Kapoho, Hilo, HI
Kapoho — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Kapoho, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Kapoho Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Kapoho is a small, historic coastal community located in the Puna district, roughly 30 minutes south of downtown Hilo. It is famously situated on a lava peninsula and was once renowned for its extensive network of warm tide pools and lush tropical landscapes. The area's geography was dramatically altered by the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, which covered much of the original subdivision.
Character & Lifestyle
The character of Kapoho is defined by its raw, volcanic beauty and a resilient, off-grid spirit among its residents. Life here is deeply connected to nature, with a focus on sustainability and a quiet, rural pace. The community is tight-knit, with many residents living in areas that were spared by the recent lava flows or have returned to rebuild.
Housing
Housing in Kapoho consists primarily of unique, individual homes ranging from modest off-grid structures to more substantial properties, often built on lava rock. Due to the volcanic activity, available housing is limited and highly sought after, with many properties offering stunning oceanfront or ocean-view lots. Newer constructions are often designed with geothermal heat and volcanic risks in mind.
Getting Around
Kapoho is accessed via Kapoho-Kalapana Road (Highway 137), also known as the Red Road, which offers a scenic coastal drive. A personal vehicle is essential for daily life, as there is no public transportation serving the area directly. Roads are generally two-lane and can be narrow, winding through lush vegetation and recent lava fields.
Dining & Shopping
Dining and shopping options in Kapoho itself are very limited, reflecting its residential and remote nature. Residents typically drive to nearby Pāhoa town for groceries, cafes, and restaurants, or make the longer trip to Hilo for major retail and a wider variety of dining. The iconic Kapoho area now has few commercial services beyond occasional farm stands.
Parks & Recreation
Recreation is centered on the powerful natural environment, including ocean access at nearby beaches like Pohoiki Black Sand Beach, which was created by the 2018 eruption. The famed Kapoho Tide Pools, a popular snorkeling destination, were largely lost to lava, but new coastal formations are being explored. Residents enjoy fishing, gardening in the rich volcanic soil, and exploring the dramatic lava landscapes.
Kapoho Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $220K |
| Median Gross Rent | $1K/mo |
| Median Household Income | $39K |
| Homeownership Rate | 76.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.1% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 2.4% |
| Market Type | Seller's |
| Primary ZIP Code | 96778 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Kapoho, Hilo
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Kapoho, 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