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Located along the beautiful Kohala Coast, Waikoloa is a great place to stay (or visit) on the Big Island. This region is home to the best beach on the Big Island, has fantastic snorkeling, and some great resorts.
Waikoloa Beach Resort is one of few resort areas on the Kohala Coast, and is about 25 minutes from Kona international airport and 35 minutes from Kailua-Kona. The best things to do on the Big Island are spread out and typically require a hefty drive. We know that sometimes, you just want to have fun things to do that are close to where you’re staying.
From ancient petroglyphs to black sand beaches, these are the best 15 things to do in Waikoloa for those staying in town or simply exploring.
Need to plan your trip quickly? We have you covered with some easy resources including where to stay, our favorite activities, and a download and go itinerary:
– This is one of our favoriteManta Ray night snorkeling tours
– Head to Kealakekua Bay foramazing snorkeling on this tour
– Thisfive day itineraryincludes amazing beaches and so much more!
– Our fullBig Island Guidegives you the most comprehensive trip planning advice
The 15 Best Things to do in Waikoloa
We’ve taken numerous trips to this gorgeous resort area and these are by far the best things to do in Waikoloa (and nearby Mauna Lani). Check out our video to see some of these great activities in action!
Map of Things to do in Waikoloa
1. See a Black Sand Beach
Forget white sand beach walks — Hawaii’s Big Island is one of the best for seeing black sand beaches. If you’re interested in this geologic phenomenon (and who wouldn’t be?), head on over to Waikoloa’s Beach 49. Also known as the Honoka’ope Beach, Beach 49 is located on the coast of the Honoka’ope Bay. This is the sole black sand beach found along the Kohala Coast and the only one in Waikoloa.
Beach 49 also happens to be a wonderful snorkeling spot for strong swimmers and great for spotting colorful reef fish, eels, and sometimes turtles. The beach drops off quickly once you’re in the water which makes for great swimming conditions, but beware of the sharp lava rock as you enter the ocean. Wet shoes are a great idea to throw in your bag.
A few quick tips to make your trip to Waikoloa’s black sand beach extra enjoyable:
- Make sure to get there early as the beach parking lot fills up quickly!
- Because the sand is so dark, it can get scorching hot by midday. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes out to the beach.
- There are both bathrooms and showers located onsite.
You technically enter the beach from the Mauna Lani Resort, which is just 10 minutes up the road from the Waikoloa Beach Resort.
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2. Walk through the Anchialine Ponds
Anchialine ponds exist throughout Hawaii and are a truly special feature of the islands. A fascinating geologic structure where underground lava tubes expose saltwater to freshwater, anchialine ponds are habitats for interesting creatures who thrive in these distinctive environments. The ponds fluctuate with the ocean’s tides, bringing fresh saltwater in regularly.
Visitors to Waikoloa Beach Resort can see these unique ecosystems at the Waikoloa Anchialine Pond Preservation Area. A trail weaves its way around the ponds, making it easy to get a closer look without disturbing their fragile habitat.
Anchialine ponds are known for the creatures that call them home – especially the crustaceans. The ‘opae ‘ula are crimson shrimp that can be found in most of these ponds, thriving in the brackish water. They are an important part of the pond’s ecosystem and it’s a thrill to see them dancing around in the shallow waters. Visitors will also have a chance to see crabs, fish, and various mollusks.
All of the anchialine ponds in Hawaii are protected, so be sure to avoid touching or entering the ponds. Whether you’re a lover of the great outdoors or not, everyone can appreciate how special these brackish water lagoons are. The surrounding area is also pristine with swaying palms and a pretty beach area.
Find a great place to stay in Waikoloa:
Waikoloa Beach Villas: central and walkable
Westin Hapuna Beach: wake up on the best beach on the Big Island
The Shores at Waikoloa
Colony Villas at Waikoloa
3. Visit Kalahuipua’a Historic Park
Hidden within the beautiful Mauna Lani Resort, the Kalahuipua’a Historic Park transports visitors to ancient Hawaii. The 1-mile, paved hiking trail leads you through lava fields, an ancient lava tube, and fishponds, all while revealing signs of the past through petroglyphs.
The area was frequented by Hawaii’s royalty due to its abundance of food, mainly fish, in the nearby ponds. The collapsed lava tube also provided shelter to ancient Hawaiians and was selected because of its cool climate and protection from the elements. Expect to spend around 30 minutes to an hour here, seeing remnants of Big Island history.
4. Check Out a Petroglyph Preserve
Can’t get enough of the petroglyphs? You’re in luck! Waikoloa is a hotbed for Hawaiian petroglyphs, known as ki’i pohaku, and has two dedicated parks for their preservation. Also known as petroglyph fields, these carvings were made in lava rock hundreds of years ago.
Like the Kalahuipua’a Historic Park, the Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve is also located on the grounds of a hotel. A half-mile trail leads visitors through the Waikoloa Hotel’s golf course before reaching the petroglyph field. This is one of the best-preserved petroglyph fields in Hawaii and displays important markings including the famous warrior on horseback that was completed after western contact with the island.
The Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve is one of the most dense petroglyph fields in Hawaii, showcasing thousands of designs, some dating back to 1200 CE. A 1.2-mile trail runs through the park and allows visitors to see 1,200 of these stone markings, including turtles, canoes, birds, and humans.
Keep in mind that no rubbings are allowed except on replicas. Always stay on the path to help preserve the petroglyphs. You’ll most likely want to bring along sunscreen as some areas of these trails don’t have much shade.Also, bring closed-toe shoes as you will be walking over lava and through kiawe trees that have nasty thorns.
Related reads:
Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Guide: What to Expect (a thrill)
Is There a Best Time to Visit the Big Island of Hawaii? Yes…and here’s when
9 Best Big Island Resorts for Families (your kids will love these hotels!)
5. Enjoy a Snorkeling Tour
The Big Island is one of the best places in Hawaii for snorkeling. Hopping on a snorkeling tour means you’ll likely get to visit snorkel spots that you can’t reach by car or foot, plus they do the hard work of providing snorkeling gear and often drinks and snacks!
Hawaii Nautical offers a wonderful snorkeling tour that leaves right from Waikoloa every day at 9:00 am. You’ll sail aboard their comfortable 54’ catamaran, the Spirit of Aloha, on a 3-hour excursion. Enjoy the ride to your snorkeling destination with the chance to see spinner dolphins and even whales in winter.
A deli-style lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, 2 drink tickets for the bar, and your snorkeling gear are all included. Restrooms, tons of shady areas, seating, and a freshwater shower make this tour extra enjoyable.
6. Take in the Sunset at Lava Lava Beach Club
One of the best sunset spots in Waikoloa just happens to be at one of our favorite restaurants in the area. The Lava Lava Beach Club provides a stunning, beachfront backdrop to enjoy dinner and a few co*cktails, like a Bamboocha Mai Tai, while nightly live music further compliments the atmosphere.We spent a long evening here enjoying the food and walking with our kids in the tide pools at sunset.
The menu focuses on fresh seafood and local, Hawaiian ingredients like coconut and ahi tuna. Their extensive, and themed, co*cktail menu also includes a coconut or bamboo souvenir cup. Lava Lava is open all day and serves breakfast and lunch as well. Keep in mind that they don’t have a reservation system and seating is first come, first served. There’s often a wait in the high season.
Other great dining options in Waikoloa include Napua Restaurant at Mauna Lani Beach Club, Roy’s, Foster’s Kitchen, A-Bay’s Island Grills, and the Tropics Ale House.
7. Spend the Day on A Bay
Formally known as Anaeho’omalu Beach, A Bay is a calm place to swim and is an especially great beach to head to when the waves on the Kohala coast are more intense. Towering palm trees provide plenty of shade while the expansive, crescent-shaped beach is a wonderful spot to bring the kids to swim in the shallows. Its large size also means that it rarely feels overcrowded.
Because the water at A Bay is typically calm, it’s a great spot for ocean sports. You can rent snorkeling gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), hydrobikes, and beach chairs from the stand on the beach. Even more fun, you can also sign up to take part in paddling an outrigger canoe with the Waikoloa Canoe Club. If you’re up for a walk, the nearby fish ponds are a beautiful spot to watch the sunset or simply check out the unique scenery.
A free parking lot is located close to the beach with plenty of space and there are both restrooms and showers. Note that there are no lifeguards on duty.
8. Get a Pool Pass to the Hilton Waikoloa Village
Relax in the lap of luxury – without the hefty price tag of an extended stay. Visitors can purchase a pool pass from the Hilton Waikoloa Village and experience the largest pool on the Big Island, a hot tub, waterslides, rope bridges to help navigate these behemoth pools, and a children’s beach – all with oceanfront views.
A manmade saltwater lagoon allows visitors to practice stand-up paddle boarding without the difficulty of navigating ocean waves. But the lagoon isn’t just a staging ground for water sports, guests can also swim with dolphins! The Hilton Waikoloa Village is the original location for the acclaimed Dolphin Quest experience. Swim with dolphins in the resort’s saltwater lagoon, renowned for its unique ability to incorporate natural seawater via a tidal well.
You can also rent spacious cabanas and order drinks and snacks straight to your lounge chair. Keep in mind that it’s a $50 minimum for food and drink.
9. Enjoy a Luau
A luau is a cultural experience that you can’t miss on a visit to Hawaii. There’s no shortage of luau’s to enjoy on Hawaii’s Big Island and Waikoloa is no exception.
The Legends of Hawaii Luau is one of our favorites in Waikoloa because of its convenient location at the Hilton Waikoloa, daily schedule, and highly-rated food. Some of the highlights are the traditional fire knife dancing and hula, a coconut husking lesson, and the all-you-can-eat buffet of local Hawaiian specialties. Because this is such a large luau you may want to opt for booking the Ali’i option with seats that are closer to the front.
If you’re not into the idea of large crowds, there are two nearby alternatives to consider that are smaller options. Both the Mauna Kea Luau and the Hawai’iloa Lū‘au at Fairmont Orchid have small crowds yet don’t skimp on the delicious food or exciting entertainment. In fact, the Mauna Kea Luau was voted the best luau on Hawaii’s Big Island but wasn’t our favorite because of the high price tag and lack of an open bar.
10. Do Some Shopping
Waikoloa’s status as a resort town with all the amenities makes for excellent shopping in town. Two of the best areas are the Queen’s Marketplace and Kings’ Market Shopping.
The Queen’s Marketplace has a mixture of shops that are common throughout the U.S. as well as plenty that are totally unique to Hawaii, like Maui Divers Jewelry and Lava Light Galleries. There are also over a dozen restaurants including Waikoloa Shrimp Co. and L&L Hawaii which dishes up traditional Hawaiian BBQ.
The Kings’ shops are a bit more of an upscale scene with stores like Michael Kors and Tiffany, alongside other less pricey options such as Macy’s. Like the Queen’s Marketplace, there are also Hawaii-specific clothing and souvenir shops like Noa Noa and CocoNene. There are a number of different restaurants including Obisic Shave Ice Co. and Island Fish and Chips. Several rental shops for bicycles, motorcycles, and even surf lessons are also located here.
11. Head out Whale Watching
Whale Watching is one of our absolute favorite activities in Hawaii! How many places in the world can you come face to face with humpback whales?
Whale Watching on Hawaii’s Big Island typically starts in December and goes through March as thousands of whales arrive in Hawaii to breed, give birth, and raise their young. Hawaii Nautical offers a guaranteed whale watching tour that takes off straight from Anaeho’omalu Bay in Waikoloa twice daily.
You’ll board the 40’ powerboat, Holona, which features restrooms, shade, and plenty of bench seating for a comfortable ride. Non-alcoholic beverages are included in the 1.5-hour trip. The vessel is fast and agile, perfect for searching the sea for whales.
If for some reason the whales don’t make an appearance on your tour, you’ll have the chance to be rebooked for free on an alternative tour. This is the reason we recommend booking your whale watching trip early in your vacation – just in case!
12. Hop on a Glass Bottom Boat Cruise
Want a glimpse beneath the waves without the hard work of snorkeling? A glass bottom boat tour is perfect for you!
You’ll sail out into Anaeho’omalu Bay on this glass-bottom boat with clear views of sea turtles, tropical fish, and plenty of vibrant coral. Onboard experts will help you spot different sea creatures, including Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua’a. Guests are completely covered in shade throughout the trip.
This tour leaves from the heart of Waikoloa and is 30 minutes long. Guests will need to be able to wade through the water to reach the boat.
13. Spend the Day at Hapuna Beach State Park
Hapuna Beach is one of the best Big Island beaches in our opinion and just a short drive from Waikoloa. When we say that this stretch of coast is stunning, we’re not kidding! Picture powdered sugar sand and crystal clear water that stretches over a half-mile long.
Get there as early as you can because while there’s tons of parking, there are also tons of other visitors by midday. Another reason we love this beach is for its amenities. You’ll have access to restrooms and a picnic area while also being close to restaurants at the nearby Westin resort.
Parking is $5 a day for non-residents. Be aware of changing ocean conditions as currents can pick up at Hapuna Beach. Lifeguard presence does give a bit of added peace of mind.
14. Snorkel at Waialea Beach
Another short drive from Waikoloa reveals a great Big Island snorkel spot, Waialea Beach.
Also known as Beach 69, Waialea Beach makes for a beautiful alternative to the crowds that often plague the pretty Hapuna Beach. Just a 20-minute drive from Waikoloa, you’ll feel like you’re well off the beaten path as Waialea has avoided being surrounded by resorts and hotels and maintains a pristine environment.
While this isn’t the best snorkeling spot on the island (that’s Kealakekua Bay down in Captain Cook), it’s still a great place to spot marine life. The water is fairly shallow at just 15’ which provides good conditions to snorkel in and you’re likely to see colorful fish and sea turtles.
Keep in mind that what makes Waialea Beach so striking can also be a pain point for other beachgoers. Its remote location means that there aren’t many services, including lifeguards or nearby restaurants, although there are both showers and restrooms. Make sure to wear shoes from the parking lot to the beach as thorns from the kiawe trees aren’t a fun way to start your beach day.
15. Stay out for Stargazing
You don’t have to make the trek up to Mauna Kea’s 14,000’ summit to see the stars in Hawaii! Instead, join a tour to get the best views of the heavens. Star Gaze Hawaii has been taking astrology lovers to some of the Big Island’s secret stargazing spots since the 60s.
It can be better to view the stars from sea level on the Kohala Coast due to its unique topology which creates excellent sub-arc-second-viewing. In layman’s terms, that means great views of the planets and stars twinkling above you.
While you might be scratching your head as to why stargazing isn’t at its best the higher up you go, the lack of oxygen at high elevations can make it more difficult to see the stars. Plus you won’t end up with a headache or freezing fingers and toes at sea level!
Join your expert astronomer for an hour of incredible stargazing, seeing celestial objects and galaxies through their powerful telescope. The experience is even more magical as your guide details star lore and points out space objects you won’t see on a typical tour. This stargazing excursion takes place at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. Children under 5 are free.
Find even more wonderful things to do on the Big Island:
21 Incredible Things to Do on the Big Island
The 10 Best Big Island Farm Tours You Won’t Want to Miss
The 10 Best Big Island Waterfalls (+ ones you can swim in!)
Waikoloa FAQs
Where is Waikoloa?
The village of Waikoloa is located on the leeward side of Hawaii’s Big Island, tucked along the northwestern coast. Kona Airport is just 30 minutes away by car.
What’s the Best Place to Stay in Waikoloa?
With so many hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to stay in Waikoloa.
Although the Hilton is the most popular accommodation, it’s not our favorite. Instead, we would rather opt for vacation rentals like the Waikoloa Beach Villas. At just a 15-minute walk to the beach, 5 minutes to restaurants, and around 30 minutes from the Big Island’s major airport, these villas are perfectly located.
If you’re more interested in a resort stay, we recommend the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, although our absolute favorite accommodation on the island is the Auberge Mauna Lani. Located a few minutes outside the heart of Waikoloa, this 5-star resort is a true slice of paradise, tucked away from the hustle and bustle. While it’s certainly a bit of a splurge, you can’t beat their excellent service, huge pool area, family-friendly vibes, and private feeling beach.
If you’re just visiting Waikoloa for the day, find a great place to stay on the Big Island:
Kona Reef Resort: walkable in Kailua-Kona
Marriott Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: wait until you see the lagoon!
Holualoa Inn: Tranquility in Coffee Country
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We make planning a trip to the Big Island simplewith our itinerary. This itinerary includes excursion days designed to take you on a planned out route around the island to explore the best things to see and the best places to eat.
We are going to Oahu, Maui, and Big Island over the course of 21 days, so I have loved your itineraries–seriously they are a must-have lifeline for planning a trip to Hawaii!
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