Pahoa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Hawaii featuring signage and rainforest
Fresh farm produce, turn-of-the-century architecture, charming art and craft galleries and stunning volcanic wilderness await in this scenic Puna district town.

Visit the town of Pāhoa on the eastern side of Hawai’i’s Big Island to find a magnificent historical site filled with ancient Hawai’ian heritage and allegory. Pāhoa’s rich history is woven into its landscape, where fertile volcanic soil sustains lush corridors of tropical forest. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and explore the quaint sugar-boom town, which has become an enclave for artists and musicians since the 1960s.

Explore Downtown Pāhoa to see the town’s  mix of Victorian and western architecture, with brightly colored façades and raised wooden sidewalks. Located on the island’s old railway crossroads, the town flourished during the sugar industry boom. Today, it is a charming agricultural centre with weekly markets. 

Visit Pāhoa on a Sunday to enjoy the local farmers market. Find fresh produce, tropical flowers, exotic plants,  freshly cooked food and goods from around the region. Try the local papaya salad or collect souvenirs such as T-shirts, paintings or jewellery.

Navigate the town’s perimeter to discover the eastern coast’s breathtaking beauty. Visit the Kapoho Tide Pools to find a magnificent underwater world and see brightly hued corals using your face mask and snorkel. Stop by Kalapana Beach to see black lava sand or visit Kehena Beach to look out over clear waters for whales in winter. Therapeutic warm springs can be found at nearby Ahalanui Park.

Head inland to Lava Tree State Park, a lush forested park and intriguing geological wonder. Stroll along the park’s 0.7-mile (1.1-kilometre) loop nature trail and see lava-rock casts of trees that were engulfed in the 1790 Kilauea volcanic eruption. Take a daytrip or tour to Volcanoes National Park, approximately one hour’s drive from Pāhoa. Explore hiking trails through stunning volcanic forests. 

Pāhoa is located in the picturesque Puna district on the Big Island’s eastern tip. Reach Pāhoa by car or charter tour. Enjoy a trip off the usual tourism trail in leafy Puna. Visit Pāhoa in February or between September and October to avoid peak-season crowds.

Where to stay in Pahoa

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Waa Waa

Though Waa Waa may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Kapoho Beach and Lava Tree State Monument.

Waa Waa
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Kehena Beach Estates

While Kehena Beach Estates may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Kehena Beach and SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center.

Kehena Beach Estates
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Kalapana Sea View Estates

Kalapana Sea View Estates might not have many top sights, but Kehena Beach and SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Kalapana Sea View Estates
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Puna Palisades

Puna Palisades might not have many top sights, but Kehena Beach and SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Puna Palisades
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Kaniahiku Village

When in Kaniahiku Village, you can plan a visit to Pahoa Museum and Lava Tree State Monument, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Kaniahiku Village
Hawaiian Sanctuary
Hawaiian Sanctuary
3 out of 5
13-3194 Pahoa Kalapana Rd, Pahoa, HI
The price is Rp1.799.251 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
Rp1.799.251
Rp2.610.763 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Pahoa. Enjoy free parking, a fitness centre and spa treatment rooms. Popular attractions Pahoa Museum and Lava Tree State Monument ...
7.6/10 Good! (53 reviews)
Not close to Volcanoes
"The staff was so friendly. There were lots of animals: peacocks, cats, frogs, geese. We loved it! We booked it to be closer to Volcanoes National Park, without realizing there was no road that cuts across. We had to go amidst to Hilo in order to go back down to the Volcanoes, so it wasn't the most ..."

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2025

Hawaiian Sanctuary
Kalani Oceanside Retreat
Kalani Oceanside Retreat
3 out of 5
12-6870 Kalapana Kapoho Rd, Pahoa, HI
The price is Rp2.097.197 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
Rp2.097.197
Rp3.352.896 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Pahoa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and on-site spa services. Popular attractions The Point and SPACE Seaview Performing Arts ...
8/10 Very Good! (5 reviews)
"The experience of staying at Kalani Oceanside Retreat was very relaxing and beautiful. We enjoyed the yoga class we signed up for very much. The people we encountered, both guests and staff, were great to talk with. The cottage we stayed at had lots of room and we had a fabulous view of the ocean ..."

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

Kalani Oceanside Retreat
Big Island Getaway
Big Island Getaway
2 out of 5
16-2038 Maile Way, Pahoa, HI
The price is Rp1.394.930 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
Rp1.394.930
Rp2.524.488 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Stay at this B&B in Pahoa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Hobby Garden Hawaii and Pahoa Museum are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
"Everything was great! We enjoyed our stay! Thank you, Chris! Would stay again!"

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2025

Big Island Getaway
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kalani Oceanside Retreat
Kalani Oceanside Retreat
3 out of 5
12-6870 Kalapana Kapoho Rd, Pahoa, HI
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Pahoa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and on-site spa services. Popular attractions The Point and SPACE Seaview Performing Arts ...
8/10 Very Good! (5 reviews)
"The experience of staying at Kalani Oceanside Retreat was very relaxing and beautiful. We enjoyed the yoga class we signed up for very much. The people we encountered, both guests and staff, were great to talk with. The cottage we stayed at had lots of room and we had a fabulous view of the ocean ..."

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

Kalani Oceanside Retreat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

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