Hawaiian Paradise Park is a rural residential subdivision located in Keaau, on the Big Island of Hawaii, known for its lush vegetation and tropical rainforests.
Since 2020, I have had the privilege of residing in this truly captivating location, which I can affirm to be among the most naturally beautiful places I’ve ever imagined. Situated amidst the serene embrace of lush jungle, this haven provides an ideal balance between seclusion from the frenetic pace of urban life and convenient proximity to Hilo, where one can effortlessly commute for professional commitments, errands, or leisurely pursuits.
The appeal of this remarkable neighborhood is further enhanced by its favorable distance of approximately 1.5 hours from Kona, offering easy access to a more bustling and tourist-oriented ambiance.
From the top of Hawaiian Paradise Park where I stay, it’s just a short drive to Maku’u Cliffs, a prime spot for taking in the majestic sight and sounds of whales between November and February. One of my greatest joys is embarking on invigorating hikes along the coastline at the break of dawn. Shipman’s Beach, with its breathtaking beauty, is also just a short, enjoyable hike, with the official trailhead starting inside of the neighborhood. Additionally, many of the streets are well-paved providing an ideal setting for leisurely bike rides with my loved ones. Surrounded by lush rainforest gardens, my home and gardens offer a peaceful sanctuary where I can truly appreciate the wonders of nature.
In addition to its stunning and unspoiled coastline, Hawaiian Paradise Park boasts exceptional air quality. Situated on the windward side of the Big Island, the area benefits from the prevailing tradewinds, which naturally disperse pollutants in the air.
Location and Accessibility: Hawaiian Paradise Park is situated approximately 15 miles southeast of Hilo, the largest town on the Big Island. It offers a peaceful and idyllic setting, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life while still being accessible to essential amenities and services.
Population: Hawaiian Paradise Park (HPP) is a census designated place (CDP) located in Puna District, Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States, with a population, according to the United States Census Page, between 11,000 and 14,000, making it the 28th most populated “city” in the state of Hawaii.
Lots & Roads: HPP is divided into 8800 lots owned by individuals and businesses that share a “common interest” in the private and “collectively” owned roads (approx. 133 miles) that by court order, must be maintained
Lot Sizes: Properties in Hawaiian Paradise Park typically offer larger, at least 1 acre lot sizes, providing homeowners ample space for gardens, outdoor activities, or potential expansion.
HOA / Road Maintenance: There is a Homeowners Association and road dues. The annual cost is $435 as of 2024. At this point many roads are still unpaved. There is a plan in place to pave all of the roads.
Property Types: The subdivision consists mostly of single-family homes and vacant land parcels. There are also businesses. Buyers and sellers can find a variety of property types ranging from modest cottages to expansive estates, many with beautifully landscaped yards and lush tropical foliage.
School Districts: The part of HPP from Paradise Drive toward Pahoa Town is in the Pahoa School District. The part from Paradise toward Hilo are in the Keaau School District.
Natural Beauty: The area’s natural beauty is a major draw. The abundant rainfall and fertile soil create a lush landscape, attracting nature enthusiasts and those seeking a serene environment. The region is home to a wide array of tropical flora and fauna, including colorful flowers, fruit-bearing trees, and native bird species.
Community Spirit: Hawaiian Paradise Park has a close-knit, friendly community with a strong sense of pride and commitment to maintaining the area’s character. Residents often organize local events, social gatherings, and community initiatives, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Amenities: While Hawaiian Paradise Park offers a rural lifestyle, it is within a short drive of Hilo, where residents can find a range of amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, shopping centers, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and recreational options.
Climate: Mild and pleasant tropical climate, with temperatures averaging between the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 24-30 degrees Celsius) year-round. The region experiences ample rainfall, contributing to the lush vegetation.
Rain: On average, this area receives around 100-200 inches (250-500 cm) of rainfall per year. The rainfall tends to be more abundant during the wet season, which typically occurs from November to March. During this time, especially, we may experience frequent rain showers and occasional heavy downpours.
From my experience, it’s mostly sunny most days, with a majority of the rainfall occuring at night. I find the temperature to be perfect. It gets nice and warm during the day but cools down nicely at night, even in the summer. Although weather patterns fluctuate from year to year, especially rainy, hot, cold, or windy spells have been short-lived. Most of the time, the climate is nothing short of “paradise”.
Utilities & Services:
Water: In Hawaiian Paradise Park (HPP), there is no centralized water service provided to residents. Instead, residents have the option to utilize either wells or catchment tanks as water sources.
Wells are a viable option for parcels from the coast up to 6th Avenue. They involve drilling a hole into the ground until an aquifer is reached, allowing groundwater to be accessed for various purposes like domestic use, irrigation, or livestock watering.
Catchment tanks, on the other hand, are more commonly used in HPP and other parts of Hawaii due to the region’s abundant rainfall. These systems involve collecting and storing rainwater for multiple uses. A typical catchment system includes a large roof or surface area where rainwater is collected, gutters or channels to direct the water, and a storage tank to store the collected rainwater. The collected rainwater is typically filtered and treated before consumption or used for non-potable purposes such as irrigation, gardening, and livestock watering.
Given the relatively high rainfall levels in HPP, catchment tanks can effectively harness the available rainwater resources. While it’s important to properly maintain and monitor catchment systems to ensure water quality and avoid contamination, it’s also reassuring for many residents to have control over how their water is treated.
With catchment systems, individuals have the ability to implement their own filtration and treatment methods to ensure the water meets their specific needs and preferences. This level of control can provide peace of mind and confidence in the quality of the water they consume or use for various purposes. Regular cleaning and inspection of the catchment surfaces, gutters, filters, and storage tanks are necessary to ensure the water remains clean and safe for its intended use.
- Electricity: Electricity is generally serviced by Hawaii Electric & Light Company. Solar panels are also a viable option and they are installed on many homes in Hawaiian Paradise Park.
- Mail Services: FedEx, DHL and UPS deliver everywhere in the neighborhood. There are USPS boxes situated throughout the neighborhood, but USPS does not deliver directly to individual addresses.
- Rubbish (Garbage/Trash): There is no city or county rubbish collection service. The nearest dump is in Pahoa, approximately 5-10 miles away, depending on where you start in HPP.
- Cell Phone Service: All cell phone carriers seem to be relatively spotty throughout the Park. Popular services are T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon.
- Cable and Internet Service: Overall residents enjoy fast, reliable internet service. See list of available services.
Cell Phone: 808-825-7291
Email: [email protected]