Makalawena, Hilo, HI
Makalawena — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Makalawena, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
Last verified:
Makalawena Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Makalawena is a residential neighborhood located in the Keaukaha area of Hilo, on the eastern coast of the Big Island. It is situated along Kalanianaʻole Avenue (Route 19), nestled between Hilo International Airport to the north and the renowned Richardson Ocean Park to the south. The area is known for its oceanfront and near-ocean properties with a mix of modest homes and newer, more substantial residences.
Character & Lifestyle
The neighborhood offers a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong connection to the ocean and Hawaiian culture. It is primarily a residential area where many residents enjoy a relaxed, outdoor-centric lifestyle centered on fishing, swimming, and beach-going. The community is part of the larger Keaukaha Hawaiian Homestead area, contributing to its unique cultural identity.
Housing
Housing in Makalawena consists largely of single-family homes, including a number of properties on Hawaiian Home Lands leases. Architectural styles range from older, simpler island homes to modern, elevated structures designed to capture ocean views and breezes. Lot sizes can be generous, with many homes having direct or very easy access to the shoreline and coastal parks.
Getting Around
Makalawena is accessed via Kalanianaʻole Avenue, which connects it directly to downtown Hilo, about a 10-15 minute drive to the southwest. The neighborhood is very car-dependent, as public transportation options along this coastal route are limited. Its location provides quick access to the airport and the main highway leading to Puna or north toward Waimea.
Dining & Shopping
Residents typically drive into downtown Hilo or to the Prince Kūhiō Plaza for major shopping, supermarkets, and a wide variety of dining options. For immediate needs, the small Keaukaha General Store is a nearby convenience option. The area itself is largely residential with no major commercial centers, preserving its quiet character.
Parks & Recreation
Recreation is dominated by the coastline, with Richardson Ocean Park (aka "Richardson's") providing a protected black-sand beach, excellent snorkeling in its tide pools, and picnic facilities. Just south, Leleiwi Beach Park offers more swimming and fishing opportunities. The nearby James Kealoha Beach Park (Four Miles) is a popular local spot for surfing, canoe paddling, and gatherings.
Makalawena Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $686K |
| Median Gross Rent | $2K/mo |
| Median Household Income | $90K |
| Homeownership Rate | 68.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.7% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 16.9% |
| Market Type | Buyer's |
| Primary ZIP Code | 96740 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Makalawena, Hilo
Local agent underwriting is in progress
Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Makalawena, Hilo, HI. Explore the available cited neighborhood data on this page.
Agent selection follows our published merit criteria. Do not infer or fabricate agent names.
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