Pa'auilo

Pa'auilo is a quiet Hamakua Coast community known for sugar plantation history, rural scenery, small local food stops and ocean-view roads.

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Pa'auilo

Pa'auilo used to be a booming sugar town in the past. But when sugar production ceased in this area, the town's character changed. Today, it is a sleepy community with a few small neighborhoods, a grocery store and post office. Down on the ocean one can still see the now abandoned mill site and docks, where the harvested sugar was once loaded for transport.

Key Features

Hamakua Coast setting: Quiet rural community between Laupahoehoe and Honoka'a
Plantation history: Former sugar town with old mill and coastal loading-area stories
Local food stops: Associated with Hawaiian Vanilla Company and Donna's Cookies
Rural scenery: Green slopes, ocean-view roads and old agricultural lands
Nearby routes: Close to Honoka'a, Waipio Valley roads and Laupahoehoe
Activity fit: Good area for farm tours, food tours, sightseeing, private tours and zipline tours
Population: 618 at the 2020 Census
Zip code: 96776

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Pa'auilo on the Big Island?

Pa'auilo is on the Hamakua Coast, northwest of Laupahoehoe and southeast of Honoka'a. It sits along the Big Island's windward north coast near Highway 19.

What is Pa'auilo known for?

Pa'auilo is known for its former sugar plantation history, quiet rural setting, small local businesses, ocean-view roads and Hamakua Coast scenery.

Is Pa'auilo a major visitor town?

No. Pa'auilo is a small rural community, not a major visitor town. It works best as a quiet route stop or countryside base along the Hamakua Coast.

What local food stops are in Pa'auilo?

Pa'auilo is associated with small local food businesses such as Hawaiian Vanilla Company and Donna's Cookies. Check current hours before driving there.

What can visitors combine with Pa'auilo?

Nearby stops include Honoka'a, Waipio Valley routes, Laupahoehoe, Laupahoehoe Point, Laupahoehoe Train Museum and scenic Hamakua Coast drives.