Living the Resort Life on the Big Island: Top Communities, Dining, and Real Estate

The Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii is home to some of the most luxurious and picturesque resort communities in the world. With stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, five-star dining, and breathtaking oceanfront real estate, this area offers an unparalleled lifestyle. Here’s a guide to the top resort communities, their amenities, recreational opportunities, and why they’re some of the most desirable places to live.

1. Waikoloa Beach Resort – Fun, Sun, and Convenience

• Vibe: Active, family-friendly, resort-style living
• Recreation: Home to two championship golf courses, the Waikoloa Beach and Kings’ Courses, as well as Anaehoʻomalu Bay (A-Bay), a fantastic spot for swimming, paddleboarding, and sunset watching.
• Dining:
  • Lava Lava Beach Club – A favorite beachfront spot with great food and live music.
  • Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill – Famous for its fusion of Hawaiian and Asian flavors.
• Real Estate: Options range from luxurious oceanfront condos to high-end single-family homes. Properties in gated communities like Kolea offer direct beach access and resort amenities.

2. Mauna Lani Resort – Luxury and Tranquility

• Vibe: Exclusive, serene, and upscale
• Recreation:
  • The Mauna Lani Golf Courses are among the best in Hawaii, with stunning oceanfront holes.
  • The Mauna Lani Beach Club offers calm waters and excellent snorkeling.
• Dining:
  • CanoeHouse – A fine dining experience with oceanfront views and farm-to-table cuisine.
  • Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club – Hidden gem with fresh island seafood and a relaxed vibe.
• Real Estate: This resort features luxury townhomes, oceanfront estates, and elegant condominiums, many with access to private beach clubs and resort privileges.

3. Hapuna Beach Residences & Resort – The Best Beachfront Living

• Vibe: Quiet, exclusive, beachfront paradise
• Recreation:
  • Hapuna Beach is one of the best white sand beaches in Hawaii, perfect for swimming and boogie boarding.
  • The Hapuna Golf Course offers breathtaking views and challenging fairways.
• Dining:
  • Meridia – A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.
  • Naupaka Beach Grill – Casual dining with great cocktails and sunset views.
• Real Estate: The newly developed Hapuna Beach Residences offer contemporary luxury condos right on the sand, with access to Mauna Kea Resort amenities.

4. Puako – Old Hawaii Charm with Oceanfront Bliss

• Vibe: Laid-back, beachfront community
• Recreation:
  • Puako Bay is a top snorkeling and diving destination with abundant marine life.
  • Whale watching and tide-pooling are favorite local pastimes.
• Dining:
  • The Blue Room (nearby) – A cozy café serving delicious breakfast and coffee.
  • Cafe Pesto (in Kawaihae) – Known for its fresh seafood and pizza.
• Real Estate: Puako is unique because it’s one of the few places with direct oceanfront homes outside a resort. Properties range from charming beach cottages to multimillion-dollar estates.

5. Mauna Kea Resort – Iconic Elegance

• Vibe: Prestigious, classic Hawaiian luxury
• Recreation:
  • The Mauna Kea Golf Course is a legendary course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.
  • Mauna Kea Beach (Kauna’oa Bay) is one of the most beautiful white sand beaches on the island.
• Dining:
  • Manta – A romantic, open-air restaurant with incredible seafood and ocean views.
  • Number 3 – A casual spot at the golf clubhouse with refreshing island-inspired fare.
• Real Estate: High-end oceanfront estates, condominiums, and golf course homes make Mauna Kea Resort a top choice for those seeking exclusivity and luxury.

6. Kawaihae – Harbor Town with Local Flavor

• Vibe: Small-town charm with easy beach access
• Recreation:
  • Deep-sea fishing, sailing, and whale watching are popular activities in Kawaihae Harbor.
  • It’s a gateway to the beautiful Kohala Coast beaches.
• Dining:
  • Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel’s Coast Grille – Great seafood with ocean views.
  • Seafood Bar & Grill – A local favorite for fresh poke and cocktails.
• Real Estate: Primarily residential, with a mix of ocean-view homes and rural properties, offering a more local lifestyle compared to resort areas.

7. Kohala By The Sea – Private, Gated, and Stunning Views

• Vibe: Quiet, upscale, residential
• Recreation:
  • Quick access to top beaches like Mauna Kea and Hapuna.
  • Peaceful walking and jogging trails within the community.
• Real Estate: Gated community with custom-built homes offering breathtaking ocean and sunset views. Large lot sizes provide privacy and space.

8. Kohala Ranch – The Best of Country and Ocean Views

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• Vibe: Rural, spacious, with a touch of luxury
• Recreation:
  • Horseback riding and hiking trails weave through the rolling green hills.
  • A short drive to the best beaches and resorts.
• Real Estate: Known for its large estate-style properties, Kohala Ranch offers some of the best panoramic ocean views on the island. The lower elevations provide warmer weather, while the higher elevations offer cooler mountain air.

9. Kohala Waterfront – Exclusive Oceanfront Living

• Vibe: Secluded, luxurious, oceanfront
• Recreation:
  • Unparalleled whale watching right from your backyard during the winter months.
  • Quick access to world-class golf courses and beaches.
• Real Estate: A small, gated community with stunning oceanfront estates. Homes here are designed to maximize the panoramic ocean views and natural beauty.

Final Thoughts

The Kohala Coast offers an extraordinary lifestyle, whether you’re looking for the energy of a resort, the charm of a small beach town, or the privacy of a hillside estate. With incredible dining, world-class recreation, and some of the most beautiful real estate in Hawaii, there’s a perfect place for everyone to call home. Whether you dream of waking up to ocean views, golfing steps from your door, or strolling to a sandy beach, the Big Island’s resort communities offer a slice of paradise like no other.