Papaaloa, Big Island
The old village of Papaloa is located along the 45-mile Hamakua Coastline on the eastern part of the Big Island. Papaaloa retains much of its old plantation feeling, and visiting the town would remind one of its yesteryear that was filled with plantation camps, storefronts, and mills. A mere 16.3 miles north of Hilo and 5.2 miles away from Lapahoehoe, the town is situated along Hawaii Route 19. Being on the Hamakua Coast, Papaaloa is near Hawaii’s most stunning waterfalls including Akaka Falls and the Kahuna Falls. Hawaii’s most beautiful place, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens, the Lapahoehoe Train Station, the Lapahoehoe Point, and the Kilauea Volcano are also a short drive away.
Though it is an unincorporated town, Papaaloa has its own post office. The town also offers service stations, shops, restaurants, and mini-markets. The Papaaloa General Store is one you shouldn’t miss; it serves local cuisines and the best local drinks.
Based on the 2007 census survey, Papaaloa had an estimated population count of 555 residents. People coming from different racial and ethnic origins have made Papaaloa their home although Asians outnumber the rest of the groups by more than 45%. Caucasians, Native Hawaiians, and Hispanics also make a large representation in the community. Covering a total land area of 64 square miles, Papaaloa’s population density was estimated at 9 people per square mile and had an average household size of 3.1 persons.
Papaaloa had an estimated average household income of $50, 182. Meanwhile, 3.6% of the population had income below the poverty level.
Papaaloa’s zip code is 96780.
Papaaloa Overview
Location: Papaaloa, Hawaii
