Hakalau
Hakalau is a peaceful village along the lush Hamakua Coast of the Big Island. Once a thriving sugar plantation town, Hakalau is now home to quiet farms, scenic coastal views, and the nearby Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil Hakalau Bay, remnants of plantation history, and opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography in one of Hawaii's most serene and untouched regions.
Hakalau, Big Island
Hakalau, located on the Big Island's Hamakua Coast, is a small village which was once home to a large sugar plantation up until the early 1960s. Remnants of the village's prosperous past can still be seen in the old railroad bridge that leads to Hakalau Bay and the long-defunct plantation towers you can see from the road. Also located on the shoreline where the Hakalau stream meets the bay are the ruins of the Hakalau Mill, which was destroyed in the tsunami of 1946.
Today, there are a few family farms growing tropical fruits, coffee, flowers and doing cattle ranching. The bay is mainly used by surfers and local fishermen. At the bottom of the Hakalau Gulch, there is a small park with picnic tables and ocean access.
Located nearby is the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, a 32,733-acre (134 sq. km) wilderness preserve that his home to endangered species, including the Hawaiian creeper, Hawaiian hoary bat, nene, ‘io, ‘akepa, i'iwi and pueo. The Upper Maulau Tract, located in the northernmost section of the wildlife refuge, is open for hiking (with prior permission) on weekends and holidays (call Refuge Office a week prior to your visit to get a permit: 808-933-6915). However, it's a two-hour drive from Hilo to get here and half of the drive is on a dirt road, accessible only with a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Key Features of Hakalau
- Historic sugar town: Formerly home to a large sugar plantation until the 1960s
- Hakalau Bay: Scenic bay popular with local surfers and fishermen
- Hakalau Mill ruins: Remains of a sugar mill destroyed by the 1946 tsunami still visible on the shoreline
- Wildlife refuge nearby: Home to endangered Hawaiian birds and species in the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
- Farming community: Area now features tropical fruit farms, flower cultivation, and cattle ranching
- Oceanfront park: Small local park at the base of Hakalau Gulch with picnic tables and ocean access
- Zip code: 96710
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hakalau located?
Hakalau is a small community along the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island, about 15 miles north of Hilo.
What can I do at Hakalau Bay?
Hakalau Bay is mainly used by local surfers and fishermen. There is also a small park with picnic tables and ocean access.
Is the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge open to visitors?
Yes, the Upper Maulua Tract is open on weekends and holidays with a permit. Visitors must call in advance and need a 4WD vehicle for access.
What remains of the sugar plantation can be seen?
You can see remnants of the old railroad bridge, plantation towers from the road, and the ruins of the Hakalau Mill near the bay.
How do I get a permit to visit the wildlife refuge?
Call the Refuge Office at 808-933-6915 at least a week before your planned visit to get hiking permission.