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Moving to Honokaa, Hawaii

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Honokaa is a small town located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is situated in the Hamakua district, approximately 30 miles northeast of Hilo on the island’s windward side. It is known for its rural charm and quaint atmosphere, as well as its rich cultural and historical heritage.

The town has a population of just over 2,000 people, making it one of the smallest communities on the island. The majority of residents are Hawaiian or part-Hawaiian, although there are a few expats from other countries living in the area as well. Most businesses in Honokaa are family-owned and have been around for many generations.

Honokaa’s climate is typically mild year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius). The area receives plenty of rain throughout most of the year, which helps to keep things lush and green.

The town is home to several historical sites that reflect its past as a sugar plantation center during the 19th century. One such site is Honokaa Village, which was once an important hub for sugar production and trade in Hawaii before it was destroyed by fire in 1890. Other points of interest include Waipio Valley Lookout, which offers breathtaking views over one of Hawaii’s most beautiful valleys; and Laupahoehoe Point Park, where visitors can explore a lava rock beach with tide pools full of sea life.

Honokaa also boasts some interesting outdoor activities like horseback riding through lush tropical forests; hiking up Mauna Kea volcano to take in views from 13,000 feet; and snorkeling at Kukuna Beach Park to spot colorful reef fish and coral formations beneath the surface.

The nearby Waipio Valley provides excellent opportunities for kayaking and rafting down its raging river rapids or taking a leisurely float downriver while admiring spectacular waterfalls along the way. Visitors can also enjoy swimming at Honolua Bay or diving at Kealakekua Bay Marine Reserve to explore underwater caves full of vibrant coral formations and tropical fish species unique to Hawaii’s waters.

Honokaa has something for everyone – from outdoor adventurers looking for an adrenaline rush to nature lovers seeking serenity amid lush landscapes – making it an ideal destination for all types of travelers looking to experience all that this special corner of Hawaii has to offer.

Population: 2,233
Males: 1,084 (48.5%), Females: 1,149 (51.5%)

Hawaii County

Zip code: 96727

Demographics

Median resident age: 40.2 years
Median household income: $41,964
Median house value: $156,600

Population by Race

Races in Honokaa:

  • Filipino (27.1%)
  • Two or more races (27.0%)
  • White Non-Hispanic (22.5%)
  • Japanese (12.9%)
  • Hispanic (9.6%)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (3.9%)
  • Other Asian (2.5%)
  • American Indian (1.1%)
  • Other race (1.0%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Ancestries: Portuguese (18.1%), Irish (3.1%), German (2.7%), United States (1.5%), English (1.3%), Scottish (1.1%).

Elevation: 1114 feet

Land area: 1.3 square miles

Map of Honokaa, HI

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Honokaa

  • High school or higher: 73.1%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 11.6%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 2.9%
  • Unemployed: 5.9%
  • Mean travel time to work: 31.5 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Honokaa CDP

  • Never married: 27.2%
  • Now married: 51.3%
  • Separated: 2.0%
  • Widowed: 10.4%
  • Divorced: 9.2%

16.9% Foreign born (16.5% Asia).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Honokaa:

  • HALE HO’OLA HAMAKUA (45-547 PLUMERIA STREET)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Honokaa:

  • NORTH HAWAII COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (about 17 miles; KAMUELA, HI)
  • KOHALA HOSPITAL (about 25 miles; KAPAAU, HI)
  • HILO MEDICAL CENTER (about 36 miles; HILO, HI)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Honokaa:

  • HILO INTERNATIONAL (about 39 miles; HILO, HI; Abbreviation: ITO)
  • KONA INTL AT KEAHOLE (about 46 miles; KAILUA/KONA, HI; Abbreviation: KOA)
  • KAHULUI (about 87 miles; KAHULUI, HI; Abbreviation: OGG)

Other public-use airports nearest to Honokaa:

  • WAIMEA-KOHALA (about 15 miles; KAMUELA, HI; Abbreviation: MUE)
  • UPOLU (about 30 miles; HAWI, HI; Abbreviation: UPP)
  • HANA (about 62 miles; HANA, HI; Abbreviation: HNM)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Honokaa:

  • UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT HILO (about 36 miles; HILO, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,434)
  • KAPIOLANI COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 182 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 4,131)
  • UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA (about 184 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 14,113)
  • HAWAII PACIFIC UNIVERSITY (about 186 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 6,186)
  • HONOLULU COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 187 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,787)
  • LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 196 miles; PEARL CITY, HI; Full-time enrollment: 3,511)
  • BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY-HAWAII CAMPUS (about 202 miles; LAIE, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,273)

Schools

Public high school in Honokaa:

  • HONOKAA HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 817; Location: 45-527 PAKALANA STREET; Grades: 07 – 12)

Public primary/middle school in Honokaa:

  • HONOKAA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 356; Location: 45-534 PAKALANA STREET; Grades: KG – 06)

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