Ocean View

Big Island Town Guide

Ocean View

Ocean View is a remote Ka'u District community known for lava-field landscapes, wide ocean views, rural subdivisions and South Big Island road access.

Ocean View is located in the Big Island's Ka'u district near South Point. Living here means living a rugged life amidst lava fields and few modern conveniences. People here are self-sufficient and don't want to be bothered. They chose a life off the grid. Ocean View doesn't have much to offer for visitors in terms of amenities, but it is still worth a visit, if just for the rugged, off-the-beaten-path surroundings that make for a unique sight.

The town has two small shopping centers, a gas station and a few eateries. There is a scenic lookout point near mile marker 75 on Highway 11 (Mamalahoa Hwy). One interesting nearby attraction is the Kula Kai Caverns, a 13-mile (21 km) long underground tunnel system. A variety of guided walking tours through parts of these caverns is being offered.

Ocean View has several subdivisions: Hawaiian Ocean View Estates (HOVE), Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos, Kula Kai View Estates, Kahuku County Gardens, Kona Gardens, Keone's Ranchos and Kona View Estates.

These subdivisions encompass an area of about 6 miles (10 km) up the mountain and 3 miles (5 km) along the coastline. Ocean View's highest elevation is at 5,000 feet (1,524 m) and this nice view that one can enjoy from up here is probably why the entire area is named Ocean View.

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2.0

Rated 2.0 out of 5 based on 2 rated visitor reviews.

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Pauline Pantin

Tue May 22, 2018

I stayed in Ocean View Estates for 3 months. Never ever felt safe there. House was just ok. Owners very nice. Water system ridiculous. Grocery shopping was a nightmare. Not much to do. Had to drive 30 miles to go to the beach. Had a SLIGHT view of Ocean. When I was determined to get to the Ocean on a walk, it took two hours of f walking over dried lave fields, also had to go past many native people who did not appreciate strangers near their home. If I ever go back to the Big Island I will stay in Kona. That was great.

Mike Danks

Mon Mar 06, 2017

Great place to rent a vacation home for a nice quiet stay. 1 hour each direction to Kona or Hilo. Volcano Nat Park is 30 minutes.

It's cool and misty north of the loop highway and warm and sunny to the south.
Na'alehu is 10 minutes away for dining. Get groceries in Hilo or Kona before you drive down.

Location and Directions

Ocean View is located in the Ka'u District on the southern side of the Big Island, along Highway 11 between Kailua-Kona and Naalehu. From Kona, drive south on Highway 11 toward Ocean View. From Naalehu, follow Highway 11 northwest. The marker is placed near the Highway 11 service area rather than deep inside the subdivisions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ocean View on the Big Island?

Ocean View is in the Ka'u District on the southern side of the Big Island. It sits along Highway 11 between Kailua-Kona, Naalehu and the road toward South Point.

What is Ocean View known for?

Ocean View is known for its large lava-field subdivisions, wide ocean views, dry rural setting, basic roadside services and access to South Big Island drives.

Is Ocean View close to the beach?

Ocean View has ocean views, but it is not a beach town. Most beach, coastal and swimming stops require a drive, and some nearby shoreline areas are remote or rugged.

What are Kula Kai Caverns?

Kula Kai Caverns is a guided lava tube attraction in the Ocean View area. Tours require reservations, and schedules can change, so visitors should confirm details before going.

What activities fit an Ocean View stay?

Ocean View pairs best with sightseeing tours, private tours, volcano tours, farm tours and South Big Island road trips rather than resort-style beach activities.