Pepeekeo balances a rural setting and access to Hilo services
Pepeekeo is a small community on the eastern side of Hawaii’s Big Island, less than 10 miles north of Hilo . During the 1800s and 1900s, it was part of the Pepeekeo Sugar Company plantation. After sugar production stopped, homes and lots were sold off, and many workers chose to stay in the area. Today, Pepeekeo provides a relatively calm, pastoral setting along the Hamakua Coast. Residents have access to a few locally owned businesses and services, and Hilo amenities are a short drive away.
Exploring cliffs, county parks and nearby beaches
Kulaimano Park and the Pepeekeo Community Center offer green space and athletic fields. The area’s natural surroundings provide opportunities for outdoor exploration as well. Surefooted hikers can climb down the steep, rocky cliffs near the former sugar mill to fish, but the Donkey Trail, less than 5 miles south, is a less precarious path to the water. Honolii Beach Park, also about 5 miles away, is a popular surfing area. The waves can be fairly rough, so swimmers usually head to Hilo’s Carlsmith Beach Park, which tends to have calmer waters. Other nearby attractions include Akaka Falls State Park, featuring a nearly 450-foot waterfall, and the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, a collection of rainforest plants from around the world.
Smaller plantation camp houses and large coastal estates
Pepeekeo’s central neighborhood lines the edges of Mamalahoa Highway, or state Route 19. “It’s an older plantation camp that has smaller parcels with smaller homes,” says Sunita Przewlocki, broker in charge with Salt Water Real Estate, who has lived on the Big Island for more than 20 years. Plantation- and ranch-style houses are common, and most lots have paved driveways and a few fruit trees. Although some properties have changed hands, Przewlocki says that several have remained within the same families for generations. Houses in this area typically sell for between $350,000 and $960,000. Multiacre estates with custom-built homes, like those in the gated Pepeekeo Point subdivision, may range from $1.2 million to $4.9 million.
Residents maintain their own septic systems. The center of the community has access to county water, but private estate owners rely on rainwater catchment systems or wells.
Kids attend schools in Papaikou and Hilo
Children may attend Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Elementary School, which is located in neighboring Papaikou and receives a C from Niche. Hilo Intermediate School earns a B-plus, and Hilo High School gets a B. The high school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including Army Junior ROTC and Hui Hawaii, a club that focuses on Hawaiian culture.
Local businesses include What’s Shakin’ and One Spot Hawaii
The community is home to a few businesses, including the Onomea Country Market and Piilani Kitchen, which share a complex along the Old Mamalahoa Highway. The market carries fresh produce and other regionally sourced food, and Piilani Kitchen serves sandwiches and salads. What's Shakin' Big Island is another local favorite. “It’s an outdoor smoothie stand with simple, healthy light fare and picnic table seating,” Przewlocki says. A combination grocery and True Value hardware store called One Spot Hawaii opened in 2025. Hilo has larger grocery chains, big-box stores and the indoor Prince Kuhio Plaza mall, anchored by Macy’s and Sears.
Community gatherings at Kulaimano Park
The Pepeekeo Community Development Corporation hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including yard sales, first aid classes and holiday celebrations. Most gatherings take place in Kulaimano Park. The local youth baseball team, the Poi Pounders, also meets at the park’s ball field.
Hilo is about 10 miles away, with medical care and other services
There are a few Hele-On bus stops in the area, but most people travel by car. State Route 19 is the main thoroughfare, and Hilo is approximately 10 miles south. Hilo Benioff Medical Center is a Level III trauma center, and Hilo International Airport offers flights to other Hawaiian Islands.
Potential environmental risks for Pepeekeo residents
Pepeekeo rests at the base of Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano. With the possibility of volcanic activity and other natural disasters, residents should become familiar with evacuation procedures and enroll in emergency notification services.
Honua Ola Bioenergy, a biomass power plant, is located near Pepeekeo Point. The plant is not in operation and has been part of a multiyear legal battle. Some locals have expressed concerns about potential impacts on water and air quality if the facility becomes operational.
