Waikiʻi, Hilo, HI
Waikiʻi — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Waikiʻi, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Waikiʻi Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Waikiʻi is a master-planned residential community located on the western slopes of the Mauna Kea resort area, approximately a 25-minute drive from downtown Hilo. Developed on former Parker Ranch lands, it sits at around 2,200 feet elevation, offering cooler temperatures and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Mauna Kea. The neighborhood is designed around a central ranch-style theme with extensive open spaces and shared amenities.
Character & Lifestyle
The character of Waikiʻi is defined by its serene, rural-suburban atmosphere and strong sense of community among its residents. Life here is quiet and family-oriented, centered around the neighborhood's own recreational facilities and the natural beauty of the upland landscape. Community events and the shared equestrian facilities foster neighborly connections in this relatively secluded setting.
Housing
Housing in Waikiʻi consists primarily of single-family homes built in a consistent ranch-inspired architectural style, with many properties situated on large lots. The community includes several distinct phases, such as Waikiʻi Ranch and Waikiʻi Village, offering homes that typically feature expansive lanais to take advantage of the views. Homeownership here provides access to the private Waikiʻi Community Association amenities.
Getting Around
Waikiʻi is accessed via the Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 190), requiring a private vehicle for all daily commuting and errands. The drive to Hilo for major services, healthcare, and shopping takes about 25-30 minutes, while the commute to Waimea or the resorts of the Kohala Coast is roughly 20 minutes. There is no public transit service directly within the neighborhood, making car ownership essential.
Dining & Shopping
Residents typically drive to nearby Waimea town or into Hilo for a full range of dining and shopping options. The immediate area has no commercial centers, though the Waikiʻi Grille, located at the Waikiʻi Ranch clubhouse, offers a community dining spot. For groceries, hardware, or other retail needs, the stores in Waimea, like Foodland or Parker Ranch Center, are the closest conveniences.
Parks & Recreation
The neighborhood centers around the private Waikiʻi Ranch clubhouse, which features a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a community park. A notable feature is the extensive network of bridle trails and a community equestrian center, catering to horse owners. The cooler upland climate is ideal for walking and jogging, while the higher-elevation location provides quick access to Mauna Kea's recreational areas.
Top Real Estate Agents in Waikiʻi, Hilo
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Waikiʻi, 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