Paauilo is a former sugar plantation town located on the Big Island’s scenic Hamakua Coast. The economy now centers on tourism and the town offers a variety of restaurants, shops and art galleries making Paauilo a nice place to stop when driving along the Big Island’s northeastern shore.
Paauilo is home to about 700 people and is located five miles from Ookala and about 33 miles from Hilo. The town sits about 722 feet above sea level taking in expansive ocean views.
Surrounded by lush and tropical landscapes and a picturesque northern coastline, Paauilo is one of the many charming, small towns along the scenic Hamakua Heritage Corridor Drive from Hilo to Waipio Valley.