Guidebook for Pāhoa
Shopping
If you are in Puna on a Sunday morning, I would highly recommend stopping by at the weekly (8 am - 2 pm every Sunday) Maku'u Farmers Market. The market is located on Hwy 130, just a few miles from Pahoa toward Hilo, so it's on the way to the Volcanoes also. It is a wild mixture of nursery stands (where I picked up most of the trees/plants in the yards), farmers' market, flea market, souvenir vendors stands, food trucks (various ethnic cuisines, breakfasts, pastries, shaved ice, etc.), and live music, with picnic tables under a big tent. The place has good vibes, with a nice mix of locals and seasoned tourists. The entrance fee donation of $1/vehicle goes toward the planned community center for native Hawaiians. Wear comfortable shoes (it sits on acres of gravel lot) and bring some shopping bags.
169 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Фермерский рынок Макуу
15-2131 Keaau-Pahoa RdIf you are in Puna on a Sunday morning, I would highly recommend stopping by at the weekly (8 am - 2 pm every Sunday) Maku'u Farmers Market. The market is located on Hwy 130, just a few miles from Pahoa toward Hilo, so it's on the way to the Volcanoes also. It is a wild mixture of nursery stands (where I picked up most of the trees/plants in the yards), farmers' market, flea market, souvenir vendors stands, food trucks (various ethnic cuisines, breakfasts, pastries, shaved ice, etc.), and live music, with picnic tables under a big tent. The place has good vibes, with a nice mix of locals and seasoned tourists. The entrance fee donation of $1/vehicle goes toward the planned community center for native Hawaiians. Wear comfortable shoes (it sits on acres of gravel lot) and bring some shopping bags.
Parks & Nature
NO LONGER IN EXISTENCE -- BURIED IN THE LAVA --
Uncrowded brackish pool volcanically heated to 90°+ and refreshed by the cool water of the Ocean at high tides. Calm water + sandy bottom + lifeguards = ideal for beginning snorkelers. Free admissions, ample parking.
86 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Ahalanui County Beach Park
14-5363 Kalapana - Kapoho RdNO LONGER IN EXISTENCE -- BURIED IN THE LAVA --
Uncrowded brackish pool volcanically heated to 90°+ and refreshed by the cool water of the Ocean at high tides. Calm water + sandy bottom + lifeguards = ideal for beginning snorkelers. Free admissions, ample parking.
NO LONGER IN EIXISTENCE - BURIED IN THE LAVA -
-Inside a protective reef, a maze of tide pools in the lava rock deep enough for snokeling. aka Wai'opae Marine Life Conservation District. Amazing coral gardens. Best at high tides. Wear water shoes.
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Kapoho Tide Pools
NO LONGER IN EIXISTENCE - BURIED IN THE LAVA -
-Inside a protective reef, a maze of tide pools in the lava rock deep enough for snokeling. aka Wai'opae Marine Life Conservation District. Amazing coral gardens. Best at high tides. Wear water shoes.
Once again accessible -- GOVERNMENT BEACH ROAD IS NOW OPEN TO ALL --
On this paved one-lane road, there is a trail to a place called the Mermaid Pool that some people rave about, but the trail can be difficult to find. The trailhead looks more like a tree tunnel than an access road. If you do find the trailhead, it's a ½ mile walk down a muddy, mosquito-infested trail to the beach from there, and then you have to walk over slippery rocks to get to the pool, and then only swimmable if the tide is just right, so I cannot recommend it. If you are lucky enough to find the place at the right time to be able to swim in it, it is supposed to make you feel like a mermaid (or merman). The rental cars parked at this isolated spot is known to attract local thieves. Break-ins are frequent. Do not leave valuables in the car.
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Mermaid Ponds
14-3823 Government Beach RdOnce again accessible -- GOVERNMENT BEACH ROAD IS NOW OPEN TO ALL --
On this paved one-lane road, there is a trail to a place called the Mermaid Pool that some people rave about, but the trail can be difficult to find. The trailhead looks more like a tree tunnel than an access road. If you do find the trailhead, it's a ½ mile walk down a muddy, mosquito-infested trail to the beach from there, and then you have to walk over slippery rocks to get to the pool, and then only swimmable if the tide is just right, so I cannot recommend it. If you are lucky enough to find the place at the right time to be able to swim in it, it is supposed to make you feel like a mermaid (or merman). The rental cars parked at this isolated spot is known to attract local thieves. Break-ins are frequent. Do not leave valuables in the car.
GOVERNMENT BEACH ROAD IS NOW OPEN TO EVERYONE (though there are still "restricted" road signs.)
It used to be a shortcut to the Kapoho and Ahalanui. Now it doesn't go anywhere, as the road is covered in the lava before it connects to the Hwy 132 and Hwy 137 (f.k.a. Four Corners). Government Beach Road (named Papio Street in the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision) is a mostly paved, mostly one-lane road that runs under the canopy of mango grove through the jungle. It is also nicknamed the Mango Road. It is very narrow at places so you cannot go faster than 25 mph and very scenic and peaceful drive.
Government Beach Road
Government Beach RoadGOVERNMENT BEACH ROAD IS NOW OPEN TO EVERYONE (though there are still "restricted" road signs.)
It used to be a shortcut to the Kapoho and Ahalanui. Now it doesn't go anywhere, as the road is covered in the lava before it connects to the Hwy 132 and Hwy 137 (f.k.a. Four Corners). Government Beach Road (named Papio Street in the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision) is a mostly paved, mostly one-lane road that runs under the canopy of mango grove through the jungle. It is also nicknamed the Mango Road. It is very narrow at places so you cannot go faster than 25 mph and very scenic and peaceful drive.
At the end of Hwy 137 is Kalapana. The village itself was buried in the lava about 30 years ago, but there is a brand new shiny beautiful black sand beach after a short walk through the lava field, called Kaimu Black Sand Beach. It's not a swimmable beach but far better looking than the more famous one at Punalu'u (which I think is overrated. The sand there looks more grey than black to me). The best at high tides. (At low tide, the sand mostly disappear).
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Kaimu Beach Park
At the end of Hwy 137 is Kalapana. The village itself was buried in the lava about 30 years ago, but there is a brand new shiny beautiful black sand beach after a short walk through the lava field, called Kaimu Black Sand Beach. It's not a swimmable beach but far better looking than the more famous one at Punalu'u (which I think is overrated. The sand there looks more grey than black to me). The best at high tides. (At low tide, the sand mostly disappear).
ACCESSIBLE AGAIN -- HWY 137 IS OPEN TO PUBLIC FROM KALAPANA
It's on a tall cliff and nice ocean breeze will refresh you even on hottest days and the grove of ironwood (aka Australian pine) trees will refresh you spiritually. There are also several small black sand beaches, created when the lava flowed into the ocean in May 2018, accessible if you are nimble on your feet. On weekdays, you will likely be the only ones on the beach.
56 (рекомендации местных жителей)
MacKenzie State Recreation Area
State Highway 137ACCESSIBLE AGAIN -- HWY 137 IS OPEN TO PUBLIC FROM KALAPANA
It's on a tall cliff and nice ocean breeze will refresh you even on hottest days and the grove of ironwood (aka Australian pine) trees will refresh you spiritually. There are also several small black sand beaches, created when the lava flowed into the ocean in May 2018, accessible if you are nimble on your feet. On weekdays, you will likely be the only ones on the beach.
-- NO LONGER IN EXISTENCE -- BURIED IN THE LAVA --
After you park your car, you would have to walk over ½ hour through a lava field to get there (unless you've rented a 4WD). There are no corals, just sharp brown rocks at the bottom that will hurt your feet. The water isn't that warm either. Definitely overrated.
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Champagne Ponds
14-5008 Laimana Ave-- NO LONGER IN EXISTENCE -- BURIED IN THE LAVA --
After you park your car, you would have to walk over ½ hour through a lava field to get there (unless you've rented a 4WD). There are no corals, just sharp brown rocks at the bottom that will hurt your feet. The water isn't that warm either. Definitely overrated.
Essentials
Similar to (but a lot smaller than) Whole Foods Supermarkets in the mainland. Decent breakfast, lunch, and salad selections at deli steam tables. For more varieties, shop at their Hilo store if you can.
116 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Island Naturals Pahoa Market & Deli
15 -1870 Akeakamai LoopSimilar to (but a lot smaller than) Whole Foods Supermarkets in the mainland. Decent breakfast, lunch, and salad selections at deli steam tables. For more varieties, shop at their Hilo store if you can.
The prices are 15-25% higher than the supermarkets in Hilo. Similar to Foodland (because the same owner). Deli section has decent local foods and pokes.
140 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Mālama Market
15-2714 Pahoa Village RdThe prices are 15-25% higher than the supermarkets in Hilo. Similar to Foodland (because the same owner). Deli section has decent local foods and pokes.
It is the only grocery store in Hawaiian Beaches. A good place to pick up a few items you forgot on your list when you don't want to go back to Pahoa or Hilo. The prices are no worse than at 7 Eleven.
Da Store
15-783 Kahakai BlvdIt is the only grocery store in Hawaiian Beaches. A good place to pick up a few items you forgot on your list when you don't want to go back to Pahoa or Hilo. The prices are no worse than at 7 Eleven.
Arts & Culture
You only need to park your car next to the library for free 24/7 Wifi access, even when it is closed. More comfortable to sit at the desk inside, of course. Hours M: 1-8 pm, T-F: 10-5 pm. Closed St/Sn
Pahoa Public Library
15-3070 Pahoa Kalapana RdYou only need to park your car next to the library for free 24/7 Wifi access, even when it is closed. More comfortable to sit at the desk inside, of course. Hours M: 1-8 pm, T-F: 10-5 pm. Closed St/Sn
Sightseeing
This was a lava viewing station for a few months in late 2014. It has reopened as a solid waste facility (aka da rubbish dump) on 3/1/15, but you can still see and touch the hardened lava that's buried Apa'a St.
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Pahoa Transfer Station
15-1870 Cemetery RdThis was a lava viewing station for a few months in late 2014. It has reopened as a solid waste facility (aka da rubbish dump) on 3/1/15, but you can still see and touch the hardened lava that's buried Apa'a St.
At the ocean end of Kahakai Blvd, make a right on Welea, and park along the street there. Where the J-shaped Welea Street makes a curve, walk out onto a makai (toward the ocean side) vacant lot, which is next to the lot with a large but faded "no-trespassing" sign. Two short paths take you to two different sea arches (technically, partially collapsed lava tubes). You can walk on them and look down into the waves breaking (although the arch on your right, about 100 yards down the longer of the two paths, is closer to the ocean level and can be slippery on a windy day).
Papio Ocean Park
At the ocean end of Kahakai Blvd, make a right on Welea, and park along the street there. Where the J-shaped Welea Street makes a curve, walk out onto a makai (toward the ocean side) vacant lot, which is next to the lot with a large but faded "no-trespassing" sign. Two short paths take you to two different sea arches (technically, partially collapsed lava tubes). You can walk on them and look down into the waves breaking (although the arch on your right, about 100 yards down the longer of the two paths, is closer to the ocean level and can be slippery on a windy day).
-- NOT ACCESSIBLE -- HWY 132, HWY 137, and GOVERNMENT BEACH ROAD ARE ALL COVERED IN LAVA AT THE FOUR CORNERS INTERSECTION.
Some guidebooks claim that you will find the cleanest air at Cape Kumukahi, the eastern point of the Big Island. This is misleading. Since the trade winds bring the fresh air over the Pacific from the northeast, any point along the eastern shore of the island has equally clean air. If you drive to the end of the road (Hwy 132) you will find a parking lot next to the decrepit lighthouse. You will also find the air is polluted by exhaust from rental cars of fellow tourists. Not recommended at all.
Cape Kumukahi Light
State Highway 132-- NOT ACCESSIBLE -- HWY 132, HWY 137, and GOVERNMENT BEACH ROAD ARE ALL COVERED IN LAVA AT THE FOUR CORNERS INTERSECTION.
Some guidebooks claim that you will find the cleanest air at Cape Kumukahi, the eastern point of the Big Island. This is misleading. Since the trade winds bring the fresh air over the Pacific from the northeast, any point along the eastern shore of the island has equally clean air. If you drive to the end of the road (Hwy 132) you will find a parking lot next to the decrepit lighthouse. You will also find the air is polluted by exhaust from rental cars of fellow tourists. Not recommended at all.
Food Scene
Very reasonably priced and generous serving portions (but stay away from the scallops/shrimp dish - too skimpy). Especially recommended are their excellent Massaman (muslim style) curry and superb green papaya salad (warning: their "hot" is painfully hot, their “medium” is spicy enough for most). They give you an option of jasmine, brown, or sticky rice without an extra charge.
142 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Ning's Thai Cuisine
15-2955 Pahoa Village RdVery reasonably priced and generous serving portions (but stay away from the scallops/shrimp dish - too skimpy). Especially recommended are their excellent Massaman (muslim style) curry and superb green papaya salad (warning: their "hot" is painfully hot, their “medium” is spicy enough for most). They give you an option of jasmine, brown, or sticky rice without an extra charge.
-- CLOSED INDEFINITELY DUE TO KILAUEA LAVA FLOWS --
Good lunch stop if you are on the Red Road. Kalani's kitchen serves hot entrees cafeteria style + all-you-can-eat organic salad bar to retreat guests. Local residents and visitors are also welcome. Pretty good food and generous selections of non-alcoholic drinks, all for $15 for lunch (only open noon - 1 pm but no reservation is required). They also serve breakfast ($13) and dinner ($24). The retreat is a pleasant location to visit but some lunch tables get a little too intense with discussions among snobbish tourists pretending to be spiritual seekers - just look for another table away from the loudy crowd.
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Kalani
12-6870 Kalapana - Kapoho Rd-- CLOSED INDEFINITELY DUE TO KILAUEA LAVA FLOWS --
Good lunch stop if you are on the Red Road. Kalani's kitchen serves hot entrees cafeteria style + all-you-can-eat organic salad bar to retreat guests. Local residents and visitors are also welcome. Pretty good food and generous selections of non-alcoholic drinks, all for $15 for lunch (only open noon - 1 pm but no reservation is required). They also serve breakfast ($13) and dinner ($24). The retreat is a pleasant location to visit but some lunch tables get a little too intense with discussions among snobbish tourists pretending to be spiritual seekers - just look for another table away from the loudy crowd.
Vegan gelato. Incredibly smooth. Flavors rotate every few days. $4/cup (2 flavors). Closed Sundays and Wednesday.
22 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Nicoco Hawaiian Gelato
15-2929 Pahoa Village RdVegan gelato. Incredibly smooth. Flavors rotate every few days. $4/cup (2 flavors). Closed Sundays and Wednesday.