A southeastern Hawai'i community full of potential
On the island of Hawai'i’s southeastern coast, the community of Hawaiian Paradise Park - known to locals as “HPP” - is as full of potential as it is of mango trees and undeveloped land. Originating as grazing land for cattle due to its otherwise unfertile soil, Hawaiian Paradise Park now offers residents abundant greenery, a naturalistic character and distance from big-city action. “There are over 8,000 lots, and some of them are low enough where you can put in wells," says Denise Nakanishi, a Realtor with Real Broker LLC. This is notable due to the absence of a public sewer system and reliance on catchment water. "You’ve got bigger lots, and homes are usually newer than what you can find in town in Hilo. There’s also new shopping and restaurants in the area." Nearly 15,000 residents call Hawaiian Paradise Park home, counting retirees, Hilo commuters and the environmentally conscious among their number. Healthcare, food services and retail form the backbone of this city’s largely services-based economy. Though HPP may not have strong cell coverage or paved roads, this community’s immersion in nature helps shape its appeal.
HPP's affordability compared to other parts of Hawaii attracts a diverse mix of residents, including families, retirees, and individuals seeking a self-sufficient lifestyle.
Many residents appreciate HPP's blend of natural beauty, space, and community spirit.
1/2
Vintage homes and vacant lots alternate along HPP's rural roads
First developed in the 1950s, Hawaiian Paradise Park is defined by grid-patterned and numbered avenues with ranch-style homes and vacant lots throughout. Though much of HPP’s housing dates from the 1960s to 1990s, homes built as recently as the 2020s are among this city’s more expensive properties. It’s common to hear roosters crowing from chicken tents kept on certain properties, and many of HPP’s lots remain vacant and open for construction. HPP retains a rural feel both due to this semi-agrarian atmosphere and the absence of modern amenities like public sewage, trash collection or paved roads and its reliance on catchment water. “Anything grows there, and, if you’re at the top of the subdivision, you get more rain," Nakanishi says. "As you go down toward the ocean, you have more sunshine and ocean breeze, as the vegetation is less thick there. You can have farm animals, and you can even do a second dwelling, which you couldn’t do for a long time.” This city’s HOA charges around $300 yearly for road maintenance, while trash collection runs on a self-haul system. Hawaiian Paradise Park has a median sale price of $515,000, nearly in line with that of nearby Hilo, although newer beachfront properties can sell for up to $1.75 million and plenty of properties sell for far below the local and Hilo averages.
The area receives ample rainfall, supporting its lush environment but also requiring residents to manage challenges like mold and road maintenance.
The subdivision's roads vary in condition, with some paved and others remaining unpaved, affecting accessibility during heavy rains.
1/2
Waterfront views from Maku'u Point and Paradise Cliffs
Hawaiian Paradise Park feels true to its name with its abundant shrubbery, many small green spaces and expansive waterfront. Rocky crags like Maku’u Point and Paradise Cliffs offer scenic views of Pacific waves, and many private residences have black sand back yards formed by volcanic activity. HPP has several public shoreline access points, although there are no sandy beaches in the area; instead, tidepools and cliffs are the main attractions of the shoreline. Within HPP, small green spaces like the Awapuhi Labyrinth and the Historic Puna Trailhead allow for jungle strolls and turtle encounters along the way.
Oceanfront housing in Hawaiian Paradise Park (HPP) offers dramatic views of the rugged Puna coastline and the vast Pacific Ocean.
While the coastline is rocky and not ideal for swimming, it’s perfect for tidepooling, whale watching, and enjoying the raw beauty of the lava-formed cliffs.
1/2
Small shops and eateries along the Keaau-Pahoa Road
Hawaiian Paradise Park is almost entirely residential, although it is home to a few small businesses. Keaau-Pahoa Road serves as the main commercial thoroughfare, with eateries including a smash burger food truck, a Thai food shack and a tiki bar. The Nanala Sunset Farmers Market is open evenings the second and fourth Monday of every month, selling fresh produce and garden plants. The nearest grocery store is the Malama Market in Pahoa, 7 miles down Keaau-Pahoa Road.
While HPP offers a rural lifestyle, it's conveniently located near the towns of Keaau and Pahoa, where residents can access shopping, dining, and other services.
Stop by Countryside Cafe in nearby Keaau for a hearty lunch and dinner menu.
1/2
Career-centered education at Keaau High School
All of Hawaii’s schools belong to the Hawaii Department of Education, a singular school district that receives an A-minus rating from Niche. HPP’s students may attend Keaau or Keonepoko’s schools. Keaau High School and Pahoa Intermediate-High School each receive C-plus ratings from Niche. Keaau High, the larger of the two schools, has a robust Career and Technical Education department and an expanding number of extracurriculars; the school is currently building a new gym for after-school sports.
Established in 1999, Keaʻau High School is a public high school located in Keaʻau, Hawaii, serving grades 9 through 12.
Keaʻau High School's campus spans 55 acres and includes facilities such as sports stadiums, a cafeteria, and specialized classrooms for various educational programs.
1/2
Environmental considerations in HPP
Though public energy is available, lack of access to other public utilities means that many residents opt for solar panels and lithium-ion home batteries for energy. The city also encounters volcanic smog in the wake of volcanic eruptions, the last of which occurred in 2018, and its low elevation means high humidity and heat. Crime data for the city is not readily available.
The area is known for its lush vegetation, with many properties featuring tropical plants, fruit trees, and ornamental gardens.
The community stretches from Highway 130 down to the Pacific Ocean, offering residents both inland and oceanfront properties.
1/2
Access to Hilo and healthcare
Hawaiian Paradise Park is generally regarded as an outer-ring suburb of Hilo, which sits 16 miles up state Routes 130 and 11. This highway is known to experience heavy traffic, and HPP residents must drive in order to collect their mail, buy drinking water, fill propane tanks for gas appliances and haul their own trash in addition to commuting to work. Hilo is both an employment and healthcare center; it is home to both the Hilo Benioff Medical Center and The Queen’s Health Care Center.
HPP is located just 20 minutes east of Hilo.
Residents of Hawaiian Paradise Park are never far from the conveniences in nearby Hilo.
1/2
Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cathy Fedak,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Hawaiian Paradise Park, HI sell after 102 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Hawaiian Paradise Park, HI over the last 12 months is $530,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Quality and Comfort with Private Well Water and priced under $550K—this is Hawaiian Paradise Park value at its best. This move-in-ready home on paved 7th Ave delivers space, value, and sustainability rarely found at this price. Just over 2,000 sq ft under roof includes garage and lanai, a private water well, and fresh interior paint on walls, doors, and trim make this property truly turnkey.
Sophia YunisColdwell Banker Island Properties - Hilo
Brand New Construction | Hawaiian Paradise Park | 3BD/2BA | Approx 3,300 Sq Ft Under Roof Includes Garage and Lanai Thoughtfully designed new construction offering refined island living with exceptional indoor-outdoor flow on approximately 1 acre in a desirable lower Hawaiian Paradise Park location. INTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS- Split floor plan with approx 9-ft walls and 10-ft recessed ceiling in
Sophia YunisColdwell Banker Island Properties - Hilo
Welcome to your brand new home in Hawaiian Paradise Park! This thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence sits on a full 1-acre lot, offering space, privacy, and modern island living. Step inside to a bright open-concept layout where the kitchen flows seamlessly into the living area, perfect for entertaining or everyday comfort. The home features modern finishes throughout, creating a
Built for tropical living and freshly shined, this inviting home is privately set back on a one acre corner lot with a rock wall along Paradise Drive. From the moment you arrive, you are welcomed by a peaceful setting and a true island feel. Upstairs features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, along with a spacious lanai that was recently updated with all weather, termite resistant composite decking. It
Thoughtfully designed, this custom home blends clean construction with elevated island character. Inside, you will find approximately 9-foot ceilings with subtle paneled ceiling detailing reminiscent of classic plantation-era box ceilings, along with engraved bamboo wall accents that are refined and understated, adding quiet dimension and a distinctive touch of island craftsmanship. The layout is
This lovely lot is waiting for you to build your dream home!!! Located in an area called the "Sun Belt" of Hawaiian Paradise Park, this property is so close to the water you can hear the sounds of the sea. Driveway and housepad were previously prepared, saving you lots of money as well as saving you time. No invasive trees were visible--yet another plus. Maku'u Point is a short distance where you
This beautifully appointed, architecturally stunning home can be your new private residence, or the get-a-way vacation home located on the stunning East Hawaii coastline. Currently the residence is a popular short-term vacation rental that can be sold turnkey – furniture, future bookings, STVR permit and all. Located on Kaloli Point in the coastal community of Hawaiian Paradise Park, this 4
Discover this standout 1 acre corner lot off Kaloli Drive in Hawaiian Paradise Park, one of the fastest-growing communities on Hawaii's Big Island with over 3,000 homes and a potential build-out population of 30,000. Positioned 15 miles southeast of Hilo along Highway 130 and extending to the ocean's edge, it provides convenient access to nearby restaurants, groceries, gas stations, schools, and
Discover the perfect blend of space, flexibility, and privacy in this beautifully designed 5 bedroom, 4 bath home located on the desirable Kaloli dead end of 14th Ave. With no through traffic, this property offers a peaceful setting ideal for those seeking both comfort and convenience. This home features a highly sought after multi generational floor plan with separate upstairs and downstairs
Located on a paved road just a few blocks from the dramatic ocean cliffs, this brand-new custom home offers refined island living in one of the area’s most scenic settings. Enjoy coastal breezes, nearby ocean views, and beautifully manicured neighboring properties that enhance both privacy and curb appeal. With 1,664 square feet of interior living space and an expansive 703 square foot garage,
Build your Hawai‘i dream home on this 1 acre vacant lot on Loke Rd in Hawaiian Paradise Park (HPP) ideally located just a couple blocks from the stunning Kaloli Cliffs, where dramatic ocean views, crashing waves, and coastal breezes create an unforgettable island setting. Imagine being able to take a short walk from your future home to enjoy beautiful ocean scenery and sunrise views along the
Experience serene island living on this exceptional 3-acre homestead comprised of 3 separate adjoining lots. Tucked away at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac the property is bordered by a Hawaiian rock wall & State land, offering privacy & a peaceful setting.The main acre features 2 distinct living spaces. The primary residence is a custom one-bedroom, one-bath post & pier house showcasing
Discover an exceptional opportunity in the oceanside community of Hawaiian Paradise Park on the East side of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. This custom-built, single-level home offers 1,973 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space on a private 1-acre lot along 2nd Avenue, surrounded by other quality custom homes and located just a short distance from the ocean.This inviting residence
Owning vacant land in Hawaiian Paradise Park is about more than building a house it’s about designing a lifestyle rooted in balance. Here, you have the rare chance to plan your home from the ground up with intention. Hawaii's climate invites you to live differently and this property gives you the space to do just that. This land is ideal for those who value sustainability, food security, and a
Property Id: 2302519Charming 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 570 SQFT unit with private entrance comes fully furnished with modern amenities. This setting is ideal for traveling nurse or digital nomad.We are in lower Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision on Hawaii island. Walking distance to Paradise Cliff. 20 minutes from Hilo, about 45 minutes from Volcanoes National Park.Living
Property Id: 1478323Lovely 4 bedroom 3 bath home in Hawaiian Paradise Park Subdivision. The property is fenced with a gated entrance. The 4th bedroom has a separate entrance with an ensuite bathroom and is located off of the back lanai which is accessible from the main bedroom and dining area. This home has granite countertops and tiled flooring throughout. Appliances included:
Beautiful 3 bedroom/2 bath home located in HPP- fully furnished, water maintenance, garbage, internet, Netflix, and yard maintenance are all included with rent. The home, built in 2013 (less than 10 years old- so no worries that anything will break on you), is situated privately off the road and surrounded by mature landscaping and is very private with fencing. Previous owner is an arborist as
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
