Kapaau

Kapaau is a historic town located on the northern coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is known for its rich history, natural beauty, and cultural significance. Visitors can enjoy the stunning coastline, rolling hills, and lush landscapes of the Kohala Coast. The town is home to the King Kamehameha Statue, the Old Kohala Sugar Mill, the Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, and the Kohala Historical Society.

Visitors can also explore local shops, restaurants, and galleries in Kapaau. The town is known for its unique souvenirs, locally made crafts, and delicious Hawaiian cuisine. Kapaau is a great base for exploring the North Kohala district and the rest of the Big Island of Hawaii. Visitors can take day trips to nearby attractions, such as the Pololu Valley Lookout, the Waipio Valley, and the Hilo Farmers Market.Overall, Kapaau is a charming and historic town that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Flights To Kapaau

Tips For Booking Cheap Flights To Kapaau

  • Book in advance: Booking your flight several weeks or even months in advance can help you get the best deal.
  • Use flight comparison websites: Websites like SkyscannerKayakEarlytripsTicketsawayMycityflights and Google Flights can help you compare prices from different airlines and find the best deal.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates: If you have flexible travel dates, you may be able to find cheaper flights on off-peak days or during the shoulder season.
  • Consider alternative airports: The Kona International Airport (KOA) is the closest airport to Kapaau, but you may be able to find cheaper flights to other airports on the Big Island, such as the Hilo International Airport (ITO).
  • Look for flights with layovers: Flights with layovers can sometimes be cheaper than nonstop flights.
  • Sign up for airline newsletters: Many airlines offer special deals and discounts to their newsletter subscribers.
  • Consider flying during off-peak hours: Flights during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late at night, can be cheaper than flights during peak hours.
  • Book a package deal: Booking a package deal that includes flights, accommodations, and car rentals can sometimes be cheaper than booking everything separately.
  • Check for student or military discounts: If you are a student or a member of the military, you may be eligible for discounts on flights.

Places To Visit

Historical Sites
  1. King Kamehameha Statue: This iconic statue honors the Hawaiian king who united the islands and established the Kingdom of Hawaii. It’s located in front of the North Kohala Civic Center.
  2. Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site: This historic site is home to an ancient Hawaiian temple and offers stunning views of the coastline. It’s a great place to learn about Hawaiian history and culture.
  3. Old Kohala Sugar Mill: This historic sugar mill is a reminder of Kapaau’s plantation past. It’s now home to a museum and art gallery.
Natural Attractions
  1. Pololu Valley Lookout: This scenic lookout offers stunning views of the valley and the ocean. It’s a great place for hiking and picnicking.
  2. Hawi Town: Just a few miles north of Kapaau, Hawi Town is a charming town with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. It’s also the starting point for the scenic drive to Pololu Valley.
  3. Kohala Coast Beaches: Kapaau is located near some of the Big Island’s most beautiful beaches, including Hapuna Beach State Park and Spencer Beach Park.
  4. Pololu Valley Trail: This challenging hike takes you down to the floor of Pololu Valley, where you can explore lush vegetation, waterfalls, and a black sand beach.
  5. Kauhola Point: This scenic overlook offers stunning views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a great place for whale watching during the winter months.
  6. Kohala Mountain Road: This scenic drive takes you through the rolling hills and lush landscapes of the Kohala region. It’s a great way to see the natural beauty of the area.
  7. Kohala Sanctuary: This nature preserve is home to a variety of native Hawaiian plants and animals, including the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
  8. Kapaau Library: This public library offers a variety of resources, including books, movies, and internet access.
  9. Kohala Village Hub: This community center hosts events, workshops, and classes for locals and visitors alike.
  10. Kohala Waterfront: This waterfront area features a park, picnic tables, and a boat ramp. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the ocean views.
Outdoor Activities
  1. Pololu Valley Trail: This challenging hike takes you down to the floor of Pololu Valley, where you can explore lush vegetation, waterfalls, and a black sand beach.
  2. Kohala Ditch: This historic irrigation system was built in the early 1900s to bring water to the sugar plantations. Today, it’s a popular spot for kayaking and tubing.
  3. Kohala Sanctuary: This nature preserve is home to a variety of native Hawaiian plants and animals, including the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
  4. Kohala Mountain Road: This scenic drive takes you through the rolling hills and lush landscapes of the Kohala region. It’s a great way to see the natural beauty of the area.
  5. Kapaau Library: This public library offers a variety of resources, including books, movies, and internet access.
  6. Kohala Village Hub: This community center hosts events, workshops, and classes for locals and visitors alike.
  7. Kohala Waterfront: This waterfront area features a park, picnic tables, and a boat ramp. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the ocean views.
Museums and Galleries
  1. Kohala Historical Society: This museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the North Kohala region. It features exhibits on Hawaiian history, agriculture, and industry.
  2. North Kohala Farmers Market: This farmers market is held every Saturday and features local produce, crafts, and food vendors.
  3. Kapaau Art Gallery: This gallery features works by local artists, including paintings, sculptures, and jewelry.
Food and Drink
  1. Kohala Coffee Mill: This coffee shop and cafe serves locally roasted coffee and delicious breakfast and lunch options.
  2. Bamboo Restaurant: This restaurant serves Hawaiian-fusion cuisine, including poke bowls, sushi rolls, and seafood dishes.
  3. Kohala Burger and Taco: This casual eatery serves delicious burgers, tacos, and other American favorites.

Best Vacation Spots

  1. Pololu Valley: This scenic valley offers stunning views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a great place for hiking, picnicking, and exploring lush vegetation, waterfalls, and a black sand beach.
  2. Hawi Town: Just a few miles north of Kapaau, Hawi Town is a charming town with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. It’s also the starting point for the scenic drive to Pololu Valley.
  3. Kohala Coast Beaches: Kapaau is located near some of the Big Island’s most beautiful beaches, including Hapuna Beach State Park and Spencer Beach Park. These beaches offer crystal-clear waters, white sand, and a variety of water activities.
  4. Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site: This historic site is home to an ancient Hawaiian temple and offers stunning views of the coastline. It’s a great place to learn about Hawaiian history and culture.
  5. Kohala Sanctuary: This nature preserve is home to a variety of native Hawaiian plants and animals, including the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. It’s a great place for nature lovers and those interested in conservation efforts.
  6. Kohala Mountain Road: This scenic drive takes you through the rolling hills and lush landscapes of the Kohala region. It’s a great way to see the natural beauty of the area and explore local towns and villages.
  7. Kapaau Art Gallery: This gallery features works by local artists, including paintings, sculptures, and jewelry. It’s a great place for art lovers and those interested in supporting local artists.
  8. Kohala Historical Society: This museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the North Kohala region. It features exhibits on Hawaiian history, agriculture, and industry.
  9. Kohala Coffee Mill: This coffee shop and cafe serves locally roasted coffee and delicious breakfast and lunch options. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the scenic views.
  10. North Kohala Community Theatre: This community theater hosts plays, concerts, and other performances throughout the year. It’s a great place for entertainment and cultural experiences.

Hotels

Top Hotels

  • Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: This 5-star resort is a true Hawaiian paradise, located on the Kona-Kohala Coast. The resort features 243 luxurious guest rooms, suites, and villas, each with their own private lanai and stunning ocean views. Guests can enjoy several restaurants, including a beachfront grill and a sushi bar. The resort also features a spa, fitness center, tennis courts, and a variety of water activities, such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
  • Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: This 4-star hotel is a historic landmark on the Kohala Coast, known for its elegant architecture and stunning ocean views. The hotel features 252 spacious guest rooms and suites, each with their own private balcony. Guests can enjoy several restaurants, including a fine dining restaurant and a beach bar. The hotel also features a golf course, tennis courts, a spa, and a variety of water activities, such as surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
  • Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel: This 4-star hotel is located on the scenic Hapuna Beach, known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters. The hotel features 350 spacious guest rooms and suites, each with their own private balcony. Guests can enjoy several restaurants, including a seafood grill and a sushi bar. The hotel also features a spa, fitness center, tennis courts, and a variety of water activities, such as swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
  • The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort: This 4-star resort is located on the stunning Hapuna Beach, known for its pristine white sand and turquoise waters. The resort features 249 spacious guest rooms and suites, each with their own private balcony. Guests can enjoy several restaurants, including a beachfront grill and a sushi bar. The resort also features a spa, fitness center, tennis courts, and a variety of water activities, such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
  • Fairmont Orchid: This 4-star resort is located on the scenic Kohala Coast, known for its lush gardens and stunning ocean views. The resort features 540 spacious guest rooms and suites, each with their own private balcony. Guests can enjoy several restaurants, including a fine dining restaurant and a beach bar. The resort also features a spa, fitness center, tennis courts, and a variety of water activities, such as swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Budget Friendly Hotels

  • Hawaiian Islands Bed and Breakfast: A budget-friendly bed and breakfast is located in Hawi, about a 15-minute drive from Kapaau. The property features comfortable guest rooms, a communal kitchen, and a complimentary breakfast.
  • Waimea Country Lodge: This budget-friendly hotel is located in Waimea, about a 30-minute drive from Kapaau. The hotel features comfortable guest rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
  • Paniolo Greens Resort: This budget-friendly vacation rental is located in Waimea, about a 30-minute drive from Kapaau. The property features spacious condos with full kitchens, a swimming pool, and a hot tub.
  • Hale Kua: This budget-friendly vacation rental is located in Hawi, about a 15-minute drive from Kapaau. The property features cozy cottages with full kitchens, a swimming pool, and a hot tub.
  • The Old Firehouse: This budget-friendly vacation rental is located in Hawi, about a 15-minute drive from Kapaau. The property features a historic firehouse that has been converted into a cozy vacation rental with a full kitchen and a private patio.

Best Time To Visit

  • Weather: Kapaau has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. However, the peak tourist season is from December to April when the weather is dry and the temperatures are slightly cooler. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, consider visiting during the off-season from May to October when the weather is still warm and there is a greater chance of rain.
  • Surf and Swimming: The winter months (November to February) bring the biggest waves to the North Shore of the Big Island, making it a popular time for surfing. However, the water can be too rough for swimming during this time. If you’re looking to swim and snorkel, consider visiting during the summer months when the water is calmer.
  • Cultural Events: Kapaau hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including the Kamehameha Day Celebration in June and the Kohala Coast Triathlon in October. If you’re interested in experiencing local culture and traditions, consider planning your trip around one of these events.
  • Crowds and Prices: As mentioned earlier, the peak tourist season is from December to April, which means higher prices and larger crowds. If you’re looking to save money and avoid crowds, consider visiting during the off-season.
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