15 Reasons Why Hawi Hawaii is Worth Visiting

That’s right! You can skydive in Hawi with Skydive B.I.G. !

You’ll be safely strapped tandem to your professional instructor and experience a vertical mile freefall for over 45 seconds. 

Once your chute is deployed, your instructor will give you the reins to steer yourselves back to safety on solid ground.

The 8.5ft statue was designed in Italy and cast in France. While it was sailing over to Hawaii in 1880 the ship wrecked near the Falkland Islands. 

A new statue was recast and that is the famous one found in Honolulu. 

The original statue was recovered at the bottom of the ocean and in 1882, a passing British sea captain recognized it sitting in front of a store in the Falklands. He bought it from the owner, then sold it back to the Hawaiian government. 

Now it stands in front of an old courthouse in Kapa’au. 

You’ll park directly across the street at Ackerman Galleries.

This scenic overlook gives you a panoramic view from the back of the valley all the way to the black sand beach, with waves crashing below. 

Further out in the distance, there’s even a little rogue island that gives me Skull Island vibes from Peter Pan.

⚠️ Just a heads-up: the ocean is NOT safe for swimming here.

The parking situation is a little chaotic, but it’s gotten better. If you are just stopping for a moment to look at the view, you can park in the parking lot for 15 minutes.

If you plan to hike down to the valley floor, you’ll have to park along the shoulder of the road. 

You’ll also be asked to check-in with the volunteer tent to get a lecture about safety before hiking down.

The Pacific Ocean peaks behind grassy puʻu (cinder cones) that rise up from cattle-filled pastures and at one point you’ll pass through a cool tunnel-like corridor of towering ironwood trees. 

There aren’t many official pullouts except for the hill above Waimea where you can see the sweeping valley below and Mauna Kea across the way. There are signs for gravel pullouts, but my favorite pullout is unmarked but I’ve noted it on my Big Island Travelers’ Map. 

I enjoyed the sunset views over their scenic pastures, tried my hand at lassoing, played some lawn games, and before dinner we all gathered around the firepit to hear stories of Hawaii’s cowboy history. 

A hearty buffet followed with heaps of BBQ meats, delicious sides, and (sadly disappointing) desserts of brownies and mac nut pie.

Live music entertained us while we dined and the night ended with line dancing, marshmallow roasting, and a branded wood souvenir to take home.

It was such a hit with my parents they were already planning to return with future visitors before the night was over!

Legend has it that the stones used to build this 224ft X 100ft heiau were passed hand-to-hand from Pololū Valley—by an assembly line stretching over 20 miles long!

I enjoyed the free audio guide provided at the visitor center via QR code that takes about 30 minutes to walk the paved loop trail.

It takes you below the heiau and past several other historical sites: 

• Mailekini Heiau
• Hale O Kapuni (a submerged heiau dedicated to the shark gods)
• Homestead of John Young, the British sailor who became aid to King Kamehameha I.

Keep your eyes out for blacktip reef sharks in the bay!🦈

The sand is soft, the water is usually calm thanks to the protective reef, and it’s a great spot for swimming or snorkeling.

There’s a large covered pavilion overlooking the ocean, perfect for picnics or gatherings with a big group. 

There’s also:

• Restrooms
• Outdoor showers
• BBQ grills
• Basketball court
• Lifeguard
• Wheelchair accessible

Camping is also allowed here with a permit, if you’re on a tight budget for your trip or just want to spend the night by the waves.

Get my Big Island Travel Map for the location of a “secret” beach nearby 🤫.

They have an eclectic selection of flavors like Island Onion, Kona Coffee Glazed, Chili Peppah, and even Spam!

You’ll also get a sample of coffee from their sister company, Kaʻu Coffee Mill in Pahala.

You can catch a short video in the back on how these locally grown macadamia nuts are farmed and processed, then peek through the factory kitchen windows to see if there are any workers in action (I’m never there at the right times though).

Grab a brochure at the trailhead and take yourself on a free, self-guided tour through Lapakahi Village, a partially restored Hawaiian fishing village dating back around 600 years.

Two short loops (just about a mile total) wind through ancient rock foundations, a reconstructed hale (house), salt-making bowls, and great ocean views.

While there’s little elevation gain, the path is uneven in spots, so watch your step. 

💁‍♀️Tab’s Trip Tip: Prepare to protect yourself against hot sun and strong ocean winds.

Follow the dirt road along the green chain-link fence—it’s mostly flat, but exposed to sun and wind, so come prepared.

Moʻokini Heiau is one of Hawaii’s oldest and most sacred sites. Oral histories date it anywhere from the 5th to 15th century. 

Built with stones passed hand to hand from 10 miles away, this was once a place of ritual human sacrifice. 

Only observe it from outside the stone walls—entry is not permitted.

Roughly 2,000ft away, a simple placard marks Kamehameha I’s birthplace. Historians estimate he was born in 1758, the year Halley’s Comet passed overhead.