Kurtistown
Kurtistown is a fertile agricultural community on the Big Island of Hawaii, renowned for its banana plantations and vibrant flower gardens. Located at 620 feet above sea level, the town is also home to notable botanical attractions like the Fuku Bonsai Cultural Center and Linda's Place of Hawaii.
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 of Kurtistown
- Agricultural hub: Known for banana production and tropical flower cultivation
- Botanical attractions: Includes Fuku Bonsai Cultural Center, Linda's Place of Hawaii, and Royal Palm Enterprises
- Rich heritage: Bananas historically revered by Native Hawaiians as sacred
- Elevation: 620 feet (190 meters) above sea level
- Population: 2,515 (2020 Census)
- Zip code: 96760
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kurtistown known for bananas?
Bananas have been grown in Kurtistown since the 18th century and played a major role in the town's economy. The fruit is also culturally significant to Native Hawaiians.
What are the top botanical sites in Kurtistown?
Popular attractions include the Fuku Bonsai Cultural Center, Linda's Place of Hawaii, and Royal Palm Enterprises, all offering tropical plant displays and educational experiences.
Where is Kurtistown located?
Kurtistown is in the Puna District on the Big Island of Hawaii, approximately 11 miles south of Hilo, along the Mamalahoa Highway.
Is Kurtistown a tourist destination?
While not a mainstream tourist town, Kurtistown attracts visitors interested in agriculture, botanical gardens, and rural Hawaiian culture.