There are many ways to explore Kohala. Here is one suggestion that works well with an afternoon ATV Outfitter’s tour.

 

Start your morning with a leisurely drive up the coast to North Kohala stopping at Lapakahi State Historical Park.

 

 

Lapakahi was a fishing village established by voyagers who landed their canoes more than 600 years ago on the glistening coral beach at the base of the hill. Here farmers and fishermen settled and the Big Island's natural healers came to learn and be initiated into the ranks of kahuna (teacher, priest).

 

 

 

Visitors are welcome to stop to enjoy a self-guided walk along the trails that wind past ancient artifacts, historic sites and a variety of plant life, and to talk with local caretakers about Hawaiian culture. You can take a self-guided tour of what is believed to have been a typical pre-contact shore side enclave.

 

 

Back in your car, head into the sleepy little town of Hawi to the Kohala Coffee Mill. It’s a small coffee shop, but with a lot of character.

 

 

Eat breakfast there all day or just drink fantastic coffee, have a snack and taste  the best ice cream on the island. Outside, you can mix with locals who frequent the place and enjoy the peace of Hawi.

 

 

When you’re done, stroll down the street, and enjoy the galleries and unique gift and clothing shops.

 

 

Back to your car, continue your drive to the town of Kapa’au, where you can see the statue of King Kamehameha.

 

 

Now you should be ready to drive to ATV Outfitters and check in by noon for your 12:15pm Mountain Waterfall Adventure tour.

 

 

Breathe in the pristine tropical forests as you ride through canopied forests, streams and pastures. Hike down to a picture-perfect waterfall to refresh yourself and experience true paradise.

 

 

After your awe-inspiring ATV experience, drive to the end of the road – another sight not to be missed - Pololu Valley.

 

 

Once inhabited and home to several wet taro plantations and later rice, the valley was a thriving region. The overlook at the end of Highway 270 above the valley offers spectacular views of the rugged coastline and beautiful black sand beach below.

 

 

From Pololu, drive back the same route you traveled, stopping along the way at the colorful, local Pololu Valley Store for a light lunch, snack or shave ice.

 

 

Then on back to Kapa’au for some galleries, book and gift shops, before driving back to your starting point.  Kapa’au features the largest used-book store in the Hawaiian Islands – Kohala Book Shop, featuring used and rare volumes on Hawai'i and Oceania, as well as contemporary books.

 

 

If you wind up your activities and notice it’s dinner time, then why not head back into Hawi town and treat yourself to gracious dining in the charming Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery?”

 

 

 

All “pau?” (finished?) Then consider driving back  by another route so you can experience more of Kohala’s natural beauty.

 

 

 

If you took the coast road to get to ATV Outfitters, then take the mountain road back – or vice versa.

 

 

They are about the same distance but each offers a very different experience.