Orchidlands Estates – rural character and getting oriented

Orchidlands Estates is a rural community with dense vegetation, an extensive road network, and a distinctive history of development. If you are looking for a hotel here for your stay, take the area’s character and access into account, and also read the specific information about the accommodation.

Rural character

Tall ʻŌhiʻa trees rise above dense, nearly impenetrable brush; Orchidland is considered a rural community. About a quarter of the lots have houses, while the rest are considered undeveloped and still covered by jungle. Several nurseries and small farms are also part of the area’s character. This means the area combines overgrown lots, houses, and small-scale farming. If you are looking for a rural setting when choosing where to stay, these features may be relevant to you.

Development and history

Orchidland Estates developed as land in Puna was subdivided and sold in the late 1950s. The development at the time included lots ranging from a quarter acre to three acres. Permits for development were granted before Hawaiʻi became a state. The original development had private roads, but no utilities or other services.

Access and infrastructure

Orchidland has about 40 miles of roads. The network includes paved sections, gravel roads, and unpaved tracks; side roads are generally gravel. Orchidland Drive and Aulii are among the easier roads to use when entering the community. Road surfaces therefore vary across the network. The approximate total length alone does not tell you what surface to expect on a particular route. If you are heading to a specific accommodation, check its address and factor the access route into your plans.

Orchidland has electricity and telephone service, but no municipal water, sewer, gas, or cable network. Water comes almost entirely from rooftop rainwater catchment systems; systems can vary from one property to another. Today’s utility situation therefore differs from the original development, which had no utilities or other services. If water or utility arrangements are important for your stay, confirm them directly with the specific property.

Markets and community life

The Orchidland Community Association Farmers Market and Swap Meet is associated with the Community Lot on Orchidland Drive near 36th Avenue. Check the specific market days before setting out.

In October 2017, the Orchidland Community Association’s then-monthly social event at Hui Hoaloha on Orchidland Drive and 36th Avenue included a harvest exchange, a farmers market, and a swap meet; it was open to everyone. On December 7, 2019, the OLCA First Saturday Harvest Share and Farmers Market was held at OLCA Hui Hoaloha near the intersection of Orchidland Drive and 36th Avenue, together with an informal talk-story gathering.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Kealakekua, Holualoa, Papaikou, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Puako, Naalehu, Pepeekeo, Waikoloa Village

For the main travel overview: Hawaii.