Laupahoehoe, Hilo, HI
Laupahoehoe — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Laupahoehoe, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Laupahoehoe Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Laupahoehoe is a small, historic community located on the rugged Hamakua Coast, approximately 25 miles north of Hilo. The name means "smooth lava stone" in Hawaiian, referencing the peninsula of smooth lava rock that forms its scenic point. It is famously known for the Laupahoehoe Train Museum and the profound history tied to the 1946 tsunami.
Character & Lifestyle
The neighborhood has a tight-knit, rural character defined by its dramatic ocean cliffs, deep community ties, and a profound respect for its history. Life here is quiet and connected to nature, with a population that includes multi-generational families, farmers, and artists. The pace is slow, centered on the ocean, the land, and community events at the local school and park.
Housing
Housing in Laupahoehoe consists primarily of single-family homes, ranging from older plantation-style houses to more modern builds on larger lots. Properties often feature lush vegetation and offer stunning ocean or valley views. The market is limited and affordable compared to Hilo, appealing to those seeking a rural lifestyle on the Hamakua Coast.
Getting Around
Laupahoehoe is connected to Hilo and Honoka'a via the Mamalahoa Highway (Route 19), which is the main thoroughfare. A personal vehicle is essential for daily life, as there are no major public transit options within the neighborhood. The area is relatively isolated, with winding roads that require careful driving, especially in rainy conditions.
Dining & Shopping
Commercial options are minimal, with the main hub being the Laupahoehoe Point convenience store near the school. For groceries, dining, and other services, residents typically drive to Honoka'a or Hilo. The Laupahoehoe Train Museum operates a small gift shop, and local farm stands occasionally sell fresh produce along the highway.
Parks & Recreation
The centerpiece is Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park, a dramatic and somberly beautiful park with picnic facilities, fishing spots, and a memorial for the 1946 tsunami victims. The area is renowned for shore fishing, whale watching in season, and exploring the historic train museum. Nearby recreation includes access to the Hamakua Coast hiking trails and the stunning Akaka Falls State Park a short drive south.
Laupahoehoe Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $568K |
| Median Gross Rent | $1K/mo |
| Median Household Income | $70K |
| Homeownership Rate | 64.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.2% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 0.0% |
| Market Type | Seller's |
| Primary ZIP Code | 96764 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Laupahoehoe, Hilo
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Laupahoehoe, 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