Kurtistown, Hawaii Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools
Kurtistown is a small town located on the eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It has a population of approximately 2,500 people, with a mix of native Hawaiians, Japanese Americans, and other people from various backgrounds. The geography of Kurtistown is dominated by lush tropical rainforest and rolling hills. It is situated at an elevation of about 2,000 feet above sea level.
The climate in Kurtistown is generally warm and humid throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and dipping into the mid-60s at night. Rainfall is abundant during the rainy season from November to April, while dry conditions usually prevail during the summer months.
Kurtistown has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1841 as a sugar plantation by German immigrants who named it after their leader Kurt Kahlbom. The town was later taken over by Japanese immigrants in the early 1900s who continued to farm sugar cane until World War II when many were forcibly relocated to internment camps on US mainland. After the war, many returned to Kurtistown and began farming coffee and macadamia nuts instead.
Politically, Kurtistown has been part of Hawaii County since its formation in 1905. The economy is largely based on agriculture with coffee being one of its main crops along with macadamia nuts and bananas. Tourism also plays an important role in providing employment opportunities for locals as well as supporting local businesses such as restaurants and shops which cater to tourists visiting nearby attractions like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or Punalu’u Beach Park.
The educational system in Kurtistown consists mostly of public schools including two elementary schools (Kurtistown Elementary School & Mountain View Elementary School), one middle school (Kurtistown Intermediate School) as well as two high schools (Ka’u High & Pahala High). There are also several private schools available for those seeking alternative educational options such as Waldorf or Montessori methods.
When it comes to landmarks, there are several worth mentioning such as Kahlbom Park which was named after the original founder of Kurtistown; Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory which produces world renowned macadamia nut products; Punalu’u Beach Park which features black sand beaches; Pahala Plantation House which was once used by plantation workers; Ka’awa Loa Plantation which offers tours through its historic grounds; and Ka’u Coffee Mill where visitors can learn about coffee production processes while tasting some freshly brewed coffee!
Population: 1,157
Males: 581 (50.2%), Females: 576 (49.8%)
Hawaii County
Zip code: 96760
Demographics
Median resident age: 40.5 years
Median household income: $46,012
Median house value: $124,500
Population by Race
Races in Kurtistown:
- Two or more races (32.8%)
- Japanese (22.0%)
- White Non-Hispanic (16.9%)
- Filipino (11.9%)
- Hispanic (8.7%)
- Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (6.7%)
- American Indian (6.5%)
- Other Asian (4.1%)
- Korean (1.4%)
- Chinese (1.3%)
- Other race (0.6%)
- Black (0.5%)
(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)
Ancestries: Portuguese (6.1%), German (4.9%), Irish (4.2%), Swedish (2.5%), English (2.2%), Scotch-Irish (2.0%).
Elevation: 620 feet
Land area: 5.8 square miles
Population by Education
Kurtistown is an unincorporated community in Hawaii County, located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is located in the Puna district, just south of Hilo. The population of Kurtistown was 1,764 as of the 2010 census. The median age was 42.6 years old, with a gender ratio of 50.8 percent female and 49.2 percent male. About 28 percent of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino origin.
Kurtistown has a rural feel and is known for its lush tropical climate and laid back lifestyle; it is far from the hustle and bustle of the city life found elsewhere in Hawaii. The cost of living in Kurtistown is relatively low compared to other parts of Hawaii; housing costs are significantly lower than many other parts of the state and there are plenty of affordable rental properties available for those looking to move to Kurtistown. Groceries, healthcare, transportation, utilities, and entertainment are all more affordable than most parts of Hawaii as well. Despite its rural atmosphere, Kurtistown still has plenty to offer in terms of activities and attractions; there are several parks nearby where residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or picnicking while taking in some stunning views or simply relaxing while enjoying nature’s beauty. For those looking for a slower pace away from the hustle bustle but still want access to modern amenities and attractions then Kurtistown could be a great place to call home!
For population 25 years and over in Kurtistown
- High school or higher: 80.4%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 23.9%
- Graduate or professional degree: 6.4%
- Unemployed: 7.3%
- Mean travel time to work: 22.7 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Kurtistown CDP
- Never married: 30.4%
- Now married: 57.0%
- Separated: 0.3%
- Widowed: 6.3%
- Divorced: 6.0%
11.6% Foreign born (10.3% Asia).
Hospitals
Hospitals/medical centers near Kurtistown:
- HILO MEDICAL CENTER (about 9 miles; HILO, HI)
- KAU HOSPITAL (about 39 miles; PAHALA, HI)
- HALE HO’OLA HAMAKUA (about 47 miles; HONOKAA, HI)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Kurtistown:
- HILO INTERNATIONAL (about 10 miles; HILO, HI; Abbreviation: ITO)
- KONA INTL AT KEAHOLE (about 68 miles; KAILUA/KONA, HI; Abbreviation: KOA)
- KAHULUI (about 129 miles; KAHULUI, HI; Abbreviation: OGG)
Other public-use airports nearest to Kurtistown:
- WAIMEA-KOHALA (about 50 miles; KAMUELA, HI; Abbreviation: MUE)
- UPOLU (about 71 miles; HAWI, HI; Abbreviation: UPP)
- HANA (about 105 miles; HANA, HI; Abbreviation: HNM)
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Kurtistown:
- UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT HILO (about 9 miles; HILO, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,434)
- KAPIOLANI COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 222 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 4,131)
- UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA (about 225 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 14,113)
- HAWAII PACIFIC UNIVERSITY (about 227 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 6,186)
- HONOLULU COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 227 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,787)
- LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 237 miles; PEARL CITY, HI; Full-time enrollment: 3,511)
- BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY-HAWAII CAMPUS (about 243 miles; LAIE, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,273)