Hāmākua Times

06/11/2026

06/11/2026

Honoka'a Hongwanji Buddhist Temple Garage Sale & Silent Auction Sunday, June 14, 2026 10am-2pm 🪴

06/10/2026

Did you know that the translation of "Paniolo Kepanī" means Japanese cowboys?

After Japanese workers had completed their three year plantation contracts, many opted to stay in Hawaiʻi. Some opened retail businesses, started small farms, or worked in ranching. Many Japanese immigrants became noted paniolo and ranchers and their legacy continues today.

Jiro Yamaguchi, a well known Japanese paniolo, is pictured.

Photo by: Paniolo Preservation Society

06/09/2026

Born on April 9, 1891, in Kula, Maui, Frank Futoshi Arakawa became one of Hawaiʻi Island’s most influential architects and engineers. At the age of five, his family moved to Hilo, where his parents opened a small general merchandise store.

Frank graduated as part of Hilo High School’s very first graduating class before continuing his studies at Stanford University, earning a degree in civil engineering. He later returned home to Hilo, where he began a remarkable career shaping the island’s architectural landscape.

From 1915 to 1942, Frank served as Hawaiʻi County’s deputy engineer and architect. Through both his county work and private practice, he designed many of the Big Island’s most recognizable educational, commercial, and civic buildings, including the Manago Hotel in Kona, the Hilo Fire Station, Hilo High School, to name a few. Notably, he was the architect of Honokaʻa High School, and Honokaʻa Union Church.

During World War II, Frank was interned because of his Japanese ancestry. After his release, he never returned to live in Hawaiʻi.

Today, his legacy lives on through the historic buildings that continue to serve communities across the island.

Photo by: Arakawa Family Collection

06/09/2026

In the mundane and in the magnificent, we are proud to live, eat, work, and breathe ea. Come celebrate with us - 25 JULY 2026 - LĀ HOʻIHOʻI EA ma HĀMĀKUA at PA’AUILO SCHOOL FIELD - 9AM-3:30PM - as we dance to the music of our kūpuna and our mo’opuna, eat nā ‘ono o ka ‘āina, talk stories with our hoa aloha ‘āina, embrace the hana no’eau of our kūpuna, and just have a good time! is proud to host and sponsor our eleventh annual Lā Ho’iho’i Ea ma Hāmākua Celebration, mahalo to for contributing to event sponsorship. Let’s go kākou! Will we see you there?

06/09/2026

The pilot program in Honoka‘a is designed to serve up to 20 students during its first year.

05/29/2026

The June Issue of the Hamakua Times is hot off the press! Keep a lookout in your mailboxes. Happy Reading 📰🌺

05/27/2026

We’re taking a moment to revisit a post we shared a few years ago about Paʻauilo Store. It feels especially meaningful to share it again now, as they prepare to close their doors at the end of this month.

For generations, this iconic store has been more than just a place to grab a quick meal or household goods. It’s been a gathering spot, a piece of the community’s heart, and a source of countless memories.

Mahalo to the Saito family for the great food, the friendly service, and the lasting impact you’ve had on so many. Your store will be deeply missed. 💛

----------------------------
Originally posted on 10/04/2023:

In 1949, Pedro Eugenio and Torao Saito took over a small plantation grocery store in Paʻauilo, little did anyone know that decades later, it would endure through changing times and become an iconic store in their tight knight community.

As the business grew over the years, their focus shifted from household necessities to prepared food. They expanded their business to having a lunch wagon where many new hotels were being built in Waikoloa. In 2008, when the original building that housed their store was torn down, Paʻauilo Store relocated a few steps away. The food they sell is now prepared at Earl's Waimea, another successful family venture of theirs where their kitchen is located.

What is your favorite snack or bento from Paʻauilo Store?