Waikoloa, Big Island Webcams

Hilton Waikoloa Village Lagoon Cam

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The Scenic Resort Oasis of Waikoloa

Waikoloa, Big Island Webcams. Waikoloa is a breathtaking region on the desert lava plains of the Kohala Coast on the west side of Hawaii’s Big Island. While largely comprised of relatively modern resort and residential developments today, the area has an ancient and rich history.

Long before any resort hotels or vacation homes, Waikoloa was a well-traveled path and resting area for Native Hawaiians. The name Waikoloa means “long water of royalty” in the Hawaiian language, referring to the region’s coastal marshlands and offshore anchoring area that served as a stopover for traveling alii (royalty).

Evidence of the area’s ancient Hawaiian heritage can still be seen today. Just inland from the Waikoloa Beach Resort area are the preserved archaeological remains of Mailekini Heiau, a historic Hawaiian temple rebuilt in the early 1600s that was an important spiritual and community center.

For centuries, the Waikoloa lands were cherished by Hawaiian royalty for their ideal beach landscapes, offshore fisheries, and fertile upland regions perfect for cultivating taro and sweet potatoes. King Kamehameha I, who established the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1810, frequently visited and loved Waikoloa.

However, the area remained very sparsely populated for most of its early history due to the region’s harsh desert environment far from the fertile upland forests and regular rainfall found in other parts of the island’s Kohala district.

It wasn’t until the late 20th century that Waikoloa began transforming into the world-renowned resort destination it is today. In the 1960s, plans were developed to turn the area’s black lava plains into a resort complex. Construction began in the 1970s on vacation homes, condos, two major resort hotels, and two golf courses designed by famous architects and golf legends.

The multi-billion dollar Waikoloa Beach Resort opened in 1981 and its Waikoloa Village residential area debuted in 1990. The scenic resort quickly became a hugely popular vacation getaway beloved for its gorgeous beaches, high-end amenities, and dry sunny weather.

Today, Waikoloa is one of Hawaii’s premier resort destinations. Yet ancient Hawaiian heritage remains woven into the fabric of the modern resort town, ensuring that the area’s long and unique history will never be forgotten.

For more information, visit the official Hawaii County website.

Waikoloa, Big Island Webcams

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