Waimea/Kamuela, Hilo, HI
Waimea/Kamuela — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Waimea/Kamuela, Hilo, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Waimea/Kamuela Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Waimea, also commonly called Kamuela, is an upcountry town located on the northern slopes of Mauna Kea on Hawaiʻi Island. It serves as the commercial and civic hub of the South Kohala district, known for its rolling green pastures, paniolo (cowboy) culture, and a significantly cooler, mistier climate than the coastal resorts. The dual names reflect its post office designation (Kamuela) and the historic valley name (Waimea).
Character & Lifestyle
The community blends a strong ranching heritage with a vibrant presence of scientific, artistic, and agricultural professionals connected to the nearby observatories and farms. Life here has a distinct rural yet sophisticated feel, centered around community events, farmer's markets, and a deep connection to the land. The pace is generally relaxed, with a focus on family, outdoor living, and local culture.
Housing
The housing market in Waimea/Kamuela is diverse, ranging from historic ranch cottages and modest subdivisions to upscale gated communities and large agricultural estates with acreage. Properties often feature panoramic views of the pastures or Mauna Kea. Due to its desirability, housing prices here are among the highest on the island outside of the oceanfront resort zones.
Getting Around
Waimea is strategically located at the crossroads of two major highways: Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 19) and the Kohala Mountain Road (Highway 250). This provides direct access to the Kona Coast, the Hamakua Coast, and the Waikoloa resort area, all within a 30-45 minute drive. Most errands within town are easily managed by car, though traffic can congest around the main shopping centers during peak hours.
Dining & Shopping
The town offers a surprising variety of dining, from beloved local spots like Hawaiian Style Cafe to upscale farm-to-table restaurants such as Merriman's, which pioneered Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine. Shopping centers like Parker Ranch Center and Waimea Center house essential stores, while boutique shops offer everything from fine art and crafts to high-end equestrian and country apparel.
Parks & Recreation
Residents enjoy access to expansive green spaces like the historic Parker Ranch lands, community parks with sports fields, and the beautiful Waimea Nature Park. The area is a gateway to world-class stargazing on Mauna Kea, hiking in the surrounding forest reserves, and is just a short drive from the pristine beaches of the Kohala Coast. Equestrian activities and polo are also integral to the local recreation scene.
Waimea/Kamuela 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 Waimea/Kamuela, 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