Pepeekeo: Coastal Trails and Sugarcane History

Pepeekeo offers two specific themes to explore when planning a trip: coastal trails with different routes and access points, and the history of sugarcane cultivation. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Pepeekeo, it is worth first sorting out which places are important to your plans. The cliff trails, Onomea Bay, and the four-mile Scenic Route offer different points of interest. Check information about coastal access and conditions before setting out on a tour.

Coastal Trails by Route and Access

A footpath runs along the upper edge of the sea cliff on Sugar Mill Road, south of Pepeekeo Point. Hiking, fishing, and nature observation are possible there. The Kapehu Coastal Access Trail follows a different route: from the parking area, a footpath runs along the upper edge of Kapehu Gulch to the sea cliff and the mouth of Kapehu Stream. The North Pepe`ekeo Coastal Trail runs along high sea cliffs and offers limited access to mostly rocky shoreline areas.

The Onomea Donkey Trail leads from Old Mamalahoa Highway to Onomea Bay. It is steep and intended for pedestrians only; hiking, nature observation, swimming, and fishing are possible along the way. The Alakahi Trail follows the old Onomea Access Road along the sea cliff to Alakahi Stream and down to the shore. The trails therefore differ in route and access: from the cliff edge, through a gulch, to the bay, or down to the shore. Conditions and access on coastal trails can change; check the latest information before your tour.

Scenic Route and Onomea Bay

The Pepe'ekeo Scenic Route is a four-mile detour along Old Mamalahoa Highway. A lookout near the southern end of the Scenic Drive offers a view of Onomea Bay. Onomea Stream plunges through the gulch into the bay. Onomea Sea Arch is also part of the area's history: it collapsed in an earthquake in 1956.

Sugarcane History and Regional Context

Pepeekeo's sugarcane history can be traced through several distinct dates. Metcalf Plantation was renamed Pepeekeo Sugar Company in 1874; in 1971, Pepeekeo Sugar Company was incorporated into Hilo Coast Processing Company. The period of sugarcane cultivation in the Pepeekeo area is distinct from these events and continued into the late 1980s.

The Hāmākua Division of the Hilo Railroad adds further regional context. It was built from 1909 to 1913 to serve sugar mills north of Hilo. This railroad history provides a different chronological and geographic reference from the company history and cultivation in the Pepeekeo area.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

The Hele-On Bus Route 80 schedule is effective February 1, 2026, and connects Hilo, Pepeekeo, Honokaʻa, Waimea, and the South Kohala resorts. It also lists a stop at the Pepe'ekeo Post Office on Highway 19. Since schedules may change without notice, check the current schedule before traveling.

For orientation as you plan: the visitor center for Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is about 1.5 miles along Old Mamalahoa Road from Kulaimano Road. Check current access before setting out. What's Shakin' Big Island serves fruit smoothies and shakes; its address is 27-999 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Pepeekeo, Hawaii 96783, USA. Check its current operating status before visiting.

The routes mentioned differ significantly in their paths and access; independently checking the relevant information can help you plan your stay.

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