Moving to Naalehu, Hawaii

Naalehu is a small town located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is the southernmost town in the United States and has a population of approximately 900 people. The town was founded in 1877 by sugar plantation workers who wanted to escape the harsh conditions they faced on the plantations.

The town is situated in Kaʻu district and is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, rolling hills, and stunning beaches. Naalehu’s main street, Kamehameha Avenue, is lined with small shops, restaurants, and other businesses. It also serves as a gathering place for locals to socialize and catch up on news.

Naalehu is known for its laid-back atmosphere and friendly people who are always willing to lend a helping hand. The community prides itself on its diversity with residents from all walks of life living together harmoniously in this small town.

The area offers an abundance of outdoor activities such as fishing, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, whale watching, and hiking along the nearby trails. Visitors can also take part in cultural activities such as attending luaus or taking part in cultural festivals which are held throughout the year.

The climate in Naalehu is hot and humid during summer months with temperatures ranging from 75-90 degrees Fahrenheit (24-32 Celsius). During winter months temperatures cool off slightly but still remain comfortable at around 68-86 degrees Fahrenheit (20-30 Celsius).

Naalehu has something for everyone – whether you’re looking for an adventure or just want to relax and enjoy some sunshine there’s something here for everyone! From its stunning beaches to its friendly locals there’s no better place than Naalehu to kick back and enjoy life at its best.

Population: 919
Males: 452 (49.2%), Females: 467 (50.8%)

Hawaii County

Zip code: 96772

Demographics

Median resident age: 35.6 years
Median household income: $31,750
Median house value: $78,100

Population by Race

Races in Naalehu:

  • Filipino (33.8%)
  • Two or more races (31.4%)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (13.8%)
  • Japanese (9.4%)
  • White Non-Hispanic (7.9%)
  • Hispanic (5.4%)
  • Other Asian (2.2%)
  • American Indian (1.5%)

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

Ancestries: Portuguese (7.9%), German (2.4%), Irish (2.0%), English (1.1%).

Elevation: 674 feet

Land area: 2.2 square miles

Map of Naalehu, HI

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Naalehu

  • High school or higher: 70.2%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 7.8%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 2.0%
  • Unemployed: 26.4%
  • Mean travel time to work: 37.4 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Naalehu CDP

  • Never married: 29.3%
  • Now married: 56.1%
  • Separated: 0.8%
  • Widowed: 7.9%
  • Divorced: 5.9%

23.1% Foreign born (23.0% Asia).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Naalehu:

  • KAU HOSPITAL (about 13 miles; PAHALA, HI)
  • KONA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (about 40 miles; KEALAKEKUA, HI)
  • HILO MEDICAL CENTER (about 56 miles; HILO, HI)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Naalehu:

  • KONA INTL AT KEAHOLE (about 56 miles; KAILUA/KONA, HI; Abbreviation: KOA)
  • HILO INTERNATIONAL (about 59 miles; HILO, HI; Abbreviation: ITO)
  • KAHULUI (about 138 miles; KAHULUI, HI; Abbreviation: OGG)

Other public-use airports nearest to Naalehu:

  • WAIMEA-KOHALA (about 65 miles; KAMUELA, HI; Abbreviation: MUE)
  • UPOLU (about 84 miles; HAWI, HI; Abbreviation: UPP)
  • HANA (about 122 miles; HANA, HI; Abbreviation: HNM)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Naalehu:

  • UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT HILO (about 56 miles; HILO, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,434)
  • KAPIOLANI COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 216 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 4,131)
  • UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA (about 219 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 14,113)
  • HAWAII PACIFIC UNIVERSITY (about 221 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 6,186)
  • HONOLULU COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 222 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,787)
  • LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 231 miles; PEARL CITY, HI; Full-time enrollment: 3,511)
  • BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY-HAWAII CAMPUS (about 241 miles; LAIE, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,273)

Public primary/middle school in Naalehu:

  • NAALEHU ELEMENTARY & INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL (Students: 427; Location: 95-5545 MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY; Grades: PK – 08)