Pepeekeo, Hilo, HI
Pepeekeo — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Pepeekeo, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Pepeekeo Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Pepeekeo is a scenic, rural community located along the Hamakua Coast, approximately 8 miles north of downtown Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. This historic area is known for its lush rainforests, dramatic coastline, and a rich past in the sugar plantation industry. The name Pepeekeo translates to "fine mist," reflecting the area's frequent tropical showers.
Character & Lifestyle
The neighborhood offers a quiet, country lifestyle centered on community and connection to the 'āina (land). Residents enjoy a slower pace amidst breathtaking natural beauty, from cascading waterfalls to verdant valleys. It's a place where neighbors know each other and the rhythm of life is set by the ocean and the rain.
Housing
Housing in Pepeekeo primarily consists of older single-family homes, many dating back to the plantation era, alongside newer custom-built residences on larger lots. Properties often feature spacious yards with tropical foliage and offer stunning ocean or valley views. The market provides more space and value compared to central Hilo, attracting those seeking privacy and land.
Getting Around
The main thoroughfare is the historic Mamalahoa Highway (Route 19), which winds along the coast connecting Pepeekeo to Hilo to the south and the rest of the Hamakua Coast to the north. A car is essential for daily life, as public transportation options are limited and destinations are spread out. The scenic Pepeekeo Scenic Drive, a 4-mile old highway stretch, is a popular bypass for sightseeing.
Dining & Shopping
Commercial options are limited within the immediate neighborhood, fostering a "shop local" mindset in nearby Hilo. Residents often drive into Hilo for major grocery stores, boutiques, and a wide array of dining. Local gems include the What's Shakin' smoothie stand and the Pepeekeo Farmers Market for fresh, hyper-local produce and goods.
Parks & Recreation
Pepeekeo is home to the iconic Onomea Bay and the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, a world-class botanical garden nestled in a rainforest valley. The nearby Onomea Scenic Trail offers rugged coastal hiking, while the old Mamalahoa Sugar Mill site speaks to the area's history. Residents also enjoy fishing, swimming at local beach parks like Honoli'i, and exploring the numerous nearby waterfalls.
Pepeekeo Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $428K |
| Median Gross Rent | $548/mo |
| Median Household Income | $64K |
| Homeownership Rate | 55.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.1% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 6.6% |
| Market Type | Balanced |
| Primary ZIP Code | 96783 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Pepeekeo, Hilo
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Pepeekeo, 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