Opihikao, Hilo, HI
Opihikao — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Opihikao, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Opihikao Neighborhood Overview
Overview
ʻŌpihikao is a lush, rural neighborhood located in the Puna district, approximately 15 miles south of downtown Hilo along the scenic Red Road (Highway 137). It is part of the larger Hawaiian Beaches and Hawaiian Shores subdivisions, characterized by its rugged coastline and proximity to volcanic landscapes. The area offers a quiet, off-the-beaten-path lifestyle deeply connected to nature.
Character & Lifestyle
The community is tight-knit, resilient, and values privacy and self-sufficiency, with many residents living on large, vegetated lots. The lifestyle is informal and closely tied to the land, with a mix of long-time locals and newer residents seeking an alternative to more developed areas. The 2018 Kīlauea eruption and subsequent lava flows significantly impacted nearby areas, shaping the community's recent history and character.
Housing
Housing primarily consists of single-family homes on sizable lots, often surrounded by dense tropical foliage, with architectural styles ranging from modest older homes to newer custom builds. Many properties rely on rainwater catchment systems and solar power, reflecting the rural infrastructure. The market offers more affordability compared to Hilo proper, but buyers should be mindful of lava zone 1 and 2 designations.
Getting Around
The main artery is Highway 137 (Kapoho-Kalapana Road), also known as the Red Road, which provides a slow, winding coastal route into Hilo or south to Kalapana. A vehicle is essential, and four-wheel drive can be useful for some unpaved roads or properties. The nearest major shopping and services are in Pāhoa town, about a 15-minute drive north.
Dining & Shopping
Dining and shopping options within ʻŌpihikao itself are very limited, emphasizing the self-sufficient lifestyle. Residents typically drive to Pāhoa for groceries at the Malama Market, dining at casual eateries, or visiting small boutique shops. Occasional roadside fruit stands and farm stands, like those near Mackenzie State Recreation Area, offer local produce.
Parks & Recreation
The neighborhood is famed for its access to pristine natural attractions, including the tidal pools and snorkeling at the Kapoho Tide Pools (nearby) and the black sand beach at Mackenzie State Recreation Area. The area is a gateway for exploring the dramatic volcanic coastline, lava fields, and hot ponds created by the 2018 eruption. Hiking, fishing, and surfing at nearby breaks are popular outdoor pursuits.
Opihikao 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 Opihikao, Hilo
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Opihikao, 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