Paauilo HawaiiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Paauilo, Hawaii.
1. Hawaiian Vanilla Company
AROMATIC FARM TOUR EXPERIENCE
Hawaiian Vanilla Company offers visitors an aromatic culinary journey on the Big Island featuring an insightful farm tour. Guests can enjoy a fabulous vanilla-centric lunch while learning about what makes this spice so special. The experience includes a knowledgeable tour guide who shares fascinating details about vanilla cultivation and processing.
2. Kalōpā Nature Trail
SERENE RAINFOREST WALK
Kalōpā Nature Trail is a very easy hike located in the Kalōpā Native Forest State Park and Recreation Area. The beautiful walk takes visitors through lush rainforest without any elevation gain, making it accessible for all skill levels. This tranquil trail offers a perfect opportunity to experience Hawaii's native flora and fauna up close.
3. Perimeter Horse Trail
LONGEST FOREST PARK TRAIL
Perimeter Horse Trail stands as the longest trail in Kalōpā Native Forest State Park and Recreation Area at approximately 2.3 miles. As the name suggests, this trail is suitable for both hikers and horseback riders wanting to explore the natural beauty of the area. The trail offers a more extensive outdoor adventure for those looking to spend more time immersed in Hawaii's spectacular forest landscapes.
4. Hāmākua Forest Reserve Jeep Road
DENSE FOREST ADVENTURE PATH
Hāmākua Forest Reserve Jeep Road navigates through very dense forest, offering an immersive natural experience. The trail features a bumpy leaf floor similar to Pacific Northwest trails, giving it a unique character among Hawaii's outdoor offerings. This path is particularly appealing to mountain bikers seeking a challenging yet rewarding ride through pristine Hawaiian forest.
5. Lower Cane Haul Road
SCENIC PARALLEL CYCLING ROUTE
Lower Cane Haul Road runs parallel to Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 19), offering cyclists an alternative scenic route. This area is drier than the Hilo region, providing different landscapes and vegetation to explore. The road occasionally becomes overgrown, adding an element of adventure to the cycling experience along this historic agricultural pathway.
6. Paauilo Farmers Market
LOCAL SUNDAY FOOD HUB
Paauilo Farmers Market is open Sundays from 9am to 2pm, offering a vibrant mix of local foods, fresh produce, and handcrafted goods. The market is inclusive and accommodating, accepting SNAP and EBT for those shopping on a budget. Visitors can experience authentic Hawaiian flavors and crafts while connecting with local vendors and community members.
7. Paauilo Church
HISTORIC CULTURAL LANDMARK
Paauilo Church stands as a charming historical site that offers visitors a glimpse into the town's rich past. The architecture beautifully represents Hawaiian culture, making it a significant landmark in the area. This peaceful spot provides a perfect setting for reflection and appreciation of local heritage within the small community of Paauilo.
8. Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
NATIVE BIRD CONSERVATION AREA
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge is a stunning area known for its diverse ecosystems and native bird species conservation efforts. The refuge offers exceptional opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and immersing oneself in the tranquility of protected Hawaiian nature. Scenic lookout points throughout the refuge provide breathtaking views that serve as perfect backdrops for nature photography.
9. Wailuku River State Park
DRAMATIC RIVER LANDSCAPES
Wailuku River State Park features dramatic landscapes formed by one of Hawaii's most impressive rivers. Visitors can witness the powerful Rainbow Falls and the intriguing Boiling Pots, geological formations where the river appears to bubble and churn through ancient lava tubes. The park's accessible viewing platforms make it easy to appreciate these natural wonders while learning about the area's geological and cultural significance.
10. Kealakekua Bay
HISTORIC SNORKELING HAVEN
Kealakekua Bay is a marine sanctuary offering some of Hawaii's best snorkeling amidst vibrant coral reefs and abundant sea life. The bay holds historical significance as the site where Captain James Cook first landed on the Big Island and later met his demise. Visitors can kayak across the crystal-clear waters or join a boat tour to fully experience this natural and historical treasure.
11. Holualoa Art Village
CREATIVE MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY
Holualoa Art Village is a charming mountain town known for its thriving arts community and numerous galleries showcasing local talent. The village is nestled among coffee plantations on the slopes of Hualalai volcano, offering a cooler climate and spectacular views of the Kona coastline. Visitors can explore unique shops, meet local artists, and sample some of Hawaii's finest Kona coffee in this creative haven.
12. Mauna Kea Summit
SACRED ASTRONOMICAL WONDER
Mauna Kea Summit rises 13,796 feet above sea level, hosting the world's largest astronomical observatory with telescopes operated by eleven countries. The summit area is considered sacred in Hawaiian culture and offers unparalleled stargazing opportunities due to its elevation, dry atmosphere, and minimal light pollution. Visitors can join guided sunset and stargazing tours or visit the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet to learn about the mountain's scientific and cultural importance.
13. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
ACTIVE VOLCANIC LANDSCAPES
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, offering visitors the rare opportunity to witness the primal process of creation and destruction. The park features diverse environments ranging from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet, including rainforests, desert-like terrain, and volcanic craters. Visitors can explore over 150 miles of hiking trails, drive the Chain of Craters Road, and learn about Hawaiian culture and geology at the Kīlauea Visitor Center.
14. Akaka Falls State Park
TOWERING TROPICAL WATERFALL
Akaka Falls State Park features a magnificent 442-foot waterfall that plunges into a gorge surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Visitors can experience the falls via a paved 0.4-mile loop trail that winds through a rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves, and draping ferns. The easily accessible path also offers views of the smaller Kahuna Falls, making this a perfect stop for travelers of all ages and abilities.
15. Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
ICONIC TURTLE VIEWING SPOT
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach features striking jet-black shores created by basalt lava flowing into the ocean and exploding as it rapidly cooled. The beach is famous as a frequent basking spot for endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), which can often be observed resting on the warm dark sand. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the protected cove, snorkeling among tropical fish, or simply relaxing beneath the swaying coconut palms while experiencing this unique geological and ecological wonder.