At a Glance
The largely residential area was developed by Henry J. Kaiser around the Maunalua fishpond and wetlands area known as Kuapa (meaning "fishpond wall"). The Hawaii Kai or Koko Marina was dredged from Kuapa Pond starting around 1959.
In 1961 Kaiser-Aetna entered into a lease agreement with landowner Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate to develop the 521-acre fishpond into residential tracts with a marina. Now, many of the homes in Hawaii Kai sit along the water with glorious views all around.
Shopping
The Hawaii Kai Towne Center, 6700 Kalaniana`ole Highway (at Keahole Street), tel. 808-396-0766, www.hawaiikai-townecenter, is the main attraction in this mostly residential area. This is where you'll find Costco, a City Mill Home Improvement Center, Ross Dress for Less, over 20 specialty stores and many waterfront restaurants.
In case you're having a Starbucks withdrawal, you'll find one here. There is also a Jamba Juice, Outback Steakhouse and the Studio Café, which is a casual coffee shop that serves breakfast and lunch.
Koko Marina Center, 7192 Kalaniana`ole Highway, tel. 808-395-4737, www.kokomarinacenter.com, has over 60 waterfront shops and restaurants and a Grand Eight-Theatre Cineplex.
Adventures on Land
Golf
Hawaii Kai Golf Course, 8902 Kalaniana`ole Highway, tel. 808-395-2358, www.hawaiikaigolf.com. Hawaii Kai has two courses – the "Championship Course" and the "Executive Course." The Executive Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones and is 2,323 yards, par 3 layout. The Championship Course was designed by William Bell and opened in 1973. It measures 6,614 yards from the championship tee and has wide fairways and large greens. Check the website for course layouts.
Hiking
Kuli`ou`ou Ridge: This hike takes about three hours round-trip (a 1,700-foot-climb that is 3.4 miles round-trip) for the experienced hiker and takes you to the Ko'olau summit and back. The trail begins at the back of Kuli`ou`ou Valley on the town-side of Hawaii Kai. The trail has many switchbacks with fantastic views of the Waimanalo coast and of the coastline from Hawaii Kai to Diamond Head.
Adventures on Water
BOBs (Breathing Observation Bubbles)
BOB's Hawaii Adventure, tel. 808-396-1331, is open from 8 am to 4 pm and offers a new way to experience the ocean – with high-tech breathing observation bubbles (BOB). BOBs are easy to use and operate, environmentally friendly, underwater scooters that have nearly 365-degree visibility. With the BOB, you scoot across the ocean floor with what looks like an old-fashioned diver's mask – but it's bright yellow. No swimming experience is needed and this adventure is available for people ages 12 and up.
Other Water Sports
Information on Jet skis, bumper tubes, scuba, snuba, powerboats, water rockets and parasailing can all be found at Hawaii Water Sports Center, tel. 808-395-3773, www.hawaii-water-sportscenter.com, in the Koko Marina Center. They are open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and offer a variety of combination deals such as a three-ride special for $79 (think a bumper tube, banana boat and water rockets).
Parasailing
Hawaii Water Sports Center can also arrange for you to parasail 300 feet over the crystal blue waters of Maunalua Bay and see the staggering coastline of O`ahu from Diamond Head to Koko Head. The cost is $59 per person.
Waverunners
The Hawaii Water Sports Center can also provide you with two-seater waverunners that will have you riding the tropical waves of Manunalua Bay. The price is $49 per person based on two people riding.
Bumper Tube
Want a bit of a thrill? Try the bumper tubes at Hawaii Water Sports Center. A US Coast Guard captain will take you and your friends out to the marina and give you the ride of your life. Hold on tight to the handles of the bumper tube and fly over the wake – over and over. This thrill costs $29 per person and they have tubes that hold two or three people.
Banana Boat
Six people can ride on this thrilling water toy provided by Hawaii Water Sports Center. Shaped like a banana, the captain will take passengers through the marina, riding fast enough for people to randomly fall off as they lose their grip. First one off is a rotten egg! The thrill will cost you $29 per brave rider.
Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding is like surfing and waterskiing – you ride a boogie-board-sized wake-board behind a boat and, after a couple of lessons, you may be catching air. The boat ride, instruction and wakeboard are all provided for $49 through Hawaii Water Sports Center.
Scuba Diving
Hawaii Water Sports can arrange for you to head out to the clear waters of Maunalua Bay and check out the abundant marine life, including colorful reef fish and sea turtles. A scuba shuttle takes you to the dive boat, which is about a mile off shore. The cost is $59 and they welcome beginners and experienced divers.
Island Divers Hawaii, tel. 808-423-8222 or 888-844-3483 (toll free), 377 Keahole Street, Hawaii Kai Shopping Center. Hawaii Kai and Maunalua Bay boast the largest numbers of dive sites and Island Divers Hawaii can guide you to the best dives or provide lessons. There are many wrecks to be explored underwater, such as the Corsair, a sunken World War II-era plane.
Waterskiing
Waterski through the warm waters of the Koko Marina behind one of Hawaii Water Sport's top-of-the-line boats. If you're an experienced skier, try the challenge of skiing through a six-ball course in the upper marina. This activity is $49 per person, per ride.
Surfing
Hawaiian Water Sports Center also offers surfing lessons in a secluded bay. This is a bargain at $79 for two hours, including transportation to the surf spot.
Where to Eat
At the Koko Marina Center
In addition to the chains like Papa John's Pizza, Taco Bell and Subway, there are some memorable restaurants in the Koko Marina Center.
Assaggio's Ristorante Italiano, tel. 808-396-0756, is located in the heart of Koko Marina Center and has won many awards for its authentic Italian food. Lunch is served Monday through Friday 11 am to 2:30 pm, dinner Sunday through Thursday 5 pm to 9:30 pm and Friday and Saturday nights from 5 pm to 10 pm. Lunch $$. Dinner $$$.
Kona Brewing Company, tel. 808-394-KONA, www.kona-brewingco.com. You'll get a kick out of the website! This Big Island brewery has come a long way! If you like to try local brews while you travel, this is the spot for you. Their Fire Rock Pale Ale is famous throughout the islands, although they also have a Black Sand Porter, Castaway IPA, Da Grind Buzz Kona Coffee Stout, Hula Hef-eweizen and Old Bl-ow-hole Barley Wine. You can get a sample of four six-ounce glas-ses for $8. For gri-nds, they serve hand-tos-sed gourmet pizzas, pupus, sandwiches, salads and desserts. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant is set on the docks of Koko Marina and offers seating for 275 guests. The interior design is unique, with koa wood furnishings and brewing equipment such as an old brew kettle used for exterior signage. Retractable full-panel windows offer a refreshing breeze. Kona Brewing Company is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm (kitchen closes at 9 pm) and Friday and Saturday 11 am to 11 pm (kitchen closes at 10 pm). $$.
Zippy's Restaurant, tel. 808-396-6977, www.zippys.com, is an institution in Hawaii. Besides being open 24 hours a day, they have affordable local-style food as well as treats from famous Napoleon's Bakery Favorites. Zippy's is known throughout the islands for its chili. The restaurant, which has been in Hawaii Kai for 14 years, has a full-service dining room and a take-out counter. In-house diners will be able to look out at nearby Kuapa Pond. If you want to eat like a local, eat at Zippy's. $.
Once you leave Hawaii Kai, the highway climbs up a steep grade. Halfway up is a scenic point on your left. Although there is ample parking, be careful, since you have to cross traffic to get to the lookout. The lookout offers fantastic views of Maunalua Bay and nearly 10 miles of coastline, from Koko Head to Diamond Head.
