Pa'auilo used to be a booming sugar town in the past. But when sugar production ceased in this area, the town's character changed. Today, it is a sleepy community with a few small neighborhoods, a grocery store and post office. Down on the ocean one can still see the now abandoned mill site and docks, where the harvested sugar was once loaded for transport.
Big Island Town Guide
Pa'auilo
Pa'auilo is a quiet Hamakua Coast community known for sugar plantation history, rural scenery, small local food stops and ocean-view roads.
Visitor Reviews
Reviews and Ratings
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 2 rated visitor reviews.
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Sharon
Tue Feb 03, 2015
They also have the Hawaiian Vanilla Company where you can have a great lunch and tour of how the vanilla is made during the week and on Saturdays they serve tea. It's a great place to visit with family and friends.
Reservations are needed.
You will be happy you went,they really have the Aloha spirit.
Reservations are needed.
You will be happy you went,they really have the Aloha spirit.
Ron Fornator
Tue May 20, 2014
Pa'auilo also has Donna's Cookies, the best cookies in the world.
Location and Directions
Pa'auilo is located on the Big Island's Hamakua Coast, northwest of Laupahoehoe and southeast of Honoka'a. From Hilo, follow Highway 19 north through the windward coast communities. The marker is placed near the Pa'auilo town and Highway 19 area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pa'auilo on the Big Island?
Pa'auilo is on the Hamakua Coast, northwest of Laupahoehoe and southeast of Honoka'a. It sits along the Big Island's windward north coast near Highway 19.
What is Pa'auilo known for?
Pa'auilo is known for its former sugar plantation history, quiet rural setting, small local businesses, ocean-view roads and Hamakua Coast scenery.
Is Pa'auilo a major visitor town?
No. Pa'auilo is a small rural community, not a major visitor town. It works best as a quiet route stop or countryside base along the Hamakua Coast.
What local food stops are in Pa'auilo?
Pa'auilo is associated with small local food businesses such as Hawaiian Vanilla Company and Donna's Cookies. Check current hours before driving there.
What can visitors combine with Pa'auilo?
Nearby stops include Honoka'a, Waipio Valley routes, Laupahoehoe, Laupahoehoe Point, Laupahoehoe Train Museum and scenic Hamakua Coast drives.