Day Trips from Holualoa

Holualoa's excellent central location provides the perfect home base for day-trip getaways on the Big Island. From the rolling ranchlands of Waimea to lava-laden landscapes of the Kohala Coast, visitors who book a stay in Holualoa will find excellent access to the best of the island's offerings.

Kealakekua Bay

South of Holualoa about a 30-minute drive, the marine sanctuary of Kealakekua Bay attracts pods of spinner dolphins, whose aerobatic displays in and out of the water thrill spectators. Rent a kayak at any number of roadside venues and head down Napo‘opo‘o Road to the wharf, where attendants help visitors lower their kayaks into the bay for an excursion to the snorkeling destination of Captain Cook Monument. After a morning of water adventures, visitors can make the four-mile drive south to Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, an ancient place of refuge that includes a sacred heiau, royal canoe landing, the 1871 hiking trail and picnic grounds.

Anna Ranch Heritage Center

For a change of pace, the ranch town of Waimea showcases the Big Island's paniolo (cowboy) heritage. Step back to a bygone era at Anna Ranch Heritage Center, where visitors can tour the historic home of Waimea's "First Lady of Ranching," Anna Lindsey Perry-Fiske, a colorful character who was both a high-society philanthropist and a rough-and-ready cow gal. Horseback-riding tours are offered at Parker Ranch, featuring trail rides across verdant vistas and wide-open pastureland. On your way back to Holualoa, stop at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel for a Pacific Rim meal at the Manta Pavilion and Wine Bar, or enjoy old-style Hawaiian fare at Buzz's Sand Trap near Waikoloa Beach Resort.

Kaunaoa Beach, Mauna Kea

If you're looking for a remote beach, Makalawena (just north of the Kona Keahole Airport) reveals a lagoon, queen's bath and bird sanctuary, while Honomolino Beach features a black-sand beach that's just a short hike from the South Kona fishing Village of Miloli‘i.

The staff at the Holualoa Inn can give you insider tips and recommendations to help make your Hawaiian vacation an unforgettable stay in paradise. This romantic bed-and-breakfast also has complimentary snorkel and beach gear for guests to use.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn