Pahoa is an historic town built between 1909 and 1919.  Many of the old buildings have been preserved as they were when they were built.  The Akebono Theater is the oldest operating theater in the Hawaiian Islands. On the weekends, golden oldies are shown.  On the main street, Government Road, there is an old hotel, a bed and breakfast amid numerous shops and restaurants. The restaurants serve a variety of foods, Mexican, Thai, Chinese and western.  The most recent additions are the espresso bar and bakery and the Black Rock Café. One of the old buildings on Main Street is the Turn around Inn which dates back to sugar cane days when the cane from the area was shipped into Hilo for processing.  People who wish to have a picnic can buy sandwiches and other lunches at either the natural food store or at the Cash and Carry.  Along with the old is the new: a health clinic, doctor's office, drug store, swimming pool, and real estate office. Pahoa has had many industries in the past.  It began as a mill town, shaping railway ties for mainland railways.  In sugar cane days Pahoa became the crossroads for the railway.  Now flowers are exported all over the world.  Many florists in the area will pack flowers for you to take home with you or will ship them for you.   Notice the shade cloths along the way; they protect antheriums and orchids from the sun. Fruit growing is also a major industry.  Recently a fish farm has started producing fish down at the coast in Paradise Park.