A peek at Puako, a rare hidden coastal heaven on Hawaii
Peaceful coastline and private homes form a perfect backdrop to your Puako vacation rental. The town provides a bit of a break from the teeming resorts just to the north on Hawaii's Big Island. With a single main road dotted with multiple beach access points, Puako is a favorite spot for vacationers and locals. Snorkeling, dolphin watching, and beachcombing are popular pastimes for the whole family, and the casual dining options are ideal for you and your sweetheart, or you and your pals.
The understated, seaside birthplace of "Hawaii Aloha"
The most visited building in the vicinity of your Puako vacation rental is probably Hokuloa Church, located right on the main road and the prettiest little white church you'll ever see. It was built in 1859 by Reverend Lorenzo Lyons, the missionary who composed "Hawaii Aloha," Hawaii's unofficial anthem. You can also drive a few miles north to find the Pau Mau Place Arboretum and Botanical Garden. It's full of paths lined with flower blossoms, friendly peacocks, decorative statues, and – of course – views of the sea.
Snorkeling, surfing, sunbathing - get pooped on Puako
Puako's beaches are divine. Hapuna Beach is a half-mile of white powdery sand, bright blue waves, and picnic areas. In winter, the waves are just right for surfers and bodyboarders but a bit high for little ones, so if toddlers are in tow, check out Beach 69 (named for a #69 utility pole in the parking lot). It's pristine, great for snorkeling, and offers some shade trees for relief from the sun. A boat tour can take you toward the whales and dolphins swimming offshore.
Puako is pretty perfect (this is Hawaii, after all)
You'll probably want to leave the windows open at your Puako vacation rental, because the weather is too good to just leave it outdoors. The tropical climate means warmth year-round, with summer highs in the 80s and winter lows in the not-so-low 60s. The town is on the drier, west coast of the Big Island, but it's still a rainy place. If you want to keep your umbrella-carrying moments to a minimum, travel in September, when rainfall is roughly half what it is in March, Puako's wettest month.
Exploring the natural features in Puako
Whether you're looking for adventure or just want to take in the scenery, you'll be sure to find the perfect setting for your vacation in Puako. These are some of the area's most enchanting natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Mauna Kea Beach (2.5 mi / 4 km)
- Waialea Beach (0.9 mi / 1.4 km)
- Hapuna Beach State Park (1.7 mi / 2.7 km)
- Mauna Lani Beach (3 mi / 4.8 km)
- Anaehoomalu Beach (4.6 mi / 7.4 km)
- Anaehoomalu Beach (5 mi / 8 km)
How to get to and around Puako
The nearest airport is in Kona Intl. Airport (KOA), located 20.9 mi (33.6 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could also fly into Kamuela, HI (MUE-Waimea-Kohala), which is 11 mi (17.6 km) away.
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