Hawaiian Paradise Park – Hilo’s Second City

With 8,843 lots and approximately 4,000 homes, it’s no wonder that many of us view Hawaiian Paradise Park as the second city of East Hawaii. Consistently one of the fastest growing subdivisions in the State of Hawaii, it speaks well that years ago the association adopted their own general plan in order to ensure that future growth would not happen haphazardly.

Photo courtesy stoonn/freedigitalphotos.net

HPP Has a Lot to Offer

It seems to have become the address of choice for many mainland transplants, yet some local home buyers still resist the idea of moving to the country even though a home in HPP sells for substantially less than a comparable home in town. Truth is, the HPP home will actually be on a larger lot, be much newer, and have numerous upgrades.

I recall feeling a definite disconnect between what I saw and comments I’d heard from many local folks when I first visited the Park. I was impressed by a breathtakingly beautiful coastline outlined by a bay popular with fishermen and whale watchers alike. I found huge canopies created by mango groves and bamboo orchids blanketing the landscape as far as I could see.

HPP is quickly evolving into an established community where neighbors have pulled together to become a tight-knit community. Consisting of mostly one acre lots with four main arteries connecting the highway to the ocean, residents each year make fewer and fewer compromises. While cable television is inching Makai as well as up from the ocean, most areas now have power, phone, and even DSL. As the paving of the 137 miles of roads gradually occurs, things seem more groomed, but it’s still “country,” and unequalled peace and quiet are what attracts people to the area.

Still Evolving, but at a Nice Pace

While most homes are still on catchment, more and more have installed their own wells. Strides such as UV filtration have made catchment virtually a non-issue. There are no covenants, conditions, and restrictions, which means that, in this agricultural subdivision, it’s possible to have not only animals but crops as well.

Besides agricultural pursuits, there’s a full-time veterinarian, a couple of premier plant nurseries, a full-time fire station, and a variety of home businesses, which have found a place to flourish.

Interestingly, area residents who pre-dated the first occupants considered the lands marginally productive. I think most who live in the Park would definitely disagree. The mild climate allows most everything to grow and thrive. With an outstanding association and active community policing, the association pavilion is a busy hub where residents gather to participate in structured recreational activities, or the active senior program.

I spend a lot of time in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Most people feel it’s a great place to live – but you don’t need to take my word for it. Take a Sunday drive. If you’ve never been there, or if you haven’t been there in a while, trust me, you’ll be proud to see how this little slice of our Hawaii is growing.

See ya in the Park!