“Brew Your Best Cup”- Coffee Brewing Workshop
Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm • Farm • Holualoa, Island of Hawaii • Hawaii
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Your Hāmākua Adventure Planner
Written by a Local Expert
Leilani AkoAdventures in the Green
Forest Bathing at Kalōpā
For peaceful immersion in nature, the trails at Kalōpā State Recreation Area wind through native ʻōhiʻa forest. The 0.7-mile Nature Trail loop is perfect for families. It offers real peace away from the crowds.
This is my go-to spot for forest bathing. The quiet here is profound. The native plants connect you to pre-contact Hawaiʻi. The air itself feels different under the native canopy.
Paniolo Heritage Rides
Paniolo Adventures offers horseback rides that connect visitors with the region's cowboy heritage. Due to ongoing road closures, Waipiʻo on Horseback tours operate at their ranch location rather than within Waipiʻo Valley itself.
Stargazing Without the Crowds
For stargazing, you don't need to climb Mauna Kea. The dark skies at Kalōpā State Recreation Area or a safe pull-off along the coast offer spectacular views without crowds or high altitude challenges.
Capturing the Coast: A Drone Pilot's Guide
⚠️ Flying drones is strictly prohibited within all Hawaiʻi State Parks, including ʻAkaka Falls and Kalōpā. Flying near volcanoes is also forbidden.
Want that epic cliffside shot? Instead, find a safe, public pull-off along the highway between towns. You'll get incredible views of the sea cliffs and coastline without breaking rules or disturbing the peace of protected areas.
FAA Regulations: All pilots must follow FAA regulations. Maintain visual line of sight. Fly below 400 feet.
Respect & Privacy: Respect private property and the privacy of residents. Be mindful of local communities.
Hāmākua Coast At-a-Glance
💧 ʻAkaka Falls State Park
What: 442-foot waterfall accessed by rainforest loop trail
When: Daily 8:30am-5:00pm. Go early morning for rainbows
Cost: $5 per person, $10 per car. Credit card only. Pay online due to poor cell service
🎢 ʻUmauma Experience
What: Private adventure park with triple-tiered waterfall
Best: Book deluxe morning ATV tour for waterfall pool access
Cost: Zipline from $242, ATV from $224. Advance booking required
👑 Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
What: Scenic overlook of the sacred "Valley of the Kings"
Bring: Binoculars to spot Hiʻilawe Falls and wild horses
Access: Always open, free entry. Road to valley floor closed
🚂 Laupāhoehoe Train Museum
What: Community-run museum preserving railroad history
When: Monday-Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm
Cost: $10 per adult with discounts. Talk to volunteers for stories
🌾 Hāmākua Harvest Market
What: Bustling Sunday farmers market in Honokaʻa
When: Sundays 9:00am-2:00pm, free entry
Try: Local coffee, hōʻiʻo fern salad. Corner of Highway 19 & Mamane
☕ Long Ears Coffee Farm
What: Intimate family-run coffee farm tour near Honokaʻa
Style: More "talk story" than formal tour
Ask: Wendell about coast coffee history. Check website for availability
Leilani's Perfect Day
🌅 Morning (7:00-10:00am)
Start early with the Onomea Scenic Drive. Stop at Ancient Leaf Tea for a morning tour that connects you to the land. Experience the grandeur of ʻAkaka Falls while the light is perfect for photos.
🥪 Midday (10:00am-2:00pm)
Pack lunch from a Hilo market for a picnic at Laupāhoehoe Point. Reflect on the area's history while listening to waves crash on lava rock.
🏘️ Afternoon (2:00-5:00pm)
Explore Honokaʻa town in the afternoon. Grab hot malasadas at Tex Drive Inn. Head to Waipiʻo Valley Lookout for golden hour magic.
🌟 Evening (5:00pm+)
End with dinner and secret poke in Honokaʻa. Watch the stars emerge over the coast as the day fades into memory.
This isn't rushed tourism. This is mindful exploration. This is how you truly experience Hāmākua.
Continue the Hāmākua Guide
Explore all sections of the coast guide and closing thoughts.
ℹ️ Quick Info
- Trails:Kalōpā Nature Loop
- Horseback:Paniolo Adventures
- Stargazing:Kalōpā / safe pull-offs
- Drone Rules:No state parks/volcanoes
📋 Perfect Day Checklist
- Start with Onomea Drive
- ʻAkaka Falls early morning
- Picnic at Laupāhoehoe
- Honokaʻa exploration
- Waipiʻo sunset views
