Kohala Forest Reserve
Nature preserve · Hawaii County ·

Kohala Forest Reserve

Nature preserve · Hawaii County ·

Coastal forest reserve, rugged trails, black sand beaches

Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null
Kohala Forest Reserve by null

Information

52-5055 Akoni Pule Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743 Get directions

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Information

Static Map

52-5055 Akoni Pule Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743 Get directions

+1 808 587 0166
dlnr.hawaii.gov

Features

•Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Dec 10, 2025

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The Best Island to Visit in Hawaii for Every Type of Traveler | Condé Nast Traveler

"Described as a hiking destination on the Big Island, Kohala Waterfall is mentioned alongside Hawaii Forest & Trail, which offers guided hikes to the falls as part of the island’s outdoor-adventure offerings." - Rachel Cheng

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-island-to-visit-in-hawaii-for-every-type-of-traveler
Kohala Forest Reserve

Alexandria D.

Google
Amazing views and black sand beach. The hike down took approximately 20 minutes, with four switchbacks. The hike back up (the same path down) was a bit rough, but doable in a half hour with breaks for water and catching your breath. Overall, super happy I went here!

Margaret W.

Google
Beautiful picturesque place... About 1/2 hour hike down ... 45 minutes back up.. Make sure you wear good walking shoes 👞 👟 👌 Be careful And take a walking stick...

Radish D.

Google
Such a beautiful hike! It took us about half a day. I suggest you eat lunch in your car so you don't have to carry it with you all the way down and then back up again in your stomach. There's not a lot of parking but the view is totally worth it. If you have young or old people with you, perhaps only go half way down. There are still some great views before you reach the bottom.

Gail W.

Google
Beautiful black sand beach and the views on the hike are stunning! If you have any ailments I would just take pictures from above. The hike on the way back is tough. But if you can do it it’s a must do!!

David W.

Google
A nice little stop when traveling down the middle of the Big Island. From the highway the trees look grey and almost lifeless but up close it is an amazing forest. The bird life is amazing, so many different songs can be heard. It is a nice quick walk and worth it if you enjoy nature. There was a couple of spots that reminded me of Dagobah from Empire Strikes Back. Amazing walk.

gabriela S.

Google
The hike was a bit difficult for me (i dont usually hike or excercise at all lol) but it was so worth it when i got to that beautifull and picturesque valley. Just magical

Anneke J.

Google
Fabulous views of Waimea Valley and the Beautiful Rocky coastline. There is a trail here that goes down to the beach we didn't take it because it was rainy that day but we heard that it was about 20 minutes. It was hard to imagine that it would only take 20 minutes to get down from the top.

Chris H.

Google
If you are seeking paradise on earth, Kohala Forest Reserve, located on the northern side of The Big Island of Hawaii, might just be the place you have been searching for. Nestled away in the most lush, untouched part of the island, you will be treated with the tranquility of Mother nature at her finest. Be prepared to hike up and down rough terrain for a couple of hours, but it is well worth it. I have traveled all over the world but there is something about this place that leaves you mesmerized. Kohala Forest is a must see!