Pahoa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
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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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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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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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 Lava Tree State Monument and Pahoa Museum, 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 Rp1.709.392 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
Rp1.709.392
Rp2.480.377 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (41 reviews)
"This was booked last minute due to a last minute cancellation for another property. Beautiful property especially for the earthy type of individual. It was perfect for my needs however I don’t see people staying here that require more of an upscale type of setting. Leaving the room to use the community ..."

Reviewed on 7 Sep 2024

Hawaiian Sanctuary
Big Island Getaway
Big Island Getaway
2 out of 5
16-2038 Maile Way, Pahoa, HI
The price is Rp1.006.690 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
Rp1.006.690
Rp2.022.612 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
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! (16 reviews)
"Chris & Roxy had the up most hospitality. We felt welcomed he made it feel like we were family. I can honestly say we made two new friends. We will be back the next time we come back home for a visit. Mahalo Chris & Roxy."

Reviewed on 28 Aug 2024

Big Island Getaway
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
3.5 out of 5
71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI
The price is Rp2.501.388 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
Rp2.501.388
Rp3.507.286 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Stay at this golf hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,098 reviews)
"Good location. Parking lot not easy to get in or out of at busy times. Lobby and pool are nice. Main thing I didn’t like was the A/C above a glass louvered window. If you cover window no a/c. Also street noise although the town shuts down fairly early."

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
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.
Aston Kaanapali Shores
Aston Kaanapali Shores
3.5 out of 5
3445 Lower Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Kaanapali. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,323 reviews)
"Great hotel with beach access. All staff members friendly and very communicative."

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2024

Aston Kaanapali Shores
Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
3 out of 5
45 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina, HI
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Kaanapali. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,288 reviews)
"Ocean view was fantastic. Bed was a much too firm"

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa
OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
130 Kai Malina Parkway, Lahaina, HI
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Kaanapali. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,617 reviews)
"A very very beautiful and clean place to stay."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa
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.

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