Hillcrest, Hilo, HI
Hillcrest — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Hillcrest, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Hillcrest Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Hillcrest is a quiet, established residential neighborhood located on the eastern slopes above Hilo town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It offers residents elevated views of Hilo Bay and is known for its lush, tropical greenery and moderate rainfall. The area provides a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere while remaining just minutes from downtown Hilo.
Character & Lifestyle
The neighborhood has a strong sense of community with a mix of long-time local families and newer residents. Life here is relaxed and oriented towards outdoor living, with homes often featuring expansive lanais to enjoy the garden settings and trade winds. Its winding streets and mature landscaping give it a secluded, park-like feel.
Housing
Hillcrest primarily consists of single-family homes on modest to large lots, ranging from classic Hawaiian-style houses to more modern constructions. Architectural styles are varied, with many homes built from the 1960s onward, often designed to capture the views and breezes. The housing market here is typically competitive, valued for its proximity to schools and the university.
Getting Around
Hillcrest is conveniently accessed via Wainaku Avenue and is directly connected to the main thoroughfare of Waianuenue Avenue, which leads straight into downtown Hilo in about five minutes. The University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hawaii Community College are an easy commute just down the hill. While a car is most common, some residents walk or bike into adjacent neighborhoods.
Dining & Shopping
Residents typically drive a short distance to the retail hubs along Kanoelehua Avenue or into downtown Hilo for major shopping and diverse dining. The nearby Wainaku Center offers local staples like a grocery store and several eateries. For a wider selection, the Hilo Farmers Market and downtown restaurants like Moon and Turtle are just minutes away.
Parks & Recreation
The neighborhood itself is verdant and walkable, with nearby recreational access to the Wailuku River and popular swimming spots like Boiling Pots and Pe‘epe‘e Falls. The renowned Lili‘uokalani Gardens and Hilo Bayfront are a short drive down the hill. Residents also enjoy quick access to the hiking trails in the surrounding Waiakea Forest Reserve.
Hillcrest 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 Hillcrest, Hilo
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Hillcrest, 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