Growing up, I remember the only road to Kona was the top road or Mamalahoa Hwy. Puako was a dead end. In 1975, Queen Kaahumanu Hwy was open to the public which today is the lower road to Kona. We now have options: top road (Mauka) or Lower Road (Makai) to Kona.
Do you remember when Kawaihae was another dead end road? At the end of Kawaihae road was Doi Store and Chock Hoo Store back then no one went to the beach without stopping at Doi Store first, they had food, fishing supplies… almost anything you could imagine somehow they had it. Even a pet monkey.
The only road to Kohala then was the Kohala Mountain Road at which time Akoni Pule Hwy did not exist.
Puako was a dead end road
Queen Kaahumanu Hwy. opened in 1975
Kohala Mountain Road
Akoni Pule Hwy. opened in 1973 (along this beautiful coastline)
All of these changes were necessary and it allowed for opportunity and growth on the Big Island. We now have options on this beautiful Big Island.
As a Realtor and a lifelong resident of the Big Island, my home is in Waimea, my area of expertise in real estate are Waimea-Kamuela, Waikoloa, along the Kohala Coast and Beach Front Properties. Call me to know why folks choose to live here.
J.E.
January 27, 2023
I just ran across your article from 2017, about Puako Rd. & Kawaiihae Rd. dead ends, back in the day? I am immensely elated seeing this! I lived in a single-wide trailer rental, at the end of Puako Rd. on left(traveling towards ocean) briefly, in 1980…I came over from mainland, AZ. to work on govt. job refurbishing military living quarters/huts @ Pohokaloa Training Facility (military) up on Mauna Kea. The job only lasted a few months, but, I returned, to look up, old g.f./one night stand I met, working glass bottom boat tours, on Kohala Coast. One of my fav establishments were, Doi Store, Harbor Hut, Hapuna Beach, etc. I loved visiting Mrs. Doi, to have her bless me, with giant sub sandwiches from deli…I, also stayed briefly, in Waimea/Kamuela apt complex next to The Redwater Cafe. (My absolute fav joint, for food, dancing, etc) I’ve been trying to find out what happened to a girl, I met in Kamuela, in shopping center? Her shop was called “The Sue-tique” I frequented her shop, a lot, purchasing my lightning bolt pendants, jewelry, etc. I believe her name, was Sue Kawamoto? So much to say…having been back…I always said, I would eventually move there, and buy home, on Puako Rd?! I got offer to work in Guam, in 1980, after we finished up @ Pohokaloa…but turned it down, to return to AZ. I would relish any correspondence, you may consider to offer, if you receive this? I was 24 yrs. old, when I lived/visited there. I have many stories to share, if anyone is interested? God Bless J.E.