Honokaa Public RecordsHawaii

Honokaa, Hawaii, primarily relies on personal vehicles for transportation, with around 90% of residents commuting by car and an average commute time of approximately 24 minutes. Public transit usage is low, with less than 2% using the Hele-On Bus service. Vehicle ownership is high, with most households owning two or more vehicles. Transportation infrastructure centers on Hawaii Route 19, connecting Honokaa to Hilo and Waimea. The town’s major employment hubs include agriculture, tourism, schools, and small businesses, with many residents commuting to neighboring towns for work.

Honokaa, Hawaii, a rural community on the Big Island, is primarily served by Hamakua-Kohala Health Center, offering primary care, dental, and behavioral health services, and the nearest hospital—Hilo Medical Center—located about 40 miles away. Approximately 15% of residents are aged 65+, with Native Hawaiians and Asian Americans as key demographics. Common health issues include diabetes and hypertension. As of 2022, Hawaii’s uninsured rate was 3.8%. Access challenges persist due to physician shortages (only 1.98 primary care doctors per 1,000 residents, per Hawaii DOH), geographic isolation, and limited specialist availability locally.

Honokaa, Hawaii, offers a blend of historic charm and rural living, with a homeownership rate near 62%. Median home values are around $520,000 as of early 2024, while median monthly rent hovers near $1,800. The local housing stock mainly consists of single-family homes and plantation-style cottages. Neighborhoods are nestled amid scenic landscapes close to Waipio Valley. Property values have increased by about 7% year-over-year. Hawaii County's property tax rate is approximately 0.28%, significantly below the national average, making the area attractive for both buyers and investors seeking lower tax burdens.

Honokaa, Hawaii, has one public high school, Honoka‘a High & Intermediate School, serving approximately 575 students, with a graduation rate of 90%. The town lacks colleges, but about 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The school offers AP courses, career-technical education, and Hawaiian cultural programs. School safety ratings are above the state average, with an incident rate of just 1.2 per 100 students annually. Adult education is available through nearby community programs, supporting lifelong learning.

Honokaa, Hawaii, had a 2020 population of approximately 2,699 residents. The median age is about 44 years, with 23% under 18 and 23% over 65. The gender split is roughly 51% female and 49% male. Racially, Honokaa is diverse: about 23% Asian, 25% two or more races, 14% White, and nearly 30% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. Hispanic or Latino residents make up around 12% of the population.