Kawaihae, Hilo, HI
Kawaihae — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Kawaihae, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Kawaihae Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Kawaihae is a small, historic harbor community located on the leeward side of Hawai'i Island, approximately 35 miles north of Hilo. It serves as the primary deep-water port for the North Kohala and South Kohala districts, making it a vital commercial hub. The area is known for its dry, sunny climate, stark lava landscapes, and proximity to significant historical sites like Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site.
Character & Lifestyle
The character of Kawaihae is defined by its working harbor, strong Hawaiian cultural presence, and quiet, residential feel. Life here revolves around the ocean, ranching, and a deep connection to the area's history, contrasting with the busier tourist centers of the Kohala Coast. The community is tight-knit, with a lifestyle that is more rugged and authentic than the resort areas just to the south.
Housing
Housing in Kawaihae consists primarily of single-family homes in subdivisions like Kawaihae Village, offering more affordability than the nearby resort communities. Properties often feature larger lots and panoramic ocean or mountain views, with architectural styles ranging from modest ranchers to modern custom builds. The real estate market caters to locals, ranchers, and those seeking a quieter alternative to the coast's resort condominiums.
Getting Around
Kawaihae is a critical junction where Highway 19 (Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway) meets Highway 270 (Kawaihae Road). The harbor itself is a major transit point for cargo. Residents are heavily dependent on cars, as public transportation is limited and the distances to major towns like Waimea or Kailua-Kona are significant.
Dining & Shopping
Dining options are locally-focused, with staples like the Kawaihae Harbor Grill & Fish Market offering fresh poke and plate lunches. The nearby Kawaihae Shopping Center provides essential services, including a gas station, small grocery store, and post office. For more extensive retail or dining, residents typically drive to Waimea or the resorts.
Parks & Recreation
Recreation centers on the ocean, with the harbor providing access to world-class diving, fishing, and boating. The adjacent Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site offers cultural hiking and exploration of a sacred temple built by King Kamehameha I. Nearby beaches like Spencer Beach Park provide family-friendly swimming and picnic areas in a protected cove.
Kawaihae 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 Kawaihae, Hilo
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Kawaihae, 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