Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pahala, HI
Considering a move to Pahala, HI? This small, tight-knit community of about 1,400 residents offers affordable island living with a median home price of $325,000 and average rents around $1,050. Enjoy year-round mild weather (62–83°F), lush landscapes, and a relaxed lifestyle. While the cost of living and utilities are higher than the national average, crime rates are moderate, and commute times are short at under 20 minutes. Pahala features local schools, accessible healthcare, and a rich blend of Hawaiian and Asian cultures—perfect for those seeking a peaceful, rural Hawaiian experience.
Demographics - Pahala, HI
Demographics - Pahala, HI
Pahala is home to around 1,400 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 44.5, reflecting a mature, close-knit community. The population features a blend of Asian (33%), Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (35%), and White (13%) backgrounds, with about 18% speaking a non-English language at home. This diversity and moderate density create a welcoming, multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
1,400
Density:
246 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.5
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
13.0%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
33.0%
Others:
18.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pahala, HI?
Living in Pahala comes with a higher-than-average cost of living index of 135, mainly due to elevated prices for groceries and utilities. The median house value is $325,000, and average rent is about $1,050 per month, making it relatively affordable for Hawaii. State taxes range from 1.4% to 11%, and monthly electricity costs are higher than average at $275.
Median House Value:
$325,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$275
Auto Insurance:
$1,310
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$620
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
135.0
Grocery:
162.0
Housing:
120.0
Utilities:
175.0
Transportation:
130.0
Health Care:
110.0
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Pahala, HI a safe place to live?
Pahala experiences moderate crime rates, with violent crime at 265 per 100,000 residents and property crime at 2,100 per 100,000. Residents have about a 1 in 377 chance of being affected by violent crime and 1 in 48 for property crime. Overall, the area provides a reasonably safe environment compared to national averages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
265
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,365
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 377
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Pahala, HI year-round?
Pahala boasts mild, subtropical weather year-round, with temperatures ranging from 62°F in winter to 83°F in summer and about 70% sunny days. The area receives approximately 60 inches of rainfall annually, supporting lush, green landscapes. Residents enjoy a pleasant climate ideal for outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
62°F
Max:
77°F

Spring
Min:
64°F
Max:
79°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
65°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
60 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Households in Pahala typically earn a median income of $47,200, with a poverty rate of 23% and an unemployment rate of 6.8%. Commute times are short, averaging just 18.5 minutes, and about 90% of adults have at least a high school diploma. The community maintains a relaxed pace of life with limited public transport usage.
Median Income:
$31,500
Household Income:
$47,200
Family Income:
$56,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,900
Income Male:
$27,500
Income Female:
$22,100
Poverty Rate:
23.0%
Non English Speakers:
18.0%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.0%
Commute Time:
18.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.1%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Pahala, HI?
Pahala is served by Ka‘u High & Pahala Elementary School, offering education from elementary through high school with a student-teacher ratio of 13.5. For higher education, Hawaii Community College in Hilo is about 48 miles away, providing further learning opportunities. The area is focused on accessible, community-centered education.

Public Schools
Name:
Ka‘u High & Pahala Elementary School
Street:
96-3150 Pikake St
Phone:
808-313-4100
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Colleges
Name:
Hawaii Community College
City:
Hilo
State:
HI
Distance:
48 miles
Students:
2,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to local medical care at Ka‘u Hospital for critical and long-term needs, with Hilo Medical Center offering more comprehensive services about 48 miles away. The community benefits from a high rate of health insurance coverage at 93.8% and around 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people. Healthcare services are accessible, supporting the well-being of the population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Ka‘u Hospital
Address:
1 Kamani St, Pahala, HI 96777
Phone:
(808) 932-4200
Type:
Critical Access & Long-Term Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Hilo Medical Center
Address:
1190 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Phone:
(808) 932-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
72.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pahala, HI?
Pahala's housing market features a median home price of $325,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $1,050, making homeownership relatively attainable. About 63% of homes are owner-occupied, with a rental vacancy rate of 6.5%. The market is stable, showing steady appreciation and low foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$325,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles at the Ka‘u Office in nearby Naalehu. Residents can handle vehicle registration, licensing, and related needs at this convenient location. The office supports the community with essential motor vehicle services.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles (Ka‘u Office)
Address:
95-5669 Mamalahoa Hwy, Naalehu, HI 96772
Phone:
(808) 939-2517
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.