Drive the Hāmākua Coast
Hawaii’s Most Scenic Drive
Our 300 acres of private property are nestled among the dramatic landscapes of Hawaii’s famous Hāmākua Coast. This is the paradise you’ve been daydreaming about—serene waterfalls, lush forest boasting every imaginable shade of green, and cliffs that rise from turquoise waters. So, to put simply, these are vistas that shouldn’t be missed!
Insider’s Guide to Hāmākua Coast
This itinerary covers the scenic Hāmākua Coast and can take approximately 4-5 hours to complete, depending on how much time you spend at each stop. However, the total driving time, without stops, to Honomu is under 2 hours (1 hour and 47 minutes from Kona and 1 hour and 18 minutes from Waikoloa).
Pre-Tour Recommendations
1. Breakfast:
Kick off the day’s adventure with a delicious breakfast at a locally-owned eatery. Waimea Coffee Company, open at 6:30 am daily, is a great early breakfast option for a quick coffee and bite. Hawaiian Style Cafe, opening at 7:00 am daily, is ideal for those looking for a hearty sit-down breakfast. Tex’s Drive In in Honoka’a is an excellent option for a later breakfast or a famous malasada (Hawaiian Deep Fried Donut) snack.
2. Waipio Valley Lookout:
After breakfast, head to the breathtaking Waipio Valley Lookout. This is a must-see for its dramatic cliffside views of the “Valley of the Kings.”
3. Scenic Lookout over School Tsunami Wreckage:
Continue your journey along the coastal route (Highway 19) to a scenic lookout that offers a poignant view of the wreckage from a past tsunami. This point, located at Laupahoehoe Point, is around mile marker 25.
4. Arrive at Hawaii Zipline & Hiking Tours:
Then drive approximately 15 minutes from the lookout into the sugar cane plantation town of Honomu where you’ll find our location right on the corner.
Post-Tour Recommendations
After you zipline or hike, take some time to explore these local gems in Honomu:
Akaka Falls State Park:
Located just a short drive from town, this magnificent state park is home to the 442-foot Akaka Falls. You can take a paved loop trail to view the famous falls. The park is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm daily.
Admission & Parking: The entrance fee for non-residents is $5 per person, and there is a $10 parking fee per non-commercial vehicle. Admission is free for Hawaii residents.
Local Experience:
Honomu Goat Dairy: A fun and unique stop where you can visit a farm, pet baby goats, and purchase goat milk products like caramels and soap.
Eateries:
- Kula Shave Ice / Aloha General Company: Chill out after your big adventure with hand-crafted shave ice, as well as acai bowls, coffee drinks, and poke bowls.
- Birria Boss (Mexican): They have a clear, concise menu, and birria is their specialty.
- The Hive (Vegan, Vegetarian Friendly): A healthy cafe offering breakfast burritos and smoothies.