Kohala by the Sea

Overview

Kohala by the Sea is an exclusive, gated residential community located on the scenic Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island (Hawai‘i Island). Located at the southern end of the North Kohala district near the town of Waimea (known by the U.S. Post Office as Kamuela), it offers a serene escape from the more crowded resort areas while providing easy access to world-class beaches, golf courses, and cultural sites. Developed as a premium subdivision, it’s designed for those seeking privacy, luxury, and stunning natural views, with a focus on Hawaiian-style living amid lava fields and ocean vistas. The community emphasizes security and wildfire preparedness, and has been recognized as a FireWise Community since 2004 for its proactive fuel reduction efforts. View planes, building envelopes, and privacy for each lot are specified in Kohala by the Sea’s CCRs and design standards.

Location and Setting

• Geographic Position: Situated on the northwest “Gold Coast” of the Big Island, Kohala by the Sea is approximately 30 minutes north of Kona International Airport (KOA) via Highway 19. It’s about 10 miles from the Waikoloa Beach Resort, even closer to the more upscale resorts of Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea, and also near historic North Kohala sites.
• Natural Surroundings: The area features dramatic contrasts—rugged black and red lava rock formations from the ancient Kohala Volcano (dormant for ~120,000 years), green valleys, and pristine coastlines. Residents enjoy panoramic ocean views south to Kua Bay, northwest towards Maui, with the mauka backdrop of Kohala Mountain, and distant views of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai volcanoes. The microclimate is sunny and dry, with highs around 80-85°F year-round, making it ideal for indoor-outdoor living.
• Proximity to Attractions:
  • Beaches: Hāpuna Beach (one of Hawaii’s best white-sand stretches) is ~10 minutes away. Mauna Kea Beach and Spencer Beach Park are even closer. North of KBTS are Māhukona Beach Park and Kapa’a Beach Park, en route to the classic Big Island town of Hawi.
  • Golf: Nearby courses like Mauna Kea Golf Course, Hapuna Golf Course, the North and South Courses at Mauna Lani, the courses at Waikoloa Beach Resort, and the Waikoloa Village Golf Course.
  • History: Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site (built by King Kamehameha I) is nearby. Other historical sites, such as Lapakahi State Park are a short drive north.
  • Adventures: Whale watching (Dec-Mar) off the coast, ziplining in North Kohala, or hikes to Pololū Valley’s black-sand beach.

Features and Amenities

Kohala by the Sea spans a private enclave with large lots (1+ acres), emphasizing low-density luxury:

• Homes and Lots: Custom-built estates range from $1.5 million to nearly $4 million, featuring Hawaiian-inspired architecture with open-air designs, infinity pools, and outdoor lanais. Empty lots start at $300,000-$600,000, allowing buyers to build their dream home. Properties often include covered outdoor living space, private hot tubs, pools, and lava-rock paths and walls.
• Community Perks: A gated community, Kohala by the Sea is a secure enclave with well-maintained roads, and FireWise landscaping.
• Lifestyle: Residents can watch daily sunsets over the Pacific, spot sea turtles at nearby beaches, or explore petroglyph fields at Puakō. During the winter months, views of humpback whales delight residents. The area blends ranching heritage with modern comforts: there is horseback riding on Kohala Mountain or dining at farm-to-table spots in Waimea.

Recent News and Events

• Real Estate Activity: In 2025, a 3-Bedroom 3-Bath home at 59-120 Hahalua Place sold for $2,095,000 and a 1-acre homesite at 59-120 Honukai Place sold for $395,000, demonstrating the community’s appeal for existing homes and new builds with ocean and mountain views.
• Wildfire Resilience: Twice a year, the community hires contractors for fuel removal to mitigate fire risks, building on its long-standing Firewise status. Past events include a 2023 brush fire evacuation (along with nearby Kohala Ranch and Estates), but the area has since enhanced protections, with no major incidents reported in 2025.
• Community Vibe: It’s a quiet haven for retirees, families, and second-home owners, far from tourist hubs but close enough for day trips to Volcanoes National Park or Hilo’s rainforests.

If you’re considering visiting, buying, or just exploring, Kohala by the Sea captures the essence of Big Island paradise: untouched beauty with a touch of exclusivity.

The Kohala Coast offers an unmatched lifestyle in paradise!