Pāpā, Hilo, HI
Pāpā — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Pāpā, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Pāpā Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Pāpā is a primarily residential neighborhood located on the northern outskirts of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. Situated along the Mamalahoa Highway (Route 19), it lies between the communities of Kaumana and Wainaku, offering a quiet setting slightly removed from the downtown core. The area is characterized by its lush, tropical greenery and proximity to dramatic natural features like the Wailuku River.
Character & Lifestyle
The neighborhood maintains a strong local, family-oriented feel with a mix of long-time residents and newer arrivals. Life here is relaxed and closely connected to the natural environment, with frequent rain showers contributing to the area's vibrant foliage. Its location provides a sense of seclusion while remaining a short drive from Hilo's essential services and urban amenities.
Housing
Housing in Pāpā consists largely of single-family homes on modest to spacious lots, many featuring older Hawaiian architectural styles that have been updated over time. Properties often benefit from mature landscaping, including fruit trees and tropical plants. The neighborhood offers more affordability compared to some Hilo Bayfront areas, attracting families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Getting Around
Mamalahoa Highway is the main arterial route connecting Pāpā to downtown Hilo to the south and the Hamakua Coast to the north. A car is essential for daily life, as public bus service via the Hele-On Bus is limited in frequency. Key destinations like Hilo's commercial centers, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, and Hilo International Airport are all within a 10 to 15-minute drive.
Dining & Shopping
Residents typically drive into Hilo for major grocery shopping at stores like KTA Super Stores or Sack N Save. For casual dining, nearby Wainaku offers classic local spots such as Hilo Lunch Shop. The neighborhood itself has few commercial establishments, fostering a residential atmosphere where quick trips to Hilo's farmers markets and downtown restaurants are part of the routine.
Parks & Recreation
Pāpā is a gateway to significant natural attractions, most notably the Boiling Pots and Peʻepeʻe Falls in the Wailuku River, located just downstream. The area provides easy access to scenic drives along the Hamakua Coast and is a short distance from Hilo's beach parks like Onekahakaha. Hiking, swimming in freshwater pools, and exploring the region's dramatic waterfalls are popular local pastimes.
Pāpā Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $205K |
| Median Gross Rent | $772/mo |
| Median Household Income | $37K |
| Homeownership Rate | 73.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.5% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 0.0% |
| Market Type | Seller's |
| Primary ZIP Code | 96737 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Pāpā, Hilo
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Pāpā, 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