Kehena, Hilo, HI
Kehena — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Kehena, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Kehena Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Kehena is a small, residential neighborhood located on the eastern edge of Hilo town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It sits just off Kanoelehua Avenue (Highway 11), makai of the Hilo Airport, offering convenient access to town while maintaining a quiet, local feel. The area is primarily known for its established subdivisions and its proximity to Hilo's key commercial corridors.
Character & Lifestyle
Kehena is a practical, family-oriented community with a strong sense of local living. The neighborhood features a mix of long-time residents and newer families, creating a stable, neighborly atmosphere. Its vibe is unpretentious and focused on everyday island life, distinct from the more tourist-centered areas of the island.
Housing
Housing in Kehena consists largely of single-family homes built from the 1960s through the 1990s, often on modest-sized lots. You'll find a range of architectural styles, from classic Hawaiian plantation-style houses to simpler ranchers. The neighborhood is considered one of Hilo's more affordable residential areas, attracting first-time homebuyers and families.
Getting Around
Kehena's major artery is Kehena Street, which connects directly to Kanoelehua Avenue, providing a quick route into downtown Hilo or south toward Puna. The Hilo Hele-On bus service has stops along Kanoelehua, offering public transit access. Being so close to Hilo International Airport is a major convenience for residents who travel frequently.
Dining & Shopping
Residents typically drive a short distance to the nearby Prince Kuhio Plaza area or into downtown Hilo for major shopping and a wide array of dining. Immediate local options are limited but include a few essential convenience stores and small eateries along the main highways. The neighborhood's strength is its proximity to Hilo's retail heart, not having a commercial center of its own.
Parks & Recreation
Kehena is home to the Walter Victor Baseball Complex, a hub for local youth and adult softball leagues. For daily exercise, residents often utilize the nearby Hilo Bayfront Trails or drive to one of Hilo's many famous parks like Lili'uokalani Gardens. The neighborhood's recreational life is community-focused, centered around local sports fields and easy access to Hilo's broader park system.
Kehena 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 Kehena, Hilo
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Kehena, 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