Waikoloa Village HawaiiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Waikoloa Village, Hawaii.
1. Dolphin Quest
SWIM WITH DOLPHINS
Dolphin Quest, located within the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort, offers a hands-on dolphin interaction experience where visitors can swim with these magnificent marine mammals. Participants spend 30-45 minutes interacting with dolphins under the supervision of a marine mammal specialist, with programs available for kids as young as 2 years old and families in small group settings of maximum 6 people. The experience includes a memento dolphin photo session to capture the memorable encounter.
2. 49 Black Sand Beach
VOLCANIC BEACH PARADISE
49 Black Sand Beach is a stunning natural attraction in Waikoloa featuring distinctive black volcanic sand. The beach offers visitors a unique Hawaiian coastal experience with its dramatic contrast between the dark sand and blue ocean waters. It's a popular spot for beachgoers looking to experience one of Hawaii's famous black sand beaches, formed by lava flowing into the ocean and rapidly cooling.
3. Anaehoomalu Beach
PRISTINE COASTAL RETREAT
Anaehoomalu Beach is a beautiful coastal destination in Waikoloa offering visitors a picturesque setting for relaxation and water activities. The beach features soft sand, calm waters, and swaying palm trees that epitomize the Hawaiian beach experience. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and taking in the spectacular Hawaiian sunsets at this popular beach location.
4. The Shops At Mauna Lani
UPSCALE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Shops At Mauna Lani offers an upscale shopping experience in Waikoloa with a variety of retail options. The center provides visitors with both high-end boutiques and local Hawaiian specialty shops in an elegant outdoor setting. Shoppers can find everything from designer fashion to unique island souvenirs while enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian atmosphere.
5. Kings' Shops
LUXURY RETAIL DESTINATION
Kings' Shops is an upscale shopping center in Waikoloa featuring luxury retailers like Michael Kors and Tiffany alongside more accessible options like Macy's. The shopping destination also includes Hawaii-specific clothing and souvenir shops such as Noa Noa and CocoNene for those looking for local merchandise. Visitors can enjoy dining at several different restaurants including Obisic Shave Ice Co. and Island Fish and Chips, or find rental shops for bicycles, motorcycles, and even surf lessons.
6. Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve
ANCIENT HAWAIIAN ART
Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve showcases ancient Hawaiian rock carvings that provide a fascinating glimpse into the island's cultural history. The preserve contains numerous petroglyphs etched into the lava rock by native Hawaiians hundreds of years ago. Visitors can walk along designated paths to view these historical treasures that depict human figures, canoes, and various symbols important to Hawaiian culture.
7. Genesis Gallery
FINE ART COLLECTION
Genesis Gallery is an art gallery in Waikoloa showcasing a curated collection of fine art pieces. The gallery features works from both local Hawaiian artists and internationally recognized creators in various mediums. Art enthusiasts can explore and purchase unique pieces that capture the beauty and spirit of Hawaii.
8. Lava Light Gallery
HAWAIIAN PHOTOGRAPHY SHOWCASE
Lava Light Gallery is a highly-rated art gallery in Waikoloa specializing in stunning photography of Hawaii's natural landscapes. The gallery displays captivating images of volcanic activity, coastal scenes, and other iconic Hawaiian vistas captured by talented photographers. Visitors can purchase prints and other art pieces as memorable souvenirs of the island's unique beauty.
9. Queen's Marketplace
DIVERSE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Queen's Marketplace is a popular shopping center in Waikoloa featuring a mix of familiar U.S. retailers and unique Hawaiian specialty shops like Maui Divers Jewelry and Lava Light Galleries. The marketplace houses over a dozen restaurants, including Waikoloa Shrimp Co. and L&L Hawaii, which serves traditional Hawaiian BBQ. Visitors can also enjoy entertainment at the movie theater located within the shopping complex.
10. Kona Kozy Comedy & Magic Show
WORLD-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE
The Kona Kozy Comedy & Magic Show features world-class comic magician Kozy, who brings 38 years of award-winning experience to his performances in Waikoloa. Each show blends magic, comedy, and the aloha spirit in a unique way, ensuring no two performances are exactly the same. Kozy's residency show has earned acclaim through countless television appearances and international performances, making it a must-see entertainment option for visitors.
11. Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas
PREMIUM MOVIE EXPERIENCE
Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas offers a premium movie-watching experience with assigned luxury loveseats featuring removable armrests for comfort. The theater elevates the traditional cinema experience with a full-service bar and bistro that delivers food and drinks directly to viewers' seats during the film. It's an excellent rainy day activity option that combines the latest blockbuster films with upscale amenities.
12. Hapuna Beach State Park
WHITE SAND PARADISE
Hapuna Beach State Park features a stunning white sand beach that consistently ranks among the best beaches in Hawaii. The park offers excellent conditions for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and bodyboarding, though visitors should be mindful of the currents. Its expansive shoreline provides plenty of space for sunbathing and relaxation against the backdrop of Hawaii's beautiful coastal scenery.
13. Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise
UNDERWATER VIEWING ADVENTURE
The Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise from Waikoloa offers visitors a unique way to observe Hawaii's underwater marine life without getting wet. Passengers can marvel at colorful tropical fish, coral formations, and possibly sea turtles through the transparent floor of the vessel. This highly-rated experience combines education about the local ecosystem with the excitement of spotting diverse sea creatures in their natural habitat.
14. Big Island Helicopter Tour
AERIAL ISLAND ADVENTURE
The Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour departing from Waikoloa provides breathtaking aerial views of Hawaii's diverse landscapes. Passengers can witness cascading waterfalls, volcanic formations, lush rainforests, and stunning coastlines from a unique perspective. This perfectly-rated experience offers an unforgettable way to appreciate the scale and beauty of the Big Island's natural wonders.
15. Whale Watching Tours
MAJESTIC MARINE ENCOUNTERS
Whale Watching Tours from Waikoloa offer visitors the rare opportunity to observe magnificent humpback whales in their natural habitat. These tours typically operate during whale season when these massive marine mammals migrate to Hawaiian waters to breed and give birth. The experience of seeing these gentle giants breach, spout, and play is considered one of the most memorable activities available in Hawaii.