Naalehu offers rural living, distinctive beaches and laid-back vibes
Naalehu, which translates to "the volcanic ashes" in Hawaiian, is one of the southernmost communities in the United States. Located on the Big Island, this rural area and renowned for its distinctive beaches. "I really like Naalehu a lot, it's gorgeous and the weather is a bit different there. It doesn't deal with vog as much because of the trade winds," says Andy Madrid, referencing the haze that settles over the island from the volcanic gases. Working as a Realtor with The Big Island Group, he has over a decade of experience assisting homebuyers in Hawaii. "Most people living there are longtime locals or retirees. But a lot of people naturally stop in Naalehu because of the black- and green-sand beaches and how close it is to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park."
Ranch-style homes, bungalows and new construction around the community
A drive on the highway that cuts through Naalehu reveals rolling green hills with grazing cows and alpacas, as well as thickets of dense forest. Throughout the town proper and scattered throughout the rural areas are midcentury ranch-style homes and bungalows. Near the community's south side is a large subdivision called Discovery Harbor, which features homes built as early as the 1980s, as well as modern properties, since construction is ongoing. "A lot of people retire and move into Discovery Harbor, either upsizing or downsizing. It's a golf course community, though you don't have to be a member to live there," Madrid says. "Insurance is lower in Naalehu compared to most of the Big Island because it's in a low-risk lava zone." The median sale price in Naalehu is about $440,000, compared to the Big Island median of $625,000. Naalehu is in Lava Zone 6, with Zone 1 having the highest risk of active lava and Zone 9 having the least risk.
Diverse water recreation at Naalehu's renowned beaches
Outdoor recreation is centered around Naalehu's shoreline, with miles of coast stretching along the community, revealing sweeping views of the ocean. "The big thing is Punaluu Black Sand Beach, a ton of tour buses go there for the views and to watch the turtles come in every day. Locals always have their own spots where the tourists don't hang out as much," Madrid says. "You also have Papakolea Green Sand Beach, which has these huge cliffs, and locals will hang out and fish." In shallower areas, many people go out swimming and paddleboarding, while others surf the wild waves. Smaller shore areas, such as Whittington Beach Park, are typically less crowded and more frequented by year-round residents. Madrid mentions that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, known for its active lava eruptions and deep craters, is about a 35-minute drive north of Naalehu.
Local businesses in town and nearby big shopping centers
Naalehu town proper is a place of local businesses, and Madrid says it has the essentials, from a tiny market to auto shops and a bank. "It's a very small town, but they've got good restaurants and this famous bakery called Punaluu Bake Shop. They ship all over the world, and you can watch them make the bread," Madrid says. "There's no grocery store, so people go to Ocean View to shop for groceries. Hilo and Kailua-Kona are where you'll find actual big shopping centers."
Education in and around the area for all ages
The statewide Hawaii School District serves the community, and Naalehu Elementary is situated in town. Naalehu Elementary receives a C grade from Niche and teaches students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Students move on to C-rated Kau High and Pahala Elementary School for seventh through 12th grade. The school offers a program called the Kau Global Learning Lab, which teaches students about sustainable agricultural practices.
Navigating the Big Island on a major thoroughfare
Hawaii Route 11 runs through Naalehu, part of the central belt road that leads around the Big Island. It heads directly to Kailua-Kona, which is approximately 58 miles from Naalehu and offers amenities such as Kona International Airport. Kau Hospital, the area's largest medical facility, is on the north side of the community in Pahala.
