Waiaka, Hilo, HI
Waiaka — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Waiaka, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Waiaka Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Waiākea is a historic and primarily residential neighborhood in eastern Hilo, stretching from the shores of Hilo Bay inland towards the slopes of Mauna Loa. It encompasses several sub-areas, including Waiākea Houselots, Waiākea Town, and the Waiākea peninsula, home to Hilo's main commercial harbor and the iconic Suisan Fish Market. The area is deeply connected to the water, with its name meaning "broad waters" in Hawaiian.
Character & Lifestyle
The neighborhood offers a blend of quiet, tree-lined streets and bustling commercial zones, providing a practical, laid-back Hilo lifestyle. It is known for its strong sense of community and its mix of long-time local families and newer residents. The presence of both historic sites and modern amenities gives Waiākea a grounded, everyday character distinct from Hilo's more tourist-focused areas.
Housing
Housing in Waiākea is diverse, ranging from modest post-war homes and older plantation-style houses in the Waiākea Houselots area to modern subdivisions and some apartment complexes. Properties closer to Hilo Bay or with ocean views are particularly desirable. The neighborhood generally offers more affordable options compared to some of Hilo's hillside communities, making it a popular choice for families and first-time homebuyers.
Getting Around
Waiākea is centrally located and highly accessible, bordered by major routes like Kanoelehua Avenue (Highway 11) and Kamehameha Avenue. Residents enjoy easy, mostly flat access to downtown Hilo, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, and Hilo International Airport, all within a few minutes' drive. The neighborhood is also served by the Hele-On bus system, with several key stops along Kanoelehua Avenue.
Dining & Shopping
Residents have convenient access to the big-box retailers and chain restaurants at the Prince Kūhiō Plaza, Hilo's largest shopping mall. The neighborhood also boasts beloved local eateries like Ken's House of Pancakes, a 24-hour Hilo institution, and Kawamoto Store, a classic neighborhood market and okazuya. The Suisan Fish Market on the peninsula is the go-to spot for fresh local seafood.
Parks & Recreation
The crown jewel is Wailoa River State Recreation Area, featuring ponds, walking paths, and the Wailoa Center art gallery. The neighborhood is also home to the Walter Victor Baseball Complex and the Hilo Bayfront soccer fields. For water activities, residents can access Hilo Bay for paddling and fishing directly from places like Reed's Bay Beach Park and the Waiākea Peninsula.
Waiaka Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $678K |
| Median Gross Rent | $2K/mo |
| Median Household Income | $102K |
| Homeownership Rate | 74.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.8% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 9.8% |
| Market Type | Buyer's |
| Primary ZIP Code | 96743 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Waiaka, Hilo
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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