Kohala Coast Attractions

Learn a New Skill: Meet for an hour or two any day at the central Coronation Pavilion in the Queens' MarketPlace on Waikoloa Beach Drive for an opportunity to learn traditional Hawaiian skills and crafts such as ukulele and hula lessons, feather crafting and frond weaving. All ages are welcome.  No reservations are needed but there may be a fee for some activities.  Classes usually start at 11:30 but schedules may change.  Call (808) 886-8822 for information. Check WaikoloaBeachResort.com for weekly events

Visit Parker Ranch: Your trip to the Big Island would be incomplete without a stop in Parker Ranch country, one of the largest and oldest privately owned ranches in the United States.  See cattle grazing on miles of wide green hills as you roll into the busy little farm town of Waimea.  Parker Ranch features many activities and events in which to explore the history of the Parker family dynasty and the legendary paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy).  It begins in 1809 when the young sailor John Parker first became a friend and influential cattle hand to King Kamehameha.  You can take a wonderful tour of the historic Parker home and the Richard Smart estate any day except Sunday. Other activities include horseback riding, ATV riding, hunting excursions, ranchland tours, and periodic rodeos.  You´ll find information and access to these activities as well as some fun stores at the Parker Ranch Center.  Take Highway 19 to Waikoloa Road and drive up to the top.  Make a left on Highway 190 (Mamalahoa Highway).  Drive for approximately 20 minutes until you reach the first stoplight and Parker Ranch Center is on your right.  Call (808)885-7655 or 1-877-885-7999.

See an Ancient Heiau: Pu´ukohola Heiau (temple of worship) was constructed as a place for war ceremonies by order of King Kamehameha I in 1790-1791.  The preserved ruins of Pu´ukohola sit on a hill overlooking the northwestern shoreline of South Kohala, one mile south of Kawaihae near the intersection of routes 270 and 19.  It is an area of dry open fields with broad ocean and mountain views.  A paved walkway and instructional signs lead you on a tour of the national historic site.  A recently opened visitor center has information, photographs and displays.  Continuing northward beyond the heiau are more cultural attractions and, in winter and spring, some whale watching spots.  This is a very warm region and the walk can be exhausting, so bring some water and good walking shoes.  The Pu´ukohola Heiau Visitor Center is conveniently located near the Spencer Beach parking lot.  It is open year-round.

Explore a Botanical Garden: Take a drive north through the Kohala Coast to find an impressive park called Pua Mau Place Arboretum and Botanical Garden, just outside the harbor town of Kawaihae.  You´ll find an enchanting 15 acres of blooming plants, flowers and trees.  Among the attractions are large sculptures of animals and insects, an extensive hibiscus display, and an aviary where you can visit with peacocks and other exotic birds.  Guests are given a book with references to the botanical displays.  There is a visitor center and a gift shop along with an art gallery that sells small snacks and beverages.  The ocean and mountain views are terrific.  Pua Mau Place is located at the 6 mile marker on Highway 270 on Ala Kahua Drive.  An entrance fee may be required.  For information please call (808) 882-0888.  It´s open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tour a Seahorse Farm: Hold, feed and learn about these mysterious little creatures that now face serious habitat destruction in the wild.  The three-acre Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm carefully breeds and protects over 15 different species of seahorses in their Kona aquafarm.  A guided educational tour teaches you about seahorses and other marine life, good aquarium practices and the importance of ocean conservation.  Ocean Rider also offers a selection of their colorful farm-raised seahorses as pets along with supplies and extensive instructions.  Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm is located in the Natural Energy Lab just a little over a mile south of the Kona Airport (3.3 miles north of Honokohau Marina).  The Magical Seahorse Tour is usually accessible Monday through Friday from 12:00 to 2:00; reservations are preferred. The indoor-outdoor facility includes some uneven terrain and takes approximately one hour.  Have good walking shoes and sunscreen. Please call (808) 329-6840 for tickets and rates or go to www.seahorse.com.