Homes for Rent in Paauilo, HI

Paauilo, located on Hawaii’s Hamakua Coast, is a small, historic plantation town about 30 miles north of Hilo. The area is characterized by its lowland farms, elevated ranches, and dense rainforests, offering a remote living experience with stunning scenery. The town center, originally a farm camp for plantation workers, features small plantation-style homes with ocean views. These homes, along with larger properties in the rainforest, provide a range of living options, from off-grid residences with solar panels and rain collection systems to contemporary homes with expansive acreage. The region’s rich volcanic soil and heavy rainfall support lush jungles and rainforests, ideal for hiking. Popular trails can be found at Kalopa State Recreation Area, just over 5 miles west of Paauilo, and in the Hamakua Forest Reserve. For daily needs, residents frequent the Paauilo Feed Store and local eateries like Coba and Donna’s Cookies. More extensive shopping and dining options are available 8 miles away in Honokaa, which also hosts a weekly farmers market. Paauilo Elementary & Intermediate School serves local students, emphasizing the community’s agricultural heritage. For high school, students attend Honokaa High & Intermediate School. The town is connected by Hawaii Route 19, providing access to larger medical facilities in Waimea, 20 miles west, and Hilo, 30 miles south, which also houses Hilo International Airport.