Pahoa HawaiiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pahoa, Hawaii.
1. Kehena Black Sand Beach
VOLCANIC BLACK SAND PARADISE
Kehena Black Sand Beach is a stunning volcanic beach known for its dramatic black shoreline and warm tropical breezes. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing and swimming, though they should be aware that clothing is optional at this location. The beach offers a unique experience with its volcanic origins and is popular with both locals and tourists seeking natural beauty.
2. Uncle Robert's Awa Bar and Farmers Market
VIBRANT NIGHT MARKET EXPERIENCE
Uncle Robert's Awa Bar and Farmers Market is a lively gathering spot that combines local food, drinks, and merchandise in one vibrant location. The market is known for its energetic atmosphere with a crowded dance floor, especially on Wednesday nights. Visitors can experience authentic Hawaiian culture while enjoying local cuisine and live entertainment.
3. Isaac Hale Beach Park
POST-ERUPTION NATURAL WONDER
Isaac Hale Beach Park showcases the dramatic transformation of the landscape following recent lava flows. The park offers visitors a chance to see the resilience of nature and the ongoing geological changes of the Big Island. This area now features a black sand beach and is preferred by many visitors over Kaimu Beach Park.
4. Maku'u Farmer's Market
ISLAND'S BEST FOOD MARKET
Maku'u Farmer's Market is considered by many to be the best farmers market on the Hilo side of the Big Island. The market is a food lover's paradise offering a wide variety of local cuisine options and fresh produce. Visitors can explore numerous vendor stalls selling everything from local handicrafts to tropical fruits and vegetables.
5. Kaimu Beach Park
VOLCANIC LANDSCAPE BEACH
Kaimu Beach Park is a testament to Hawaii's volcanic activity with its striking landscape shaped by lava flows. The park offers visitors a chance to witness the ongoing creation of new land through volcanic processes. Some visitors note that for a true black sand beach experience, Isaac Hale Beach Park might be preferable.
6. Red Road (Hwy 137)
SCENIC COASTAL DRIVE
The Red Road, officially Highway 137, is a stunning coastal drive renowned for its breathtaking ocean views and lush tropical landscapes. This scenic route winds along the coastline, offering glimpses of black sand beaches, lava fields, and tropical foliage. Travelers consider it one of the most beautiful drives on the Big Island, perfect for those seeking to experience the natural beauty of Hawaii's eastern shore.
7. Steam Vents
GEOTHERMAL NATURAL WONDERS
The Steam Vents near Pahoa offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into the island's active geothermal activity. These natural features release steam created when groundwater seeps down to the hot volcanic rocks below. Visitors can observe these impressive vents and feel the warm moist air as evidence of the volcanic forces still at work beneath the surface.
8. Lava Tree State Monument
VOLCANIC TREE MOLDS
Lava Tree State Monument preserves the unique geological formations created when molten lava engulfed a forest, leaving behind tree molds as the trees burned away. Visitors can explore this 17-acre park via a 0.7-mile loop trail that winds through the lava tree molds and lush vegetation. The monument offers a peaceful green space to appreciate both the destructive and creative forces of volcanic activity.
9. Pohoiki Beach
NEWEST BLACK SAND BEACH
Pohoiki Beach is one of Hawaii's newest black sand beaches, formed during the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Visitors can witness the raw power of nature's transformative forces while enjoying the contrast between dark volcanic sand and blue ocean waters. The beach offers a unique opportunity to experience a newly created landscape while taking in the scenic volcano viewpoints.
10. Thurston Lava Tube
ANCIENT VOLCANIC TUNNEL
Thurston Lava Tube is a 500-year-old natural tunnel formed by flowing lava that once carried molten rock to the coast. Visitors can walk through this fascinating geological formation that stands as a testament to the island's volcanic history. The surrounding area features lush rainforest, creating a dramatic contrast with the barren interior of the tube.
11. Rainbow Falls
MAJESTIC MORNING WATERFALL
Rainbow Falls is a majestic 80-foot waterfall where the Wailuku River rushes over a natural lava cave. The falls are named for the rainbows that appear in the mist on sunny mornings, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors. This easily accessible natural wonder is especially popular in the morning when the light conditions are ideal for rainbow viewing.
12. Ka Lae Apuki
DRAMATIC COASTAL CLIFFS
Ka Lae Apuki offers visitors sweeping views of dramatic coastal cliffs formed by ancient and recent lava flows. This natural attraction showcases the ongoing geological processes that continue to shape the Big Island's landscape. Hikers and nature enthusiasts can appreciate the raw beauty of this area where land meets ocean in spectacular fashion.
13. Ahalanui Park
VOLCANICALLY HEATED POOL
Ahalanui Park features a naturally volcanically heated pool that maintains a constant warm temperature. The pool is partially fed by thermal springs and offers a unique swimming experience with ocean views. Although the park was affected by recent volcanic activity, it remains an important cultural and recreational site in the area.
14. Kalapana Cultural Tours
LAVA FIELD ADVENTURES
Kalapana Cultural Tours offers guided experiences across the historic lava fields that transformed the local landscape. Knowledgeable guides share cultural insights and geological information while leading visitors through areas where molten lava once flowed. These tours provide a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture and the profound impact of volcanic activity on local communities.
15. Pahoa Village
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Pahoa Village is a charming historic district featuring preserved wooden buildings and boardwalks that showcase its Victorian-era origins. The downtown area serves as the cultural hub of the Puna region with its unique shops, local restaurants, and authentic Hawaiian atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through this characterful town to experience a side of Hawaii that differs dramatically from the resort areas.