Puako
Puako is a quiet oceanfront community on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, known for its world-class snorkeling, beautiful tide pools, and thousands of ancient petroglyphs. With clear waters and proximity to Hapuna Beach, Puako is a hidden gem for nature lovers and divers alike.
Puako, Big Island
Pukao is a small oceanfront community on the Big Island's Kohala Coast. The town is one of Hawaii's best kept secrets, known for its crystal clear, cobalt blue waters, and top notch snorkeling and diving conditions. Hapuna Beach, one of the nicest white-sand beaches on the island, is a stone's throw away from Puako. This area is one of the driest on the Big Island, receiving only about 10 inches of rain per year.
Pukao's main attraction though is its large collection of intricate petroglyphs carved into volcanic rocks. At the Puako petroglyph field, visitors can see over 3,000 breathtaking vestiges of these ancient rock drawings.
The community has a mixture of working-class homes, as well as a few upscale mansions and vacation rentals. When it comes to shopping, there aren't many options here as there's just one general store.
Hokuloa Church is located right on Puako Road. It was built in 1859 by Rev. Lyons, who was very knowledgeable in the Hawaiian language. He composed many ballads, including "Hawaii Aloha," which has become the unofficial anthem of Hawaii.
The best way to enjoy the charm of Pukao is to stroll along its shore and explore the many tide pools, which are home to a wide variety of marine life. Offshore is one of the best nearshore scuba diving locations on the Big Island, with many caverns, lava tubes and a fantastic reef to explore.
Key Features of Puako
- Historic petroglyph field: Home to over 3,000 ancient carvings in volcanic rock at the Puako Petroglyph Preserve
- Marine life and tide pools: Excellent snorkeling and diving, with lava tubes and colorful reef fish
- Tranquil community: A blend of old homes, luxury vacation rentals, and one general store
- Nearby white-sand beaches: Close to the famous Hapuna Beach and other Kohala Coast beaches
- Historic Hokuloa Church: Built in 1859, associated with beloved Hawaiian hymn "Hawaii Aloha"
- Population: 267 (2020 Census)
- Zip code: 96738
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Puako petroglyphs?
They are ancient carvings etched into lava rock, depicting humans, animals, and symbols. The Puako Petroglyph Preserve features over 3,000 such engravings.
Is Puako good for snorkeling?
Yes, the shoreline offers excellent snorkeling and diving with tide pools, coral reefs, and lava tubes teeming with marine life.
What kind of accommodations are available in Puako?
Puako has a mix of vacation rentals, oceanfront homes, and upscale properties. It's a quiet area ideal for a peaceful stay near the beach.
What is the weather like in Puako?
Puako is one of the driest areas on the Big Island, receiving about 10 inches of rain per year. It's typically sunny and warm year-round.