Paauilo

Paauilo is a rural town located on the Big Island of Hawaii, situated north of Hilo. The town is surrounded by natural attractions such as green pastures, hills, and the Mauna Kea mountain range. A historic landmark, the Paauilo Store, serves as a convenience store and eatery for locals and visitors alike. Outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hiking, and fishing are available in the area. The nearby Waipio Valley offers scenic views of waterfalls and lush vegetation, with hiking trails for exploration. Helicopter tours are also an option for a bird’s-eye view of the area.

While Paauilo maintains a rural atmosphere, it is still within close proximity to Hilo’s city center, offering access to a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The town’s combination of natural beauty, history, and modern amenities makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a relaxing getaway.

Flights To Paauilo

Tips For Booking Cheap Flights To Paauilo

  • Book in advance: Generally, the earlier you book your flight, the cheaper it will be. However, it’s important to note that some airlines may increase prices as the flight approaches if they see that demand is high.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates: Prices for flights to Paauilo can vary greatly depending on the day of the week and time of year. If you have flexibility in your travel plans, you can often find cheaper flights by flying on off-peak days or during the off-season.
  • Use flight comparison websites: Websites like SkyscannerKayakEarlytripsTicketsawayMycityflights and Google Flights allow you to compare prices across different airlines and find the best deals on flights to Paauilo.
  • Sign up for flight alerts: Many airlines and flight comparison websites offer email alerts that will notify you when prices drop or when there are special deals available. This can help you stay informed and be ready to pounce on a good deal when it comes up.
  • Consider alternative airports: If you have multiple airport options, check prices for each airport to see if you can find a better deal. For example, instead of flying into Paauilo’s local airport, you might find cheaper flights to a nearby airport like Hilo International Airport.
  • Use budget airlines: If you’re willing to fly with a budget airline and don’t mind sacrificing some amenities, you can often find cheaper flights to Paauilo.
  • Use your frequent flyer miles: If you have accumulated frequent flyer miles, consider using them to book your flight to Paauilo. This can help you save money and get a free trip.
  • Consider a layover: Depending on the airline and route, you might find cheaper flights to Paauilo with a layover instead of a non-stop flight.

Places To Visit

Beaches
  1. Hapuna Beach: A white sand beach that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
  2. Mauna Kea Beach: A black sand beach that’s popular with locals and visitors alike, offering swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.
  3. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach: A unique beach with black sand, offering swimming, snorkeling, and a scenic coastal walk.
Waterfalls
  1. Akaka Falls State Park: A park featuring stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and lush tropical vegetation.
  2. Rainbow Falls: A picturesque waterfall that’s accessible via a short hike from the nearby parking area.
  3. Hi’ilawe Falls: A scenic waterfall that’s accessible via a short hike through a lush tropical landscape.
Historical Sites
  1. Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park: A national park that preserves the site of an ancient Hawaiian place of refuge and offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Hawaiian culture.
  2. Hilo Heritage Trail: A self-guided walking tour that takes visitors through historic Hilo, highlighting historic buildings, landmarks, and cultural sites.
  3. Lili’uokalani Park and Gardens: A beautiful park in Hilo that features Japanese gardens, walking paths, and historic landmarks.
Museums
  1. Pacific Tsunami Museum: A museum that educates visitors about the history of tsunamis in Hawaii and the impact they’ve had on the state.
  2. Lyman Museum: A museum that showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawaii, with exhibits on everything from volcanoes to Hawaiian art.
  3. Hilo Farmers Market: A bustling market that offers a variety of local produce, flowers, and artisanal goods, as well as educational workshops and demonstrations.
Outdoor Activities
  1. Horseback Riding: Several stables in the area offer guided horseback rides through the beautiful countryside.
  2. Fishing: The nearby ocean and streams offer opportunities for fishing, and local guide services can help visitors catch their dinner.
  3. Hiking: Paauilo has several hiking trails for all skill levels, including the popular Waipio Valley trail and the more challenging Mauna Kea summit trail.
Unique Experiences
  1. Helicopter Tours: Visitors can take a bird’s-eye view tour of Paauilo and surrounding areas, offering breathtaking views of the landscape.
  2. Stargazing: Due to the area’s low light pollution, Paauilo offers incredible stargazing opportunities, with guided tours available.
  3. Surfing: Nearby beaches offer opportunities for surfing, and local surf schools can provide lessons for all skill levels.
Local Cuisine
  1. Kona Brewing Company: A local brewery that offers tours and tastings of their famous beers.
  2. Hilo Coffee Mill: A coffee mill that offers tours and tastings of local coffee blends.
  3. Hilo Farmers Market: A bustling market that offers a variety of local produce, flowers, and artisanal goods.
Scenic Drives
  1. Saddle Road: A scenic drive that connects the east and west sides of the Big Island, offering stunning views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
  2. Hamakua Coast: A scenic drive that takes visitors along the lush and rugged Hamakua Coast, offering stunning ocean views and opportunities for stops at scenic lookouts and beaches.
  3. Waimea Valley: A scenic drive that takes visitors through the beautiful Waimea Valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities for stops at scenic lookouts and cultural attractions.

Best Vacation Spots

  1. Mauna Kea: A dormant volcano that offers stargazing opportunities, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the night sky.
  2. Waipio Valley: A picturesque valley known for its lush greenery, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
  3. Akaka Falls State Park: A park featuring stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and lush tropical vegetation.
  4. Hapuna Beach: A white sand beach that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
  5. Mauna Kea Beach: A black sand beach that’s popular with locals and visitors alike, offering swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.
  6. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach: A unique beach with black sand, offering swimming, snorkeling, and a scenic coastal walk.
  7. Waimea Valley: A valley that offers a glimpse into ancient Hawaiian culture, with attractions like the Waimea Valley Botanical Garden and the Waimea Valley Archaeological Site.
  8. Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park: A national park that preserves the site of an ancient Hawaiian place of refuge and offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Hawaiian culture.
  9. Hilo Farmers Market: A bustling market that offers a variety of local produce, flowers, and artisanal goods, as well as educational workshops and demonstrations.
  10. Lili’uokalani Park and Gardens: A beautiful park in Hilo that features Japanese gardens, walking paths, and historic landmarks.

Where To Stay

  • Paauilo’s Country Inn: A cozy bed and breakfast with excellent reviews, offering a homey atmosphere and warm hospitality.
  • Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge offers cabin rentals in a beautiful and serene natural setting, perfect for nature lovers.
  • Pepe’ekeo Vacation Rentals: A collection of high-quality vacation rentals in the nearby Pepe’ekeo area which is a short drive from Paauilo (10-15 minutes). The Pepe’ekeo area is known for its lush rainforests, waterfalls, and scenic coastline, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Best Time To Visit

  • Weather: The Big Island has a tropical climate with two main seasons: a dry season (May to October) and a wet season (November to April). The temperature in Paauilo remains relatively consistent year-round, with average highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to low-30s Celsius) and average lows in the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (mid-10s to low-20s Celsius). However, the wet season can bring more rainfall and cloud cover, while the dry season is generally sunnier and drier.
  • Crowds: The Big Island is a popular destination year-round, but the peak tourist season is typically from December to April, when the weather is milder in many parts of the United States. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, consider visiting during the shoulder season (May to mid-June or September to mid-December).
  • Activities: Some activities in Paauilo and the Big Island are seasonal or weather-dependent. For example, if you want to go whale watching, visit from December to May, when humpback whales migrate to the waters around the island. If you’re interested in stargazing, consider visiting during a new moon or in the fall or winter, when the skies are generally clearer and darker.
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