South Kohala
The South Kohala region runs (as all ancient Ahupua’a ran) mauka to makai, from the Kohala mountains of Waimea to the Kohala Coast, also known as the Gold Coast. It includes the towns/communities of Waimea, Waiki’i Ranch, Waikoloa Village, the Kohala Coast resorts of Waikoloa Beach Resort, Mauna Lani Resort, Mauna Kea Resort and the harbor of Kawaihae (clockwise on a map).
Waimea
Also known as Kamuela, is located upcountry at a moderate temperament elevation and is the largest town on the north end of the island. This quaint local town is home of Hawaii’s oldest cattle ranch, Parker Ranch, founded in 1847. Parker Ranch is also the largest privately owned cattle Ranch in the United States. The rich ranching and paniolo history of yesteryear is still an active and lively part of Waimea
today. Mixed with this heritage
is that Waimea is also headquarters for several astronomical observatories located on Mauna Kea and home to Hawaii Preparatory Academy and Parker School, two of the top independent schools in Hawaii. Farming is also a big part of this community with several weekend and mid-week Farmer’s Markets and farm to table dining available.
Waikoloa Village
condos and homes) are mandated to belong to the Waikoloa Village Association, with CC&R’s and annual dues. Ownership in the Village includes use of the tennis courts, community swimming pool and the 18-hold Robert Trent Jr. golf course. Waikoloa Village has the convenience of a shopping center (with another under construction), post office, parks and more.
Sitting south of Waimea and between the upper and lower highways (connecting the north and south end of the island) is Waikoloa Village, the closest residential community to the Kohala Coast Resort area and it’s beaches. It was originally established in 1971 as a golfing retirement community but has since evolved adding a K-8 school and becoming a community of families and retirees alike. Affordable county housing aside, all properties (vacant land,
Waiki'i Ranch
On the beautiful slopes of Mauna Kea, off the upper highway and Saddle Road, between Waimea and Waikoloa Village, you’ll find the charming equestrian community that is Waiki’I Ranch. This private, gated neighborhood sits at a cool elevation of 3,500-5,000 feet and encompasses over 2,000 acres of 10, 20 and 40-acre residential lots. Waiki’i is best known for its equestrian, polo field and rodeo facilities.
Kawaihae
Rounding out South Kohala on the north-west end of the region is Kawaihae. While predominately a shipping harbor, a dock is available for fishing vessels and recreational boats, providing some of the best diving and whale watching on the island. This is the place to go for fresh poke!