Puna & Pahoa
 
Puna’s
Isaac Hale beach park. |
For visitors who want to experience the true feeling
of old Hawaii, Pahoa village holds the key to this untouched
past. First a rugged sawmill town then a sugar town
and also a crossroad on the old railroad, Main Street
Pahoa has maintained its western style storefronts and
wood boardwalks in a charming turn of the century Victorian
style.
 
Girl
with Ukulele. |
Quaint shops from surf, to curio and restaurants that
span the flavors of the globe from Thailand, to Mexico,
and Italy, make Pahoa Village one of the most pleasurable
shopping and dining stops on the Big Island. Every restaurant
in Pahoa is owner operated, guaranteeing diners a personable
meal. Lodging in Pahoa is alternative as well. The historic
Village Inn, built in 1910, housed some of Puna's earliest
travellers and still operates today. The rooms are clean
and spacious with vintage Victorian decor. Call ahead
to any of the friendly shops to learn of any special
events scheduled during your visit. Pahoa has the reputation
of holding some lively and entertaining performances
both on its Main Street and at the Akebono Theater,
Hawaii's oldest theater.
The countryside surrounding Pahoa is filled with natural
wonders like the Lava Tree State Park, steam vents,
groves of papaya trees and black sand beaches along
the rugged Puna coast. From the bays at Isaac Hale Beach
Park to the area of Puna once known as Kalapana the
coastal road, Route 137, winds through untouched pine
forests, open pastures and dense tropical foliage. While
traveling on 137 you will also pass seaside pools and
quiet fishing spots perfect for picnicking or a relaxing
snooze. It's no wonder that many tour guides around
the Big Island tout Puna as the most scenic and rural
area of the Big Island. Visitors are warned however
that a prolonged stay in this Aloha time capsule may
make leaving a very difficult task.
 
Orchids and other tropicals. |
 
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. |
 
Surfing at sunset. |
 
Hula dancer and drummer
on beach. |
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