Big Island Town Guide

Papa'aloa

Papaaloa is a small Hamakua Coast community on Hawaii Island, known for plantation-era roots, rural roads, gulches, ocean views and green cliffs near Laupahoehoe.

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Papa'aloa

The old village of Papa'aloa is located along the lush Hamakua Coast on the Big Island's east shore. Papa'aloa retains much of its old plantation feeling, and visiting the town reminds of yesteryear – a time that was filled with plantation camps and sugar mills. Though it is a small community, Papa'aloa has its own post office.

Key Features

Small Hamakua Coast community on Hawaii Island
Located between Hakalau and Laupahoehoe
Former sugar plantation community with rural roots
Near Highway 19 and Old Mamalahoa Highway
Pastures, gulches and ocean views shape the surrounding landscape
Quiet residential and agricultural setting rather than a walkable visitor town
Close to Laupahoehoe-area history and Hamakua Coast drives
Rain and narrow rural roads can affect local driving conditions
Population: Not separately counted at the 2020 Census
Zip code: 96780

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Frequently Asked Questions

How did Papaaloa develop as a plantation community?

Papaaloa grew during the Hamakua sugar era, when plantation camps, field work, rail lines and small local services shaped life along this part of the coast.

What happened to the Papaaloa sugar mill?

The old mill area is part of the community's plantation past. When sugar declined along the Hamakua Coast, the area shifted toward rural homes, pastureland and small local activity.

How is Papaaloa different from Laupahoehoe?

Laupahoehoe has better-known public landmarks, including the point and train museum. Papaaloa is quieter and more residential, with rural roads and plantation-country scenery.

Why is the landscape around Papaaloa so green?

Windward rain, deep gulches and volcanic soil support thick vegetation, pastureland and tree-lined roads along this part of the Hamakua Coast.

What can visitors notice while passing through Papaaloa?

Look for ocean glimpses below the cliffs, older plantation-era settlement patterns, pastures, narrow roads and the way gulches break up the coastline.