Welcome to Kaʻū District

Aloha! Are you planning a trip to Hawaiʻi? If so, the district of Kaʻū is a amazing area to spend some time! Known for its remote and rural nature, Kaʻū offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of more touristy areas and experience the natural beauty and rich history of Hawaiʻi’s Big Island.

Located on the southern part of the Big Island, Kaʻū is approximately 1.5 hours drive from Kona International Airport (KOA) making it a great home base to explore both sides of the island. Spanning over 1,300 square miles, the district is home to a number of small towns, such as Naʻalehu and Pahala, each with their unique character and charm.

The district has a deep connection to Hawaiian culture and history. Kaʻū was once home to a number of powerful Hawaiian chiefs.

The district’s natural beauty is simply breathtaking – from the volcanic landscapes of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, to the beautiful beaches and lush forests, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

Driving Distance from Palaoa House: 18 miles

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is a hidden gem located on the southernmost island of Kaʻū on the Big Island. This stunning beach is known for its striking black sand, traditional Hawaiian fishing village history, and as an important habitat for endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles. Visitors can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the bay, but it’s recommended to wear water shoes as the bottom is rocky.

This beach holds a special place in the hearts of native Hawaiians as it was a traditional fishing village and a place of cultural significance. The beach’s Hawaiian name, “Punaluʻu” means “clustered springs” in reference to the many fresh water springs that used to flow into the ocean near the beach. This made the area an important spot for ancient Hawaiian fisherman to catch fish, and for Hawaiian families to gather for fishing and cultural practices.

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is only a short drive down Highway 11 (Belt Road) from Palaoa House. The natural beauty of the island and serene atmosphere of Punaluʻu make it the perfect spot for a quick visit and some great Instagram photos. Plus, it’s an excellent stop on your way to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. So pack a picnic, grab your water shoes, and take a little day trip to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, you won’t regret it!

Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

Driving Distance from Palaoa House: 12 miles to the Papakōlea Beach trailhead

Green Sand Beach, also known as Papakōlea Beach, is a unique beach located near Kalae (South Point) on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. It is known for its green sand, which is formed from the mineral olivine that is found in the nearby cinder cone.

Visitors should note that the beach is only accessible by a 4-mile round trip hike. The hike is considered to be moderate to strenuous for some, and can take from 2 to 3 hours for the round trip.

The trailhead for the hike is located about a half-mile down the road from the South Point Road. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks.

Miloliʻi

Driving Distance from Palaoa House: 30 miles to Miloliʻi

Miloliʻi is a small, secluded fishing village located on the southern coast of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. This remote and beautiful destination offers visitors a unique and authentic glimpse into traditional Hawaiian life.

Miloliʻi is a special place for native Hawaiians as it is considered one of the last traditional fishing villages in Hawaiʻi. The village’s name means “little mill” in reference to the sugar mill that used to operate in the area.

Visitors to Miloliʻi can enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the waters of the bay, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. It’s important to note that this is a small and fragile community, and visitors should be respectful of the local culture and customs. It’s also recommended to bring your own food and water as there are no stores or restaurants or other services in the village.

Miloliʻi is located around 30 miles south of Palaoa House and is an excellent place to visit if you’re looking to spend an afternoon at the beach. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but the journey is worth it for the opportunity to see and experience traditional Hawaiian life and culture. So, pack your reef safe sunscreen, bring your respect and sense of adventure, and take a day trip to the beautiful and authentic Miloliʻi fishing village.

Whittington Beach Park / Honuʻapo estuary

Driving Distance from Palaoa House: Approximately 9 miles, it can take about 15-20 to minutes drive.

Whittington Beach Park is a public beach park located on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. It is located on the southern coast of the island, near the towns of Naʻalehu and Pahala.

The park offers a variety of amenities for visitors including picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and lifeguards. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and picnicking at the park.

Hawaiʻi VolcanoEs National Park

Driving Distance from Palaoa House: Main park entrance is about 40 miles. Other NPS attractions along the way.

Palaoa House is located near the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to the world-famous Kilauea volcano, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, the park offers visitors the opportunity to witness the power of nature and explore a diverse array of volcanic landscapes.

Visitors can hike through Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), one of the park’s most popular attractions, a cooled lava tunnel formed by an ancient lava flow. You can also explore the park’s scenic drive, hike to the summit of Kilauea volcano, and witness the ongoing volcanic activity at the Halema’uma’u crater.

With an abundance of hiking trails, visitors can experience lush rainforests, volcanic deserts, and lava fields. The park also offers ranger-led tours and educational programs, making it an ideal destination for families and nature enthusiasts.

Hawaiʻi VolcanoEs National Park – Kahuku Unit

Driving Distance from Palaoa House: 6 miles

Welcome to the beautiful and secluded Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island’s Kaʻū region. This hidden gem offers visitors the chance to explore a diverse array of environments and enjoy breathtaking views.

Kahuku Unit features several hiking trails that will take you through volcanic deserts, lush rainforests, along with lava fields.

Please note that the Kahuku Unit is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays, and weekends, making it the perfect destination for a weekend adventure. It’s also recommended to check the National Park Service website or call ahead to confirm the unit’s schedule as it is subject to change. So, pack your water bottle and come explore this incredible area of Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty.

Hawaiʻi VolcanoEs National Park – Kaʻū Desert Trail Area

Driving Distance from Palaoa House: 32 miles

The Kaʻū Desert is a unique and otherworldly landscape, shaped by past volcanic activity. Visitors can hike along the Kaʻū Desert trail and explore the barren lava fields and cinder cones that define this desert landscape.

The trail offers visitors the chance to experience the stark beauty of the Kaʻū Desert, and offers an opportunity for visitors to witness volcanic landscapes, which are unique and hard to find in other parts of the world. The trail also offers visitors the chance to see the unique wildlife and plants that are found in this desert environment.

Kaʻū Coffee Mill

Driving Distance from Palaoa House: 21 miles

One of our top attractions is the Kaʻū Coffee Mill, located in Pahala, Hawaiʻi. Here, visitors can learn about the history and process of coffee production in Hawaiʻi. Not only will you get to see the mill in action, but you’ll also have the chance to taste some of the delicious coffeeproduced right on site.

You can find the Kaʻū Coffee Mill at 96-2694 Wood Valley Rd, Pahala, HI 96777, and you can contact them at (808) 928-0550 for more information and to plan your visit. So, if you’re looking for a unique and informative experience during your visit to Hawaiʻi, be sure to add the Kaʻū Coffee Mill to your itinerary.

Wood Valley tibetan Buddhist Temple

Driving Distance from Palaoa House: 23 miles

The Wood Valley Temple is a beautiful and peaceful place for visitors to experience the spiritual and cultural traditions of Buddhism. The temple is home to the Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan Buddhism.

The temple is set in a serene and natural environment, surrounded by lush greenery and with a stunning view of the Wood Valley. Visitors can take part in a variety of activities, including meditation classes, teachings and ceremonies led by experienced Tibetan Buddhist teachers, as well as cultural workshops and events.

The Wood Valley Temple is open to visitors of all backgrounds and beliefs and welcomes anyone interested in learning more about Tibetan Buddhism and its teachings. The temple can be reached at (808) 928-8539, or by visiting the website at www.nechung.org.