15 Best Things To Do In Waikoloa: Our Favorites (+video)
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You may be like me, trying to figure out if there are things to do in Waikoloa before you book a hotel or vacation rental in this resort community. After staying in Waikoloa numerous times, here are our favorite things to do in Waikoloa.
These are perfect for sprinkling into your Big Island itinerary. Explore the island while finding fun things to see near your hotel. Waikoloa Beach Resort is a great place to stay, thanks to the many things to do, such as restaurants, beaches, historical landmarks, and shopping. Hence, we find ourselves coming back here often. I
I hope you enjoy these things to do in Waikoloa!
Need to plan your trip quickly? We have you covered with some easy resources, including where to stay, our favorite activities, and a download and go itinerary:
– This is my favorite Manta Ray night snorkeling tour
– Head to Kealakekua Bay for excellent snorkeling on these Captain Cook Snorkeling Tours
– Our five-day Big Island itinerary includes amazing beaches, our favorite restaurants, and so much more!
– Our complete Big Island Guide gives you the most comprehensive trip-planning advice
The 15 Best Things to Do in Waikoloa
We’ve taken numerous trips to Waikoloa Beach Resort and these are the best things to do in Waikoloa (and nearby Mauna Lani). Check out our video to see some of these great activities in action!
Erica’s Take on Waikoloa: I enjoy staying in Waikoloa and the neighboring development of Mauna Lani. Both locations have fantastic hotels and vacation rentals to choose from, especially when comparing Waikoloa to Kona. The resort area has a surprising number of points of interest. But, the sites are more quick itinerary stops than full-blown itinerary things to do. Book a convenient sunset sail from A Bay, walk the petroglyph trails, and have dinner at Lava Lava Beach Club. Even if you’re having a Big Island beach vacation, make sure you get out of Waikoloa to see all the great things to do on the Big Island.
Map of Things to Do in Waikoloa
Waikoloa Beach Resort is a resort area on the Kohala Coast. It is about 25 minutes from Kona International Airport and 35 minutes from Kailua-Kona.
Waikoloa Beach Resort can be confused with Waikoloa Village, a town inland from the coast of Waikoloa. Both areas are in the same ahupuaʻa, and are referred to as Waikoloa. You will be heading to Waikoloa Beach Resort (click for directions) as there is little to do for visitors in Waikoloa Village.
You will find numerous vacation rentals in Waikoloa. For hotels, you will find the Waikoloa Beach Marriott and the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Just a tad bit north in Mauna Lani, you will find the Mauna Lani by Auberge and the Fairmont Orchid.
1. The Only Black Sand Beach in Waikoloa
Forget white sand beach walks — Hawaii’s Big Island is one of the best for seeing black sand beaches if you’re interested in this geologic phenomenon (and who wouldn’t be?), head on over to Waikoloa’s Beach 49. Also known as the Honoka’ope Beach, Beach 49 is located on the coast of the Honoka’ope Bay. This is the sole black sand beach on the Kohala Coast and the only one in Waikoloa.
Beach 49 is also a snorkeling spot for strong swimmers. It is great for spotting colorful reef fish, eels, and sometimes turtles. The beach drops off quickly once you’re in the water, which makes for great swimming conditions, but beware of the sharp lava rock as you enter the ocean.
Here are a few quick tips to make your trip to Waikoloa’s black sand beach extra enjoyable:
- Make sure to get there early as the beach parking lot fills up quickly!
- Because the sand is so dark, it can get hot by midday.
- Both bathrooms and showers are located on-site.
You technically enter the beach from the Mauna Lani Resort, just 10 minutes up the road from the Waikoloa Beach Resort.
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2. Walk through the Anchialine Ponds
Anchialine ponds exist throughout Hawaii and are a truly special feature of the islands. A fascinating geologic structure where underground lava tubes expose saltwater to freshwater, anchialine ponds are habitats for interesting creatures who thrive in these distinctive environments. The ponds fluctuate with the ocean’s tides, bringing fresh saltwater in regularly.
Visitors to Waikoloa Beach Resort can see these unique ecosystems at the Waikoloa Anchialine Pond Preservation Area. A trail weaves its way around the ponds, making it easy to get a closer look without disturbing their fragile habitat.
Anchialine ponds are known for the creatures that call them home—especially the crustaceans. The ‘opae ‘ula are crimson shrimp that thrive in the brackish water in most of these ponds. They are an essential part of the pond’s ecosystem, and it’s a thrill to see them dancing around in the shallow waters. Visitors will also be able to see crabs, fish, and mollusks.
All the anchialine ponds in Hawaii are protected, so avoid touching or entering the ponds. Whether or not you love the great outdoors, everyone can appreciate how special these brackish water lagoons are. The surrounding area is also pretty, with swaying palms and the beach of A-Bay..
3. Visit Kalahuipua’a Historic Park
Hidden within my favorite resort on the Big Island, Mauna Lani Resort, the Kalahuipua’a Historic Park transports visitors to ancient Hawaii. The one-mile paved hiking trail leads through lava fields, an ancient lava tube, and fishponds, all while revealing signs of the past through petroglyphs.
The area was frequented by Hawaii’s royalty due to its abundance of food, mainly fish, in the nearby ponds. The collapsed lava tube also provided shelter to ancient Hawaiians and was selected because of its cool climate and protection from the elements. Expect to spend around 30 minutes to an hour here, seeing remnants of Big Island history.
4. Check Out a Petroglyph Preserve
Waikoloa is a hotbed for Hawaiian petroglyphs, known as ki’i pohaku, and has two dedicated parks for their preservation. Also known as petroglyph fields, these carvings were made in lava rock hundreds of years ago.
Like the Kalahuipua’a Historic Park, the Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve is also located on the grounds of a hotel. A half-mile trail leads visitors through the Waikoloa Hotel’s golf course before reaching the petroglyph field. This is one of the best-preserved petroglyph fields in Hawaii and displays important markings, including the famous warrior on horseback that was completed after western contact with the island.
The Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve is one of the densest petroglyph fields in Hawaii. It showcases thousands of designs, some dating back to 1200 CE. A 1.2-mile trail runs through the park, allowing visitors to see 1,200 stone markings, including turtles, canoes, birds, and humans.
Keep in mind that no rubbings are allowed except on replicas. Always stay on the path to help preserve the petroglyphs. You’ll most likely want to bring sunscreen as some areas of these trails don’t have much shade. Also, bring closed-toe shoes as you will be walking over lava and through kiawe trees that have nasty thorns.
Related reads:
Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Guide: What to Expect (a thrill)
Is There a Best Time to Visit the Big Island of Hawaii? Yes…and here’s when
9 Best Big Island Resorts for Families (your kids will love these hotels!)
5. Enjoy a Snorkeling Tour
The Big Island is one of the best places in Hawaii for snorkeling. Hopping on a snorkeling tour means you’ll likely get to visit snorkel spots that you can’t reach by car or foot, plus they do the hard work of providing snorkeling gear and often drinks and snacks!
Hawaii Nautical offers a wonderful snorkeling tour that leaves right from Waikoloa every day at 9:00 am. You’ll sail aboard their comfortable 54’ catamaran, the Spirit of Aloha, on a 3-hour excursion. Enjoy the ride to your snorkeling destination with the chance to see spinner dolphins and even whales in winter.
A deli-style lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, 2 drink tickets for the bar, and your snorkeling gear are all included. Restrooms, tons of shady areas, seating, and a freshwater shower make this tour extra enjoyable.
6. Take in the Sunset at Lava Lava Beach Club
One of the best sunset spots in Waikoloa just happens to be at one of our favorite restaurants in the area. The Lava Lava Beach Club provides a stunning, beachfront backdrop to enjoy dinner and a few cocktails, like a Bamboocha Mai Tai, while nightly live music further compliments the atmosphere.
We spent a long evening here enjoying the food and walking with our kids in the tide pools at sunset.
The menu focuses on fresh seafood and local, Hawaiian ingredients like coconut and ahi tuna. Their extensive, and themed, cocktail menu also includes a coconut or bamboo souvenir cup. Lava Lava is open all day and serves breakfast and lunch as well. Keep in mind that they don’t have a reservation system and seating is first come, first served. There’s often a wait in the high season.
Other great dining options in Waikoloa include Napua Restaurant at Mauna Lani Beach Club, Roy’s, Foster’s Kitchen, A-Bay’s Island Grills, and the Tropics Ale House.
7. Spend the Day on A Bay
Formally known as Anaeho’omalu Bay, A Bay is a calm place to swim and play for the day. The beach on A Bay is Waikoloa Beach.
Palm trees line the beach to provide a bit of shade, while the expansive, crescent-shaped beach is a wonderful spot to bring the kids to swim in the shallows. Its large size also means that it rarely feels overcrowded. On this big list of things to do in Waikoloa, visiting A Bay will be at the top.
Because the water at A Bay is typically calm, it’s a great spot for ocean sports. You can rent snorkeling gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUP), hydrobikes, and beach chairs from the stand on the beach. Even more fun, you can also sign up to take part in paddling an outrigger canoe with the Waikoloa Canoe Club. If you’re up for a walk, the nearby fish ponds are a beautiful spot to watch the sunset or simply check out the unique scenery.
A free parking lot with plenty of space is located close to the beach. There are restrooms and showers. Note that there are no lifeguards on duty.
8. Get a Pool Pass to the Hilton Waikoloa Village
Relax in the lap of luxury – without the hefty price tag of an extended stay. But, this pool pass is expensive for a family! We booked a pool pass at the Hilton when our son was young. It was a nice day at the pool, but I don’t think we will do it again for the pool pass price.
Visitors can purchase a pool pass from the Hilton Waikoloa Village and experience the largest pool on the Big Island, a hot tub, waterslides, rope bridges to help navigate these behemoth pools, and a children’s beach – all with oceanfront views.
A manmade saltwater lagoon allows visitors to practice stand-up paddle boarding without difficulty navigating ocean waves. But the lagoon isn’t just a staging ground for water sports, and guests can also swim with dolphins! The Hilton Waikoloa Village is the original location for the acclaimed Dolphin Quest experience. Swim with dolphins in the resort’s saltwater lagoon, renowned for its unique ability to incorporate natural seawater via a tidal well.
You can also rent spacious cabanas and order drinks and snacks to be delivered straight to your lounge chair. However, the minimum for food and drink is $50.
9. Enjoy a Waikoloa Luau
The Kona and Kohala Coast host a few luaus, mostly at the resorts. Luckily, our favorite luau is conveniently located at the Waikoloa Marriott!
The Sunset Luau at the Waikoloa Marriott is perfect for your trip! Highlights include the following:
- Lavish Hawaiian feast and entertainment
- Open bar with specialty Hawaiian cocktails
- Polynesian music and dance performances culminating with the Samoan fire dance
- Tropical resort setting overlooking scenic beach and sunset
We share all of our favorite Big Island Luaus here!
The list includes the Mauna Kea Luau, which is north of Waikoloa Resorts: Standard Seating or Premium Seating.
10. Shopping in Waikoloa
Waikoloa’s status as a resort town with all the amenities makes for excellent shopping. Two shopping centers are available in Waikoloa: Queen’s Marketplace and King’s Market Shopping.
The Queen’s Marketplace has shops common throughout the U.S. and plenty that are unique to Hawaii, like Maui Divers Jewelry and Lava Light Galleries. There are also over a dozen restaurants, including Waikoloa Shrimp Co. and L&L Hawaii, which serves traditional Hawaiian BBQ. You will also find a movie theater here.
The Kings’ shops are a bit more of an upscale scene with stores like Michael Kors and Tiffany and other less pricey options like Macy’s. Like the Queen’s Marketplace, Hawaii-specific clothing and souvenir shops like Noa Noa and CocoNene exist. There are several different restaurants, including Obisic Shave Ice Co. and Island Fish and Chips. Several bicycle and motorcycle rental shops, as well as surf lessons, are also located here.
11. Head out Whale Watching
Whale watching is one of our absolute favorite activities in Hawaii! How many places in the world can you come face-to-face with humpback whales?
Whale Watching on Hawaii’s Big Island typically starts in December and goes through March as thousands of whales arrive in Hawaii to breed, give birth, and raise their young. Hawaii Nautical offers a guaranteed whale watching tour that takes off straight from Anaeho’omalu Bay in Waikoloa twice daily.
You’ll board the 40-foot powerboat Holona, which features restrooms, shade, and plenty of bench seating for a comfortable ride. Non-alcoholic beverages are included in the 1.5-hour trip. The vessel is fast and agile, perfect for searching the sea for whales.
If, for some reason, the whales don’t make an appearance on your tour, you’ll have the chance to be rebooked for free on an alternative tour. This is why we recommend booking your whale-watching trip early in your vacation – just in case!
12. Hop on a Glass Bottom Boat Cruise
Want a glimpse beneath the waves without the hard work of snorkeling? A glass bottom boat tour is perfect for you!
On this glass-bottom boat, you’ll sail out into Anaeho’omalu Bay with clear views of sea turtles, tropical fish, and plenty of vibrant coral. Onboard experts will help you spot different sea creatures, including Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua’a. Guests are entirely covered in shade throughout the trip.
This 30-minute tour leaves from the heart of Waikoloa and takes guests to the boat. Guests must be able to wade through the water to reach the boat.
13. Spend the Day at Hapuna Beach State Park
Hapuna Beach is one of the best Big Island beaches in our opinion, and just a short drive from Waikoloa. When we say that this stretch of coast is stunning, we’re not kidding! Picture powdered-sugar sand and crystal-clear water that stretches for a half-mile.
Get there as early as you can because while there’s tons of parking, there are also tons of other visitors by midday. Another reason we love this beach is for its amenities. You’ll have access to restrooms and a picnic area, and be close to restaurants at the nearby Westin resort.
Parking is $5 a day for non-residents. Be aware of changing ocean conditions as currents can pick up at Hapuna Beach. Lifeguard presence does give a bit of added peace of mind.
14. Snorkel at Waialea Beach
Another short drive from Waikoloa reveals a great Big Island snorkel spot, Waialea Beach.
Also known as Beach 69, Waialea Beach makes for a beautiful alternative to the crowds that often plague the pretty Hapuna Beach. Just a 20-minute drive from Waikoloa, you’ll feel like you’re well off the beaten path, as Waialea has avoided being surrounded by resorts and hotels and maintains a pristine environment.
While this isn’t the best snorkeling spot on the island (that’s Kealakekua Bay down in Captain Cook), it’s still a great place to spot marine life. The water is fairly shallow at just 15’, which provides good conditions to snorkel in, and you’re likely to see colorful fish and sea turtles.
Remember that what makes Waialea Beach so striking can also be a pain point for other beachgoers. Its remote location means there aren’t many services, including lifeguards or nearby restaurants, although there are showers and restrooms. Wear shoes from the parking lot to the beach as thorns from the kiawe trees aren’t a fun way to start your beach day.
15. Stay out for Stargazing
This tour surprised us! And, it was super convenient as the stargazing was at sea level. We didn’t have to go to the top of Mauna Kea for stargazing.
You don’t have to make the trek up to Mauna Kea’s 14,000’ summit to see the stars in Hawaii! See our Stargazing in Hawaii Guide for tours and DIY stargazing tips!
It can be better to view the stars from sea level on the Kohala Coast due to its unique topology, which creates excellent sub-arc-second viewing. In layman’s terms, that means great views of the planets and stars twinkling above you.
Find even more wonderful things to do on the Big Island:
21 Incredible Things to Do on the Big Island
The 10 Best Big Island Farm Tours You Won’t Want to Miss
The 10 Best Big Island Waterfalls (+ ones you can swim in!)
FAQs: Things to Do in Waikoloa
Where is Waikoloa?
The village of Waikoloa is located on the leeward side of Hawaii’s Big Island, tucked along the northwestern coast. Kona Airport is just 30 minutes away by car.
What’s the Best Place to Stay in Waikoloa?
With so many hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to stay in Waikoloa.
Although the Hilton is the most popular accommodation, it’s not our favorite. Instead, we would rather opt for vacation rentals like the Waikoloa Beach Villas. At just a 15-minute walk to the beach, 5 minutes to restaurants, and around 30 minutes from the Big Island’s major airport, these villas are perfectly located.
If you’re more interested in a resort stay, we recommend the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, although our absolute favorite accommodation on the island is the Auberge Mauna Lani. Located a few minutes outside the heart of Waikoloa, this 5-star resort is a true slice of paradise, tucked away from the hustle and bustle. While it’s certainly a bit of a splurge, you can’t beat their excellent service, huge pool area, family-friendly vibes, and private feeling beach.
If you’re just visiting Waikoloa for the day, find a great place to stay on the Big Island:
Kona Reef Resort: walkable in Kailua-Kona
Marriott Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: wait until you see the lagoon!
Holualoa Inn: Tranquility in Coffee Country
The Last Thing to Do in Waikoloa
Learn more about our Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary! I know, that was lame but this is what you need to get out of Waikoloa to explore the Big Island!
We make planning a trip to the Big Island simple with our itinerary. This itinerary includes excursion days designed to take you on a planned out route around the island to explore the best things to see and the best places to eat.
We are going to Oahu, Maui, and Big Island over the course of 21 days, so I have loved your itineraries–seriously they are a must-have lifeline for planning a trip to Hawaii!
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The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.
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