Pahoa, Big Island – A Dynamic East Side Attraction

The district of Puna on east side of Hawai’i Island evokes feelings of the old Hawaii….

I love the feeling I get when I travel to Puna, a feeling that deepens my connection to land that I love. Puna is diverse in so many ways and has been known as the most scenic and rural area of the Big Island.

The southernmost village of the Puna district is Pahoa, which means dagger or knife in the Hawaiian language. Perhaps one reason it was given that name is due to the jagged coastline and the rugged diversity of the land on which it thrives. Pahoa is surrounded by and filled with natural wonders. Along it’s coast line, you can enjoy black sand beaches, seaside tide pools, quiet fishing spots, steam vents, and natural volcanically heated fresh water ponds. Meanwhile, as you travel inland, the countryside becomes more colorful with groves of lava trees, tropical fruit orchards, dense tropical forest, as well as areas of open pasture.

The diversity of Pahoa is not only found in the land; it is also defined by the culture of people it attracts. The dynamic population includes people of all ethnicity and lifestyles. Many people here grow their own food and live off the grid; one of the the nicknames given to this area is “new age hippie town.” Others, meanwhile, live in very reasonably-priced homes with all the conveniences of modern day living. In fact, most types of lifestyles can be supported in this uniquely beautiful part of the Big Island. Hilo town is only a 30 minute drive away, offering even more convenience to those who prefer to live in rural Pahoa.

The diverse population is also reflected in Pahoa’s businesses. The oldest operating theater in Hawaii, the Akebono Theater, is located on Main Street Pahoa. This historic theater, built in 1919, has been restored to continue to offer classic film presentations, as well as plays, live concerts, dances and musicals. Main Street Pahoa has maintained its western style storefronts and wood boardwalks, and is lined with quaint shops, local markets, internet cafes, and restaurants that span the flavors of the globe. A new, large health food store adds to the increased convenience of the area. In addition, one of the largest farmer’s markets on the island is located here, offering local arts, crafts, clothing, flowers, locally prepared foods, and fresh produce from both the land and sea. Lobster season is my favorite time to visit this market!

The history and spiritual energy in this area runs deep, which has given rise to multiple healing retreat centers that are known world-wide, and that offer many types of activities, trainings, and healing modalities right at your back door.

The average temperature in Pahoa ranges from 70-75 degrees year round, and rainfall is at about 96 inches per year.

The real estate opportunities offered on the Big Island span the largest range possible, from $10,000 – $30,000,000…pretty much everything you can imagine, and one of the many reasons why I love my Hawaii life.