Papaloa, Hilo, HI
Papaloa — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Papaloa, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Papaloa Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Papaloa is a residential neighborhood located in the Keaukaha area of Hilo, on the eastern coast of Hawaiʻi Island. It is situated along Kalanianaʻole Avenue, nestled between Hilo Bay and the Hilo International Airport. The area is known for its oceanfront properties and strong sense of local community.
Character & Lifestyle
Papaloa offers a quiet, family-oriented lifestyle deeply connected to the ocean and Hawaiian culture. The neighborhood is part of the larger Keaukaha Hawaiian Homestead area, fostering a tight-knit community with deep roots. Life here revolves around the shoreline, with a pace that is relaxed and focused on ʻohana (family).
Housing
Housing in Papaloa primarily consists of single-family homes, including a mix of older Hawaiian homestead properties and newer, often elevated, construction. Many homes, especially those along the shoreline, offer stunning panoramic views of Hilo Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The architectural styles are varied, reflecting the neighborhood's evolution over decades.
Getting Around
Kalanianaʻole Avenue (Route 19) is the main thoroughfare connecting Papaloa to downtown Hilo, which is about a 10-minute drive west. The Hilo International Airport is immediately adjacent, providing unparalleled convenience for air travel. Most errands and commutes require a car, though the flat terrain is also popular for bicycling and jogging along the coast.
Dining & Shopping
Residents typically drive into downtown Hilo or the nearby Prince Kūhiō Plaza for major shopping and a wide variety of dining options. Within Keaukaha, local favorites include Suisan Fish Market for fresh poke and the iconic Ken's House of Pancakes for classic local diner fare. Small, neighborhood-oriented stores and food trucks can also be found along Kalanianaʻole Avenue.
Parks & Recreation
The neighborhood's greatest recreational asset is its direct access to the coast, including the popular James Kealoha Beach Park (locally known as "4-Mile") for swimming, picnicking, and sunset views. The nearby Waiākea Pond and Loko Waka fishpond are significant cultural sites. Residents also enjoy the scenic Coconut Island (Mokuola) and the recreational facilities at the adjacent Hilo Bayfront Beach Park.
Papaloa Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $493K |
| Median Gross Rent | $2K/mo |
| Median Household Income | $84K |
| Homeownership Rate | 66.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.3% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 5.3% |
| Market Type | Balanced |
| Primary ZIP Code | 96704 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Papaloa, Hilo
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Papaloa, 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