Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kamuela, HI
Considering a move to Kamuela, HI? This charming town of about 9,600 residents offers a relaxed pace of life, beautiful upcountry scenery, and a mild year-round climate with average highs from 72°F to 78°F. The median home price is $785,000 and average rents are around $2,100, reflecting Hawaii’s higher cost of living. Crime rates are low, with only 170 violent crimes per 100K and quick commutes averaging just 19 minutes. Kamuela features strong public and private schools, excellent healthcare at Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital, and a diverse, welcoming community—perfect for those seeking a scenic, safe, and family-friendly lifestyle.
Demographics - Kamuela, HI
Demographics - Kamuela, HI
Kamuela is home to about 9,600 residents and boasts a diverse mix of ethnic backgrounds, including significant White, Asian, Pacific Islander, and mixed-race populations. With a median age of 42.7 and nearly equal gender distribution, the community offers a blend of families and professionals in a semi-rural setting.
Population:
9,600
Density:
110 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.7
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
32.0%
Asian:
28.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kamuela, HI?
Living in Kamuela comes with a higher price tag, as reflected by a median home value of $785,000 and average rents of $2,100 per month. The overall cost of living index is 160.2, much higher than the national average, with housing and utilities being the most significant contributors.
Median House Value:
$785,000
Gross Rent:
$2,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$290
Auto Insurance:
$1,240
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$780
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
160.2
Grocery:
155.0
Housing:
210.0
Utilities:
135.0
Transportation:
125.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
112.0
Crime
Is Kamuela, HI a safe place to live?
Kamuela enjoys relatively low crime rates, with only 170 violent crimes and 1,410 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents benefit from a sense of safety, as the chance of experiencing a violent crime is 1 in 588.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
170
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,410
Crime Index:
1,580
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 71
Weather
What is the weather like in Kamuela, HI year-round?
Kamuela features a mild year-round climate, with average high temperatures ranging from 72°F in winter to 78°F in summer. The area receives about 54 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine 65% of the time, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
56°F
Max:
72°F
Spring
Min:
58°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
59°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Kamuela's residents have a median household income of $82,300 and a low unemployment rate of 3.4%. Most neighbors are well-educated—with over 94% holding a high school diploma or higher—which contributes to a welcoming and stable community.
Median Income:
$35,000
Household Income:
$82,300
Family Income:
$95,400
Per Capita Income:
$37,500
Income Male:
$46,200
Income Female:
$38,100
Poverty Rate:
9.8%
Non English Speakers:
18.2%
Rent:
$2,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
19.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.1%
Bachelors or More:
32.4%
Education
How are the schools in Kamuela, HI?
Kamuela offers quality education through both public and private schools, including Waimea Elementary and the renowned Hawaii Preparatory Academy. For higher education, the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo is a convenient 54-mile drive, supporting a well-educated local population.
Public Schools
Name:
Waimea Elementary School
Street:
67-1225 Mamalahoa Hwy
Phone:
(808) 887-7636
Students:
575
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School
Street:
67-1229 Mamalahoa Hwy
Phone:
(808) 887-6090
Students:
280
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Private Schools
Name:
Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Street:
65-1692 Kohala Mountain Rd
Phone:
(808) 881-4002
Students:
620
Colleges
Name:
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo
City:
Hilo
State:
HI
Distance:
54 miles
Students:
2,700
Healthcare
Healthcare in Kamuela is anchored by Queen's North Hawai‘i Community Hospital, providing comprehensive services and emergency care. The community enjoys strong health coverage, with 94.8% of residents insured and a solid physician-to-population ratio.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Queen's North Hawai‘i Community Hospital
Address:
67-1125 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743
Phone:
(808) 885-4444
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kamuela, HI?
The housing market in Kamuela is characterized by high demand and stability, with a median home price of $785,000 and a 70.2% owner-occupancy rate. Home values have appreciated by 4.1% over the past year, while rental opportunities remain limited due to a low vacancy rate.
Median Home Price:
$785,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing services for Kamuela are managed by the Hawaii Department of Transportation, located in nearby Hilo. Residents can access DMV resources online or by phone for their licensing and registration needs.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Hawaii Department of Transportation – Vehicle Registration & Licensing
Address:
101 Pauahi St Suite 7, Hilo, HI 96720
Phone:
(808) 961-8351
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.