Kurtistown

Kurtistown is a rural East Hawaii community in the Puna District, known for agriculture, plant nurseries, green countryside and access to Hilo, Puna and Volcano routes.

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Kurtistown

Kurtistown, Big Island

Located at an elevation of 620 feet (190 m), Kurtistown it is one of the most agriculturally productive communities on the Big Island of Hawaii. There are many banana plantations and flower gardens here. The town's botanical gardens even serve as some of the prime tourist stops in the area. Three of these gardens are the Fuku Bonsai Cultural Center, Linda’s Place of Hawaii and the Royal Palm Enterprises.

In the 18th and 19th century, while other Big Island towns were engaged in sugarcane and coffee production, Kurtistown was planting bananas. It was banana that played a major role in the town's economy. Native Hawaiians in Kurtistown even considered bananas sacred, revering the fruit for possessing the same characteristics as that of the Hawaiian god Kanaola. Today, Kurtistown remains a top producer of banana on the Big Island.

Key Features

Puna District setting: Rural community along Highway 11 south of Kea'au
Agricultural roots: Known for bananas, flowers, plant nurseries and small farms
Green countryside: Rain-fed roads, homes and growing lands define the area
Garden interest: Associated with bonsai, tropical plants and nearby East Hawaii garden stops
Route access: Useful for drives between Hilo, Puna and Volcano
Activity fit: Good base for farm tours, sightseeing, private tours and volcano tours
Population: 2,515 at the 2020 Census
Zip code: 96760

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kurtistown on the Big Island?

Kurtistown is in East Hawaii, inland from Hilo and south of Kea'au. It sits along Highway 11 in the Puna District, on the route toward Volcano and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

What is Kurtistown known for?

Kurtistown is known for its rural Puna setting, agricultural land, flower farms, plant nurseries, banana-growing history and access to East Hawaii road trips.

Is Kurtistown a visitor town?

Kurtistown is more of a rural residential and agricultural community than a traditional visitor town. Travelers usually pass through while driving between Hilo, Kea'au, Pahoa and Volcano.

What activities fit a Kurtistown stay?

Kurtistown pairs best with farm tours, sightseeing tours, private tours and volcano tours in the broader East Hawaii and Puna area.

Are there places to stay near Kurtistown?

Nearby options are usually rural vacation rentals and homes in the Puna District, Kea'au area or Hilo. Choose the area based on whether you want countryside, town services or faster access to Hilo Bay.