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Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii

Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii

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Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii

Kohala Coast Big Island of Hawaii

NOTE: This is the first of a series of posts on designing and building your dream home.  We just happen to be doing it in paradise.   If you’re interested in home design, or just enjoy amazing home design pictures, follow us room by room in the Ahonui section of Aloha Dreams as we design and build our house.  The posts can be accessed in chronological order at the bottom of the page.

Local Beauty

The northwest area of the Big Island of Hawaii is known as the Kohala (pron. Ko-HA-la) coast.   It is here that Hale Ahonui is located.  The Kohala coast offers a wide cross section of the best of Hawaii. The southern part of the area is home to world-class beaches, resorts, and golf courses, while the northern part has Hāwī (pron. Ha-VEE), and Kapaʻau (pron. Kapa-OW), several of the most charming small Hawaiian towns you could ever hope to find.  Here the countryside of the real Hawaii remains unchanged.  Nestled between the wind swept terrain of Kohala Mountain to the east, and the beautiful Pacific Ocean on the west, Hale Ahonui rests on the grassy meadows, reminiscent of the Kansas Flint Hills, in between (you can take the girl out of the prairie…).  It’s an incredibly beautiful area which contains many of the unique things to do on the Big Island.

Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii

Local Abundance

Given the similarities with the Kansas Flint Hills, it’s little surprise that the Big Island produces the lion’s share of Hawaii’s beef.   In recent years Hawaii has become more focused on locally grown food.   The year-round growing opportunities, bountiful harvest from the ocean and large pastures all support this trend.  Although the statistics from the USDA Hawaii Field Office are no longer available, it is estimated one-fourth of the Big Island’s cattle are now sold for local consumption.

The Kohala Coast is truly a food lover’s paradise.  We’re blessed with an amazing abundance of fresh, local ingredients: from Mahi Mahi, Ahi, and Opakapaka fresh off the boats in the Kawaihae (pron. Ka-WHY-hi) harbor to an unbelievable selection of local fruits such as the rare white pineapple, dragon fruit, guava, and passion fruit.  We even have succulent macadamia nut-fed wild pigs from Parker Ranch just down the road (sigh).  In the months ahead I will be sharing luscious recipes enabling you to recreate this bounty, and more.

The elevation of the Kohala Coast ranges from 120 feet above sea level at the Akoni Pule highway to 5,400 feet above sea level at the summit of Kohala mountain, providing varied climates and terrain to suit every preference. The panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean to the west, the three mountains Hualalai, Mauna Loa, and Mauna Kea to the south, and Kohala Mountain to the northeast, are truly breathtaking and magical.

Hale Ahonui

Hale Ahonui is a 3 acre lot at the 1,000 foot elevation, and as such we enjoy an average temperature of 73°.  The highs can get up to the low 80°s during the day, and in the evenings it can get down to the mid 60°s.  We selected this elevation in part because of the panoramic views but also because of these temperatures.

I found the Kohala Coast when I was googling vacation ideas one day several years ago.  After concluding that the Caribbean was too hot and Mexico was too fraught, I ran across a picture similar to the one above and immediately fell in love.  (And immediately booked the trip).   While on the Big Island, we happened upon a realtor who was aware of this lot.  We purchased it on the spot.

Here is the ocean view from Hale Ahonui currently.

Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii

And if I’m able to do the calculations correctly, here is what I’m anticipating you’ll see from the house as you’re heading out to the pool at sunset.  Not too shabby, huh?   So grab a fruity drink, kick off your flip flops (they call ’em slippahs in Hawaii) and join me as we design and build Hale Ahonui!

Build a Home in Hawaii

Want More Home Design?

First Impressions

Join me as we design and build Hale Ahonui! Let’s start with this incredible view. Then let’s figure out how we can show it off to its maximum WOW potential.

Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii

Hale Ahonui is on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Here the sleepy towns and countryside of the real Hawaii remain unchanged. Nestled between the wind swept terrain of Kohala Mountain to the east, and the beautiful Pacific Ocean on the west, Kohala Ranch rests on the grassy meadows in between.

Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Explore Aloha Dreams

Things to do Big Island of Hawaii
Dream Home Bathroom

EXPLORE

If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go!   From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Or just take a Virtual Vacation!!    Let's go!

SAY YES!

If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes!  I'm here to help.  From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd!  My recipes are tested and trusted.    Let's cook! 

AHONUI

Ever wished you could build your dream home?  Like amazing house design and home building ideas?  Me too!  Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process.  Let's play!

PARTY

Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start?   Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig?  Here's everything you need to have a luau.  How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club?  You've come to the right place.    Let's party!

GJ’s Huli Huli Chicken

GJ’s Huli Huli Chicken

  Aloha Dreams

   Fabulous Recipes, Cooking for a Crowd & Dream Home Design      

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GJ's Huli Huli Chicken

GJ’s Huli Huli Chicken

If it’s Thursday, Friday, Saturday, you’re in luck.   GJ’s Huli Huli Chicken stand sets up on Thursdays at the Hawi Welcome Center parking lot on the east side of Waimea.  The smoke wafting above the Mamalahoa Hwy should get your attention.  On Fridays you can catch GJ’s in the parking lot of the Blue Dragon opposite the Kawaihea (pron. ka-WHY-hi) Harbor, about 20 minutes north of Mauna Lani on Akoni Pule Highway.  If you have the windows down, you’ll smell it before you see it.  On Saturdays, Gil is in the Kamuela Liquor parking lot in Waimea.

Gil Tabafunda has converted the bed of an old truck into a trailer and filled it with coals.  These heat a large rotisserie grill lined with succulent roasting chicken and ribs (beef and pork).   Two can easily share a  half chicken (although you won’t want to share) and a rice noodle salad.  This will be hands down, one of the best meal decisions of your trip.

If you’re downwind, they’re easy to find.  But come early so you don’t miss out.

Looking for More Great Big Island Adventures?

Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii

Hale Ahonui is on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Here the sleepy towns and countryside of the real Hawaii remain unchanged. Nestled between the wind swept terrain of Kohala Mountain to the east, and the beautiful Pacific Ocean on the west, Kohala Ranch rests on the grassy meadows in between.

Church in Hawi

If you would like to feel the spirit of aloha in its most pure form, we invite you to attend the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Hawi. All visitors are welcome with open arms. The members of the congregation are some of the warmest, most welcoming folks on earth. This is a don’t miss. If you leave dry eyed, I’ll be amazed.

Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Tropical Salad

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