Just north of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport is the beautiful Kohala Coast. Driving from the airport to Kohala is like driving on another planet. From wild donkeys to lava tubes along the HI-19 it’s a whole other experience. Feel like a more scenic drive? Take the HI-190 or as locals call it, “the upper road”.
Once you finally make it to the Kohala Coast you can stop at Hapuna Beach State Park or Spencer Beach Park or “Spencers”. Past those beaches, you will reach Kawaihae harbor. There you can see how locals send and receive items between the neighbor islands.
From Waikui you can head east towards Waimea. Tell a local you’re staying in Waimea and they will often ask you this question. Do you live on the dry side or the wetside?
Around the northern side of the island is green pastures with horses and cattle. Often you will see Paniolos riding around taking care of their livestock.