Waikoloa Village
Waikoloa Village is a growing inland community on the Big Island, known for its breezy climate, scenic golf course, and proximity to the Kohala Coast's resorts and beaches. Visitors enjoy nearby petroglyph fields, unique anchialine ponds, and sweeping views of Mauna Kea and Kohala Mountains.
Waikoloa Village, Big Island
Located about 6 miles (9.7 km) inland from the Waikoloa resort area is the small community of Waikoloa Village. Many new condo complexes have been built here in the recent past and the town is steadily growing. Local residents often times call the town "Waiko-blow-a" because it is often times quite windy here. The town is located below the saddle between the mountains of Mauna Kea and Kohala. Since the tradewinds usually blow from the northeast, they funnel right across this saddle and blow down the slope. This also creates a nice challenge for golfers at the nearby Waikoloa Village Golf Club, which is open to the public.
Further down toward the ocean along the coastline are Waikoloa's anchialine ponds, which are an interesting part of Waikoloa's natural history and have been maintained by the University of Hawaii as the Waikola Anchialine Pond Preservation Area. So-called anchialine ponds are coastal ponds that have no above the surface connection to the ocean. But the water in them still rises and falls with the tides. That's because they are connected to the ocean below the ground. Many of them are also connected to lava tubes, which in turn are connected to inland springs, so the water in these anchialine ponds is often brackish water (a mixture of saltwater and freshwater).
Many such anchialine ponds in Hawaii are home to organisms that are endemic to the Islands (found nowhere else in the world). The Waikoloa anchialine ponds are home to three shrimp species that can only be found here on the Big Island.
Waikoloa also has an ancient petroglyph field, rock drawings that were carved by the early Hawaiians. These drawings in a way were their written language. The petroglyphs are located along the King's Trail, also known as Ala Kahakai, meaning "trail by the sea" in the Hawaiian language. This ancient trail runs along the Waikoloa coastline. In the old Hawaii, it linked communities, heiaus (temple sites) and fishing areas. The petroglyph field is surrounded by the Beach Course golf course and is accessible from the King's Shops.
Key Features of Waikoloa Village
- Residential community: Located about 6 miles inland from Waikoloa Resort, with condos and single-family homes
- Anchialine ponds: Unique brackish water ecosystems with endemic shrimp species, preserved in a University of Hawaii project
- Petroglyphs on King's Trail: Ancient Hawaiian rock carvings accessible near the King's Shops along Ala Kahakai Trail
- Waikoloa Village Golf Club: Public course with scenic mountain views and breezy conditions for golfers
- Convenient access: Close to popular beaches and resort areas along the Kohala Coast
- Population: 7,104 (2020 Census)
- Zip code: 96738
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Waikoloa Village called "Waiko-blow-a"?
Locals jokingly call it "Waiko-blow-a" because the town often experiences strong winds funneled through the saddle between Mauna Kea and Kohala Mountains.
Is there a golf course in Waikoloa Village?
Yes, the Waikoloa Village Golf Club is a public course with stunning views and challenging wind conditions, located right in the heart of town.
What are anchialine ponds?
Anchialine ponds are landlocked pools that connect to the ocean underground. They contain brackish water and unique aquatic life found only in Hawaii, including rare shrimp species.
Where can I see petroglyphs in Waikoloa?
You can explore ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs along the King's Trail (Ala Kahakai), accessible from the Waikoloa King's Shops area near the coast.