Waikōloa Village combines views of the Kohala Coast with coastal trails, historic landscapes and activities on horseback or on the golf course. When planning, it helps to consider different scales: a paved nature trail with a named route is not the same as the 175-mile Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. Horseback riding lessons, trail rides and golf offer other distinct options for your stay.

Views, Fishponds and History

From Waikōloa Village, you can enjoy views of the Kohala Coast and five nearby volcanoes: Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Kohala, Hualālai and Haleakalā on Maui. The Waikoloa Anchialine Pond Preservation Area (WAPPA) consists of a series of historic anchialine ponds maintained by the Waikoloa Land Company. Together, the views connect the coast with the volcanoes, while WAPPA focuses on a historic pond landscape.

ʻAnaehoʻomalu also has a historic connection: at its peak, the area was known for thriving aquaculture. This aspect adds a historical perspective on the area to the nature and trail themes.

Coastal Trails and the Ala Kahakai

At ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach, a paved nature trail loops around Kuʻualiʻi Fishpond. This identifies both the trail surface and a clear landmark along its route. Several hiking trails are accessible from the shore at ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay. For planning, the information differs in focus: for the nature trail, the route and surface matter; at the bay, the key point is that several trails can be reached from the shore.

An ancient coastal trail runs through Waikoloa Beach Resort and is part of the 175-mile Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. The distance refers to the entire trail, not just the section through the resort. In the regional context of South Kohala, a section of the Ala Kahakai lies between Puʻukoholā Heiau and ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay. The details can therefore be distinguished by scale: the resort passage describes the trail through Waikoloa Beach Resort, while the South Kohala section is defined by two endpoints.

Also in Waikoloa Beach Resort, near Kings’ Shops, there is a marked petroglyph trail. Its markings and the Kings’ Shops landmark add another named location to the trail information.

Horseback Riding and Golf

Waikōloa Stables offers riding lessons and trail rides. These two options differ by activity: lessons focus on learning to ride, while trail rides are about getting out on horseback. When choosing between them, consider whether you would prefer a lesson or a trail ride.

The Robert Trent Jones II golf course in Waikōloa Village features spacious fairways and well-protected greens. These course features offer golf enthusiasts a distinct option alongside the coastal trails and horseback riding.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kapaau, Volcano, Nanawale Estates, Kealakekua, Eden Roc, Pepeekeo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiian Paradise Park

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