Holualoa, Big Island
Holualoa is a charming hillside village nestled above Kailua-Kona on the Big Island's west coast. Famous for its Kona coffee farms and artist community, Holualoa offers a peaceful escape with cooler elevations, historic architecture, and scenic views of the Kona coastline. It's a perfect blend of tradition, creativity, and rural Hawaiian life.
Holualoa is a small coffee-farming village situated 1,400 feet (427 m) above Kailua-Kona. The town is primarily a single road called Mamalahoa Highway and along it are several galleries exhibiting the works of local artists, as well as coffee shops brewing Kona coffee that has been grown right here.
Holualoa got its name from the ancient Hawaiian practice of sledding the long "loa" mountain slopes using "holua" or wooden sleds. This sledding site is now known as Mamalahoa Highway.
In 1778, when Europeans started coming to Hawaii for trade, coffee cuttings from Brazil were brought in to Holualoa by Samuel Reverend Ruggles. Later in the century, coffee became the prime product of Holualoa until its market value dropped.
Landowners leased their coffee lands to their mostly Japanese tenants who grew quality coffee in small quantities for local consumption. Planting coffee as family crops was continued with the arrival of Filipino, European and American migrants. Until today, one can smell the coffee aroma as one drives down the slope of Mount Hualalai.
Key Features of Holualoa
- Historic coffee-farming village: Situated at 1,400 feet above sea level in the Kona uplands
- Heart of Kona coffee country: Numerous small-batch coffee farms and roasters line Mamalahoa Highway
- Artistic flair: Home to galleries, studios, and the annual Holualoa Village Coffee & Art Stroll
- Cooler climate with panoramic views: Offers breezy temperatures and scenic lookouts over the Kona Coast
- Rich cultural heritage: Named after the ancient sport of "holua" (Hawaiian sledding)
- Population: 2,994 (2020 Census)
- Zip code: 96725
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Holualoa known for Kona coffee?
Yes, Holualoa is at the heart of the Kona coffee belt and is home to many small farms producing award-winning coffee. You can visit farms for tastings and tours.
Are there art galleries in Holualoa?
Yes, Holualoa is an artist enclave with several galleries and studios showcasing local paintings, sculptures, and woodwork. It's a great place to buy unique Hawaiian art.
What's the weather like in Holualoa?
Thanks to its elevation, Holualoa enjoys a cooler, breezy climate year-round, making it ideal for coffee growing and a refreshing escape from the coastal heat.
Is Holualoa easy to access from Kailua-Kona?
Yes, Holualoa is just a 10-15 minute drive uphill from Kailua-Kona, offering a quick getaway with a completely different atmosphere.
What events happen in Holualoa?
The annual Holualoa Village Coffee & Art Stroll is a popular fall event featuring local coffee, food, music, and art, drawing both residents and visitors alike.