Aloha e Komo Mai! Experience the perfect Big Island balance at Hale Polū—our spacious 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom sanctuary that comfortably sleeps four. Located just up the hill in Waikōloa Village, our condo offers a relaxing oasis minutes from world-class resorts and white sand beaches, but perfectly tucked away from the hustle and bustle. Explore our home and discover our curated 'Top Ten' recommendations below.

YOUR SANCTUARY UP THE HILL

Located 'up the hill' on the lush grounds of the Waikoloa Villas, Hale Polū offers a refreshing sanctuary where tropical breezes meet golf course views. While the resort crowds stay in the heat of the coast, you’ll enjoy a cooler, quieter oasis just minutes from the island's best white sand beaches.Walk to the local KTA market for fresh island produce, take a short stroll to the nearby sports complex for a round of golf or a game of pickleball, or simply wander our manicured grounds to find a ripe piece of fruit for breakfast.Whether you are hosting a sunset BBQ at the poolside pavilion or heading out for a day of snorkeling, Hale Polū is designed as the ultimate basecamp for your Big Island adventure.

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2 Pool Areas & Hot Tubs: Just steps away

Beach Ready: Snorkel gear, boards, chairs & cooler

Free Pickleball & Tennis + Discounted Golf

Poolside BBQ Pavilions & Outdoor Dining

On-Site Shuffleboard + Private Gear Kit

Manicured Grounds & Pickable Tropical Fruit

Meet Brian and Kayoko

Our history with the Big Island began in 1990 when Brian worked on a college friend's family farm above Honokaʻa in ʻĀhualoa. That trip sparked a lifelong love for the island’s unique spirit. Over the last eight years, we returned frequently as a couple, exploring different towns before discovering that Waikōloa Village—and specifically the Waikōloa Villas—felt truly like home.We purchased Hale Polū as our personal sanctuary and return every few months. You’ll usually find us on the local pickleball courts, fishing, snorkeling, or hiking the trails we’ve come to know by heart.When we aren’t in Waikōloa, we reside in Sacramento with our five children. Brian is a retired sports marketer, and Kayoko continues her work as a Registered Nurse. We’ve poured our love for hospitality into Hale Polū and are excited to share our home with you.私たちは日本語を話します
(Watashitachi wa nihongo o hanashimasu)

The Hale Polū Perspective: Our Curated Top Ten

If you’re reading this, we likely crossed paths on a beach or a pickleball court and I handed you a card. Welcome! These are our personal 'go-to' locations across the greater Kohala Coast—the spots we return to time and again.To help you plan your day, we’ve listed these spots from South to North. For each one, we’ve included our personal take—whether we’re there for the fishing, the swimming or the snorkeling (or all three), a quiet hike, or just some local shopping.As you explore, we ask that you travel with aloha: respect the 'āina (land), honor the culture, and be kind to the locals who make this place so special. Enjoy our favorite corners of paradise!

1: Kekaha Kai State Beach
(Mahai‘ula)

Best known for its long, rough road (4WD STRONGLY recommended), Kekaha Kai provides exceptional fishing (our favorite spot) and hiking opportunities as well as decent swimming/snorkeling. This is the starting point for the trek to Makalawena Beach—sturdy shoes are a must. Keep a close eye on the shoreline for Hawaiian Monk Seals (‘īlio holo i ka uaua); if you spot them, please maintain a respectful distance of 50–150 feet.LOCAL TIP: Don't let the rough road scare you off, but do keep an eye on the clock. The gate closes strictly at 7:00 PM—don't get locked in!

2: Manini‘ōwali (Kua Bay)

Often cited as the most beautiful beach on the island, Kua Bay offers powdery white sand and crystal-clear water. It is an exceptional spot for boogie boarding when the swell is right, but be careful—the shorebreak can be powerful and unforgiving. Head to the rocks on the far left side for the best snorkeling away from the main crowd. Decent hiking and fishing to the south of the beach area as well.LOCAL TIP: Parking is limited and fills up early. Make this the first stop of your day if you can.

3: Kīholo State Park Reserve

Quite possibly our favorite 'all-in-one' location on the coast. At the bottom of the access hill, you’ll have a choice: head left for the camping area or right for day use. The camping side offers the best hiking—follow the south trail over the rocks to discover two secluded bays featuring healthy reefs for snorkeling and decent fishing. If you choose day use, follow the shoreline trail to the right to visit the hidden Queen’s Bath (Keanalele Waterhole) before continuing to the main bay for the area’s best fishing.LOCAL TIP: This area is home to two historic celebrity estates. The 'Round House' near the camping area was built for country legend Loretta Lynn, while the 'Bali House' near the bay is owned by John Paul DeJoria (co-founder of Paul Mitchell and Patrón Spirits).

4: Dusty Donkey Emporium

Located at the historic Waikōloa Stables just up the hill from Waikōloa Village proper, the Dusty Donkey is the Village’s premier destination for those who love a good treasure hunt. This curated thrift boutique is packed with quirky, one-of-a-kind finds—from vintage Hawaiian collectibles and high-end resort wear to unique home décor. Pricing is affordable, and best of all, every purchase directly supports the Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative, helping to protect and restore one of the rarest ecosystems in the world.LOCAL TIP: The Donkey operates on 'Island Time' and is only open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Plan your visit for Tuesday morning when the new weekend donations usually hit the floor.

5: Holoholokai Beach Park

Located within the Mauna Lani resort footprint, this is Brian’s go-to spot for a quick fishing trip and a perfect place to observe Honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). For the best fishing and snorkeling, head north (right) once you hit the shore. Several hundred yards in, you’ll discover a natural semi-circle of rocks; this is a prime spot to cast from, with decent snorkeling that extends all the way to the edge of the Puakō reef.LOCAL TIP: This is one of the best 'easy access' beach locations to watch the island’s famed sunsets. While you’re here, take the short, well-marked Malama Trail from the parking lot to see hundreds of ancient petroglyphs preserved in the lava rock.

6: Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area

No Big Island list is complete without Hāpuna, consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world. As the largest white-sand beach on the island, it is legendary for its extraordinary swimming and high-energy boogie boarding when the surf is up. While most visitors stay centered in the bay, the rocky points at both extreme ends of the beach offer exceptional snorkeling and productive fishing in deeper water.LOCAL TIP: Bring your hiking shoes and head north along the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. This spectacular 1.2-mile coastal path offers incredible scenery and connects you directly to the iconic Kauna‘oa (Mauna Kea) Beach. Note for Anglers: If you’re fishing the points, please be extra mindful of swimmers and snorkelers—they often don't realize how far your line extends!

7: Spencer Beach Park

A favorite among locals, Spencer Beach Park is an ideal spot for a relaxed day on the coast. The water here is protected and calm, making for a perfect swimming environment, while the large pavilion and public BBQ grills make it the premier choice for a beachside picnic. For anglers, the rocks north of the primary park area (directly below the historic Puʻukoholā Heiau) offer quality fishing grounds. If you prefer a bit of seclusion, follow the coastal trail south for a half-mile to discover Mau’umae Beach, a hidden white-sand gem that feels worlds away from the crowd.LOCAL TIP: Take the northward trail toward Pelekane Beach. While it can be a warm hike, keep a close eye on the shallow lagoon near the submerged trees; you can often spot manō pā‘ele (blacktip reef sharks) finning through the calm, shallow water. It is a spectacular sight, but remember to maintain a respectful distance.

8: Hale I'a Da Fish House

In our opinion, the best poke on the Kohala Coast is found right here in the Kawaihae Market. While the shop has moved from its original 'rustic' building across the street, the quality remains unmatched. Keep an eye on the glass refrigerator against the back wall; if you’re lucky, it will be stocked with Poke Bombs (poke-filled sweet tofu wraps—Brian’s personal favorite) and their legendary, locally-made coconut cake. Arrive early, as these specialties sell out quickly!LOCAL TIP: If you are traveling with keiki (youngsters) or just need a cold treat, Anuenue Ice Cream & Shave Ice is located right next door. It’s the perfect way to round out a local lunch before heading back to the beach.

9: Hāmākua Macadamia Nut Company

While macadamia trees were first planted here in the late 1800s, Hawai‘i has since become world-famous for the crop. Most visitors recognize the big global brands, but the Kohala Coast is home to our favorite local producer: Hāmākua Macadamia Nut Company. This visitor center offers a unique window into the process, with a self-guided tour where you can often watch the nuts being processed on-site. While they offer a wide variety, our personal favorites are the Island Onion and Butter Toffee flavors."LOCAL TIP: Take advantage of the free samples (within reason!) to find your favorite flavor before you commit to a bag. It’s the perfect place to stock up on authentic, locally-grown gifts for friends and family back home.

10: Māhukona Beach Park

Last, but certainly not least, is Māhukona. Situated on the site of a former sugar mill and shipping hub, this park offers a unique experience: there is no actual beach! Instead, you’ll find fantastic snorkeling directly off the old pier. Because this was once a deep-water port, the depth increases quickly, often granting sightings of larger marine life that you won't see in the shallow bays. It is the perfect place to set up a beach chair on the pier, watch the horizon, and soak in the local vibe.LOCAL TIP: Take the time to hike north through the historic grounds. You’ll discover a graveyard of abandoned machinery, old buildings, and remnants of the original railway that once transported sugar across the island. This path also offers incredible cliffside sightlines into pristine, crystal-clear bays that are otherwise inaccessible.

Reach Out to Your Hosts

Whether you have a question about the condo or need a specific local recommendation for your upcoming trip, don't hesitate to drop us a line. We want your stay at Hale Polū to be filled with aloha.

Mahalo Nui Loa!

We’ve received your message and will get back to you shortly. We’re looking forward to helping you plan an unforgettable stay at Hale Polū.A hui hou (Until we meet),Brian & Kayoko