Hamakua Coast

Travel 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 showing a city and signage

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €212 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
€212
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a golf course. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,219 reviews)
No regrets!!! Great place to stay in Hilo!
"Super friendly staff. Always willing to assist us in any way. From Carlos making our check-in smooth to the Bar staff notably Nicole and Jay. I don't have the support staffs names but they were on top of making sure our needs were met!!! Kudos to the Valet team as well. Worth every $ we tipped them. ..."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel

Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel

2 out of 5
175 Banyan Drive, Hilo, HI
The price is €142 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
€142
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Hilo. Enjoy daily housekeeping, laundry facilities, and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Great Experience at Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel!
"Good location close to airport, lovely view on the bay, clean room with great amenities, staff very helpful and accommodative."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3.5 out of 5
71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €212 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
€212
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,295 reviews)
"Enjoyed the ocean view property"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
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.
Plumeria Hilo Hotel

Plumeria Hilo Hotel

3 out of 5
1303 Kalanianaole St, Hilo, HI
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Keaukaha Beach Park and Onekahakaha Beach ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"The building looks old but the room itself is so nice and clean."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Plumeria Hilo Hotel
Honolii Black Sand Beach Vacation Rental

Honolii Black Sand Beach Vacation Rental

Hilo
Stay at this apartment in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (349 reviews)
"This was just the right size for the two of us. Marie and Greg were super friendly and kindly let us have access to all their amenities including the outlook (great for watching the sunrise) and the gate that gives you easy access to Honoli’i Beach. Every activity we did was about 15 minutes away, ..."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Honolii Black Sand Beach Vacation Rental
Royal Palm Cottage/5 mins from beach/Akaka Falls/Private Lanai

Royal Palm Cottage/5 mins from beach/Akaka Falls/Private Lanai

Hakalau
Stay at this cottage in Hakalau. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and private pools. Popular attractions Kolekole Beach Park and Hakalau Beach Park are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (96 reviews)
"Just as described. Thank you Laurel and Kelani again for sharing your space with us. About a 25 minute drive into Hilo."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Royal Palm Cottage/5 mins from beach/Akaka Falls/Private Lanai
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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