Keaau is a rapidly growing Hilo suburb
Keaau lies to the south of Hilo, on the eastern side of the Big Island. “It’s one of the fastest-growing areas in the state of Hawaii due to its relative affordability,” says Cathy Fedak, a broker with Hilo Bay Realty, who first moved to Hawaii about 20 years ago. Lower housing costs and city proximity have allowed the area to develop into a popular suburb, but it retains some pastoral elements. “We’re wet, so we can be self-sufficient here. … We catch our own water, we grow our own food, we have enough sun so we can produce our own electricity. I think that’s what attracts a lot of people here, besides just the mystique of Hawaii.”
Large lots and rainwater harvesting systems are common
In Keaau, 1-acre lots are fairly standard, although cliffside parcels tend to be smaller. Housing includes bungalows, plantation-style residences and ranch-style homes. Many houses have low-pitched roofs that drain into catchment tanks. These rainwater harvesting systems typically provide enough water for everyday needs, but a few properties have wells. Some areas get more rainfall each year than others. “It varies from about 80 inches at the coast to maybe 150 inches at the top end of Keaau,” Fedak says.
Small cottages and fixer-uppers may sell between $100,000 and $260,000, but most sales range from around $260,000 to $780,000. Luxury homes and houses on multiple acres of land generally go from $780,000 to $1.5 million. The area's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Several county parks and a trail to Haena Beach
While large lot sizes allow for backyard gardening and relaxation, the community also features some county-run green spaces. Kurtistown Park has a ball field and skate ramps, and Herbert Shipman Park is a large recreation complex with an indoor gym, pickleball courts and a variety of sports fields. William "Billy" Kenoi District Park, in neighboring Pahoa, offers additional athletic courts, as well as an outdoor pool and a playground.
Keaau is part of the Puna District of Hawaii. Unlike the white sandy beaches on the west coast, the Puna Coast has black sand, rugged cliffs and lava rock. In Keaau, cliffs make up most of the coastline. For access to the ocean, locals can hike the nearly 3-mile Puna Historic Trail to Haena Beach. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, about 20 miles west, is a popular weekend destination, Fedak says.
Public and private schools, including Kamehameha Schools Hawaii
The majority of children attend Keaau Elementary School, Keaau Middle School and Keaau High School, all of which get C-plus ratings from Niche. Students who live in the southeastern portion of the community may be zoned for Keonepoko Elementary School and Pahoa High & Intermediate School, both rated a C. PHIS and Keaau High offer dual-credit programs in partnership with the University of Hawaii.
Keaau is home to Kamehameha Schools Hawaii, a private school system focused on Native Hawaiian culture and history that gets a B-plus from Niche. Christian Liberty Academy, another area private option, offers preschool through 12th grade and gets an A-minus.
Groceries and dining in Keaau, plus more in Pahoa and Hilo
Keaau’s main commercial district is at the north end of the community. There, locals have access to the Foodland grocery store, as well as Keaau Natural Foods and Keaau Filipino Food Mart. Other conveniences include pharmacies, a hardware store and banks. In the more residential sections of Keaau, roadside takeout and produce stands rest along the major roads. Kaleo’s Bar & Grill, on Orchid Land Drive, is a sit-down restaurant that serves Hawaiian fare and frequently hosts live music.
In Pahoa, just south of Keaau, there’s a small walkable downtown area with independently owned eateries and shops. Malama Market is in Pahoa’s Puna Kai Shopping Center. “It’s a really nice grocery store, but it’s sort of like buying at Sprouts or Whole Foods — the prices are a little higher,” Fedak says. Hilo has an indoor mall and big-box stores.
Makuu Farmers Market and an annual powwow draw crowds
Although Hilo events, including the annual Panaewa Stampede Rodeo, are held only a few miles north of the community, Keaau also has some gatherings. Each year, representatives from tribes across North America meet in the area for the two-day Hawaii Island All Nations Powwow. The weekly Makuu Farmers Market takes place just south of Keaau. Fedak says that there are hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh coconuts and plants to T-shirts.
State Route 130 connects locals to Hilo’s jobs and services
Hele-On buses stop in the area, but many people rely on cars for travel, and state Route 130 is the main thoroughfare. Downtown Hilo is roughly 15 miles away. It has several major employers, including the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo International Airport and the Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Rush-hour traffic to the south of Hilo tends to be quite heavy, and the 15-mile commute can take around an hour.
Staying prepared for possible emergencies
Hawaii is prone to some environmental hazards, including volcanic eruptions, typhoons and volcanic smog. Residents should be aware of local evacuation procedures and can sign up for disaster notifications from the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.
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Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
