$1,015,356Average Value$810Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
Hakalau is a popular, semirural coastal suburb
Hakalau is a small community on Hawaii Island’s Hamakua Coast, roughly 15 miles north of Hilo along the Mamalahoa Highway. The modern community developed around the Hakalau Sugar Plantation when it opened in the late 1800s, and agriculture still plays a huge role in local life — the area is known for its soil. However, in recent decades, the neighborhood has also become a popular landing spot for those looking for a scenic neighborhood within commuting distance of Hilo. “I would say it’s far enough from Hilo to have a more country — we would say 'ag' — feel to it, but close enough that you can get your shopping done pretty easily,” says Realtor and broker Cathy Fedak of Hilo Bay Realty. “It’s not the most inexpensive spot, but for a lot of people, the scenery and the location are worth the cost. If I could live anywhere on the island, it would be Hakalau.”
Modest ranch-style homes and upscale estates
Hakalau’s housing market is made up of a mix of long-standing ranch-style homes and bungalows, and newer luxury properties. The latter are often designed to maximize views of the beautiful scenery the area is known for. “Hakalau is on the lower slopes of Mauna Kea,” says Fedak. “So a lot of places offer pretty stunning coastal views.” The area also offers considerably larger lots than neighborhoods closer to Hilo. Multiacre properties, often groomed for agriculture, are common. Many incoming residents also opt to purchase empty lots and custom-build their own homes. Older homes in the area typically sell for between $550,000 and $900,000, while luxury properties and homes with significant acreage attached can go for anywhere from $1 million to $2.7 million.
Hilo High offers dual credit courses through UH at Hilo
Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate School has a C rating on Niche, while Hilo High School has a B. It's a bit of a drive to Hilo High from the neighborhood — 20 to 30 minutes for most residents. The high school offers a Running Start Dual Credit program through a partnership with the nearby University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Local parks and Akaka Falls State Park's waterfalls
Hakalau Veterans Park, a county-managed site on Wailea Road, has athletic fields, courts and space for community events. Kolekole Gulch Park offers ocean and cliff views. A short drive inland leads to Akaka Falls State Park and its paved loop trail, one of the island’s most visited waterfall sites, while nearby Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge protects high-elevation rainforest and endangered native species on Mauna Kea’s windward slopes. The coast on this part of the island is lined with rocky cliffs, so locals generally head towards Hilo when they want to hit the beach.
Locals head to Hilo for most shopping needs
Shopping and dining in Hakalau are limited. A small post office and a handful of neighborhood services sit along Old Mamalahoa Highway, but for shopping, residents usually head to Hilo, which is home to the closest supermarkets and shopping centers. The Hakalau Farmers Market runs on Tuesday afternoons at Veterans Park. It showcases locally grown meat and produce, and draws decent crowds throughout the year. There are a few local restaurants closer to the neighborhood, including highly rated spots Big Island Birria Boss and What's Shakin', a cafe that sells sandwiches, juices and smoothies.
State Route 19 connects Hakalau to the rest of the island
The Mamalahoa Highway, or state Route 19, is the coastal spine that connects Hakalau to Hilo to the south and to other Hamakua communities to the north. A few bus routes run along the highway, overseen by the Hele-On Transit Service, but most folks rely on cars to get around. It’s a little over 13 miles from the neighborhood to both Hilo and Hilo International Airport.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Hakalau
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Hakalau Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Hakalau, Honomu sell after 107 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Hakalau, Honomu over the last 12 months is $1,180,000, up 33% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience the charm of old Hawai‘i on the beautiful Hāmākua Coast! Situated on over an acre of land, this rare property features two separate dwellings—perfect for multi-generational living, guests, or rental income.The main home, built in 1993, offers 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with an open layout, attached carport providing modern comfort and functionality. The original 1940s
Approximately half of this sweet 9,000 sq.ft. parcel is a fenced area for family pets. There is a mature citrus orchard within this fenced space. Chain link fence is all new in 2023. The front half of the parcel hosts a delightful plantation style home with 4 bedrooms and a nice size bath. Accessible storage and work space downstairs, including a 2nd bath that appears to have always been there
Off-Grid Living with Partial Ocean Views & StreamLocated at 29-2584 Kaiwiki Homestead Rd, this 1-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers off-grid living with a partial ocean view from the upper deck, and a year-round stream on the property. The home is fully fenced with a new gate providing security and privacy.Designed for sustainable living, the property features solar power, rainwater
Architect-designed 12.3-acre Hamakua Coast estate, intentionally sited on an elevated grassy hillside to capture steady breezes, abundant natural light, and sweeping ocean views. Offering remarkable privacy bordered on three sides by vacant land and a creek with natural pools and a nearby waterfall. This multi-generational estate offers single-level living on both floors with easy exterior access
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
