Find the Best Things to Do in Koloa
By Jade Eckardt
About Koloa
Photo courtesy of jade
The magic of Koloa becomes evident when you first drive though the Tunnel of Trees down to the historic town. Boasting the claim to fame as the home to Hawaii's first sugar mill, Koloa oozes history from many areas. The fascinating shops, offering a broad array of goods, make a home in the historic shopping center made of simple old wooden buildings. Great food can also be found here, from totally local style to cute and quaint places perfect for date night or family time. The area is lush, with rolling green pastures with grazing sheep and running horses, to thick jungle backing homes. Koloa is unique to the rest of the island in that you feel like you're spending time inland in a cooler climate although the beach is only 10 minutes away.
See & Do
Entering Koloa you'll drive through the Tunnel of Trees. A very popular, and usually unavoidable experience depending on the route you choose, the tunnel of eucalyptus trees created a magical experience as the trees wrap into a natural roof and the tunnel borders lush green pastures with grazing cattle. On sunny days it makes a beautiful photo opportunity, just make sure it's safe to pull over and spend time finding a good shot when there's a break in traffic.
Eat
Koloa's culinary options can satisfy a variety of cravings. From great Italian at Pizzetta, to shave ice for a sweet treat, and the very locals style Koloa Fish Market, you won't go hungry while exploring the small town. At Koloa Fish Market you can sample a Hawaiian plate lunch as well as pick up fresh fish to cook at the room if you have a stove. At Pizzetta you'll find great pizza, other Italian dishes, and good beer. At Sueoka's Snack Shop you can find pre-made meals to take on the road to the beach.
Party
Harking back to the days of its namesake author Robert Louis Stevenson, this refined bar has the feel of a Victorian gentleman's club, thanks to dark woods, upholstered sofas, books, and parlor games. Other diversions include billiards tables, televisions, and a player piano. Single-malt scotches are a specialty, along with cognacs and ports. Best of all, live jazz performers play nightly, regaling patrons with soothing, satisfying strains. Great ambience.
Stay
Dreamy, cute, classy, unique, elegant - all of these words can be used to described Kiahuna Plantation and Beach Bungalows. Nestled in a tropical garden setting, with some actually meeting a lovely beach that's great for swimming, the unique plantation bungalows are actually plantation style homes.
Each has a fully functional kitchen, adding to the ease of saving money by cooking at home, or just relaxing and feeling right at home with the simplicity and comforts of not actually being home. There's a beautiful and quaint on site garden, and a lovely restaurant on the grounds. With most unites individually owned, interior decor varies greatly and some are a little dated, but it adds to the homeyness.
This is a perfect place for those looking for romance and a peaceful stay. This can also be good for families because the individual units offer privacy and a sense of being at home.
Shop
For such a small town, Koloa offers and abundance of shopping. The historic building is home to a number or unique shops. From Island Soap and Candle Works selling locally made soap and candles that boast an array of wonderful scents, clothing and other locally made crafts, Koloa alone can suffice for souvenir shopping and things to utilize while on vacation. Much of what's available is locally made and/or designed crafts and some clothing too. You'll also find swimsuits, a lot of local art, and even some home decor.