Puako, Wailea Bay, Kohala Coast Communities

The first known photograph of Puako was taken in 1859 during the low flank eruption of Mauna Loa when an enormous cinder cloud hovered over a village of 15 to 20 grass roofed homes and the church.

From the 1900 to 1914, John Hind of Kohala had a sugar plantation on the plains behind Puako. Initially, the harvest was excellent, but the source of water became erratic and the soil salinity could not be controlled. The mill was at #78 Puako and train tracks were laid along the beach to haul cane. The tracks are still visible in spots, but are covered at high tide, as the beach was 30 feet wider at that time. Originally, mules pulled the sugar carts, but a modern steam engine, names Puako, was specially built and put in service.

Until the 1950s, Puako was accessible only by boat, and by the trail known as the Kings Highway, which could then be followed all the way to Kona. Several konani game boards can be found etched in the black lava on the beaches, and a field of some 3,000 petroglyphs of great variety and mystery is not far inland from the community. Puako has long held "mana" and a sense of importance far beyond its recorded status.

In 1952, the county began selling lots along what was then a narrow dirt road. Puako was undeveloped and undiserable to some, while a lure of great magnitude to others. For all who came to see their purchase in 1952, it was a kiawe jungle; the beaches was often inaccessible for weeks as new residents cut and fought and cleared their way towards the sea. Few lots sold initially, and a second auction was held later. The initial lots sold for $300 to $1,000.

Forty-five years have passed since development began in much the same warmth and gentle weather pattern so admired in the islands. When catching the onshore breezes from the ocean, or the scented trades from the mountains, life at Puako is pleasant almost beyond all description. Puako is the area with the least amount of annual rainfall on the island and some say, the most sunshine.

Adding to the Aloha spirit of the area is M's Puako General Store that was opened in 1989 and which, with the guidance of Narand Patel and Urmila Patel serves as an informal community resource and center.

GREAT OFFERS

We have a selection of great products and we also provide two great offers for two different prices.

For $75 you will get the following: kona coffee, bread, milk, juice, half and half, cereal, six pack of soda, pinapple, papaya, 1 dozen eggs, half lb. of butter, half lb. of bacon, pastries, bananas, and cookies.

For $130 you will get the following: kona coffee, bread, cereal, half gallon of milk, half gallon of orange juice, half and half, pastries, eggs, bacon, butter, cheese, apples, bananas, oranges, papayas, pineapple, six pack of soda, six pack of beer, one bottle of wine. one lettuce, two tomatoes, one cucumber, two bellpeppers, two carrots, two lbs. of potatos. one lb. of onions, two avacados, two limes, two lemons, one bag of chips, one salsa, one can of macadamia nuts, cookies and crackers.

For $130 we'll start a charge account in your name. We will require the following information: Name(s), Telphone Number, the Address you will be staying at and the payment type of Cash, Credit Card or Check..

Order our pre-selected supplies and we'll have them ready for you when you arrive. Delivery in a 7 mile radius.