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Waikoloa Village

Attractions and Places To See around Waikoloa Village - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Waikoloa Village include a blend of natural beauty, cultural history, and diverse landscapes on the Big Island of Hawaii. The area features significant petroglyph fields, ancient Hawaiian temple sites, and a coastline with various beaches. Visitors can explore unique brackish water ecosystems and enjoy views of the Mauna Kea and Kohala Mountains. This region offers a range of outdoor and historical experiences.

Best attractions and places to see around Waikoloa Village

  • The most popular attractions is Hāpuna Beach, a beach recognized for its white sand and clear waters, suitable for swimming and snorkeling. It is one of Hawaii's largest beaches.
  • Another must-see spot is Anaehoomalu Beach, a beach with public access and facilities, featuring nearby ancient fishponds. It is known for its sunsets and opportunities for ocean activities.
  • Visitors also love Puakō Petroglyph Field, a historical site containing over 1,200 rock carvings. This site offers insight into Hawaii's rich history and culture.
  • Waikoloa Village is known for its beaches, historical sites, and natural features. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient petroglyphs to coastal landscapes.
  • The attractions around Waikoloa Village are appreciated by the komoot community, with 7 upvotes and 7 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: July 6, 2026

Hāpuna Beach

Highlight • Beach

This picturesque beach is not only the biggest one in Hawaiʻi but also one of the most beautiful ones. Actually, it was even voted one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world multiple times. Enjoy your beach day while snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing.

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Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

Highlight • Historical Site

Puʻukohola Heiau National Historic Site is open all year round. Puʻukohola Heiau translates to the name "Temple on the Hill of the Whale". These ruins are what remains of the last major ancient Hawaiʻian temple, built by thousands of workers built in 1791. Visitors can enter the visitor center run by the National Park Service near the site. At the visitors center, there is an interpretive trail that goes to Puʻukoholā, but entry into the runis is not allowed to the public because there are believed to still be bones buried in the site.

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Anaehoomalu Beach

Highlight • Beach

Nice public access beach with bathroom facilities. Paths from here lead around the fish ponds and back into the resort area.

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Puakō Petroglyph Field

Highlight • Historical Site

At the end of Malama Trail, you will reach the Puakō Petroglyph Field. This is the main area of Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological District and most of the 1,200 rock carving on display, can be found here. In total, the park contains 3,000 petroglyphs what makes it the biggest petroglyph area in Hawaiʻi and probably the biggest in the pacific as well.

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Fisherman Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Beach

While hiking along Fisherman Trail, you will find many beach bars and cafés at the waterfront where you can take a rest, enjoy a drink while watching the beautiful ocean. And always remember to keep your eyes open for the sea turtles.

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Tips from the Community

Alex
October 18, 2023, Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

Puʻukohola Heiau National Historic Site is open all year round. Puʻukohola Heiau translates to the name "Temple on the Hill of the Whale". These ruins are what remains of the last major ancient Hawaiʻian temple, built by thousands of workers built in 1791. Visitors can enter the visitor center run by the National Park Service near the site. At the visitors center, there is an interpretive trail that goes to Puʻukoholā, but entry into the runis is not allowed to the public because there are believed to still be bones buried in the site.

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While hiking along Fisherman Trail, you will find many beach bars and cafés at the waterfront where you can take a rest, enjoy a drink while watching the beautiful ocean. And always remember to keep your eyes open for the sea turtles.

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Daniel Krueger
October 10, 2023, Hāpuna Beach

This picturesque beach is not only the biggest one in Hawaiʻi but also one of the most beautiful ones. Actually, it was even voted one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world multiple times. Enjoy your beach day while snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing.

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At the end of Malama Trail, you will reach the Puakō Petroglyph Field. This is the main area of Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological District and most of the 1,200 rock carving on display, can be found here. In total, the park contains 3,000 petroglyphs what makes it the biggest petroglyph area in Hawaiʻi and probably the biggest in the pacific as well.

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The intricate petroglyphs etched into stone at this section of Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological District showcase captivating designs depicting humans, canoes, turtles and more. These ancient carvings offer remarkable insight into Hawaiʻi's rich history and culture, making this an especially intriguing spot to explore within the district.

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Micha
September 16, 2023, ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach

With a bit of luck you can see green sea turtles resting on the beach. Please keep enough distance and do not disturb them.

Translated by Google

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Always keep your eyes open, there are lots of turtles to discover here. But don't get too close when you're resting on the beach ☝🏻

Translated by Google

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Large field of ancient Hawaiian Petroglyphs

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features can I explore around Waikoloa Village?

Waikoloa Village offers a variety of natural features. You can visit stunning beaches like Hāpuna Beach, known for its white sand, or Anaehoomalu Beach, popular for sunsets and ocean activities. The unique 49 Black Sand Beach provides a striking contrast with its fine lava grains. For a different natural experience, explore the Waikoloa Anchialine Pond Preservation Area, home to unique brackish water ecosystems and endemic shrimp species.

Are there historical or cultural sites to visit in the area?

Yes, Waikoloa Village is rich in history and culture. The Puakō Petroglyph Field features over 1,200 ancient rock carvings, offering insight into Hawaiian history. Another significant site is the Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, the last major ancient Hawaiian temple. You can also explore the Kalahuipua'a Historic Park with its ancient fishponds and petroglyphs, or walk portions of the historic Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail.

What are some family-friendly activities available in Waikoloa Village?

Many attractions around Waikoloa Village are family-friendly. Beaches like Hāpuna Beach and Spencer Beach Park are excellent for swimming and relaxing. Children might enjoy the unique FishPipe Waikoloa, a rotating barrel ride, or interactive experiences at Dolphin Quest Hawaii. Exploring the petroglyph fields, such as the Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve, also offers an engaging historical adventure for all ages.

Where can I go snorkeling or enjoy other water activities?

For snorkeling, Hāpuna Beach is highly recommended for its clear waters. Anaehoomalu Beach is another popular spot for snorkeling, windsurfing, and glass-bottom boat tours. Many resorts also offer various water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and pedal boats, and you can find snorkel and sunset cruises departing from the area.

Are there hiking trails near Waikoloa Village attractions?

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. You can explore the Petroglyph Trail near King's Shops or walk along sections of the ancient Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. For more options, check out the Hiking around Waikoloa Village guide, which includes routes like the Kiholo-Puako Trail and the Mauna Kea Beach – Spencer Beach Park loop.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Waikoloa Village?

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, especially the pristine white sands and clear waters of beaches like Hāpuna Beach. The historical significance of sites like the Puakō Petroglyph Field and the opportunity to see green sea turtles resting on beaches like Anaehoomalu Beach are also highly appreciated.

What are some less crowded beaches in the Waikoloa area?

While Hāpuna Beach and Anaehoomalu Beach are popular, you might find Waialea Beach (Beach 69) to be a beautiful, slightly less crowded option. Spencer Beach Park also offers soft sands and calm waters, often providing a more relaxed atmosphere with good facilities.

Are there any unique viewpoints or scenic spots?

Yes, Waikoloa Village offers several scenic spots. The Waikoloa Village's "Scenic Point," shaped like an old-fashioned canoe sail, provides spectacular views of the ocean and sky from Kona to Kohala. Many of the coastal trails, including portions of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, also offer picturesque ocean vistas and opportunities to view the majestic Mauna Kea and Kohala Mountains.

What kind of cycling routes are available near Waikoloa Village?

The area around Waikoloa Village offers various cycling routes. You can find easy rides like the Waiakumalae Point loop or the Waikōloa Beach Drive loop. For more detailed information and route options, refer to the Cycling around Waikoloa Village guide, which includes routes of varying difficulty.

Can I see ancient Hawaiian fishponds?

Absolutely. The area is home to several historic fishponds. You can find ancient ocean-fed fishponds at Kalahuipua'a Historic Park within the Mauna Lani resort. Additionally, ancient fishponds like Ku'uali'i and Kahapapa are located behind Anaehoomalu Beach, showcasing early Hawaiian aquaculture practices.

Are there any art collections or museums to visit?

While not a traditional museum, the Hilton Waikoloa Village houses an extensive 1,800-piece art collection. This collection includes paintings, carvings, and sculptures displayed along museum walkways within the main lobby and towers, featuring notable pieces like a large Buddha sculpture and a chariot.

What is the best time of year to visit Waikoloa Village for attractions?

Waikoloa Village enjoys pleasant weather year-round, making it suitable for visiting attractions at any time. The higher elevation of the village provides a slightly cooler climate and refreshing trade winds. Generally, the dry season from April to October offers consistently sunny days, ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration, while the wetter season from November to March can bring occasional showers but still plenty of sunshine.

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