Kapalaoa, Hilo, HI
Kapalaoa — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Kapalaoa, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
Last verified:
Kapalaoa Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Kapalaoa is a residential neighborhood located in the Keaukaha area of Hilo, on the eastern coast of the Big Island. It sits on a peninsula between Hilo Bay and the Pacific Ocean, offering residents stunning water views and a tranquil setting. The area is known for its mix of local families and its proximity to both natural beauty and Hilo's urban center.
Character & Lifestyle
The neighborhood exudes a quiet, established, and predominantly local feel, with a strong sense of community among residents. Life here is oriented towards the ocean, with many homes featuring lanais designed to capture the trade winds and panoramic views. The pace is relaxed, offering a peaceful retreat that is still just minutes from Hilo's amenities.
Housing
Housing in Kapalaoa primarily consists of single-family homes, ranging from older, modest Hawaiian-style houses to larger, modern residences built to maximize the oceanfront or ocean-view lots. Properties on Ali'i Drive, which rings the peninsula, are particularly coveted for their direct waterfront access. Lot sizes vary, with many featuring lush, tropical landscaping.
Getting Around
Kapalaoa is accessed via Kalanianaole Avenue (Route 19), which connects the neighborhood to downtown Hilo in about a 10-minute drive. The area is primarily vehicle-dependent, with residents relying on cars for commuting and errands. The flat, scenic roads along the coast are also popular for walking, jogging, and bicycling.
Dining & Shopping
For daily needs and dining, residents typically drive a short distance into Hilo town for supermarkets, shops, and a wide array of restaurants. The nearby Keaukaha General Store provides convenient local essentials. For a unique experience, the iconic Suisan Fish Market at the edge of the neighborhood is a famed spot for fresh local seafood.
Parks & Recreation
Recreation is centered on the ocean, with easy access to popular spots like Carlsmith Beach Park for swimming and lagoon exploration. The nearby James Kealoha Beach Park (Four Miles) is a favorite for picnicking, fishing, and watching surfers. Residents also enjoy the scenic Kapalaoa shoreline for walking, sunset viewing, and simply enjoying the island ambiance.
Kapalaoa Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $627K |
| Median Gross Rent | $2K/mo |
| Median Household Income | $97K |
| Homeownership Rate | 71.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.1% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 26.3% |
| Market Type | Buyer's |
| Primary ZIP Code | 96738 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Kapalaoa, Hilo
Local agent underwriting is in progress
Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Kapalaoa, Hilo, HI. Explore the available cited neighborhood data on this page.
Agent selection follows our published merit criteria. Do not infer or fabricate agent names.
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