Kohala (mountain)About Kohala (mountain)
Kohala is an extinct shield volcano that forms the northern end of the island of Hawaiʻi (the Big Island). It is the oldest of the five major volcanoes that built the island and reaches roughly 1,670 metres above sea level.
The mountain’s ridges, deeply eroded valleys and ranchlands are notable features; the Pololū Valley Lookout on the north coast is a well-known spot for dramatic sea-cliff and valley views. The area contains quiet backcountry roads, viewpoints and hiking routes rather than commercial tourist infrastructure.
Kohala formed early in the island’s volcanic evolution; its summit and flanks represent the eroded remnants of an early shield volcano. The last volcanic activity is dated to the late Pleistocene, and the volcano is considered dormant to extinct.
The volcano occupies the northern tip of Hawaiʻi island, with the Kohala Coast and Pololū Valley on its windward side and ranch country toward the island interior; nearby towns and service centres are found along the island’s northern and western roads.
- Viewpoints: Pololū Valley Lookout and the north Kohala coast provide clear coastal views and are common access points for short hikes and photography.
Best Time to Visit Kohala (mountain)
Choose the drier months (April-October) for the most reliable hiking conditions on Kohala Mountain.
Weather & Climate near Kohala (mountain)
Kohala (mountain)'s climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 9°C to 20°C. Heavy rainfall (2086 mm/year), wettest in April.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 9° - 18° | 13° | 203 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 9° - 17° | 13° | 157 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 9° - 17° | 13° | 161 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 10° - 17° | 13° | 352 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 11° - 17° | 14° | 143 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 12° - 18° | 15° | 131 mm | - | - | 5.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 13° - 18° | 15° | 93 mm | - | - | 6.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 13° - 19° | 16° | 125 mm | - | - | 6.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 12° - 20° | 16° | 87 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 12° - 20° | 16° | 142 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 11° - 19° | 15° | 315 mm | - | - | 5.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 10° - 17° | 14° | 177 mm | - | - | 5.9 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Kohala (mountain)
North Kohala (Kohala mountain area) on Hawai’i’s Big Island is accessed by the island’s main roads: Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) connects Waimea (Kamuela) up across the mountain, and Akoni Pule Highway (Route 270) runs along the north coast to Hāwī and Pololū Valley lookout. Drive to Waimea or Hāwī from Kona or Hilo and use Routes 250/270 to reach trailheads and lookouts; many popular viewpoints and short trailheads (for example Pololū Valley lookout) are a short walk from roadside parking.
Tips for Visiting Kohala (mountain)
- For clear views and calmer conditions around Kohala's slopes, visit viewpoints such as Pololū Valley Lookout or drive Akoni Pule Highway early in the morning before clouds build and parking fills.
- If you plan to hike into Kohala's valleys (for example Pololū), start early to avoid afternoon heat and check local road access/parking - many access roads are steep and space is limited.