort-bound, you’re going to miss out on discovering the mystical mix of science, nature and beauty. Journey up the North Kohala coastline where there’s a hiking trail that will leave you breathless (from the beauty and not the exertion, thanks to the relatively flat terrain). You will need a guide and Hawaii Forest & Trail experts manage to keep the fun in all the learning. There are enough flowers, vistas, vegetation, birds and seven waterfalls to keep you from thinking about the beach chair that is waiting for you back at the hotel.  (Photo: Courtesy of Hawaii Forest & Trail)

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Go Bird Watching - At times, the sounds of waves crashing will be muffled by the never-ending orchestra of bird calls that take over the Kohala Coast. Seriously, there are beautiful species making music here to wow anyone, from the yellow-green amakiki and Nenes, to the bright red, pointy-beaked I'iwi.(Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson)

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Go Bird Watching - At times, the sounds of waves crashing will be muffled by the never-ending orchestra of bird calls that take over the Kohala Coast. Seriously, there are beautiful species making music here to wow anyone, from the yellow-green amakiki and Nenes, to the bright red, pointy-beaked I'iwi.(Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson)

A New Kind of Sauna Treatment - Mauna Lani spa, one of the most luxury spas on the island, takes DIY to a decadent level at the Lava Sauna. While sitting on lava rock, you get to smooth black volcanic clay all over your body. It’s cool, which is good because it is hot outside in this circular enclosed area that you’ve got all to yourself. After the mud dries, you’ll be delirious from the hour you spent in clay-covered repose. Your skin will be as smooth as the Ili Ili stones you were resting on, your lowered stress levels will thank you, and after a rinse off in the outdoor shower you’ll be presentable again. Bonus: at just $85 for 50 minutes, the cost is not going to shock you back into pre-spa tension levels.(Photo: Courtesy of Mauna Lani)

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A New Kind of Sauna Treatment - Mauna Lani spa, one of the most luxury spas on the island, takes DIY to a decadent level at the Lava Sauna. While sitting on lava rock, you get to smooth black volcanic clay all over your body. It’s cool, which is good because it is hot outside in this circular enclosed area that you’ve got all to yourself. After the mud dries, you’ll be delirious from the hour you spent in clay-covered repose. Your skin will be as smooth as the Ili Ili stones you were resting on, your lowered stress levels will thank you, and after a rinse off in the outdoor shower you’ll be presentable again. Bonus: at just $85 for 50 minutes, the cost is not going to shock you back into pre-spa tension levels.(Photo: Courtesy of Mauna Lani)

Country Living - Waimea, which is just a short drive east and uphill from the resorts of the Kohala Coast, is known as the Big Island’s paniola country, which means Hawaiian cowboy. That’s not surprising considering the sheep and cattle ranches that dot the landscape. But Waimea is also home to some of the island’s best restaurants (like Merriman's) and farmers markets (like Homestead Farmer's Market). Plus, a visit is your chance to see where the natives live. (Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson)

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Country Living - Waimea, which is just a short drive east and uphill from the resorts of the Kohala Coast, is known as the Big Island’s paniola country, which means Hawaiian cowboy. That’s not surprising considering the sheep and cattle ranches that dot the landscape. But Waimea is also home to some of the island’s best restaurants (like Merriman's) and farmers markets (like Homestead Farmer's Market). Plus, a visit is your chance to see where the natives live. (Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson)

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Tee Time - The Kohala Coast is home to the Hawaii Golf Trail and boasts seven championship courses built on ancient lava fields. During your vacation, book a lesson or hit one of the courses. Even if you have zero interest in swinging a gold club, swing by the third tee at the Mauna Kea golf course. It’s a sight to see. (Photo: Gary Newkirk/ALLSPORT/Getty Images)

Shave Ice - Philly has water ice, New York has Italian ice and Hawaii has shave ice. Along the Kohala Coast, Aloha Deli is a great spot to get some of the deliciousness. This dessert is made from shaved ice doused with syrup in flavors as expected as lemon or cherry, or as exciting as guava, coconut cream, lemongrass ginger, pineapple and lychee. (Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson)

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Shave Ice - Philly has water ice, New York has Italian ice and Hawaii has shave ice. Along the Kohala Coast, Aloha Deli is a great spot to get some of the deliciousness. This dessert is made from shaved ice doused with syrup in flavors as expected as lemon or cherry, or as exciting as guava, coconut cream, lemongrass ginger, pineapple and lychee. (Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson)

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Black Beauty - Turquoise water, black sand, blue sky and the green trees of the Kohala Mountain coastline blend into each other for a color and texture sensory overload. Getting to Polulu Valley beach takes a twenty minute hike downhill, and once you arrive, you won’t have the energy to do much else than collapse on the breathtaking sand. For the less intrepid, there’s also a lookout point off the highway that captures the awesomeness of the beach.(Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson)

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Black Beauty - Turquoise water, black sand, blue sky and the green trees of the Kohala Mountain coastline blend into each other for a color and texture sensory overload. Getting to Polulu Valley beach takes a twenty minute hike downhill, and once you arrive, you won’t have the energy to do much else than collapse on the breathtaking sand. For the less intrepid, there’s also a lookout point off the highway that captures the awesomeness of the beach.(Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson)

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Best Sunsets Ever - Because of the volcano which cuts the island in two, sunrises are not so spectacular on the Kohala Coast (which is on the western side of the island). But wait until the sun sets! You can catch the blend of oranges, pinks and reds from the water or from a bar stool (the terrace at Tommy Bahama or at the Four Seasons). Or combine the two and book a sunset cruise. Whichever you choose, every night is a chance to stop what you’re doing and spend about 10 minutes watching nature show off. (Photo: Donald Miralle/Allsport/Getty Images)

Play Hard, Sleep Well - The Kohala Coast contains a row of four master-planned communities that include hotels and condos. And for a range of prices, it's easy to find beachside accommodations at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (home to one of the best beaches of the Coast) or the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (which includes bungalows, restaurants like the oceanfront 'Ulu Sushi Lounge and a once-in-a-lifetime spa). So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to paradise and check out the Kohala Coast Resorts website. (Photo: Courtesy of Four Seasons)

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Play Hard, Sleep Well - The Kohala Coast contains a row of four master-planned communities that include hotels and condos. And for a range of prices, it's easy to find beachside accommodations at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (home to one of the best beaches of the Coast) or the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (which includes bungalows, restaurants like the oceanfront 'Ulu Sushi Lounge and a once-in-a-lifetime spa). So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to paradise and check out the Kohala Coast Resorts website. (Photo: Courtesy of Four Seasons)