About this Location

Facility Overview

Prince Kuhio Plaza - P-6 provides spacious open-air surface parking serving Prince Kūhiō Plaza, the premier regional enclosed shopping and entertainment destination on the Island of Hawaiʻi. Situated on Pilipaa Street just off Kanoelehua Avenue (Hawaii Route 11) in South Hilo, Lot P-6 provides seamless vehicular access to the mall\'s southern retail wings, major department anchors, and entertainment complexes. Because this is an open-air surface lot without structural height barriers, there are no vertical clearance restrictions, making it exceptionally accommodating for full-size pickup trucks, lifted 4x4s, sport utility vehicles, cargo vans, and standard passenger cars alike. Well-demarcated bays and wide maneuvering lanes facilitate stress-free turns and hassle-free parking throughout the day.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

As the largest retail and commercial hub in East Hawaiʻi, Prince Kūhiō Plaza hosts an array of national retailers, island boutiques, casual dining eateries, and entertainment venues. Key destinations immediately adjacent to or within comfortable walking distance of Lot P-6 include:

Prince Kūhiō Plaza: Direct pedestrian entry to major retailers such as Macy\'s, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, American Eagle, and Petco (1–3 minute walk).
Regal Prince Kuhio Theatres: State-of-the-art cinema complex showing first-run Hollywood releases and local screenings (under a 3-minute walk).
Dining & Eateries: Direct access to local favorites and popular dining spots including Genki Sushi, Starbucks, food court eateries, and surrounding restaurants along Kanoelehua Avenue and Puainako Street.
Puainako Town Center & Waiakea Center: Nearby commercial retail power centers featuring Walmart, Home Depot, and regional services (within 2 to 4 minutes driving distance).
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo: Located approximately 2 miles northwest (a short 5 to 7-minute drive), making the lot a frequent stop for university students and staff.
Hilo International Airport (ITO): Situated just 3 miles northeast via Route 11, reachable in under 8 minutes by car.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward via Pilipaa Street, connecting smoothly with Prince Kuhio Boulevard, Puainako Street, and Kanoelehua Avenue (State Route 11), East Hawaiʻi\'s primary north-south arterial corridor connecting Hilo to Keaʻau and Puna. Drivers entering the shopping center benefit from multiple signalized intersections that keep traffic moving smoothly, even during peak weekend shopping hours and holiday rushes. Public transit riders will find dedicated stops for the Hele-On Bus transit network right at Prince Kūhiō Plaza, providing scheduled island-wide connections across Hilo, Volcano, and Kona.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-Air Surface Parking: Generous headroom with zero vertical clearance limitations for high-profile vehicles, roof-rack carriers, and utility trucks.
Complimentary Customer Parking: Open, unmetered parking dedicated to patrons, diners, and cinema visitors.
Designated ADA Accessible Spaces: Marked accessible stalls with curb ramps strategically placed near primary plaza entrances.
Exterior Lighting: Broad perimeter floodlights illuminating aisles and pedestrian walkways during evening cinema and retail hours.
Pedestrian Walkways: Striped crosswalks ensuring safe passage between your vehicle and mall entryways.
Public Transit Proximity: Walking access to East Hawaiʻi Hele-On bus stops located along the mall perimeter.

Ideal For

Retail Shoppers & Diners: Visitors enjoying the extensive selection of shops, casual eateries, and cafes inside Prince Kūhiō Plaza.
Moviegoers: Evening cinema patrons attending screenings at Regal Prince Kuhio Theatres.
East Hawaiʻi Commuters & Errand Runners: Drivers completing daily errands across Hilo\'s central retail corridor.
Visitors & Tourists: Travelers exploring Hilo or driving between Volcanoes National Park and the Hilo Bayfront seeking a convenient, spacious stopover.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Parking in Lot P-6 is complimentary for patrons during center operating hours. During Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as rainy weekend afternoons, cinema and dining traffic can cause interior stalls to fill quickly; choosing a space slightly further along the Pilipaa perimeter ensures an effortless departure onto Route 11 or Puainako Street. Please note that overnight parking, camping, and unauthorized commercial vehicle staging are strictly prohibited on mall premises without prior center management approval. Always remember to roll up windows to protect against sudden tropical showers, lock your doors, and stow personal valuables out of sight.