Pahala

Big Island Town Guide

Pahala

Pahala is a quiet Ka'u District town known for former sugar plantation history, Ka'u coffee farms, local services and access to South Big Island drives.

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.

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Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 2 rated visitor reviews.

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Greta Edwards

Fri Oct 20, 2017

I loved and enjoyed my vacation in Pahala Ka'u. I was there for the 2017 Espejo-Fuerte Family Reunion. Beautiful and kind families. Even tho I had to return to Miami I left my heart in Pahala.

Paul

Sat Jun 06, 2015

Loved it so much that we bought a house in Pahala and moved there. This is not a tourist town. It is very quiet and close knit. Being 10 minutes from the beach and 25 minutes to Volcanoe National Park there are still many things to do. Hilo is less than an hour. This is rural Hawaii. If like the city, this is not the place to live.

Location and Directions

Pahala is located in the Ka'u District on the southern side of the Big Island, inland from Punaluu Black Sand Beach and southwest of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. From Volcano, follow Highway 11 southwest toward Pahala. From Naalehu or Wai'ohinu, follow Highway 11 northeast toward town. The marker is placed near the Pahala town center.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Pahala on the Big Island?

Pahala is in the Ka'u District on the southern side of the Big Island. It sits inland from Punaluu Black Sand Beach and southwest of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

What is Pahala known for?

Pahala is known for its former sugar plantation history, Ka'u coffee farms, quiet rural setting, local services and access to South Big Island road trips.

Is Pahala near Punaluu Black Sand Beach?

Yes. Pahala is inland from Punaluu Black Sand Beach, one of the best-known shoreline stops in the Ka'u District. Drive time depends on your exact route and road conditions.

Is Ka'u coffee grown near Pahala?

Yes. Coffee farms in the hills around Pahala and the wider Ka'u District produce Ka'u coffee, a recognized Hawaii coffee region with its own growing reputation.

What activities fit a Pahala visit?

Pahala pairs well with farm tours, food tours, volcano tours, sightseeing tours, private tours and South Big Island drives through Ka'u.