Papaikou offers ocean views in a quiet coastal setting
Papaikou is a rural community situated along the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, just 5 miles north of Hilo. It’s primarily residential, with modest homes spread out in the low hills that rise from the shoreline, offering views of the Pacific. “The Hamakua Coast is the Gold Coast on this island, with some of the most beautiful land and views,” says Donna Duryea of Compass Hawaii, who lives just north of Papaikou. “It’s a really special part of the island. So much of the rest of it is covered by lava rock because we still have an active volcano.”
Papaikou is home to several local agricultural operations, including the Krishna Cow Sanctuary and Hamakua Chocolate Farm. A few shops are found at the intersection of Mill Road and Mamalahoa Highway, but most shopping and groceries require a trip to the city.
Bungalows and ranch-style homes built between the 1930s and 1970s
The community offers a variety of older homes, including modest bungalows, ranch-style homes and plantation-style homes. They were built primarily between the 1930s and the 1970s. “There are a lot of older-style homes that buyers find charming,” Duryea says. Many of them sit on small lots in the hills, surrounded by abundant vegetation and tropical plants, and some offer sweeping views of the coastal scenery. The roads are rural, narrow and quiet. Prices range from around $250,000 to $850,000. Older, smaller homes typically sell for the lowest price point, while renovated homes with acreage tend to command the highest dollar.
Trails, beaches and gardens offer scenic outdoor escapes
Residents have easy access to parks, trails and beaches along the Big Island’s eastern coastline. Onomea Bay Trail is a short hike that runs along the rocky cliffs overlooking the Pacific and ends at the Onomea Bay Lookout. Also nearby is Lyman Bay, which features a small beach and a popular surf break. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, located just north of Papaikou, attracts thousands of visitors to its lush rainforest landscape. It features an array of protected tropical plants, a waterfall and trickling streams that meander across its 17-acre property. “The gardens are absolutely beautiful,” Duryea says. Larger community parks with playgrounds, ball fields and sports courts are found a few miles away in Hilo.
Papaikou has limited retail, but Hilo offers full amenities
Kimura General Store is one of Papaikou’s few shops. This family-owned store is the local go-to for snacks, drinks, hot dogs and everyday goods. The town also has a bank and a post office. For everything else, residents can head 5 miles south to Hilo, where numerous restaurants, cafes and grocery stores are available. Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill is one of the most popular restaurants in town, known for its locally sourced ingredients and cozy atmosphere. There’s also Café Pesto for wood-fired pizza and fresh-made Italian cuisine. Grocery stores include Hilo Farmers Market and Abundant Life Natural Foods.
Hilo High offers AP, dual enrollment and career pathways
Students can start school close to home at Haaheo Elementary School, which serves kindergarten through sixth grade and gets a B rating from Niche. The next step is B-plus-rated Hilo Intermediate School, followed by Hilo High School, which earns a B rating. The high school offers a variety of career pathway courses, career and technical education, dual enrollment and Advanced Placement courses.
Mamalahoa Highway connects residents quickly to Hilo
Mamalahoa Highway runs through Papaikou, offering a direct route to Hilo. Bus stops are also available for those who need public transportation. Hilo International Airport is approximately 10 miles away, offering flights to other Hawaiian Islands and the West Coast. Hilo Benioff Medical Center is about 7 miles away.
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Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
