Hamakua District

Island of Adventure - Hamakua

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The Hamakua coast begins just outside of Hilo. This is where Mauna Kea’s slopes fall away into pali (cliffs) of pounding surf. Small communities that grew up around the sugar plantations more than 100 years ago lie nestled along the road that traces this windward coast. Deep water-carved gulches and valleys are thick with tropical foliage. Little parks are nested down winding roads by the shore. As you watch the waterfalls tumble down Hamakua’s pali and ravines, you understand why, in the Hawaiian language, they are called wailele (leaping waters).

Waipio Valley. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor Bureau.

In ancient times the Hamakua uplands were a rich source for bird feathers and canoe logs. During most of the 19th and 20th centuries, the coast was covered with sugarcane. Now those large plantation tracts have been broken down for small farmers growing everything from kalo (taro), hearts of palm, tropical fruit and vanilla to eucalyptus for exported wood pulp.

Small boutique store. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor Bureau.

The little crossroads villages have adapted to the shifting economic landscape, and today they’re rural centers of commerce with boutiques, galleries and specialty shops. Each town has its own “local-kine” flavor.

Hamakua Average temperatures: 68° in winter, 78° in summer
Annual rainfall: 84 inches