Beaches and Touring the sights of the Island:
Puako is conveniently located for visiting the numerous sights of the Big Island from north to south. Numerous Beaches and resorts are within 5 - 20 minutes away from Hale Malia. Closest public beaches: '69' Beach in Waialea Bay (5 minutes) , Hapuna Beach (10 minutes) Driving times to some sights of interest: City of Refuge (south), 1 hr 45 min, Captain Cook/Kealakekukua Bay 1/1/2 hr, Kailua Kona 30 min, Kona airport, 25 min., Waimea 20 min., Hawi/ Waipio Valley 1 hour, Hilo/ Hawaiian TropicalBotanical Gardens 1 hr, Volcanoes Park, 1 1/2 hr.
Puako is also a great choice for vacations, because it boasts the highest number of sunny days (and the lowest annual rainfall) in the entire state of Hawaii. In fact, frequently it may be raining on the nearby beaches south of us and as you drive back to Puako it is all sunny and clear!!
Puako General Store:
This market is a five-minute walk from the house and is great. You can order food and provisions in advance and pick it up when you drive-in.