The Best Places To See and Visit While In Pahoa in Hawaii
1. Volcano Kīlauea.
In fact, Kīlauea ranks as one of the world’s most active volcanoes. And if you are in Puna (the district where Pahoa resides), you can get up close and personal with this beast of mother nature. A short 20 minute drive down Highway 130 will get you there from our vacation rentals. The delta of the lava flow empties right into the ocean in Pahoa along the Kalapana coast. It is a great trek for families and children. However, be careful as rocks are sharp and there is a possibility of stepping through the crust and into lava! STAY within posted signs and don’t wander off course.
The best viewing times are at night when you can really see the glow of the lava. For the most part, the park is not extremely busy but can be so try to visit on weekdays if possible.
2. Lava Tree Forest
Very close to our rental homes and right in the heart of Pahoa is Lava Tree Forest. This spectacular state monument is a must see! Huge lava molds were left behind after lava swept through the area. There is a mile long loop that circles around this amazing park, allowing you a full panorama of its beauty. There is no charge to enter the park, plenty of parking, and there are tables and facilities for picnicking. There is also a nice restroom here which makes it a perfect spot for a pit stop if you’re coming from Hilo.
Although it’s a state monument, it is off the beaten path so it is not a tourist trap and a great place to find peace and quiet.
3. Sunday Market
Pahoa Sunday market is about as good as it gets when it comes to a fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers market. Hawaii’s land is so fertile and rain so abundant that just about anything grows here. At the Pahoa Sunday market you can score some reasonably priced fruits and vegetables from local farmers. To keep the Hawaiian atmosphere authentic, there is also live music and food vendors that are ready to serve up some local Hawaiian delicacies. Not only is there great food and produce, but it is a general swap meet as well so you will be able to find just about anything you need for your Hawaiian vacation.
Parking can be a hassle so be sure to get here early in the morning.
4. The town Of Pahoa
The town of Pahoa will remind you of a western town with a Hawaiian flavor added to it, of course. Pahoa features some very good restaurants and bars. This comes as a surprise to people because of how small the town is. There are a total of 28 restaurants in Pahoa, from fast food to Hawaiian to authentic Mexican and Italian. Here is a list of restaurants for Trip Advisor. Believe it or not, Pahoa actually has a very nice public aquatic center and a skateboard park as well for the kiddos.
There are also a few little markets with good beer and wine selections. However, they are very expensive. If you are going to be in Pahoa for a while, we suggest picking up most of your supplies in Hilo at the Walmart and KTA super stores. If you’re coming from Kona make sure to stop at the Costco.
5. Warm Ponds
The Warm Ponds is the most relaxing part of visiting the big island. The Warm Ponds is a tranquil spot that you can spend a half a day or more kicking back and relaxing in its tranquil waters. Since the Big Island of Hawaii is still volcanically active there is a lot of thermal energy that is coming out of the earth’s crust and heating what is above it. The Warm Ponds is just this. Think of it as an Olympic-sized natural Jacuzzi, overlooking the raw beauty of the ocean! The Warm Ponds has natural and man-made seating, perfect for relaxing and taking it all in.
6. Champagne Ponds and Kapoho
Not many people find out about Kapoho and the Champagne Ponds. So we are going to give you the inside scoop. Kapoho is easier to access because it is not in a gated community. The Champagne Ponds are a little tougher. In order to get into the Champagen Ponds, you need to wait for someone to come out of the gate. This should not deter you because the Champagne Ponds are really beautiful and a great snorkeling spot.
Kapoho is actually one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii. Not only are the waters warm and the water clear, it is also really cool to just check out. It is composed of little inlets and lava rock bottoms that are perfect for shallow water swimming and diving. There are a total of 5 swimmable inlets, each exuding their own little personality.
Champagne Ponds are similar to Kapoho, but without the harsh lava bottoms. The Champagne Ponds are also heated and surrounded by private homes. Don’t worry, though, because all beaches and water in Hawaii are considered public land.
7. Drive Kalapana
One of the most beautiful drives you will ever take is along the Kalapana coast. From lush jungle and ocean scenery to sheer seaside cliffs, this dramatic visual delight is worth taking your time visiting. Nearly every turn is worth a stop and taking it all in. On this drive there are simply too many things to list to stop and see. So, get out there and drive slow to make sure you do not miss anything. At the end of the road there is a cute little bar and restaurant where you can grab a beer and a cheese burger!
All activities listed above have directions easily found on the internet. Also, remember this is just a very small list of things to do while in Pahoa. Make sure to talk to the locals and do some research before you come to maximize your stay.
Looking to rent a home while your in Pahoa? Take a look at our vacation homes here.
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