
Hāmākua Coast
Hāmākua Coast
Located just north of Hilo on the northeastern side of the island of Hawaiʻi, the Hāmākua Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of scenery on the island. With nearly 84 inches of rainfall a year, the region boasts lush tropical rainforests, stunning waterfalls and tranquil green valleys.
During most of the 19th and 20th centuries, the Hāmākua Coast was covered with sugar cane. Today, communities can still be found where small farmers grow kalo (taro), hearts of palm, vegetables and tropical fruit. Small towns like Historic Honokaʻa Town also feature specialty shops and boutiques with their own local flavor.
For a memorable drive, take the Hāmākua Heritage Corridor from Hilo to Waipiʻo Valley Lookout. As you drive along the scenic coast, you’ll see deep water-carved gulches, thick with tropical foliage. Stop and tour gardens full of exotic plants, including the Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Garden and World Botanical Gardens with its triple-tiered Umauma Falls. The heritage drive includes two of the island’s most famous waterfalls—the 442-foot-high ʻAkaka Falls and the 100-foot-tall Kahuna Falls. One look at their cascading beauty and you’ll understand why they’re called wailele (leaping waters). At the end of your journey, stop at the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout to savor a truly stunning panoramic view.
During most of the 19th and 20th centuries, the Hāmākua Coast was covered with sugar cane. Today, communities can still be found where small farmers grow kalo (taro), hearts of palm, vegetables and tropical fruit. Small towns like Historic Honokaʻa Town also feature specialty shops and boutiques with their own local flavor.
For a memorable drive, take the Hāmākua Heritage Corridor from Hilo to Waipiʻo Valley Lookout. As you drive along the scenic coast, you’ll see deep water-carved gulches, thick with tropical foliage. Stop and tour gardens full of exotic plants, including the Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Garden and World Botanical Gardens with its triple-tiered Umauma Falls. The heritage drive includes two of the island’s most famous waterfalls—the 442-foot-high ʻAkaka Falls and the 100-foot-tall Kahuna Falls. One look at their cascading beauty and you’ll understand why they’re called wailele (leaping waters). At the end of your journey, stop at the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout to savor a truly stunning panoramic view.

Hāmākua Coast Highlights

Hāmākua Heritage Corridor
Take a memorable drive from Hilo to the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout to see scenic overlooks, waterfalls, botanical gardens and small towns.
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Honokaʻa
This friendly, small town is the gateway to the Waipiʻo Valley, and home to cute local shops and restaurants.
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Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
Located on the northern Hāmākua Coast, the sacred Waipiʻo Valley was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I and an important center for political and religious life in Hawaiʻi.
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