Pa‘auilo, Hilo, HI
Pa‘auilo — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Pa‘auilo, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Pa‘auilo Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Pa‘auilo is a small, historic agricultural community located in the Hamakua District on the Big Island of Hawaii, approximately a 45-minute drive north of Hilo. Nestled along the scenic Hamakua Coast, it sits at an elevation of about 700 feet, offering a cooler, misty climate ideal for farming. The area is known for its rich history in the sugar plantation era, with many old structures still defining its quiet, rural character.
Character & Lifestyle
Life in Pa‘auilo is defined by a tight-knit, rural community deeply connected to the ‘āina (land). The pace is slow and neighborly, with a strong emphasis on agriculture, family, and local history. The community maintains its heritage through preserved sites like the Pa‘auilo Hongwanji Mission and the former Pa‘auilo School, now a community center.
Housing
Housing in Pa‘auilo primarily consists of older plantation-style homes, modest single-family residences, and larger agricultural lots with farm dwellings. Properties often come with significant acreage, allowing for gardening, orchards, or small-scale farming. Real estate is generally more affordable than in Hilo or the Kona side, attracting those seeking a quiet, self-sufficient lifestyle.
Getting Around
Pa‘auilo is connected via the Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 19), the main thoroughfare running the length of the Hamakua Coast. A personal vehicle is essential for daily life, as there are no major public transit options within the community itself. The drive to Hilo for major services takes about 45 minutes, while Honoka‘a, offering more basic amenities, is about 15 minutes north.
Dining & Shopping
Commercial options are limited within Pa‘auilo itself, reinforcing its residential and agricultural nature. Residents typically drive to nearby Honoka‘a for groceries at the Malama Market or to Hilo for major retail. For dining, local favorites include the nearby Tex Drive-In in Honoka‘a for malasadas and plate lunches, or the cafes and restaurants in Waimea, about a 30-minute drive away.
Parks & Recreation
The Pa‘auilo Gym & Park provides a central community space with sports courts and a playground. The area is surrounded by natural beauty, with easy access to stunning coastal lookouts, hiking trails through old gulches, and the famous Hamakua Coast scenic drive. Residents enjoy proximity to outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, and exploring historic plantation trails.
Pa‘auilo Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $402K |
| Median Gross Rent | $1K/mo |
| Median Household Income | $68K |
| Homeownership Rate | 71.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.0% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 0.0% |
| Market Type | Seller's |
| Primary ZIP Code | 96776 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Pa‘auilo, Hilo
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Pa‘auilo, 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