13,386 people live in Kohala Coast, where the median age is 43.2 and the average individual income is $43,672. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Country meets luxury on the Big Island’s West Side.
With year-round glorious weather and a few of the most marvelous beaches on the planet, the Kohala Coast must be seen to be believed—and even then, it’s so striking it seems surreal. Here, exquisite lava fields and gem-green pastures give way to vertiginous cliffs, golden sand coves, and spectacular vistas of the Pacific. Its prime location on the sun-drenched side of the island has rendered it a leading choice for residents, visitors, and investors, and the once rugged land now features several of the most outstanding resorts in the world. Its landscape is also defined by ultra-private luxury estates and a slew of gorgeous condominiums, but neither of that takes away from the Kohala Coast’s beautifully preserved cultural sites and abundant natural splendors.
What to Love
The Kohala Coast is frequently referred to as the Big Island’s Gold Coast for a reason. The hotspot for international travelers presents opulence at its finest. Residents of the region relish the tranquility the Kohala Coast offers but also take advantage of its perfect weather and superb amenities, often as early as the sun rises. Golfing and tennis are as commonly cherished as snorkeling and sunbathing, and every day can be a treat at one of the area’s award-winning spas or restaurants.
The Kohala Coast offers that ideal balance between luxury and nature, and its shopping opportunities embody this. Kings’ Shops in the Waikoloa Beach Resort features 90 retailers and eateries in a posh and palm-filled outdoor setting; here, you will find everything from fine, Hawaiian-themed jewelry at Na Hoku to hand-carved, koa wood pieces at Martin & MacArthur. Superb options for retail therapy also abound at Queens’ Marketplace, where you can pick up heavenly-soft bamboo linens at Cariloha, on-trend attire at Mahina, or beachy home decor at SoHa Living.
The Kohala Coast’s eateries are as impressive as its shopping. Roy Yamaguchi has long been one of Hawaii’s preeminent chefs; his eponymous restaurant Roy’s Waikoloa gives diners a chance to experience his skills and magic with options ranging from misoyaki butterfish to jade pesto steamed opakapaka with choi sum. For fare created with local, sustainable ingredients, head nowhere else than Foster’s Kitchen in Queens’ Marketplace. Chardonnay garlic calamari with white truffle lemons and Maui onion-enriched gumbo are just two of the options on their extensive menu.
One of the beauties of the Kohala Coast is that it’s sure to satisfy nearly every lifestyle and personality. Locals and visitors alike participate in the ever-popular Lavaman Triathlon, which kicks off with a swim in the radiant waters off of Waikoloa Beach and concludes with a run along the scenic coastline. On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find the area’s annual and much-loved Big Island Chocolate Festival, which offers live cooking events and demonstrations, and samples of chocolate almost too lovely to touch (we said almost).
As entertaining as the Kohala Coast’s annual fetes and events might be, life on the daily here is just as exhilarating. The region bursts at the seams with available activities. Whether you want to absorb the breathtaking, panoramic vistas at the Polulu Valley Lookout in North Kohala or soak up the sunshine at Hapuna Beach Recreation Area, one thing is guaranteed: Your senses will feel thrilled and alive.
Children who reside on the Kohala Coast are served by the Hawaii Department of Education. Several of the public and private schools in and near the region include:
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