Holualoa Things to Do
Things to Do near Holualoa Town on Big Island
Said to be the center for all things coffee, art, and farming, Holualoa is a charming place to stop during your trip on the Big Island. The Magic Sands Beach Park nearby provide a beautiful oasis that serves as a calm way to begin or end your day of exploring the coffee industry in the area.
Directions to Holualoa
Holualoa is located on the western coast of the Big Island, about 20 to 25 minutes south of the Kona International Airport. Holualoa is considered to be slightly off the beaten path from the typical tourist spots, located on the slopes of the dormant Hualalai volcano. By taking Highway 11, you can drive near the coast before turning into the center of Holualoa.
Holualoa is located along the Kona Coffee Belt, the Big Island’s ideal region for growing well-known, recognized Hawaiian coffee. This strip runs parallel to the gold coast and along Mount Hualalai.
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A Brief History of Holualoa
The origins of Holualoa as an established center begins with the fertile soil and high amounts of rainfall that made agriculture a valuable industry in the area. Coffee, something that Holualoa is well-known for, was first planted in 1828 and remained one of the town’s industries. Beyond coffee, fields of sugar cane were also planted in Holualoa. Many historic buildings from this point in time still exist today as monuments, with interpretive signs to help you learn more about the town’s rich history.
The town of Holualoa is often referred to as an artist’s enclave, which means that there is no shortage of art and culture to experience in this small yet mighty town.
Holualoa is also a vibrant town with constant celebrations and lively community events for whatever occasion you can imagine. One event that showcases Holualoa’s culture is the Holualoa Village First Fridays Music & Art Walk, which includes art, music, food, and cultural activities to celebrate on a regular basis. This occurs on the first Friday evening of every month. And of course, the town’s emphasis on coffee can’t be ignored; the Coffee and Art Stroll is the town’s annual November celebration of Kona coffee and local art.
Beyond the town center are many small farms, nestled on the slopes of Mount Hualalai. Many of these small farms would be happy to have you and your family along for a tour to explore the process of farming on the Big Island or how coffee is farmed and roasted, a real farm-to-cup experience!
Holualoa’s upland setting is generally cooler than the Kona coast, with changing weather through the day. Bring a light layer if you plan to linger in the galleries, coffee farms, or hillside viewpoints.
Fun fact: Holualoa got its name from the ancient Hawaiian practice of sledding the long (loa) mountain slopes with wooden sleds (holua).
When planning your trip to the Big Island, keep these top four activities in mind to make sure you get the most out of your stay in Holualoa!
Holualoa Coffee Farm Stops
Holualoa sits in the Kona Coffee Belt, making it a good place to tour a working coffee farm and see first-hand how a cup of coffee is made, right from the soil. Picture yourself enjoying a cup of coffee while walking through a lush garden setting.
Check current tour availability before you go, since farm hours and tasting options can change seasonally.
Hula Daddy Kona Coffee
A claim to fame of award-winning Kona coffee is a high standard to set, especially when Hawaii is known for its Kona Coffee Belt. Check current tasting and tour options, then stop by the shop where you can purchase your very own bag (or two) of authentic Kona coffee!
Hula Daddy Kona Coffee is located on Mamalahoa Highway in the Kona coffee country above Kailua-Kona.
Holualoa Galleries
Holualoa’s galleries and studios feature island artwork of many types, including photography, jewelry, wood carving, and more. Contemporary Hawaii artists often draw from life on the Big Island, including ranching, palm trees, marine life, and coffee country landscapes.
Most gallery browsing is centered around Mamalahoa Highway in Holualoa village.
There’s no doubt that there is plenty of activities to take part in in the town of Holualoa. Found on the western coast of the Big Island, Holualoa offers the coastal experience that every visitor to Hawaii craves, with the added benefit of rich culture and the interesting coffee industry. Coffee lovers alike will be satisfied with the many opportunities to learn more about the craft!
