Why Kua, Hawaii Is One Of The State's Most Underrated Beach Destinations
By Hillary Louise Johnson
VACATIONS
There is a completely wild and undeveloped region in Hawaii: Kau. This is the state's largest stretch of undeveloped coastline and is a farming region for coffee and nuts.
Kau is a paradise of colorful green and black sand beaches. Guests can hike through native forests and lava deserts and experience offbeat aspects of Hawaiian culture.
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach has foamy turquoise waves crashing onto a black beach, while Papakolea Green Sand Beach has a vivid color that comes from olivine.
Kawa'a Beach is where the residents surf. Volcanoes National Park is the best-known attraction in Kau, and the Kau Desert Trail provides stunning volcanic scenery and solitude.
In Wood Valley, you can tour the award-winning Ka'u Coffee Mill and stay in the Wood Valley Temple & Guest House, a lush and serene Buddhist retreat where peacocks roam.