Kohala Coast

In black lava beds by the blue Pacific, green oases appear like mirages in shimmering heat waves. Unique resorts-Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani, Waikoloa-cater to hedonists seeking great escapes. Observe the tropic dawn, inhale salt air, plunge in pools, eat opakapaka, buy a yellow ginger lei, pluck an ukulele, try hula, re-read Michener's Hawaii. Wander down Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway to the birth site of King Kamehameha. Puzzle over Puako's petroglyphs. See the fishponds at 'Anaeho'omalu. Hike remnants of the King's Trail. Explore Pu'ukohola (Hill of the Whale) Heiau, built by Kamehameha I in 1790, and Mo'okini Luakini, a 1,500-year-old National ...

In black lava beds by the blue Pacific, green oases appear like mirages in shimmering heat waves. Unique resorts-Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani, Waikoloa-cater to hedonists seeking great escapes. Observe the tropic dawn, inhale salt air, plunge in pools, eat opakapaka, buy a yellow ginger lei, pluck an ukulele, try hula, re-read Michener's Hawaii. Wander down Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway to the birth site of King Kamehameha. Puzzle over Puako's petroglyphs. See the fishponds at 'Anaeho'omalu. Hike remnants of the King's Trail. Explore Pu'ukohola (Hill of the Whale) Heiau, built by Kamehameha I in 1790, and Mo'okini Luakini, a 1,500-year-old National Historical landmark. Take Pele's rocks back to Waikoloa to avoid her curse, in case it's true. Eat at Bamboo in Hawi. Stay at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Book a bungalow at Mauna Lani. Sip a Mai Tai at Canoe House. Watch manta rays play in tide pools. See a blood red sun sink in the cobalt sea. Notice how little in the great world beyond matters. Think about staying on.

About the Expert

Rick Carroll has written dozens of articles on Hawaii and the Pacific. His books include Great Outdoor Adventures of Hawaii, Madame Pele: True Encounters with Hawaii's Fire Goddess, and Travelers' Tales Hawaii.