Hawaiian Paradise Park: Coast, Nature and Culture

Hawaiian Paradise Park combines a distinctive coastal landscape with Hawaiian history, tropical vegetation, and unique experiences in the east of the island of Hawaii. Those looking for a vacation rental or holiday home will find not a generic beach resort here, but a destination with rocky cliffs, historical traces, markets, and trails through the surrounding area.

Coastline with Cliffs and Expansive Views

The coastline of Hawaiian Paradise Park extends from Kaloli Point for approximately two miles in a southeasterly direction. It consists of rocky cliffs that are 6 to 25 feet high. There are no sandy beaches or areas with safe access to the water within the park. These conditions are important when choosing the focus of a vacation: Those selecting accommodation in Hawaiian Paradise Park can plan to experience the coast as a landscape and viewpoint, but should not expect a traditional beach stay within the community.

Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and the ocean can be seen from numerous locations within Hawaiian Paradise Park. Government Beach Road is the only exception to the community’s private roads. The road belongs to the State of Hawaii and is maintained by HPP. Access to the county property on the seaward side of Beach Road is located between Paradise Drive and Makuu Drive.

Historical Traces by the Sea

Hawaiian Paradise Park offers several points of interest for travelers who want to combine landscape and history. Examples of the former Mamalohoa Highway have been preserved on the makai side of Beach Road. Old Railroad follows a road alignment above which a railway once ran. A concrete platform on Lot 130 in Block 6 has been identified as a remnant of Makuu Station. Several petroglyphs can also be found in the seaside area of the park between Paradise Drive and Makuu. The remains of two stone platforms belonging to heiaus are located on Beach Road.

Hobby Garden also combines nature and culture in a special way. The site includes a rideable model railway, a representation of the Hawaiian land division known as ahupuaʻa, and a forest of tropical fruit trees. These include citrus fruits, papaya, banana, avocado, soursop, Brazilian cherry, and sapote.

Markets, Gardens, and Local Experiences

Different activities offer options for planning a varied day. At Rozett’s Nursery and Garden Center, visitors can stroll among specimen palms, fruit trees, and flowering tropical plants. Rozett’s Nursery’s Saturday Market takes place weekly and offers fresh food and baked goods. The Makuʻu Farmers Market in Hawaiian Paradise Park complements this selection with fresh produce and local handicrafts.

Culinary discoveries are also part of the area’s character. Freshly baked sourdough bread can be preordered for pickup at the farm stand of Treehouse Farm in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Those who enjoy combining their stay with regional products and markets can include these offerings in their daily plans without having to limit their vacation to a single destination.

Orchids, Birds, and Trails Through the Landscape

Wild orchids grow in Hawaiian Paradise Park; the bamboo orchid is the most common. The Hawaiian owl, the pueo, and the Hawaiian hawk can occasionally be spotted. For active days, the starting point of the Shipman Beach Hike is at the end of Kaloli Drive in Hawaiian Paradise Park. The Shipman Beach Hike is considered a five-mile round-trip hike. The Old Puna Trail is part of Hawaii’s statewide public Na Ala Hele Trail and Access System.

When searching for accommodation, a simple decision can therefore help: Should the focus be on coastal views, historical traces, markets, tropical gardens, or hiking trails? A vacation rental in Hawaiian Paradise Park can serve as a base for exploring these different aspects of the area; this does not imply specific distances between the individual offerings.

More Places for Trip Planning

You can view additional destination pages at the following locations: Kailua Kona, Fern Acres, Hilo, Kapaau, Pahala, Holualoa, Mountain View, and Waimea.

For the higher-level travel overview: Hawaii.