Moving to Honomu, Hawaii

Honomu, Hawaii is located on the Big Island and is a part of the North Hilo District. It has a population of roughly 400 people and is known for its small-town atmosphere. The town is situated in the lush tropical rainforest of Hamakua Coast, which gives it a unique geography. The climate in Honomu is warm and humid year round, with temperatures rarely dipping below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

The history of Honomu dates back to the early 1800s when it was first established as a sugar plantation town and later thrived as an agricultural community. More recently, Honomu has become known for its artsy vibe, with many galleries and shops that feature local artisans’ work. Politically, Honomu is part of Hawaii County and falls under state control.

The economy in Honomu relies heavily on tourism and agriculture, with coffee being one of its main crops. There are several schools in the area including elementary schools, high schools, and community colleges that provide educational opportunities for local students. Some notable landmarks around Honomu include Rainbow Falls State Park, Akaka Falls State Park, Waipio Valley Lookout Point, Kalopa State Recreation Area, and Honokaa County Park.

Population: 541
Males: 256 (47.3%), Females: 285 (52.7%)

Hawaii County

Zip code: 96728

Demographics

Median resident age: 42.2 years
Median household income: $30,179
Median house value: $97,800

Population by Race

Races in Honomu:

  • Two or more races (38.8%)
  • White Non-Hispanic (21.3%)
  • Japanese (18.1%)
  • Hispanic (12.2%)
  • Filipino (8.3%)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (5.2%)
  • American Indian (4.4%)
  • Other race (2.0%)
  • Other Asian (2.0%)
  • Chinese (1.5%)

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

Ancestries: Portuguese (15.7%), English (5.9%), German (5.7%), Swedish (2.2%), Irish (1.5%), Scottish (1.5%).

Elevation: 300 feet

Land area: 0.5 square miles

Map of Honomu, HI

Population by Education

Honomu, Hawaii is an unincorporated community located on the Big Island of Hawaii in the district of Hāmākua. It is located near the northern coast of the island and has a population of around 500 people. The town is known for its beautiful scenery, ranging from lush rainforests to stunning seascapes.

The cost of living in Honomu is higher than most other parts of Hawaii, due to its rural location and limited amenities. The median household income in 2016 was $54,000 with a poverty rate of 14%. The housing market in Honomu is relatively affordable with a median home value of $235,000. Renters can expect to pay an average monthly rent of around $1,100 for a one-bedroom apartment or house. Groceries and other necessities are also more expensive than other parts of the island due to their limited availability. Despite these higher costs, Honomu remains an attractive destination for those looking for an escape from city life or just wanting to experience true Hawaiian hospitality and culture.

For population 25 years and over in Honomu

  • High school or higher: 72.5%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.1%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 6.1%
  • Unemployed: 10.5%
  • Mean travel time to work: 23.1 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Honomu CDP

  • Never married: 28.3%
  • Now married: 53.1%
  • Separated: 1.5%
  • Widowed: 7.7%
  • Divorced: 9.4%

12.8% Foreign born (9.6% Asia).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Honomu:

  • HILO MEDICAL CENTER (about 11 miles; HILO, HI)
  • HALE HO’OLA HAMAKUA (about 32 miles; HONOKAA, HI)
  • NORTH HAWAII COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (about 42 miles; KAMUELA, HI)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Honomu:

  • HILO INTERNATIONAL (about 13 miles; HILO, HI; Abbreviation: ITO)
  • KONA INTL AT KEAHOLE (about 65 miles; KAILUA/KONA, HI; Abbreviation: KOA)
  • KAHULUI (about 114 miles; KAHULUI, HI; Abbreviation: OGG)

Other public-use airports nearest to Honomu:

  • WAIMEA-KOHALA (about 40 miles; KAMUELA, HI; Abbreviation: MUE)
  • UPOLU (about 57 miles; HAWI, HI; Abbreviation: UPP)
  • HANA (about 88 miles; HANA, HI; Abbreviation: HNM)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Honomu:

  • UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT HILO (about 11 miles; HILO, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,434)
  • KAPIOLANI COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 210 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 4,131)
  • UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA (about 212 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 14,113)
  • HAWAII PACIFIC UNIVERSITY (about 214 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 6,186)
  • HONOLULU COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 215 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,787)
  • LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 224 miles; PEARL CITY, HI; Full-time enrollment: 3,511)
  • BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY-HAWAII CAMPUS (about 230 miles; LAIE, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,273)