Waʻawaʻa, Hilo, HI
Waʻawaʻa — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Waʻawaʻa, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
Last verified:
Waʻawaʻa Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Waʻawaʻa is a primarily residential neighborhood located in the northern part of Hilo, Hawaiʻi, situated mauka (uphill) from the Bayfront area. The name means "many furrows" or "many valleys" in Hawaiian, reflecting its gently rolling terrain. It offers residents a quiet, suburban atmosphere with convenient proximity to Hilo's urban core.
Character & Lifestyle
The neighborhood is known for its mix of long-time local families and newer residents, creating a strong sense of community. Life here is relaxed and family-oriented, with a focus on outdoor living and neighborly interaction. The area provides a retreat from busier parts of Hilo while remaining just minutes from essential services.
Housing
Housing in Waʻawaʻa consists largely of single-family homes on modest-sized lots, ranging from older plantation-style houses to more modern constructions. The neighborhood is largely residential, with few multi-unit buildings, preserving its low-density feel. Views of Hilo Bay and Mauna Kea can be found from many properties in the area.
Getting Around
Waʻawaʻa Road (Highway 2000) is the main thoroughfare, connecting residents directly to downtown Hilo and the Mamalahoa Highway. The neighborhood is about a 5-10 minute drive from Hilo's central business district, making commuting straightforward. Public bus service via the Hele-On bus is available along Waianuenue Avenue, which borders the area.
Dining & Shopping
Residents typically drive a short distance to nearby shopping centers like the Puainako Town Center, which hosts major retailers like Target and Safeway. For dining and local shops, downtown Hilo's Kamehameha Avenue and the Hilo Farmers Market are quick drives away. The neighborhood itself has very few commercial establishments, maintaining its residential character.
Parks & Recreation
Waʻawaʻa is close to popular recreational sites like the Hoʻolulu Complex, which includes swimming pools, tennis courts, and the Dr. Francis F.C. Chang Stadium. The scenic Liliʻuokalani Gardens and Hilo Bayfront are a short drive downhill for walking and picnicking. The neighborhood's upper reaches provide easy access to forested trails and the slopes of Mauna Kea.
Waʻawaʻa Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $220K |
| Median Gross Rent | $1K/mo |
| Median Household Income | $39K |
| Homeownership Rate | 76.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.1% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 2.4% |
| Market Type | Seller's |
| Primary ZIP Code | 96778 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Waʻawaʻa, Hilo
Local agent underwriting is in progress
Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Waʻawaʻa, 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