Kēahole, Hilo, HI
Kēahole — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Kēahole, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Kēahole Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Kēahole is a residential neighborhood in the northern part of Hilo, located just west of Hilo International Airport (ITO). The area is primarily known for being home to the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College campuses. It offers a mix of academic energy and quiet suburban living, with convenient access to the airport and major highways.
Character & Lifestyle
The neighborhood has a strong student presence due to the university, creating a youthful and diverse atmosphere. It is largely residential and family-oriented, with a quieter, more spread-out feel compared to downtown Hilo. The pace of life here blends academic schedules with the relaxed, natural vibe of the Hilo side of the Big Island.
Housing
Housing in Kēahole consists mainly of single-family homes, older plantation-style houses, and a variety of apartment complexes and rental units catering to students and faculty. The area also features some newer subdivisions, offering more modern housing options. Rents and home prices can be relatively more accessible here than in some other parts of East Hawaiʻi, partly due to proximity to the airport.
Getting Around
Kēahole is easily accessed via Kanoelehua Avenue (Highway 11) and the connecting roads to the airport and the University. The Hele-On bus service provides public transportation routes connecting the university to downtown Hilo and other areas. Most residents rely on personal vehicles due to the neighborhood's layout and the island's limited public transit network.
Dining & Shopping
Direct commercial options are limited within the strictly residential streets, but the nearby University Avenue and Kanoelehua Avenue corridors offer essential services. Residents frequent shopping centers like the University Terrace Shopping Center and the Prince Kūhiō Plaza for groceries, restaurants, and retail. Popular local eateries include Ken's House of Pancakes and Hawaiian Style Cafe, which are a short drive away.
Parks & Recreation
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo campus itself serves as a major recreational hub, with its athletic facilities, walking paths, and botanical gardens. The nearby Wailoa River State Recreation Area offers fishing, boating, and tranquil walks just a few minutes south. For outdoor adventure, residents are a short drive from Hilo's famous waterfalls, beaches like Onekahakaha, and the trails of the Mauna Loa forest reserve.
Kēahole 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 Kēahole, Hilo
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Kēahole, 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