Discover Kau Hawaii

Kau Hawaii City Life

Most of Kau is lower key compared to the high-end tourist areas of other areas of the island, but the community in the area is as tight-knit as it comes in all of Hawaii. While the southern region of the Big Island has been repeatedly targeted for large-scale developments and scientific research projects, locals have prevented mainland and outside influence from altering their home in the same way as is visible throughout much of Hawaii. That said, Kau is also among the most affordable areas of the Big Island, with residents sometimes commuting to Kona or Hilo for work.

Visitors to Kau enjoy humble accommodations outside of the one major resort in the area, Sea Mountain Resort. Bed and breakfasts, private inns, and vacation rentals are sprinkled throughout the country highways and small villages in Kau. Two golf courses exist in the area, the first being associated with Sea Mountain Resort and the other operated by volunteers: Discovery Harbor. Visitors to Kau in May of each year can enjoy the Kau Coffee Festival, which includes tastings, a pageant ceremony, star gazing, and an organized group hike.

Kau Hawaii History

Archaeological evidence points toward the first Polynesian landing on Hawaii occurring in Kau, near Ka Lae as early as 200 A.D. Likely guided by the stars and attracted to the sight of Mauna Loa, early settlers set down near present day Kailikii and Waiahukuni as well as several lava caves throughout coastal Kau. Kamehameha the Great resided in Kau, with historical sites throughout the area showing evidence of royalty living there through the history of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

From 1800 through the mid 1990s, sugar plantations were extremely prevalent in the region and the economic factors involved in the sugar trade to the United States played an important role in the archipelago’s annexation in the late 19th century. Most of these plantations have since been taken over by the National Park Service or repurposed as cattle ranches or for growing more profitable crops like coffee and macadamia nuts. Now the Kau Coffee Mill is well known for serving extraordinary coffee and even letting you take home a few of their world’s finest coffee beans.

Present Day Kau Hawaii

Home to a vast variety of geographic and agricultural features, Kau has remained relatively untouched by the economic influences that have altered other regions of the Big Island. While the array of resorts, beaches, and amenities found in Kona aren’t present here, Kau offers an affordable and memorable journey for visitors to the Big Island. Backpacking, hiking, cycling, deep sea fishing, camping, and sightseeing are all possible with or without a tour guide, allowing for an extra degree of freedom and exploration.

Those seeking an alternative to rural living have access to Sea Mountain Resort and its accompanying golf course, but Kau is a true retreat for those seeking solace and solitude. Writers, artists, and philosophers have sought out the natural beauty and reclusive features Kau provides, making it an ideal destination for a quiet honeymoon or a solo vacation. Even Mark Twain took time out from his travels to spend time in this incredible region.