Pahoa
Pahoa is a quirky and historic town in the Big Island's Puna District, known for its “Wild West” wooden sidewalks, eclectic shops, and alternative lifestyle vibe. With the highest concentration of historic buildings in Hawaii, it blends heritage charm with a hippie spirit and proximity to Lava Tree State Park.
Pahoa, Big Island
Pahoa is located in the Big Island's Puna District. It is also known as the Big Island's hippie capital, a place where New Agers, hippies and others living an alternative lifestyle reside. The pride of "downtown" Pahoa is its raised wooden sidewalk, the false-front stores and the numerous old buildings, which give it a "Wild West" atmosphere. In fact, Pahoa has the highest concentration of old buildings in Hawaii.
There are a few small restaurants with a variety of cuisines, craft stores, galleries, boutiques and the island's oldest movie theater. The Pahoa Marketplace, which is located at the edge of town, has more shops, but is not as scenic as the main street. Pahoa also has schools, a church, supermarkets, police and fire departments, a large public swimming pool and a post office.
In 1955, Pahoa was almost destroyed by a fire. Right in the middle of town was a tofu factory that had a wood-fired furnace. The owner usually banked his fires before he went home, but that night, the fire got out of control. It burned all the way to the main alley. Luckily, a papaya farmer who had water loaded on the back of his truck saw what happened and extinguished the fire, saving Pahoa from destruction.
In the past, the area around Pahoa was timber and later sugarcane land, but today there are many nurseries located here growing anthuriums. Papayas are also grown here in large numbers.
An attraction just outside of Pahoa is the Lava Tree State Park. This area was once a lush rainforest, but lava flows encased the trees and burned the wood inside. What remains are hollow stone skeletons that are covered with moss – an otherworldly rock forest.
Key Features of Pahoa
- Historic downtown: Features raised wooden sidewalks and false-front buildings reminiscent of a Wild West town
- Counterculture hub: Known as the Big Island's hippie or outlaw capital
- Cultural heritage: Home to Hawaii's oldest movie theater and several unique shops and eateries
- Close to Lava Tree State Park: A surreal lava-molded forest just outside town
- Community resources: Includes schools, police, fire department, public pool, and supermarkets
- Population: 924 (2020 Census)
- Zip code: 96778
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Pahoa unique?
Pahoa stands out for its raised wooden sidewalks, historic false-front stores, and vibrant counterculture atmosphere, often referred to as Hawaii's hippie capital.
Does Pahoa have entertainment options?
Yes, Pahoa has Hawaii's oldest movie theater, a community swimming pool, shops, restaurants, and hosts live music and cultural events.
What is Lava Tree State Park?
Lava Tree State Park features unique lava molds of trees from a past eruption, creating an eerie and fascinating “stone forest.” It's a short drive from Pahoa.
Has Pahoa been affected by volcanic activity?
Yes, Pahoa is located in a volcanically active area and has experienced lava threats in the past, though the town itself has remained largely intact.