Spotlight's Big Island Gold Magazine

Kawaihae, the major seaport for the western side of the Big Island, is 30 minutes from Kona's airports, 20 minutes from Waimea and a few minutes from the Mauna Kea and other Kohala Coast resorts. Its offshore waters are some of the most pristine in the state and offer some of the island's best diving, deep-sea fishing and sailing. The area is almost always warm and sunny with fresh, clear air-free from "vog," the haze that drifts over much of the Big Island during volcanic eruptions. The small commercial center in Kawaihae boasts eateries and shops popular with residents, as well as visitors, for their quality and good value.

Kawaihae is near the crossroads of Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway 19 and Highway 270. Just north on Highway 270 is Kohala Ranch and several other communities of small horse ranches and estates with views of the incredible Kawaihae sunsets. Farther north is Lapakahi State Historical Park, a partially restored fishing village with exhibits on early life of Polynesians who settled there. By following 270 you can explore North Kohala, the birthplace of King Kamehameha I and the site of historic sugar plantations. In the town of Kapa‘au you'll see the original eight-and-a-half-foot tall statue of King Kamehameha I.