Waikoloa Village Things to Do
Things to Do near Waikoloa Village on Big Island
Picture a coastline with lava rock, coral, and blue-green waters, and you’ve envisioned the Kohala Coast beaches near Waikoloa Village. The inland community sits within easy driving distance of Waikoloa Beach Resort, Mauna Lani, Hapuna, and other resort-area amenities.
If golf is part of the trip, compare Big Island golf courses and packages before you lock in a Waikoloa base. The resort corridor puts Waikoloa Beach, Mauna Lani, Mauna Kea, and Hāpuna within a much easier drive than Kona or Hilo.
Waikoloa Village sits on the island's dry side, so visitors generally use it as a year-round warm-weather base rather than a narrow seasonal destination. Conditions can still vary by elevation, wind, and passing showers, so check the daily forecast before beach, golf, or inland driving plans.
Directions to Waikoloa Village
Waikoloa Village is found on the northwest side of Hawaii’s Big Island, inland from Hawaii Route 19 and accessed by Waikoloa Road. The village’s position between the highway and upcountry roads makes it a natural jumping-off point for Big Island adventures, whether you plan to stay in the area or visit the quaint towns of the northern tip of the island.
Get Your Free Big Island Guide
Instant access — opens immediately
- Beaches, activities & top spots
- Restaurant & dining recommendations
- Maps, itineraries & insider tips
Want the full offline version? Get the Complete Big Island Guidebook →
A Brief History of Waikoloa Village
Waikoloa Village is an inland South Kohala community built amid dry lava-field landscapes, with the coastal resort areas a short drive downhill. Mauna Kea rises inland from this part of the island, giving the area big mountain views on clear days.
Waikoloa Village itself traces its modern development to the early 1970s, and today visitors often use "Waikoloa" to refer to both inland Waikoloa Village and the coastal Waikoloa Beach Resort area. For planning, it helps to keep the two distinct: the village is inland, while many beaches, hotels, restaurants, and resort attractions sit closer to the coast.
The beginning vision of Waikoloa Village remains, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience a variety of activities, including boats, dolphins, pools, spa, art collections, and more.
Nearby resorts and shopping centers host seasonal cultural programming, live music, markets, and special events. While planning your trip, check current calendars for the season that you’re visiting.
There’s plenty of activities in Waikoloa Village! From beach activities to shopping and dining, there’s bound to be something for everyone during your visit to Waikoloa Village.
49 Black Sand Beach
Unlike many other beaches in the area, 49 Black Sand Beach is true to its name with black sand covering its shores, a result of fine grains of lava. This provides a stark contrast to the clear blue water. When the ocean is calm, go snorkeling and take a look at tropical fish, tidepools, and underwater rock formations.
Head to 49 Black Sand Beach by exiting Queen K Highway toward Mauna Lani Resort. From there, follow resort signage toward the Beach Club and look for the beach entrance. Stop at the guard shack for current access instructions and any required beach pass.
The Shops at Mauna Lani
Traveling from Waikoloa Village, turn right onto Waikoloa Road, taking another right onto Highway 19. Shortly after, turn left onto Mauna Lani Drive and take the second exit at the traffic circle to arrive at The Shops at Mauna Lani.
Fashion and lifestyle shopping is abundant, with opportunities to pick up something with a little extra island personality at the many galleries in the complex. Plenty of dining options are available, no matter what you’re in the mood for from sushi to a steak, and nearby resort shopping centers add even more options along the coast.
Hapuna Beach State Park
A trip to Hawaii isn’t complete without a visit to one of the Big Island’s many lush state parks and pristine beaches. Hapuna Beach State Park, in particular, is a white sand beach and an excellent place for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and bodyboarding. Do keep the currents in mind when participating in beach activities, as the current can become too strong for these activities.
From Waikoloa Village, head north toward Highway 19 and use the signed Hāpuna Beach Road entrance for the main state recreation area parking lot.
Waikoloa resort areas combine beaches, lagoons, shopping, dining, and golf.
Waikoloa Resort Family Stops
Families staying near Waikoloa Beach Resort can build an easy day around resort lagoons, beach access, shopping centers, casual dining, and short drives to Kohala Coast beaches.
If your group includes golfers, compare nearby resort courses before you choose the beach day anchor; Mauna Lani, Waikoloa Beach, Mauna Kea, and Hāpuna all sit closer to this corridor than to Kona or Hilo.
*Photo by Napua Restaurant
Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club
Finish off a day of exploring with an island-style meal at Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club. The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, but dinner is especially special, with a menu offering sunset cocktails while your family overlooks a beautiful evening ocean view. Try the Seared Ahi or slow-roasted BBQ Pork Ribs, or experience farm-to-table with the XO Oysters dish.
Arrive at Napua by entering the Mauna Lani Resort, which is found on the west side of the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway. Continue to the roundabout, and take the third right onto South Kaniku Drive where the gate opens for dinner.
Waikoloa Village offers an inland base during your stay on Hawaii’s Big Island, with Kohala Coast beaches and resort areas roughly 15 to 20 minutes away by car. From relaxing on the beaches to enjoying a leisurely day window shopping at The Shops at Mauna Lani, you will never be wondering what you should do next when you visit Waikoloa Village!
