Pahala

Pahala is a quiet former sugar plantation town in the Big Island's Ka'u District. Once centered around a large sugar mill, it is now known for its scenic surroundings and award-winning Ka'u coffee grown in the hills above town. Pahala offers a peaceful atmosphere with historical charm and small-town amenities.

Pahala, Big Island

This former sugar town is located in the Big Island's Ka'u District. Sugar was grown here up until the 1990s and the local townspeople believed that this would always be that way because "sugar is king." However, the marketplace changed and sugar production in Hawaii became too expensive, so Pahala's large sugar mill is closed today.

Today, there are a few coffee farms in the hills above Pahala, producing Ka'u coffee, which is not as known yet as the popular Kona coffee, but gaining a reputation on its own.

Pahala has a few eateries, schools, a gas station, a small shopping center, a post office, a hospital and a few churches. With a population of 1,403 (2020 Census), it is the largest town in Ka'u.

Key Features of Pahala

• Historic sugar plantation town: Formerly dominated by sugar production until the mill closed in the 1990s
• Ka'u coffee farms: Home to several boutique coffee farms producing award-winning Ka'u coffee
• Peaceful rural setting: Surrounded by rolling hills, Ohia forests, and agricultural land
• Gateway to Ka'u: Central town for exploring nearby natural and cultural attractions like Punalu'u Beach
• Basic local amenities: Includes a hospital, gas station, post office, shopping center, and eateries
• Population: 1,403 (2020 Census)
• Zip code: 96777