Spend your fall, winter, or spring in Pahoa, Hawaii: Is Pahoa a good snowbird location?

Pahoa's small, picturesque town is a comfortable little setting for people looking for a peaceful escape on the Big Island. Better known as the "downtown" of the Puna region, it is an important historic town that offers unimaginable beauty and a charming atmosphere to its visitors. There are many attractions for snowbirds to enjoy the region's cultural setting and natural beauty, a nice and quiet vacation away from all the hustle in the big cities.

Where is Hawaii

Where is Pahoa, Hawaii Located

Pahoa, Hawaii Map

Why should people visit during the fall, winter, or spring?

Pahoa enjoys a tropical climate throughout the year. Many people prefer visiting in winter, as the weather is comfortable and the atmosphere is perfect for moving around and exploring the historic buildings and cultural aspects of Pahoa. The town may be slow-paced, but it offers multiple amenities to visitors, including beaches, hiking trails, fishing, stargazing, and more. The locals are called "hippies" and are popular for their positive, easy-going attitude. 

Climate

Pahoa is located above sea level, and experiences a typical tropical climate throughout the year. The average temperature stays around 62°F - 80°F (17°C - 27°C) in winter and during this period, Pahoa experiences the most rainfall. The nights can get chilly so it is advised to pack appropriately.

For more climate information visit Meteoblue

Things to see in Pahoa, Hawaii

Pahoa is a fascinating town rich in natural beauty. There are many places you can explore during your stay in the town. Some of the best places to visit include:

• Lava Tree State Park: The state park is home to a forest of lava trees. The monument depicts the disastrous effects of the lava which flowed through the forest, leaving behind a peculiar sight to see with molds of trees.
• Mackenzie State Park: You can visit the park to see the after-effects of the lava that made its way to the sea. The newly formed cliffs are a remarkable sight, and people come here to enjoy a nice fishing experience. It is also known to be a great hiking and picnic spot.
• Kehena Beach: A beautiful black sand beach where you get to experience the peaceful tropical breezes and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the place. There is a drum circle every Sunday and a lagoon at the back. You will even find green turtles resting on the sand. It's a perfect spot to relax and take in the picturesque views of the beach.  
• Maku'u Farmers Market: Held every Sunday. You can come by the market to enjoy the lively atmosphere, buy some fresh produce, and taste the variety of food. Here, you can even enjoy the different cuisines, including Thai, Mexican, and Japanese.
• Steam Vents: You can take a walk around the trail that leads to the steam vents of Pahoa, an interesting spot where you can see the hot springs up close. Many people come here to enjoy the scenic beauty of the trail and the beautiful landscape.

Things to see not far from Pahoa, Hawaii

There are many places and towns in the surrounding areas that one can visit:

• Isaac Hale Beach Park is located 12.7 Miles (20 km) from the town. This black sand beach is a peculiar sight for visitors, but it has its glory. It was formed in 2018, and it offers the most spectacular views one can imagine.
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Located at a distance of 32.4 Miles (52 km) from the town. Here you will find some of the most magnificent landscapes in the world. This is a popular spot for tourists who come to learn about the interesting history of the volcanoes and admire the landscapes. You can visit www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm to learn more about the park.
• Rainbow Falls: It is located at a distance of 20.7 Miles (33 km) from the town. The waterfalls are 80 feet tall and fall over the lava cave, which is known to be the home of the ancient Hawaiian goddess Hina, according to the legends. It would be best if you visited this place in the morning to see the mesmerizing rainbows. 
• Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens: Located at a distance of 19 Miles (31 km) from the town. The place is dominated by Edo-style Japanese gardens, a  Japanese teahouse, Waihonu Pond, bridges, pagodas (ancient Japanese architecture), statues, and Torii. You can enjoy a nice picnic in the area.

Activities in Pahoa, Hawaii in the winter

You can spend a wonderful time at Pahoa as the place offers many activities for you:

• Beaches: Spend some time at the beaches of Pahoa to enjoy the serene environment and tropical winds.
• Day trips: The Big Island features many small islands with interesting landscapes and lots of natural beauty. You can visit these nearby towns on a day trip from Pahoa.
• Visit the parks: The State parks are ideal for a nice walk around the town. You can enjoy the nice weather by going out on a picnic.
• Explore the town's culture: Pahoa is rich in culture. If you're interested in learning about the old historic buildings and vintage shops, visit the village. 
• Yoga: Enjoy a breath of fresh air with the ultimate yoga retreat. Pahoa allows you to admire the natural beauty with your favorite activities.
• Fishing: Many state parks of the town feature fishing spots. The fresh fish of Pahoa is popular in the area and the experience is one of a kind.
• Markets: The Maku'u Farmers Market is a great place to explore if you're visiting the town.
• Golf: You can visit the Hilo Municipal Golf Course if you love golf. Even though it isn't located in the town itself, this golf course is hardly a 20-minute drive from the town.
• Hiking: Many trails allow you to explore the natural beauty of Pahoa. This experience guarantees breathtaking views for all adventurous people.

Shops & Restaurants. Are they Open in winters?

As Pahoa is a popular winter destination, you can find many small markets and shops in the town. There is a large variety of fresh produce at the farmer's markets along with other essentials available at the modern supermarkets. You will be pleasantly surprised by the beautiful boutiques and galleries present in the Village center. There are aesthetically pleasing cafes, small craft stores, and many other remarkable aspects that highlight the culture of the small town. Here's a list of places you must visit for a great shopping experience:

• Maku'u Farmers Market
• Pahoa Village Center
• Malama Market

The town is popular for its fish in local cuisine. If you visit the town, you must taste the fresh fish that is popular among the locals. You won't find any international food chains in the area, but enjoy the different local restaurants to explore the town's gastronomy. 

Transport

The nearest airport to the town is the Hilo International Airport, which is located at a distance of 19.2 Miles (31 km) from the town. There is no direct bus route from the airport to Pahoa. The most common way of traveling to and from is either by taxi or by car.

Having a car can be convenient during your stay. You can rent one at the airport easily, but there are also numerous other locations if you do not want to rent one all the time.

The only available public transport service in the area is the Hele On-Bus, a service provided by the County of Hawaii Mass Transit Agency. This public bus service is ideal for traveling both locally and regionally. There are bus stops all around Hawaii so it is quite easy for you to move around the area and explore the different islands. The trips can take up a lot of your time so if you want a quick round to a nearby island, you can take a taxi to get to your destination quicker. You can find more information on www.heleonbus.org/.

If you want to use public transport, Google Maps is an easy way to find the best route. Find the directions from your starting point to the destination, and click on transit. It will then show you the public transport options.

Health

The healthcare units in Pahoa are well-organized and advanced in their services. Professional doctors are available, and a well-trained medical staff is present 24/7 to cater to your medical emergencies. You are provided with various facilities here, including adult day health, in-patient medical and rehabilitation care, x-ray, and lab services. The most widely known healthcare centers in the area include:

• Bay Clinic (https://bayclinic.org/)
• Pahoa Community Medical Center (www.easthawaiihealthclinics.org/)

Accommodation

If you are a visitor to Pahoa, you can easily find a decent place to stay in the town during winter with rates as low as $700 (approx. €647, £540, $1001 CAD, $1108 AUD) /month. Some of the most commonly used organizations for finding a nice second home are mentioned below:

• Sublet (www.sublet.com/)
• Zillow (www.zillow.com/)  
• Trulia (https://www.trulia.com/)
• Airbnb (www.airbnb.com)

Winter Camping

If you're looking for a great camping experience, there are many options available for you within and around the town. Some of these include:

• Hamakua Camping Cabins: Visit the Hammock Cabanas for the perfect camping experience just a few minutes away from Pahoa. The place offers a luxurious form of camping (glamping) with the most exquisite setting. The cabins are well-maintained, secluded, and perfectly comfortable. Even though the experience can get a bit heavy on the pockets, it is definitely worth the price. 
• Nämakanipaio Campground: Located at a distance of 36 Miles (58 km) from Pahoa. The campground is nothing too fancy and features a large green area with tall trees. The views are great and people usually come here for the perfect stargazing experience. 

RV/Campers/Motorhome

If you're traveling with a motorhome, you must visit Rufus Poets Corner Market which is located at a distance of 1.8 Miles (2.9 km) away from Pahoa. It is the perfect spot and quite affordable for people traveling with a motorhome as the area is quite secluded but capable of providing basic services to the campers. The views are stunning and the owners of the farm are extremely friendly and welcoming. There is a small market located nearby which has beautiful art pieces and goods.