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Hawaiʻi County

Holualoa

Attractions and Places To See around Holualoa - Top 14

Best attractions and places to see around Holualoa, Hawaii, provide a variety of experiences on the Big Island. This region is known for its coffee farms, historical sites, and coastal landscapes. Visitors can explore cultural landmarks, vibrant towns, and natural trails. The area offers a blend of historical significance and outdoor activities.

Best attractions and places to see around Holualoa

  • The most popular attraction is Kailua-Kona, a settlement known for its beaches and coffee. This holiday stronghold offers numerous accommodations, restaurants, and bars, and hosts a world-famous sporting event.
  • Another must-see spot is Makāula ʻOʻoma Trail, an intermediate forest trail. This trail system spans almost 4 miles within the Honuaʻula Forest Reserve, offering a cooler, wetter environment at higher elevations.
  • Visitors also love Huliheʻe Palace, a historical site. This beautiful museum was once the summer residence of the royal family, showcasing historical items and Victorian furniture.
  • Holualoa is known for historical sites, settlements, and trails. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, including marketplaces and religious buildings.
  • The attractions around Holualoa are appreciated by the komoot community, with 16 upvotes and 15 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: September 1, 2026

Huliheʻe Palace

Highlight • Historical Site

A beautiful museum in the former summer residence of the royal family.

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Kailua-Kona

Highlight • Settlement

The city in the west of Big Island is not only known for its delicious coffee, but also has a world-famous sporting event with the Hawaii Triathlon.

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Makāula ʻOʻoma Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Makāula ʻOʻoma Trail is a trail system of almost 4 miles in the Honuaʻula Forest Reserve. The loop can be shortened if you don't want to go for the whole distance. Thanks to the higher elevation, it gets much colder and wetter inside the tree fern forest compared to other parts of the island.

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Kailua Bay

Highlight • Beach

This beautiful spot is perhaps best known as the starting point for the grueling swimming portion of the annual IRONMAN World Championship triathlon. When not hosting this iconic sporting event, Kailua Bay dazzles with its postcard-worthy scenery. Whether you're a triathlete or a leisurely runner, you'll enjoy running along this charming bay nestled on the sunny shores of paradise.

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Aliʻi Gardens Marketplace

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opens from Tuesday to Sunday (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

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Tips from the Community

Puffin
April 8, 2025, Huliheʻe Palace

small museum in the former summer residence of the royal family

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some great fruit and veggies and clothes

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Micky Wartena
March 25, 2025, Kailua Bay

a must see

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Christopher
October 27, 2023, Kailua-Kona

Come see the beaches of Kona and enjoy the renowned coffee, ride the same course as professional triathletes, and kick back at one of the many restaurants available within pedaling distance!

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Christopher
October 27, 2023, Huliheʻe Palace

In 1924 this historic building was in ruins and dilapidated. Like much of the low income housing in the midwest, this property could not even be seen from the road. The property was owned by the Daughters of the Territorial Legislature and even after pressure to sell the valuable land the building was on, they held strong and eventually the building was restored many years later. Inside, there are old artifacts and furniture to show Hawai‘i's royal past.

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Ali‘i Garden Marketplace is a great stop on a ride to grab a bite from one of the 20+ vendors available in this open-air market. In addition to food, there is plenty of shopping and free wifi!

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oliviakellis
October 24, 2023, Kailua Bay

This beautiful spot is perhaps best known as the starting point for the grueling swimming portion of the annual IRONMAN World Championship triathlon. When not hosting this iconic sporting event, Kailua Bay dazzles with its postcard-worthy scenery. Whether you're a triathlete or a leisurely runner, you'll enjoy running along this charming bay nestled on the sunny shores of paradise.

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Aliʻi Gardens Marketplace has healthy treats like ripe fruits, sweet treats like kettle corn and ice cream, local arts and crafts, and 25+ vendors. Aliʻi Gardens is open between Tuesday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For questions call this hotline; (808) 937-8844.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical and cultural sites can I visit around Holualoa?

You can explore Huliheʻe Palace, a beautiful museum that was once the summer residence of the Hawaiian royal family, showcasing historical items and Victorian furniture. Another notable site is St. Peter's Catholic Church on Aliʻi Drive, known for its picturesque setting by the ocean.

Are there family-friendly attractions in the Holualoa area?

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Kailua-Kona offers beaches and a lively atmosphere with restaurants. The Aliʻi Gardens Marketplace is a great spot for families to find local arts, crafts, fresh fruits, and sweet treats. Both Huliheʻe Palace and St. Peter's Catholic Church are also considered family-friendly.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Holualoa?

The region offers various outdoor activities, especially cycling and hiking. You can find numerous routes for touring bicycles and road cycling, including easy loops around Kailua-Kona or more challenging rides like the Kahalu‘u to Captain Cook loop. For hiking, consider the Makāula ʻOʻoma Trail, an intermediate forest trail. You can find detailed routes and guides for these activities on komoot, such as Cycling around Holualoa, Road Cycling Routes around Holualoa, and Easy hikes around Holualoa.

Are there any easy hiking trails around Holualoa?

Yes, for an easy hike, you can explore sections of the Makāula ʻOʻoma Trail, which offers a loop option. Other easy hiking routes include loops around Kailua-Kona, such as those leading to Mokuaikaua Church. More details can be found in the Easy hikes around Holualoa guide.

What is the best time of year to visit Holualoa for outdoor activities?

Holualoa generally enjoys pleasant weather year-round. However, for outdoor activities like hiking on the Makāula ʻOʻoma Trail, be aware that higher elevations can be cooler and wetter, especially in the tree fern forest. The dry season (April to October) typically offers more consistent sunny weather, while the wet season (November to March) can bring more rain, particularly to higher elevations.

Are there any wheelchair accessible attractions near Holualoa?

Yes, the Aliʻi Gardens Marketplace is noted as being wheelchair accessible, offering a convenient spot to shop for local goods and enjoy treats.

Where can I find local markets or shops around Holualoa?

The Aliʻi Gardens Marketplace is a vibrant spot to visit. It's open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and features over 25 vendors selling fresh fruits, sweet treats, and local arts and crafts.

What are some unique natural spots or viewpoints in the area?

While the region is known for its coffee farms and coastal landscapes, a unique natural experience is the Makāula ʻOʻoma Trail in the Honuaʻula Forest Reserve, offering a cooler, wetter environment within a tree fern forest. For coastal views and snorkeling, the area around St. Peter's Catholic Church on Aliʻi Drive is highly recommended.

What should I wear for hiking around Holualoa?

For trails like the Makāula ʻOʻoma Trail, which can be cooler and wetter at higher elevations, it's advisable to wear layers and bring a light rain jacket. Comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes are also recommended for varied terrain. For coastal walks, lighter clothing and sun protection are essential.

Are there places to eat or grab coffee near the attractions?

Yes, Kailua-Kona is a hub for dining, offering numerous restaurants and cafes. The Aliʻi Gardens Marketplace also has vendors selling food and treats, including fresh fruits and coffee.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Holualoa?

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The historical insights at Huliheʻe Palace, the vibrant atmosphere and beaches of Kailua-Kona, and the unique forest environment of the Makāula ʻOʻoma Trail are frequently highlighted. The local arts and fresh produce at Aliʻi Gardens Marketplace also receive positive feedback.

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