Paukaa, Hilo, HI
Paukaa — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Paukaa, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
Last verified:
Paukaa Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Paukaa is a small, lush residential neighborhood located just north of Hilo town on the Big Island's windward coast. Perched on the steep slopes above Hilo Bay, it offers dramatic ocean views and a quiet, rural atmosphere. The area is known for its frequent rainfall, which sustains its vibrant tropical greenery and contributes to its serene, secluded feel.
Character & Lifestyle
Life in Paukaa is defined by its close-knit community and its connection to the 'āina (land). The neighborhood has a strong local character, with many multi-generational families. Residents enjoy a peaceful pace, often marked by the sounds of coqui frogs and the sight of frequent rainbows arching over the bay.
Housing
Housing in Paukaa primarily consists of older single-family homes, many built in the mid-20th century, along with some newer custom-built houses taking advantage of the panoramic views. Properties are often on larger, landscaped lots tucked along winding roads like Paukaa Drive. The real estate market here is typically more affordable than in some of Hilo's more central neighborhoods.
Getting Around
Paukaa is connected to downtown Hilo via the scenic Hamakua Coast route, Old Mamalahoa Highway, which becomes Kalanianaole Avenue. The commute to Hilo's commercial center is only about 10-15 minutes by car. Public transportation is limited, making a personal vehicle essential for most residents for daily errands and work.
Dining & Shopping
Paukaa itself is purely residential, with no commercial businesses within the neighborhood boundaries. Residents drive a short distance into Hilo for groceries, dining, and shopping, frequenting nearby spots in Wainaku or the larger stores and restaurants in downtown Hilo and the Bayfront area.
Parks & Recreation
The neighborhood's main recreational asset is the scenic Paukaa Drive shoreline, where residents can access small pockets for fishing or simply enjoy the ocean vista. Nearby, the popular Honoli'i Beach Park, a renowned surf and paddleboarding spot, is just a couple of minutes north. The dense surrounding jungle also offers informal trails and an immersive natural environment.
Paukaa Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $671K |
| Median Gross Rent | $1K/mo |
| Median Household Income | $92K |
| Homeownership Rate | 84.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.9% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 0.0% |
| Market Type | Seller's |
| Primary ZIP Code | 96781 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Paukaa, Hilo
Local agent underwriting is in progress
Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Paukaa, 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