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Directions to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nāʻālehu

Parish Address: 95-558 Mamalahoa Hwy, Nāʻālehu, HI 96772

 

From Kona (Kailua-Kona)

Driving (approx. 1 hr 40 min | 67 miles):

  1. Take HI-11 South (Hawai‘i Belt Rd) toward Kaʻū.

  2. Continue on HI-11 through Ocean View.

  3. Sacred Heart Church will be on the left just past Nāʻālehu town.
     

Public Transit (Hele-On Bus):

  • Take the Route 90 – Kona–Volcano (Mondays – Fridays) heading southbound.

  • Disembark at Nāʻālehu Park. Walk 5 minutes south on Māmalahoa Hwy. to reach the Church.

⚠️ Service is limited – check heleonbus.org for updated schedules.

 

From Hilo

Driving (approx. 1 hr 30 min | 64 miles):

  1. Take HI-11 West toward Volcano and Kaʻū.

  2. Pass Pāhala and drive through Waiʻōhinu.

  3. The Church will be on the right, just before entering Nāʻālehu town.
     

Public Transit (Hele-On Bus):

  • Take the Route 10 – Volcano–Hilo and transfer to Route 90 – Volcano–Kona.

  • Get off at Nāʻālehu Park, then walk 5 minutes to the Church.

⚠️ Service is limited – check heleonbus.org for updated schedules.

Directions to Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Pāhala

Parish Address: 96-3150 Pīkake St, Pāhala, HI 96777


From Kona (Kailua-Kona)

Driving (approx. 1 hr 30 min | 61 miles):

  1. Take HI-11 South toward Kaʻū.

  2. Turn left onto Pīkake Street at the sign for Pāhala.

  3. Holy Rosary Church is at the top of the hill on the right.
     

Public Transit (Hele-On Bus):

  • Take the Route 90 – Kona–Volcano bus.

  • Disembark at Pāhala Community Center.

  • Walk ~10 minutes uphill via Pikake St.

​⚠️ Service is limited – check heleonbus.org for updated schedules.


From Hilo

Driving (approx. 1 hr 10 min | 50 miles):

  1. Take HI-11 West through Volcano toward Kaʻū.

  2. Turn right onto Pīkake Street in Pāhala.

  3. Church is on the right near the top of the hill.
     

Public Transit (Hele-On Bus):

  • Take Route 10 – Volcano–Hilo, transfer to Route 90 – Volcano–Kona.

  • Get off at Pāhala Community Center.

  • Walk 10 minutes up Pīkake Street to the Church.

⚠️ Service is limited – check heleonbus.org for updated schedules.

Where Our Parishes Are Located on Hawaiʻi Island

Map of the Big Island of Hawai'i and where our parishes are located

About the District of Kaʻū

Kaʻū is one of the oldest and most rural districts on the island of Hawaiʻi. Known for its expansive landscapes, powerful coastlines, and deep cultural roots, Kaʻū has a long and rich history dating back to ancient Hawaiian civilization.

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Ancient Times

Kaʻū was one of the original districts established by the aliʻi (chiefs) of old Hawaiʻi. It was part of the vast domain of powerful rulers such as Aliʻi Nui Kamauaua and later King Kamehameha I, who spent part of his youth in the area. Kaʻū was known for its strong independent spirit and its role as a base of resistance during the unification of the islands.

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The district's rugged coastline and fertile uplands supported a thriving population. Hawaiians cultivated taro, sweet potato, and other crops using dryland farming techniques. Fishing was also vital, and Kaʻū’s shoreline remains culturally significant for traditional fishing practices and fishponds.

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Missionary & Plantation Era

In the 19th century, Catholic missionaries arrived, establishing Churches and schools in communities such as Nāʻālehu, Pāhala, and Punaluʻu.  Members of the Sacred Hearts (SS.CC.) and Maryknoll (M.M.) orders ministered throughout the district.

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By the late 1800's, sugar plantations became dominant in Kaʻū, with towns like Pāhala and Nāʻālehu growing around mills and labor camps. Immigrants from Japan, Portugal, the Philippines, and elsewhere contributed to a diverse cultural fabric. The sugar industry persisted for over a century, with the Kaʻū Sugar Company being among the last to operate before its closure in 1996.

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Modern Era

When the last of the sugar mills closed in Kaʻū, the region began to pivot toward diversified agriculture (like macadamia nuts and coffee), conservation, and tourism. The Kaʻū Coffee Belt has gained international acclaim for its award-winning beans. Vast natural areas, including Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, and the Kaʻū Forest Reserve, make the region ecologically and geologically significant.

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Today, Kaʻū retains a strong sense of community, identity, and cultural continuity. Its people —many of whom are multi-generational residents—carry forward the district’s traditions, land stewardship, and history.

Tourist Attractions in the District of Kaʻū 

Natural Attractions & Outdoor Activities

  1. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Kaʻū side)

    • Explore parts of the park including Mauna Loa Road, Hilina Pali Overlook, and the Kaʻū Desert Trail.

    • Hiking, birdwatching, lava formations, and panoramic views of Kīlauea’s volcanic landscape.

  2. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

    • Famous black sand beach and resting site for endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles (hōnu).

    • Picnic area, tide pools, and photo opportunities.

  3. South Point (Ka Lae)

    • Southernmost point of the United States.

    • Known for dramatic sea cliffs, wind-blown landscapes, and cliff jumping (for experienced swimmers).

    • Nearby: ancient Hawaiian fishing shrines and heiau.

  4. Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea)

    • One of only four green sand beaches in the world.

    • Reachable via 2.5-mile hike (or 4x4 ride) from the South Point area. (There is a small fee for shuttle service to the beach.)

  5. Kaʻū Forest Reserve

    • Remote hiking trails and native flora and fauna.

    • Birdwatching for endemic species like the ʻapapane and ʻiʻiwi.

  6. ʻĀinapō Trail

    • Historic trail once used by Hawaiian royalty to ascend Mauna Loa.

    • Now a rugged hiking route into the upper elevations.
       

Cultural & Historical Sites

  1. Punaluʻu Bake Shop (Nāʻālehu)

    • Southernmost bakery in the U.S., famous for sweetbread and malasadas.

    • Offers local treats, souvenirs, and a peaceful garden café.

  2. Wood Valley Temple (Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling)

    • Tibetan Buddhist temple in a lush, serene setting in Pāhala.

    • Open to visitors for meditation and cultural education.

  3. Holy Rosary Church (Pāhala) & Sacred Heart Church (Nāʻālehu)

    • Historic Catholic Churches with plantation-era roots and community significance.

  4. Kaʻū Coffee Mill & Farms

    • Tours and tastings of award-winning Kaʻū Coffee.

    • Learn about the history of coffee farming after the sugar era.

    • Call the Church Offices at Sacred Hearts and Holy Rosary at (808) 928-8208 for recommendations from Father William on local coffee vendors. 

Scenic Drives & Hidden Gems

  1. Kaʻalualu Bay & Coastline

    • Secluded and scenic—accessible via 4WD. Historic anchorage area.

  2. Whittington Beach Park (Honuʻapo)

    • Historic fishing village ruins and beautiful coastal views.

    • Great for picnicking, tidepooling, and photography.

  3. Manukā State Wayside Park

    • Native forest and short hiking trail through old lava terrain and ʻōhiʻa trees.

Lava Eruption at Kilauea
Black Sand Beach in Punaluu

©2025 Kaʻū Catholic Community.
The Parish Office is located at 96-3143 Pīkake Street - Pāhala, Hawai‘i 96777
Office Hours: Tuesdays to Fridays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Phone Number: (808) 928-8208
Email: hrc.shc@gmail.com
EMERGENCY NUMBER: (808) 855-8981

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