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
The price is €230 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
€230
18 Aug - 19 Aug
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)
"Staff were friendly and helpful. Run down rooms, not properly maintained, though renovated a few years back. Given ground floor room, no privacy if drapes are open."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3.5 out of 5
71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI
The price is €228 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
€228
12 Aug - 13 Aug
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! (1,288 reviews)
"Good staff"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

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

Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel

2 out of 5
175 Banyan Drive, Hilo, HI
The price is €142 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
€142
12 Aug - 13 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! (1,006 reviews)
"Reeds was very clean with comfortable beds, although an older hotel. Nothing fancy. It could stand some undating but the room had everything you needed with a kitchenette. We had a bayview room which was nice to watch the sunrise and boats in Reeds Bay. No AC, but the fans kept it very comfortable. ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Hilo Reeds Bay 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.
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! (348 reviews)
"Check in and check out process couldnʻt be easier and her flexibility in (last minute) allowing us to stay an extra night was awesome! Thank you!"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Honolii Black Sand Beach Vacation Rental
"The land of Sunshine" - fantastic ocean views, peaceful, romantic getaway

"The land of Sunshine" - fantastic ocean views, peaceful, romantic getaway

Honokaa
Stay at this cottage in Honokaa. Enjoy a garden, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Kalōpā and Hamakua Country Club ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (193 reviews)
A wonderful stay on the north side!
"This rental was absolutely the perfect way to start out our Hawaii vacation. The gardens outside were absolutely beautiful and the view of the ocean couldn't be beat! We wish we had more time there to relax on top of all tourist stuff we did. The room was comfortable and matched the listing exactly.There ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

"The land of Sunshine" - fantastic ocean views, peaceful, romantic getaway
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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