North Kohala Furnished Rentals
Hāwī and Kapaʻau, at the island’s green northern tip: small-town life, ranch country, and the birthplace of Kamehameha I.
North Kohala in brief: the quiet northern tip of the Big Island, centered on the twin towns of Hāwī and Kapaʻau. It’s greener and breezier than the Kona side, with a tight-knit community, a handful of shops and cafés, and deep Hawaiian history. Expect long drives for big errands and limited rental supply.
Last reviewed November 2026 · By the Hawaii Monthly Rental team
North Kohala at a Glance
| Good fit for | Writers, artists, remote workers who want quiet, and anyone drawn to small-town island life |
|---|---|
| Main areas | Hāwī, Kapaʻau, Hala Kahiki, and rural homes along the Kohala Mountain and Akoni Pule highways |
| Climate | Breezy and mild; greener and wetter toward Pololū, drier toward the Kawaihae coast |
| Getting around | A car is essential; there’s no practical bus option for daily errands |
| Airport | Kona International (KOA), about an hour south |
| Health care | Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital in Waimea, about 30 to 40 minutes away; a small clinic in town |
| Everyday shopping | Small grocery stores in Hāwī and Kapaʻau; Waimea or Kona for big runs |
| Internet | Cable and fiber in parts of town; ask about speeds in rural areas |
| Rental terms | Listings start at 30 days, and each owner sets their minimum. See rental rules by island . |
Living in North Kohala
North Kohala feels a world away from the resort coast, even though it’s less than an hour north. The two main towns sit a mile apart on the Akoni Pule Highway, with old plantation storefronts, a few good places to eat, and neighbors who wave.
The pace is slow on purpose. Days run on trade winds, farm stands, and the drive over the Kohala Mountain Road to Waimea, one of the prettiest commutes in the state. Rentals are few, so plan ahead and expect more homes than condos.
Neighborhoods
- Hāwī: the main town, with shops, cafés, a small grocery, and the start of the road to Pololū.
- Kapaʻau: a mile east, home to the original Kamehameha statue and the community center.
- Upcountry Kohala: ranch land and acreage along the Kohala Mountain Road toward Waimea, cooler and wetter.
- Makai (coastal) Kohala: drier lots between Hāwī and Māhukona with ocean views.
Worth your time
Highlights
- The Pololū Valley Lookout at the end of the road
- The original King Kamehameha I statue in Kapaʻau
- Lapakahi State Historical Park, a restored ancient fishing village
- Moʻokini Heiau and the birthplace of Kamehameha near Upolu Point
- The scenic Kohala Mountain Road between Hāwī and Waimea
Before you sign
Good to Know
- Rental supply is small; book early, especially for winter.
- Big shopping trips mean Waimea or Kona.
- Respect closures and trail rules at Pololū; access can change.
- Winds can be strong, especially around Upolu Point.
- Ask which utilities are included. Electricity costs far more here than on the mainland.
North Kohala Listings
We’re welcoming our first North Kohala owners and property managers now. Furnished homes and condos will appear here with the monthly rate, the owner’s minimum stay, and availability up front.
Own a furnished rental in North Kohala? List it at no cost during our launch .
North Kohala FAQ
Is North Kohala a good base for a month or more?
Yes, if you want quiet and community over convenience. You’ll have cafés, farm stands, and history close by, but most big errands mean a drive to Waimea or Kona.
How long are rentals here?
Our listings start at 30 days, and each owner sets their own minimum. County rules shape how long many homes in residential areas can rent for, so see our rental rules by island for the general picture.
How far is the airport?
Kona International Airport is about an hour south along the coast.
Where is the nearest hospital?
Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital in Waimea is about 30 to 40 minutes away over the Kohala Mountain Road. See Queen’s Health for details.
Is it rainy?
It depends on the side of the district. Toward Pololū it’s green and showery; toward Kawaihae it’s dry and sunny. Trade winds keep most days comfortable.