McKittrick revealed the lock hopes to be in Cardiff before the end of January to add extra depth to the Blues pack with current players Bradley Davies and Lou Reed awaiting Six Nations duty with Wales.
Paulo had a short stint with Ulster in the RaboDirect PRO12 in 2009 and has fond memories of Wales after helping Samoa to a historic 26-19 victory over the reigning Grand Slam holders at the Millennium Stadium in November.
The 25-year-old played for Super XV side the Blues in 2012 but after failing to be retained for the 2013 campaign he decided to make the switch to their Welsh namesakes - and McKittrick wished the 6ft 7in powerhouse well.
"It's only positive for Filo," said McKittrick.
"He had a very successful northern hemisphere tour with Samoa [and] was desperately unlucky not to be retained by the Blues for the upcoming Super season and I think he's taken the sensible option in pursuing a career with the [Cardiff] Blues.
"He's a very rangy lock, very physical around the breakdown. He can really move bodies and has exceptional line-out skills.
"He's one of these guys that doesn't panic with the ball in the air.
"He has what we term very good hang time; very effective [jumping] at two and four in the line-out.
"But he's especially physical around the breakdown.
"We will miss him sorely...we wish Filo all the best.
"He's had 42 games for the North Harbour province and we hope that someday he returns and brings up the magical 50."
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