• Puukohola National Historic Park - The remnants of the last significant Ancient Hawaiian temple. This site is notable for its connection to Kamehameha I, who unified the Hawaiian Islands. The heiau (temple), named Puʻukoholā, meaning “Temple on the Hill of the Whale,” was built under Kamehameha I’s direction following the counsel of a revered priest to win the favor of the war god Kūkaʻilimoku. Constructed entirely by hand without mortar, the red stones for the temple were moved by a human chain approximately 14 miles from Pololū Valley. Thousands of people participated in the construction, which was completed in under a year.

The site also features the ruins of an older temple, Mailekini Heiau, and the nearby Hale o Kapuni, an underwater structure dedicated to sharks. Puʻukoholā Heiau was pivotal in the unification of the Hawaiian Islands under Kamehameha I, marking a significant chapter in Hawaiian history.

• Mahukona Beach Park - Mahukona was once a settlement on the island of Hawaiʻi. This area served as the endpoint of the Hawaiian Railroad and played a key role in the sugar industry’s history in the Kohala district. Mahukona was an essential port where sugarcane from plantations on the wet windward side of Kohala was transported to ships for export. The harbor was developed by Samuel Gardner Wilder, who also constructed a pier at Mahukona harbor to support this trade.

A sugar mill was built on the north side of the bay, and its remains are still visible today. Despite its early success, the port’s importance waned over time, and by 1945, the railroad had closed. The town, which once housed about 40 families, was abandoned in the 1950s, and the harbor was closed in 1956. Today, the bay is home to a park managed by Hawaii County, known as Mahukona Beach Park, offering fishing, snorkeling, picnic areas, and camping, despite the absence of a sandy beach.

• Hawi - Hawi is an excellent town for finding locally produced food and souvenirs. There are several shops and restaurants. When leaving town, be sure to visit the original Statue of King Kamehameha.
• The Original King Kamehameha Statue - The Kamehameha I statue is an outdoor sculpture by American artist Thomas Ridgeway Gould, cast in 1880 and installed in 1883. It stands in front of the old country courthouse.
• Pololu Valley Lookout - Pololū Valley is the northernmost of a series of erosional valleys forming the east coast of Kohala Mountain. The name “Pololū” means “long spear” in Hawaiian. This valley is distinguished by its deep cut into the side of Kohala Mountain and is traversed by Pololū Stream. The valley is renowned for its stunning black sand beach and a yellow sand dune that shields the lush inland areas from the ocean.

Historically, Pololū Valley was a significant site for kalo (taro) farming, with a particular variety known for its crimson stems being cultivated here. The valley also saw rice farming in the 1800s but fell into disuse in the 20th century. Part of the Kohala ditch, which diverts water from Honokane Valley to the sugarcane fields of the North Kohala district, runs along the sides of Pololū Valley.

• Kohala Mountain Road - The Kohala Mountain road offers a winding scenic drive to Waimea. Be sure to stop at the lookout for breathtaking views of the Kohala Valley.
• Waimea - Waimea is the hub of ranching activities in the region, with Parker Ranch, one of the largest privately owned cattle ranches in the United States, being a cornerstone of the community. The town is also known for its annual Fourth of July rodeo, a major event. Another notable event in Waimea is the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival, held annually in the first week of February.

The town is home to the headquarters of two astronomical observatories located on Mauna Kea, the W. M. Keck Observatory and the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope. It also hosts the International Lunar Observatory Association.

• Waipio Valley Lookout - Waipiʻo Valley Lookout offers stunning views of the valley’s lush landscape, the ocean, and the waterfalls that feed the river flowing from the back of the valley out to the sea. The lookout is a popular spot for visitors to take in the majestic scenery and to begin exploring the valley, either by hiking down into the valley or by taking guided tours that respect the valley’s cultural and environmental significance.

The valley is famous for its dramatic beauty, featuring a black sand beach at its shoreline, several large waterfalls, and taro farms. The valley floor, which is almost 2,000 feet below the surrounding terrain, is accessible via a steep road from a lookout point located on the top of the southern wall of the valley. This road is known for its steep grade, rising 800 feet in 0.6 miles at a 25% average grade, making it the steepest road of its length in the United States and open only to 4-wheel drive vehicles.

• Honokaa - Honokaa is a great place to stop and shop for locally produced items. Make sure to visit Tex Drive in for Malasadas!
• Saddle Road - This short detour will take you over the Roller Coaster of Big Island. This short section of the Old Saddle Road has many twists, turns, and hills.

• Use of a Polaris Slingshot vehicle for the rental period
• Helmets provided for all riders
• Pre-loaded, self-guided navigation tour