Section Image

Kamuela

Kamuela

Located in Hawaii County

$1,406,617 Average Value
$1,134 Average Price per Sq Ft
78 Homes For Sale

Kamuela is an upcountry town with ranching roots and mountain views

Tucked away in the heart of the Big Island’s upcountry, Kamuela — also known as Waimea — is a rural town with a cool climate, rolling green pastures and views of Mauna Kea, the island’s tallest volcano. The town’s Main Street is a lively stretch lined with local businesses, eateries and cafés, set against a backdrop of misty hills and sprawling meadows, while coastal resort communities offer beachfront property and golf courses. “Along the coast, it’s very sunny and dry. That’s where the resort communities and vacation homes are. If you head up into the town, it’s cooler and rainier, and has mostly full-time residents,” says Realtor Yvonne Kouri-Morgan, a broker at Corcoran Pacific Properties, who has lived on the Big Island for 45 years. “It’s a beautiful old town with gorgeous views of the mountains.” Kamuela is also home to Parker Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the United States at 130,000 acres.

Kamuela covers a vast stretch of land from the ocean to the upcountry hills of the Big Island.
Kamuela covers a vast stretch of land from the ocean to the upcountry hills of the Big Island.
Support sustainable farming by buying directly from local farmers and producers.
Support sustainable farming by buying directly from local farmers and producers.
1/2

Housing ranges from beach homes to ranches with acreage

Kamuela’s housing landscape is as diverse as its terrain. Ranch properties with acreage, beach homes overlooking the ocean, luxury estates, new contemporary builds and midcentury ranch-style homes can all be found here. “The coastal area consists mostly of second homes for people who live on the West Coast of the mainland. Further inland, there are a lot of bedroom communities for people who work at the resorts,” Kouri-Morgan says. Streetscapes vary from quiet one-lane roads with pastoral views to gated communities with manicured lawns and ocean vistas. Some neighborhoods, like those surrounding the town center, are walkable and bikeable. Lot sizes range widely, with some properties offering more than 10 acres of land, especially in areas like Waikii Ranch. Because of the wide range of housing options, prices can range from around $750,000 to as high as $5 million.

Homes on Makaiwa Bay offer incredible views.
Homes on Makaiwa Bay offer incredible views.
Homes are built on extinct lava flows near the ocean.
Homes are built on extinct lava flows near the ocean.
1/2

Local shops and cafés line the streets near Kawaihae Road

Downtown Kamuela boasts a selection of boutique shops, coffee houses and eateries, mostly centered around Kawaihae Road. Merriman’s is a farm-to-table restaurant known for its upscale Hawaiian cuisine, and Waimea Coffee Company serves espresso drinks and pastries. Grocery options include Waimea Town Market, a weekly farmers market, and KTA Super Stores, a local chain with fresh produce and household essentials.

Waimea Center is home to several stores and cafes.
Waimea Center is home to several stores and cafes.
The mid-week farmers market in Waimea features locally made goods.
The mid-week farmers market in Waimea features locally made goods.
1/2

Cherry blossoms and rodeos highlight Kamuela’s seasonal events

Each February, the region bursts into bloom during the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival, a community event that celebrates the arrival of thousands of pink blossoms throughout town. The festival features Japanese cultural performances, food trucks, art exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages. Local businesses and community groups join in, making it a highlight of the winter season. Throughout the year, Parker Ranch hosts rodeos and traditional horse races, offering a glimpse into the region’s paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboy, heritage and Big Island ranching culture.

Botanical gardens, beaches and trails offer year-round fun

Kamuela is surrounded by natural beauty and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. “People are outside all the time. Whether it's hiking, playing golf or enjoying the beaches, we have a real outdoor lifestyle here,” Kouri-Morgan says. Waimea Nature Park, also known as Ulu La‘au, is a peaceful botanical garden ideal for walking and birdwatching. Waimea Park provides sports fields and playgrounds for families, while Anna Ranch Heritage Center offers historical tours and scenic trails. For more adventurous outings, residents head to Pololu Valley for hikes or explore the slopes of Mauna Kea for stargazing and summit treks. Golfers can tee up at seaside destinations like Mauna Kea Golf Course and Francis H. I’i Brown Golf Courses.

A well-maintained walking path leads visitors to the beach.
A well-maintained walking path leads visitors to the beach.
Enjoy walking along the rocky shore at Holoholokai Beach Park.
Enjoy walking along the rocky shore at Holoholokai Beach Park.
1/2

Honoka‘a High has a strong agriculture program

Kamuela’s educational pipeline includes Waimea Elementary School, which earns a C-plus from Niche. The next step is Honoka‘a High & Intermediate School, which holds a B-minus rating. Honoka‘a High has a strong agricultural program that reflects the region’s ranching heritage, offering students experience in farming and livestock care.

Waimea Elementary School serves students from pre-K-5.
Waimea Elementary School serves students from pre-K-5.
Honoka'a High and Intermediate School aims to cultivates a supportive learning atmosphere.
Honoka'a High and Intermediate School aims to cultivates a supportive learning atmosphere.
1/2

Limited walkability but easy drives to coast and city

While Kamuela is not very walkable due to its rural layout, it offers easy access to coastal and inland destinations. The town is about 40 miles from Kailua-Kona, the nearest larger city. The closest hospital, Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital, is located right in Kamuela, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare. For air travel, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport is about 38 miles away, connecting Kamuela to the rest of Hawaii and the mainland. Route 19 runs east-west to the coasts.

Daniel Berti
Written By
Daniel Berti
Paul Peck
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Tyler Hall
Video By
Tyler Hall

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Janice Murdoch, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
3,142
Number of Homes for Sale
78
Median Year Built
1991
Months of Supply
5.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,022
On par with the national average
1,932
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,838
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,637
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,000
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
12,196

Open Houses

  • Sunday, May 31
    Open Sun 10AM - 5PM

    62-3600 Lolii Place Unit B4, Waimea, HI 96743

    $1,850,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,375 Sq Ft
    • 62-3600 Lolii Place
    • Unit B4
    • New 9 days ago

    Welcome to Kumulani B-4, within the world-renowned Mauna Kea Resort, with ocean views on the Kohala Coast. This beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom upstairs end unit offers 1,375 sq ft of refined resort living, with front-row, panoramic ocean, golf course, and sunset views that are simply one of the best in all of Kumulani. Sweeping blue Pacific waters stretch to the horizon, the

    Tanya Kangas Real Broker

    Section Image
  • Wednesday, May 27
    Open Wed 11AM - 2PM

    65-1315 Hokulani Place, Waimea, HI 96743

    $4,350,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,733 Sq Ft
    • 65-1315 Hokulani Place
    • New 7 days ago

    An extraordinary Waimea estate set along a quiet lane on one impeccably curated acre, offering a rare unity of stellar design, craftsmanship, privacy, and enduring Hawai‘i character. Designed by Philpott’s Interiors alongside acclaimed architect Clem Lam, and David Tamura landscape design, the property masterfully blends architectural magnificence with a deep connection to the natural beauty and

    Rebecca Hirsch-Keliihoomalu COMPASS

    Section Image
  • Friday, May 29
    Open Fri 9:30AM - 11:30AM

    68-1399 Mauna Lani Dr Unit K201, Kamuela, HI 96743

    $1,458,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,150 Sq Ft
    • 68-1399 Mauna Lani Dr
    • Unit K201

    MAUNA LANI TERRACE SUCCESSFUL VACATION RENTAL, BEST POND VIEWS!Mauna Lani Terrace is a gated private oceanfront project surrounded by ancient Hawaiian fish ponds, the ocean, and the north fairway. Large one-bedroom unit with 2 full baths. The tiled lanai, perfect for outdoor living and al fresco dining, overlooks the pond.Open & airy livng area features 9' 6" ceilings and mahogany

    Kona Carla Womack Coldwell Banker Island Properties - Kona

    Section Image

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Kamuela Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
2
Median Rent
$3,700
Median Single Family Home Rent
$3,200
Median Condo Rent
$4,200

Demographics

Total Population
13,933
Median Age
47
Population under 18
21.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.2%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$99,860
Above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$133,209

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.7%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
47%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.4%
% Population in Labor Force
66.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
16''
Average Winter Low Temperature
59°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Not friendly

Bikeability®

10 / 100

Not friendly

Walkability®

0 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Kamuela
Janice Murdoch
Team Hawaii Realty
Section Image