Alii Kai, Hilo, HI
Alii Kai — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Alii Kai, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Alii Kai Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Alii Kai is a residential neighborhood located on the eastern edge of Hilo, perched on the bluffs above Hilo Bay. It offers stunning panoramic views of the ocean and is known for its quiet, suburban atmosphere while being just minutes from downtown Hilo. The area is primarily composed of single-family homes, many with generous lots and mature tropical landscaping.
Character & Lifestyle
The neighborhood exudes a peaceful, family-friendly vibe with well-kept properties and a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life, characterized by the sound of coqui frogs at night and frequent rainbows arching over the bay. It's a place where neighbors know each other, and the ocean view is a central part of daily living.
Housing
Housing in Alii Kai consists largely of older, established homes from the mid-20th century, often featuring Hawaiian architectural styles with open layouts to capture the views and trade winds. Properties are typically on larger lots compared to more central Hilo neighborhoods, providing privacy and space for gardens. The market here is competitive, with homes valued for their view lots and proximity to the coast.
Getting Around
Alii Kai is conveniently accessed via Kalanianaole Avenue (Route 19), the main coastal highway connecting it to downtown Hilo to the west and the Puna district to the east. Most errands require a car, though the flat terrain along the bayfront is suitable for biking. The Hilo Hele-On bus service has stops along the route, providing public transit options.
Dining & Shopping
For daily needs, residents typically drive a short distance to the nearby shopping centers like the Hilo Shopping Center or Prince Kuhio Plaza. The neighborhood itself is primarily residential, but a few local favorites are close by, such as Ken's House of Pancakes on Kalanianaole Avenue. More diverse dining and major retail are found in downtown Hilo, just a five to ten-minute drive away.
Parks & Recreation
The area is defined by its coastal access, with the popular James Kealoha Beach Park (aka "Four Miles") located at its eastern edge, featuring a protected swimming area and picnic spots. Residents enjoy walking, running, and biking along the scenic Hilo Bayfront trail that winds past the neighborhood. The proximity to Hilo Bay also makes it a prime location for canoe paddling, fishing, and watching for sea turtles.
Alii Kai Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $686K |
| Median Gross Rent | $2K/mo |
| Median Household Income | $90K |
| Homeownership Rate | 68.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.7% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 16.9% |
| Market Type | Buyer's |
| Primary ZIP Code | 96740 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Alii Kai, Hilo
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Alii Kai, Hilo, HI. Explore the available cited neighborhood data on this page.
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Data Provenance
- State Licensing: Hawaii Real Estate Commission (HIREC) — nightly license verification
- Consumer Ratings: Zillow Consumer Reviews — 24-month rolling window
- Transaction Records: MLS Transaction Data — 3-year performance window
- Housing & Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2022
- Neighborhood Catalog: Top10Lists.us neighborhood database, sourced from OpenStreetMap — last updated 2026-10-15