Pahoa, HI

Travel 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 center 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 jewelery.

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-kilometer) 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

Default Image

Kehena Beach Estates

Kehena Beach 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.

Kehena Beach Estates
Green friends

Waa Waa

While there might not be top attractions in Waa Waa, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kapoho Beach and Lava Tree State Monument.

Waa Waa
Default Image

Puna Palisades

Though Puna Palisades might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Kehena Beach and SPACE Seaview Performing Arts Center.

Puna Palisades
Default Image

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
Default Image

Kaniahiku Village

Though Kaniahiku Village might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Lava Tree State Monument and Pahoa Museum.

Kaniahiku Village
Hawaiian Sanctuary
Hawaiian Sanctuary
3 out of 5
13-3194 Pahoa Kalapana Rd, Pahoa, HI
The price is NT$3,467 per night from Dec 3 to Dec 4
NT$3,467
NT$5,030 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 3 - Dec 4
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Pahoa. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, 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 2024/9/7

Hawaiian Sanctuary
Big Island Getaway
Big Island Getaway
2 out of 5
16-2038 Maile Way, Pahoa, HI
The price is NT$2,043 per night from Nov 19 to Nov 20
NT$2,043
NT$4,105 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 19 - Nov 20
Stay at this B&B in Pahoa. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 2024/8/28

Big Island Getaway
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
3.5 out of 5
71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI
The price is NT$5,073 per night from Nov 6 to Nov 7
NT$5,073
NT$7,113 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 6 - Nov 7
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,095 reviews)
"Fast service & quick check in"

Reviewed on 2024/11/3

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
Book a 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,322 reviews)
"Great! Pool shiiid be open before 8:00 is all."

Reviewed on 2024/10/31

Aston Kaanapali Shores
Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
3 out of 5
45 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina, HI
Book a 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,287 reviews)
"The hotel is really big but kind of noisy outside."

Reviewed on 2024/11/2

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 WiFi, 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 2024/11/1

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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Pahoa

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
17
" "5 - Excellent 58.62068965517241%
4 - Good
11
" "4 - Good 37.93103448275862%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 3.4482758620689653%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Remote, Rural, Not many services but perfect if you really want a get a way from it all.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Pahoa is not a touristy town. It's full of wonderful locals and great restaurants. Highly recommend Kaleo's for some meals and the Island Market for groceries. Pahoa has nice little spots to fish, watch the surf, and a small black sand beach.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Loved the locals, vibe and laidback nature on the east side of the island (Pahoa and Hilo) versus the touristy, crowded side of Kona. Make sure to drive and see the lava destruction icutting off Route 137. Hawaii Volcano State Park is a must see!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It is a unique area for shopping. The dining we had was delicious and the price was reasonable.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Pahoa is a very small town not equipped to cater to tourists. The natural beauty of the area is lovely, and the lava zones are amazing to see. We had the best meal of our trip at Kaleo's.

5/5 - Excellent

Anderson

Pahoa is a great small town - excellent vegan gellato, phenomenal thai food, great mexican, and overall great walking environment.

Cities near Pahoa