Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Honokaa, HI
Considering a move to Honokaa, HI? This charming town of 2,699 residents offers a peaceful lifestyle with a median home price around $423,000 and average rent of $1,350. The cost of living is higher than the national average, but you’ll enjoy a mild, year-round climate (59–81°F), lush rainfall, and nearly 70% sunny days. With low violent crime rates (223 per 100K), short commutes of about 23 minutes, and close-knit schools, Honokaa is perfect for those seeking scenic beauty, a friendly community, and the relaxed pace of Hawaii’s Big Island.
Demographics - Honokaa, HI
Demographics - Honokaa, HI
Honokaa is a diverse community of approximately 2,700 residents, with a median age of 44.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The town features a rich blend of Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, White, and multiracial backgrounds, and nearly one in five residents speaks a language other than English at home. This diversity adds to the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the area.
Population:
2,699
Density:
350 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
19.6%
Asian:
36.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Honokaa, HI?
Living in Honokaa comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $423,000 and an overall index of 147.2. Housing and utilities are notably above the national average, but residents enjoy the unique benefits of island life. State taxes range from 1.4% to 11%, and monthly rent averages $1,350 for typical homes.
Median House Value:
$423,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$225
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,140
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$645
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
147.2
Grocery:
158.1
Housing:
192.0
Utilities:
178.3
Transportation:
134.2
Health Care:
120.5
Miscellaneous:
112.0
Crime
Is Honokaa, HI a safe place to live?
Honokaa experiences relatively low violent crime, with a rate of 223 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe place for families and individuals. However, property crime is more frequent, with a 1 in 48 chance of being affected. Overall, the town maintains a peaceful and secure environment compared to many urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
223
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,095
Crime Index:
2,318
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 449
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Honokaa, HI year-round?
Honokaa boasts a mild, tropical climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 59°F in winter to 81°F in summer. The area receives about 82 inches of rainfall annually, supporting lush landscapes, and enjoys sunshine nearly 70% of the year. This combination makes it ideal for those who appreciate natural beauty and outdoor living.
Winter
Min:
59°F
Max:
74°F
Spring
Min:
61°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
63°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
82 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
Residents of Honokaa typically enjoy a close-knit community with a median household income of $59,200 and a poverty rate of 14.3%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and the average commute is a manageable 23 minutes. The area’s diverse backgrounds and strong family incomes contribute to a welcoming small-town feel.
Median Income:
$32,500
Household Income:
$59,200
Family Income:
$68,500
Per Capita Income:
$26,400
Income Male:
$37,200
Income Female:
$32,700
Poverty Rate:
14.3%
Non English Speakers:
17.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
22.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.2%
Bachelors or More:
23.4%
Education
How are the schools in Honokaa, HI?
Honokaa’s public schools include a combined high and intermediate school and an elementary school, both offering low student-teacher ratios for personalized learning. While there are no private schools within town, Hawaii Community College’s Palamanui campus is about 42 miles away, providing opportunities for higher education. The community values education, with a high percentage of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Honokaa High & Intermediate School
Street:
45-527 Pakalana St
Phone:
808-775-8800
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3
Name:
Honokaa Elementary School
Street:
45-527 Pakalana St
Phone:
808-775-8820
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Colleges
Name:
Hawaii Community College - Palamanui
City:
Kailua-Kona
State:
HI
Distance:
42 miles
Students:
2,400
Healthcare
Honokaa offers accessible healthcare with a local community health center and a full-service hospital nearby in Waimea that provides emergency services. The town has a solid physician-to-resident ratio and high health insurance coverage at nearly 95%, ensuring residents have good access to medical care. Healthcare costs are moderate compared to other regions in Hawaii.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Hamakua-Kohala Health
Address:
45-549 Plumeria St, Honokaa, HI 96727
Phone:
(808) 775-7204
Type:
Community Health Center
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
North Hawaii Community Hospital
Address:
67-1125 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743
Phone:
(808) 885-4444
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.7%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Honokaa, HI?
The Honokaa housing market features a median home price of $423,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $1,350, making homeownership prevalent at nearly 70%. The area benefits from a stable market, with low vacancy and foreclosure rates and modest home appreciation. These factors provide a sense of stability for both homeowners and renters.
Median Home Price:
$423,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Honokaa residents are served by the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s DMV office in Hilo, located about 40 miles away. The office provides all standard licensing and vehicle services, and more information can be found on the state transportation website. Access to DMV services is straightforward for those living on the Big Island.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Hawaii Department of Transportation
Address:
50 Makaala St, Hilo, HI 96720
Phone:
808-961-2222
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.