Attractions and Places To See around Kapaau - Top 6

The Kapaau area is rich in natural beauty. A must-see is the Pololū Valley Lookout, offering breathtaking views of the dramatic coastline, lush valleys, and a black sand beach. Other natural spots include Keokea Beach Park, known for its calm waters suitable for families, and Mahukona Beach Park, popular for snorkeling and fishing on calm days. Kapa'a Beach Park also offers a beautiful, quiet spot to observe whales and enjoy the shade of trees.

Yes, Kapaau is steeped in history and culture. You can visit the original bronze statue of King Kamehameha I, located in front of the old Kohala Courthouse. Explore Lapakahi State Historical Park, which features the partially restored ruins of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village. Another important site is the Kohala Historical Sites State Monument, home to the birthplace of King Kamehameha I and the sacred Mookini Heiau. The historic Kalahikiola Church, built in 1855, is also worth seeing.

The area around Kapaau offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, with popular routes like the trail leading down from Pololū Valley Lookout to the black sand beach, or the interpretive trail at Lapakahi State Historical Park. For more hiking options, check out the hiking guide for Kapaau. Cycling is also popular, with routes like the 'Hawi via Kapa‘au loop' and 'Moʻokini Heiau via Hawi loop'. Discover more cycling tours in the cycling guide for Kapaau.

Absolutely! Lapakahi State Historical Park offers a self-guided, 1-mile walking tour that can be educational for families, allowing them to learn about ancient Hawaiian life. Keokea Beach Park has a lava rock barrier creating a shallow, calm area, making it suitable for families with young children. Kamehameha Park also provides a playground and open green spaces for recreation.

Kapaau's quaint downtown features art galleries, such as the Kohala Artist Coop, showcasing local artists. The historic buildings, once part of a sugarcane plantation town, now house various shops and restaurants. Nearby Hawi also offers charming attractions like art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, along with a farmers market for local goods.

Kapaau, like much of Hawaii, enjoys a pleasant climate year-round. However, the best time to visit for outdoor activities and sightseeing is generally during the drier months, typically from April to October. This period offers more sunshine and less rain, making it ideal for exploring natural features and historical sites.

The Pololū Valley Lookout is one of the most scenic spots on the Big Island, offering dramatic views of the coastline, lush valleys, and a black sand beach below. It's a popular spot for hiking, with a trail leading down to the black sand beach. Many visitors also enjoy watching the sunrise from this beautiful vantage point.

Yes, you can gain insight into ancient Hawaiian life at Lapakahi State Historical Park. This park preserves the partially restored ruins of Koaie, an ancient Hawaiian fishing village dating back to the 15th century. A self-guided, 1-mile walking tour allows visitors to learn about early Hawaiian fishing and farming techniques, salt gathering, and legends.

Kapaau is home to the original bronze statue of King Kamehameha I, who united the Hawaiian Islands. Cast in 1888, the statue has a unique history, having been lost at sea and later recovered. It stands in front of the old Kohala Courthouse. Every June 11th, the town celebrates King Kamehameha Day with a parade and a lei-draping ceremony for the statue, highlighting its cultural importance.

Keokea Beach Park features a lava rock barrier that creates a shallow, calm area, making it suitable for swimming, especially for families. Mahukona Beach Park is a popular spot with locals for snorkeling and fishing on calm days, though its rocky nature makes it less ideal for general swimming. The black sand beach at the bottom of Pololū Valley is also a beautiful spot to visit after a hike.

The Kauhola Point Lighthouse Site marks the location of a long-standing lighthouse built in 1933. Although the original lighthouse has been demolished, a metal marker now signifies its historical importance at this secluded cape.