Kealakekua, Hilo, HI
Kealakekua — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Kealakekua, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Kealakekua Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Kealakekua is a historic and lush neighborhood located on the western slopes of the Hualālai volcano, approximately 13 miles south of Kailua-Kona. It is part of the larger Captain Cook area in the South Kona district, not Hilo. The area is renowned for the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, the site of the first extensive contact between Hawaiians and Westerners with the arrival of Captain James Cook.
Character & Lifestyle
The neighborhood maintains a quiet, rural, and agricultural character, centered around coffee farming, fruit orchards, and a close-knit local community. Life here is relaxed and deeply connected to the land and ocean, with a strong emphasis on Hawaiian history and culture. The pace is slow, offering a stark contrast to the more tourist-centric areas of the Kona coast.
Housing
Housing in Kealakekua consists primarily of single-family homes on larger lots, often nestled among coffee fields or with ocean views. Properties range from modest older homes to newer, custom-built residences, appealing to those seeking space and privacy. The market caters to long-time residents, farmers, and transplants looking for a genuine Hawaiian lifestyle away from resort areas.
Getting Around
The main thoroughfare is Highway 11 (Māmalahoa Highway), which connects Kealakekua to Kailua-Kona to the north and Captain Cook to the south. A personal vehicle is essential for daily life, as public transportation options are very limited. The narrow, winding roads and hilly terrain are characteristic of the area.
Dining & Shopping
Local dining spots include neighborhood favorites like Annie's Island Fresh Burgers and the Coffee Shack, famous for its pies and panoramic views. Shopping is practical, with the Kealakekua Ranch Center providing a supermarket and essential services, while numerous small farms and roadside stands sell fresh coffee, fruit, and honey directly.
Parks & Recreation
The crown jewel is Kealakekua Bay, a Marine Life Conservation District offering exceptional snorkeling with dolphins and vibrant coral reefs, accessible by hike, kayak, or boat tour. Nearby, the Captain Cook Monument marks the historical site, and the area features hiking trails through lush landscapes like the nearby Manini Beach Park and Painted Church.
Kealakekua Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $599K |
| Median Gross Rent | $1K/mo |
| Median Household Income | $82K |
| Homeownership Rate | 62.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.2% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 0.0% |
| Market Type | Seller's |
| Primary ZIP Code | 96750 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Kealakekua, Hilo
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Kealakekua, 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