There's a particular magic to Hawaii's Big Island, Kohala Coast—where the ocean meets sweeping lava fields, and ultra-luxury living stretches from the hillside above down to the Pacific Coast shore. Known for its abundant sunshine, calm waters, and prestigious resort communities, the Kohala Coast has become one of the most desirable locations in the state for second homes, vacation estates, and full-time island living.
But knowing where to invest along the coast matters if you're considering a purchase here. The Kohala region has several distinct resort communities and neighborhoods, each offering a unique lifestyle experience, from world-class beaches and golf courses to luxury shopping and exclusive club amenities.
Below, we look at the most coveted areas to buy near the best beaches, resorts, and attractions along the Kohala Coast.
Mauna Lani Resort: Seaside Serenity Meets Modern Sophistication
At the heart of the Kohala Coast is Mauna Lani, a planned resort community that blends contemporary island luxury with a serene, understated atmosphere. Anchored by the Auberge Resorts Collection's Mauna Lani Hotel and the iconic Francis H. I'i Brown Golf Courses, this area is ideal for buyers who value privacy, ocean access, and wellness-driven living.
Home options here range from low-density beachfront estates and custom homes to elegant villas within gated enclaves such as The Cape, Nohea, and Ka Milo. Residents enjoy access to Mauna Lani's Beach Club (adjacent to the protected and swimmable Mauna Lani Beach), historic fishpond trails, and miles of shoreline.
Upscale shopping is just minutes away at The Shops at Mauna Lani, where you'll find fine dining, galleries, and boutiques. The atmosphere here is quiet luxury—never showy, but always refined.
Home options here range from low-density beachfront estates and custom homes to elegant villas within gated enclaves such as The Cape, Nohea, and Ka Milo. Residents enjoy access to Mauna Lani's Beach Club (adjacent to the protected and swimmable Mauna Lani Beach), historic fishpond trails, and miles of shoreline.
Upscale shopping is just minutes away at The Shops at Mauna Lani, where you'll find fine dining, galleries, and boutiques. The atmosphere here is quiet luxury—never showy, but always refined.
The Beach
Mauna Lani Beach boasts calm waters and exclusive Beach Club access, ideal for families and snorkelers.
Who's it best for
Buyers seeking a refined second home in a low-key, amenity-rich setting with strong long-term appreciation potential.
Waikōloa Beach Resort: Vibrant, Accessible, and Family-Friendly
Just south of Mauna Lani, Waikōloa Beach Resort offers a more active and social setting while delivering luxury and convenience. Centered around two major hotels—the Waikōloa Beach Marriott and Hilton Waikōloa Village—the resort community includes well-established residential neighborhoods such as Hali'i Kai, Fairway Villas, Vista Waikōloa, and Kolea, one of the only beachfront condo communities on the coast.
This area is ideal for buyers seeking vacation rental potential, walkability, and abundant amenities. Residents and guests are steps from Anaeho'omalu Bay. Two gorgeous championship golf courses—Waikōloa Beach Golf Course and Waikōloa Kings' Golf Course—meander through the neighborhood.
Just inland, Kings' Shops and Queens' Marketplace offer everything from island-inspired fashion to upscale dining, casual cafés, and events like free live hula and ukulele performances. The vibe here is casual luxury—family-oriented and full of life.
This area is ideal for buyers seeking vacation rental potential, walkability, and abundant amenities. Residents and guests are steps from Anaeho'omalu Bay. Two gorgeous championship golf courses—Waikōloa Beach Golf Course and Waikōloa Kings' Golf Course—meander through the neighborhood.
Just inland, Kings' Shops and Queens' Marketplace offer everything from island-inspired fashion to upscale dining, casual cafés, and events like free live hula and ukulele performances. The vibe here is casual luxury—family-oriented and full of life.
The Beach
Anaeho'omalu Bay (A-Bay) is great for paddleboarding, sailing, and sunset views. Vibrant and centrally located in Waikōloa.
Who's it best for
Investors seeking short-term rental properties or turn-key second homes with built-in amenities.
Mauna Kea Resort: Iconic Big Island Living
For many, Mauna Kea Resort represents the pinnacle of luxury on the Big Island. Developed by Laurance Rockefeller in the 1960s, the resort remains a timeless blend of mid-century elegance and Hawaiian hospitality. Its centerpiece is the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, perched above Kauna'oa Beach, one of the island's most postcard-perfect (and Instagrammable) white sand stretches.
Real estate options in the resort include sprawling oceanfront estates, luxury condos, and custom homes within enclaves like The Bluffs, Kauna'oa, and High Bluffs. Homeowners enjoy access to the private Mauna Kea Resort Club, which offers golf privileges at the Mauna Kea Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., beach services, and access to sister property The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, which also features the Arnold Palmer-designed Hapuna Golf Course.
Hapuna Estates, part of the Mauna Kea Resort family, enjoys private access to Hapuna Beach and elevated oceanview home sites.
Real estate options in the resort include sprawling oceanfront estates, luxury condos, and custom homes within enclaves like The Bluffs, Kauna'oa, and High Bluffs. Homeowners enjoy access to the private Mauna Kea Resort Club, which offers golf privileges at the Mauna Kea Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., beach services, and access to sister property The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, which also features the Arnold Palmer-designed Hapuna Golf Course.
Hapuna Estates, part of the Mauna Kea Resort family, enjoys private access to Hapuna Beach and elevated oceanview home sites.
The Beaches
Kauna'oa (Mauna Kea) Beach is arguably the most photogenic on the Big Island—tranquil, crescent-shaped, and highly walkable. Hapuna Beach, just to the south, is one of the largest and most revered of the island's beaches—and a short stroll from many Mauna Kea homes.
Who's it best for
Long-term investors and legacy buyers looking for prestige, exclusivity, and enduring property value.
Lifestyle and Long-Term Value
Kohala Coast real estate isn't just about the views—it's about lifestyle and legacy. The region offers a compelling mix of luxury and authenticity, from access to private golf clubs and curated resort experiences to proximity to culinary events, wellness retreats, and cultural sites like Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site.
If that wasn't enough, the Kohala Coast presents additional ownership advantages, including:
If that wasn't enough, the Kohala Coast presents additional ownership advantages, including:
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Weather: The coast sees 300+ days of sunshine annually, with little rain and cooling trade winds, making it ideal for year-round use.
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Established Luxury Infrastructure: There's no waiting for world-class resorts, shopping centers, golf courses, and wellness amenities to come in—stitched into the fabric of the Kohala Coast and an integral part of what makes the region so alluring.
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Limited Inventory: Land use restrictions and protected coastlines make property inherently scarce, driving long-term demand value.
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Rental Potential: Waikōloa, Mauna Lani, and Mauna Kea allow legal short-term rentals within designated zones, enabling strong income streams.
Discover More of the Kohala Coast with a Big Island Real Estate Expert
Whether your vision includes oceanfront tranquility, golf course views, or resort access steps from the sand, the Big Island's Kohala Coast offers a setting that exceeds expectations—and delivers a true sense of place. For those ready to plant roots in paradise, contact Steven Moody today to start your Big Island luxury home journey and uncover the best of the Kohala Coast luxury real estate scene.
