Waikui, Hilo, HI
Waikui — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Waikui, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Waikui Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Waikui is a quiet, primarily residential neighborhood located in the Keaʻau area, just south of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. It sits mauka (toward the mountain) of Highway 11, offering residents a lush, green setting with a more rural feel. The area is known for its proximity to both Hilo's amenities and the active Puna district.
Character & Lifestyle
The character of Waikui is defined by its spacious lots, mature tropical foliage, and a strong sense of community among its residents. Life here is relaxed and family-oriented, with a mix of long-time local families and newer residents. The neighborhood enjoys a wet tropical climate, contributing to its vibrant gardens and quiet, tree-lined streets.
Housing
Housing in Waikui consists largely of single-family homes on generous lots, often ranging from quarter-acre to multi-acre parcels. Architectural styles vary from older Hawaiian-style homes to newer custom-built houses, many designed to capture garden and mountain views. The market offers a more affordable alternative to central Hilo while providing more space and privacy.
Getting Around
Waikui is conveniently accessed via Highway 11 (the Volcano Highway), providing a straightforward 15-20 minute commute to downtown Hilo. A car is essential for daily life, as public transportation options are limited and the neighborhood's roads are primarily local streets. Key destinations like Keaʻau town, with its shopping center and schools, are just a few minutes drive away.
Dining & Shopping
Residents typically head to nearby Keaʻau for everyday necessities at the Keaʻau Shopping Center, which includes a supermarket, drugstore, and several casual eateries. For a wider variety of dining and retail options, Hilo's larger stores and restaurants are a short drive north. Local favorites include the farmers markets in Keaʻau and Hilo for fresh island produce.
Parks & Recreation
While Waikui itself is residential, it is surrounded by natural beauty and is close to several recreational sites. The popular Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is just north in Hilo, and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is about a 30-minute drive up Highway 11. Residents also enjoy easy access to hiking trails, lava tubes, and the scenic coastline of the Puna district.
Waikui Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $627K |
| Median Gross Rent | $2K/mo |
| Median Household Income | $97K |
| Homeownership Rate | 71.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.1% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 26.3% |
| Market Type | Buyer's |
| Primary ZIP Code | 96738 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Waikui, Hilo
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Waikui, 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