NEIGHBORHOOD INFO
PUAKO – WAIALEA BAY
Puako – Dating back to ancient times, Puako was a fishing village that, until the 1950s, was accessible only by boat or by the Ala Kaha Kai (the ancient “shoreline trail” that is now partially restored as a National Historic Trail). One of Hawaii’s largest petroglyph fields is nearby.
Still a small beach community—fewer than 200 homes along a single road just 2 ½ miles long—Puako is blessed with a consistently sunny and gentle climate. An eclectic mix of residents, snowbirds and vacationers, the kids you see on bikes and the surfers at Paniau probably live here. As you cross paths with them, stop and “talk story” at the General Store, an informal community center as well as a convenient resource for supplies. Life in Puako—year-round and short-term—is relaxed, very relaxed, but never boring.
Rimmed by a protected marine preserve, the Puako reef offers endless sights for snorkeling, SCUBA diving, kayaking, swimming and tide pool wading. Join the “honu” (protected sea turtles—please enjoy them at a safe distance) for a swim or follow their lead and bask in the sun nearby. You’ll have a great vantage point for watching the wintertime display of whales and their young during their calving time in our warm waters.
If all this isn’t exciting enough, you can walk to the Mauna Lani or Fairmont Orchid Hotels for a sunset beverage, or visit the nearby Shops at Mauna Lani or the King’s Shops and Queen’s Marketplace just down the highway for shopping and a variety of restaurants and galleries. On the way upcountry to Waimea, home of Parker Ranch and the “paniolos” (cowboys), a stop at Kawaihae Harbor offers additional restaurants, galleries, and a fish market. Golfers have numerous options, and adventurers may head for the summit of Mauna Kea, the active volcano Kilauea or a trip to the Zipline in Kapa’au.
Waialea Bay – when hunting for an oceanfront vacation rental in Hawaii, Waialea Bay is an excellent choice. Known locally as Beach 69 (for the telephone pole that marked the beach access), Waialea Bay is a small, sandy crescent surrounded by rocks and shade trees. Beach entry is gentle; the coral reef is near; the sea life abundant: turtles float in the shallows; a variety of fish swim the reef and giant-but-gentle manta rays often grace the north end waters. When the surf’s up, bring the boogie board instead of the snorkel gear.
Located between the beach community of Puako and Hapuna State Beach, the homes on Waialea Bay are very secluded, despite their proximity to this wonderful beach.
GROCERY STORES:
Puako General Store – 69-1649 Puako Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Foodland Farms Mauna Lani – 1330 Mauna Lani Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Island Gourmet Markets at The Queen’s Marketplace – 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr #201, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
Costco Kona – 73-5600 Maiau St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
NEAREST HOSPITAL:
Kohala Coast Urgent Care And Mobile Health – Located in: The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Address: 62-100 Kaunaʻoa Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
North Hawaii Community Hospital – 67-1125 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743
Kohala Hospital – 54-383 Hospital Rd, Kapaau, HI 96755
Kona Community Hospital – 79-1019 Haukapila St, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Hale Hoola Hamakua – 45-547 Plumeria St, Honokaa, HI 96727
FARMERS’ MARKETS:
Waimea Town Market at Parker School – Saturdays 7:30am-12pm
65-1224 Lindsey Rd, Waimea, HI 96743
Waimea Midweek Farmers Market – Wednesdays 9am-2pm Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables
67-139 Pukalani Rd, Waimea, HI 96743
Hāmākua Harvest Farmers Market – Sundays 9am-2pm
44-2600 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743
WATER SPORT GEAR RENTALS:
Lat 20, LLC is an ocean equipment rental company family owned and operated. We cater specifically to vacation rental properties in the Puako and Waialea Bay area. We offer kayaks, stand up paddleboards (SUP), surf boards, and beach cruising bicycles that you can use to cruise up and down the Puako Road. We will deliver the equipment to your rental property and pick it up for you when you are done. Our goal is to make your experience as easy as possible!
RESTAURANTS – JUST TO GET YOU STARTED!
Shops at Mauna Lani – Open-air mall with shops, restaurants, a ride-simulating movie theater & twice-weekly hula shows.
68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr #100, Waimea, HI 96743
King’s Shops – Lakeside mall with high-end clothing, jewelry & gift shops, plus a weekly farmer’s market & shows.
250 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
Queen’s Marketplace -Resort-style mall with shops & restaurants, enhanced by fountains, koi ponds & entertainment.
69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
Kawaihae Harbor – offers additional restaurants, galleries, and a fish market.
613665 Akoni Pule Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743
FAVORITE ACTIVITIES – OUR TEAM RECOMMENDATIONS!
Sunset Walk – Walk to the Mauna Lani or Fairmont Orchid Hotels for a sunset beverage.
Golf – Golfers have numerous options.
Adventure – Adventurers may head for the summit of Mauna Kea, the active volcano Kilauea or a trip to the Zipline in Kapa’au.
I’olani Stables – Family fun on Waimea’s beautiful horseback trails. Our experienced guides will assist you with instructions, history, and nature talks. Call or email for advance reservations.
Ancient Alternatives Massage – Massage therapy is more than relaxing me-time. Studies continue to prove the physical, and emotional benefits of even a single massage therapy session. As the number of proven health benefits grows, so do the number of people who invest in regular massage for a more balanced lifestyle.
Kona Kozy’s Comedy & Magic Show – Come experience “Big Island Magic” and the “Aloha Spirit” with multiple award winning magician and funniest man on the islands, Kona Kozy. Kick back, be amazed and laugh your “Okole” off in this mesmerizing production for ages 18+. A true “Kahuna of Magic & Comedy”, Kona Kozy has just been awarded the title of “International Comedy Magician of the Decade” from the International Magician’s Society.
KONA AREA
GROCERY STORES:
NEAREST HOSPITAL:
FARMERS’ MARKETS:
WATER SPORT GEAR RENTALS:
RESTAURANTS – JUST TO GET YOU STARTED!
