Waikoloa Village

The Basics

For swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, or watching the sunset over the ocean, head to nearbyAnaehoʻomalu Bay (A-Bay). To get a deeper look at the underwater world of A-Bay and learn about the marine life there, take a guided glass-bottom boat cruise departing from Waikoloa. Back on shore, you can take a tour of a protected dryland forest or hike the historic Ala Kahakai Trail and view petroglyphs along the way.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Waikoloa Village is a great vacation spot for watersport lovers, golfers, and history buffs.
• Visitors to Waikoloa avoid the prevalent rain on the east side of the Big Island.
• Waikoloa is largely residential, whereas the nearby town of Puako is more touristy.
• Waikoloa’s proximity to the airport makes it a convenient base for exploring the rest of the Big Island.

How to Get There

Kona International Airport is just a 25 mile (40 kilometers) drive from Waikoloa. The statewide shuttle service, SpeediShuttle, can take you from the airport to the village. If you want to be able to explore the area surrounding Waikoloa, rent a car at the airport and make the drive yourself.

When to Get There

Waikoloa has temperate weather year round, ranging from around 75 to 85°F (23 to 29°C) throughout the year. The most popular time to visit is during the winter months, especially on winter holidays. Families also frequent the village during summer break. If you would like to avoid the crowds, head to the village in spring or fall. Visit between November and May for the chance to see humpback whales.

Historic Sites near Waikoloa Village

Hawaii’s rich history is alive in the region surrounding Waikoloa Village. Whether you are an archaeology buff or just curious, you can find a plethora of preserved artifacts that offer a glimpse into the old way of life on the island. Take a walk along the trails at the Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve to see ancient petroglyphs and stone etchings. Visit the historic fishponds of Ku‘uali‘i and Kahapapa to see where early Hawaiians practiced aquafarming.

Ways to explore

No matter how you prefer to explore the ocean, you’ll likely find a tour to fit at Waikoloa Village’s Anaehoʻomalu Bay (A-Bay). It’s the launching point for some of the Kona side’s most popular experiences, from snorkeling and scuba diving to sunset catamaran tours and glass-bottom boat cruises. Back on shore, see thousands of petroglyphs at Puako Petroglyph Park, where you can hop on a portion of the 175-mile (281-kilometer) Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. Waikoloa Village’s location on the sunny west coast of the Big Island means minimal rainfall, making it an ideal jumping-off point for any adventure.

Accessibility

Many of the boat tours departing from Waikoloa Village are not wheelchair accessible, but you'll find plenty of accessible hotels, restaurants, and activities in the area.

Age limits

Some tours may have age requirements, such as snorkeling tours or ones that include alcohol.

What to pack

Reef-safe sunscreen if you’re snorkeling, a light layer for cool sunset catamaran cruises, a reusable water bottle

What to wear

Be prepared for lots of sun exposure by wearing a hat and sunglasses. If you’ve booked a boat tour, non-slip shoes are a plus.

Not allowed

Chemical sunscreen is banned on the Big Island, so choose a mineral-based sunscreen instead.

Amenities

There are plenty of spots to find Wi-Fi, restrooms, and food in the area, especially along the developed beachfront.

Address 

Waikoloa is just 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Kona International Airport. It’s easy to access by car or public transportation.

Driving

A car gives you the most freedom to explore the Big Island. From Kona, drive north on Highway 19 for about 40 minutes. Waikoloa’s main attractions will be on your left, with plenty of places to park.

Public transportation

Public transportation isn’t the quickest way to get to Waikoloa Village, but it is possible on the 90 or 75 bus line. If you’re staying in Waikoloa Village, check whether your hotel offers an airport shuttle.

Best times to visit

Nothing beats a sunset catamaran tour, where you can catch gorgeous views and have a high chance of spotting dolphins.

Best days to visit

Tours run most days of the week, though weekend availability may fill up faster than weekdays.

Best months to visit

To avoid the crowds, head to the village in the spring or fall. Visit between November and April for the chance to see humpback whales.

Special events

The summer high season brings plenty to do with events such as the Waikoloa Lei Day Festival in May or the Waikoloa Cultural and Music Festival in June.