Overview
Pahoa is a small town in Puna district on the southeast side of Big Island between Hilo and Volcanoes National Park.
1 things to do · 2 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Pahoa
Kehena Beach
A black sand beach that's a popular local hangout. The waves are strong, swimming is possible but not advised without clear instructions on how to do so safely. Clothing optional beach.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jan, May–Jun, Sep. Summer highs reach about 83°F; winter lows dip to about 64°F. Wettest: Nov and Mar. (climate data from nearby Hilo)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ITO Hilo International Airport, Hilo — 16 mi away. Directions
- MUE Waimea Kohala Airport, Waimea (Kamuela) — 58 mi away. Directions
- KOA Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, Kailua-Kona — 73 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $75–$75 a night (typical $105), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$120, mid-range ~$180, comfortable ~$240.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
See
During 2016 to the last months of 2017, it was possible to see the lava flowing into the ocean in the Kalapana area. Later in 2017, the lava flow shifted to surface areas in and around the border with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Puʻu ʻŌʻō vent on its East Rift Zone. It is possible to hike or bike from near Kalapana to an area were lava might be seen. At the entrance to the cinder and gravel road that leads to the lava flow zone, there are many bicycle rental vendors offering mountain bikes and battery assisted bikes. Shop around for the best deal.) Before heading out to find the lava flow, check with the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hot line or the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory for eruption location updates. Fumes and clouds of noxious gases can be dangerous and sometimes deadly. The county has signs up and marked paths for tourists. Bring water and good shoes.
- Many black sand beaches formed by volcanic sand are in the area, the most well-known in Puna being Kehena Beach. Because the sand is black, it gets really hot where it's dry and beach sandals are recommended on sunny days.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Do
Eat
Eat Paolo's Bistro
Wonderful Italian restaurant located on the main street of Pahoa. The lamb is the best, but the fish is also delicious.
Eat Ning's Thai Cuisine
Thai place. Note that they seem to be a little spicy. It has been said that their "medium" spice is more like a "hot". Takeout available.
Sleep
Stay Oliana Guesthouse
A charming small guest house and separate cottage, just up the road from Kehena. You're just in the rain forest and you can hear the bird/insect/animal-song at all times. Kitchenette, towels, kitchen basics (spices, oil, salt & pepper etc) all provided! Can be booked on AirBnB, FlipKey and Direct.
Stay safe
Puna can be considered the Big Island's "ghetto." Unemployment and poverty are widespread, and crime and drugs are major problems. The combination of poverty, drugs and people with something to hide can make parts of Puna seem unfriendly. This area sees very few tourists, so respect the locals and try not to stand out too much.
Go next
Nearby
Hilo
City / town · 70 listings · 18 mi away
Volcano Village
City / town · 9 listings · 19 mi away
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Park · 15 listings · 23 mi away
Ka'u
City / town · 11 listings · 50 mi away
Honokaa
City / town · 16 listings · 52 mi away
Waimea
City / town · 5 listings · 59 mi away
Captain Cook
City / town · 8 listings · 62 mi away
Waikoloa
City / town · 8 listings · 62 mi away
My experience
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